This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, said Carlos Gomez, tour director for Princess, as guests settled into their coach seats for the approximately two-hour drive from Whittier to Kenai. Hike in the backcountry, hoot and holler at the Music of Denali Dinner Theatre, or visit an Iditarod champion's dog kennel and hold the puppies! It finally gave up and came up toward the road and the right along the road by the bus. May 31, 2022, 11:29 AM Save Hello all, I have also posted this on Cruise Critic and hopefully will get some guidance. Most of the bus tours of Denali National Park start between 5:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. 2023 Price: $150 USD adult, $84 USD child. #17. If you are more interested presentations on the cultural and natural history of the area, choose the Natural History Tour. More information to help you plan your day in Denali. Binoculars with roof prisms have a sleek, streamlined shape and less bulk. With the comforts of home, incredible dining options and expert-crafted excursions, discover your ideal way to explore the Great Land. Theyre a rare and special sighting, as they usually stay far from visitors whenever possible. https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/. For guests sailing for the first time since the pandemic, consistently masked crew members were a notable change, but otherwise our cruise along Alaskas Inside Passage was reminiscent of life prior to COVID-19. . If you have the Denali History Tour included in your cruise tour and would like to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Kantishna Experience, please call Princess at 1-800-774-6237. Seeing bears during the tour portion of an Alaska Cruise Tour with Princess Credit: 2022 Dana Rebmann. Pick-ups take place steps from the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge lobby, allowing guests to practically roll out of bed and go. Since unlimited greens fees, golf balls, club rentals and a power golf cart are included, you can relax and take in the . Park tour availability is limited and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. A small snack and bottled water are offered on this tour. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. If you have the Natural History Tour included in your cruise tour and would like to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour, please call Princess at 1-800-774-6237 (subject to availability). It should be offered if it works time wise with your specific tour and there could be a limited number of spaces available as well. 35 reviews of Denali Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour "We were traveling in Alaska for about 1.5 weeks in September of 2011. We are certainly going to the Visitor's center and the wilderness center, but was hoping to do more. A bottle of water and a snack pack are included with this tour. 2020, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller. Departure times are staggered and will be assigned in Denali. Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. Tour times are subject to change without previous notice. Don't miss the Denali Highway! You will have the opportunity to discover Denalis wilderness and explore Denalis gold rush history. Finally, a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! There are a few different bus tours from which to choose. Traveling 62 miles into Denali National Park to Stony Hill Overlook, the Tundra Wilderness Tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. Learn more about entrance fees and passes. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The cultural presentations and film at the Bus Depot that are included in the Natural History Tour are different from the drivers narration on the Tundra Wilderness Tour. Theyre most often found roaming the forests of Denali National Park or grazing on plants along the tundra. Weve enjoyed not only the economy and flexibility of the transit buses over the years but also often the camaraderie that develops over hours on the transit bus with visitors from around the world. (She loves the Caribbean). NOTE: Exact departure times are based on tour demand and will be assigned 48 hours before your departure day. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the park's wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, McKinley Village: See 2,057 traveller reviews, 1,169 user photos and best deals for Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, ranked #3 of 5 McKinley Village hotels, rated 3.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Your driver/naturalist will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park and Preserve aboard the Denali Natural History Tour. During aurora season (late August onward), he maintains a cabin call list to alert guests hoping to catch a glimpse. Explore the Alaskan wilderness on a 2.5-hour tour by ATV from Denali. To check your departure time, click the link provided on the confirmation email, or click Retrieve Reservations at the bottom of our website. But we didn't do it until we got there. J. This year, one bonus of the TWT is that it spends at least half an hour more in the park than the East Fork shuttle does (5 to 5.5 hrs. Find the best cruise and vacation deals on the Internet, make cruise and hotel and reservations online, and research vacation destinations online at Dream Vacations the Mt. She huffed off to the back of the bus because she refused to sit beside me. Water is provided on all Denali National Park tours. Holland America Line owns its motorcoaches, railcars and hotels, so schedules are preferential. Whether theyre traveling with their young or looking for mates in the spring, there are many chances to see caribou when you visit Denali National Park. Only very observant clients will likely notice that silverware and napkins, once placed on tables, must now be picked up along the buffet line. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google PURCHASE LAND EXCURSIONS Please Read: COVID-related Discussion. Changes to your park tour should be made as soon as possible. All transit buses travel to the East Fork River (Mile 43). Changes to your park tour should be made as soon as possible. Alternatively, you may use, Denali National Park and Preserve Hotels and Places to Stay, https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/, https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/#dnht, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Forum, Denali National Park and Preserve Tourism, Denali National Park and Preserve Vacation Rentals, Denali National Park and Preserve Vacation Packages, Flights to Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Restaurants, Things to Do in Denali National Park and Preserve, Denali National Park and Preserve Travel Guide. They live, hunt and raise their pups in small packs, and their howls can often be heard echoing throughout the land. We had a couple aunties that wanted to SEE everything, but they were good to stay in their seat the entire ride, except potty breaks. A box lunch can be purchased at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. 1. Included in our package is The Natural History Tour but we have the option to "upgrade" to the Tundra Wilderness Tour & that is what we are considering. The Tundra Wilderness Tour (TWT) has long been my go-to recommended tour for everyone visiting Denali National Park who can handle sitting for a long time. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! Hi, we are planning our 6th cruise and I finally got my wife convinced to cruise Alaska. Whichever you chose, you'll get to see a part of Alaska you can't explore any other way! During the off season, this tour will be substituted with a shorter 4-hour tour due to inclement weather. I am happy to hear that Princess is upgrading or giving credits if you want to do something else. . One can look out the window, if they want, correct? My trip is not until next year. ALERTS IN EFFECT: Please read for the latest information. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour, included in all Holland America Line two- and three-night Denali stays, travel deep into the heart of Denali for the adventure of a lifetime. Tundra Wilderness Tour 4.5 1,256 #18 of 38 Tours & Activities in Denali National Park and Preserve Historical & Heritage Tours Nature & Wildlife Tours Write a review See all photos About Traveling 62 miles into Denali National Park to Stony Hill Overlook, the Tundra Wilderness Tour offers wonderful diversity for visitors. It is expected to reopen for the 2023 season.) Our cruise holidays are ATOL protected (No. Bowler Lady, June 26, 2022 in Princess Cruises. Report inappropriate content gdavis1994 Santa Rosa Beach. At 20,310 feet above sea level. A full view of Denali is a rare treat in Denali National Park & Preserve, your tour will continue beyond the Toklat rest area to Stony Hill Overlook to . This tourwill guide you along the spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. It may look silly but I don't have to look at it and it allows me to cruise. This extraordinary full day fly-fishing expedition takes you to the area's streams where you will learn the basics of fly-casting while enjoying this tranquil place and the magnificent wilderness views surrounding it. All Alaska cruisetours exploring the wonders of Denali will have the chance to stay at this unforgettable lodge. We provide experienced river guides . I took the Tundra Wilderness Tour in early September. To add an activity to your stay, please call 1-800-426-0500 for reservations or visit the Tour Desk at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. I would not take the NHT since my interests are scenery and wildlife. As you travel through the park, youll likely find them wandering the open tundra in search of their next meal, or you may uncover their footprints that tell a story of their latest adventures. Call Princess and use the excursion option. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest updates on closures impacting our operations. Ive never been on one, but there must be windows to look out, just like on the preferred by many shuttles. Located less than a mile from the Denali National Park entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is your home base for exploring the Great Land's beloved nature preserve. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, By If you dont have your Itinerary number, please call 1.800.622.7275. If you choose to explore the visitor center, watch films about the park, check out cultural and historical exhibits of Denali National Park and join hikes lead by knowledgeable park rangers. The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts five hours and will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denalis wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. The driver was soooooooooooo excited because lynx sightings are very rare. The independents got what seats were left--maybe didn't even get to sit together. Enjoy stunning scenery on your choice of either the mild and beautiful Wilderness Run or the wild splashes of the Canyon Run. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Coalminer, Im not sure whether your comment is addressing OP or me. You can buy tour bus tickets online or call 1-800-622-7275. Located less than a mile from the Denali National Park entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is your home base for exploring the Great Lands beloved nature preserve. Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc. We did the Connoisseur land tour/cruise combo from Princess back in August. At 20,310 feet, its the tallest peak in North America. When I took the TWT many years ago as part of a cruise tour, there was a handful of independent travelers waiting to board the bus next to ours. The perfect home base for exploring Denali National Park. GUEST UPDATES: Please read for the latest updates on closures impacting our operations. The shuttle is the best experience I've had. The Tundra Wilderness Tour turns around near the East Fork River (Mile 42). Park tour is approximately 4.5 - 5 hours. I called to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness (everyone online. As a solo traveler, no one was sitting beside meat first. Travel back in time during this splendid journey across Alaskan tundra on a horse-drawn covered wagon reminiscent of those used by pioneers while you explore the great Alaskan wilderness.. Awaken your wild side on this exciting ATV tour that puts you in the driver's seat to zip through gorgeous Alaskan backcountry through rustic trails. 6. Knowing how helpful everyone is on this forum, I knew I would also get excellent advice here. Experience your own 'Into the Wild' journey on this 4-wheel off-road adventure in Denali National Park. Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. If the Princess tour is full the park service also sells the Tundra Wilderness tour cheaper than Princess. Stop to view Denali National Park landmarks such as Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the Alaska Range, and look for wildlife such as moose. Rooms come with two double beds, two queen beds or one queen bed. Day 4 - Denali National Park - Talkeetna - Denali Enjoy an unforgettable rail journey from Denali to Talkeetna in a luxury domed railcar. Three days prior to your tour day, your departure time will be assigned to you. Departing from Vancouver, my week-long cruise included stops in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, along with scenic sailings in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and College Fjord, before disembarking in Whittier. These include larger hotel chains are for example: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort . If we. Denali. Filmed: May 2022Are you heading to Denali National Park on a Princess Cruisetour? 907 683-9532 The highest mountain in North America, Denali is also perhaps the coldest mountain in the world outside of Antarctica, a challenge even to the most experienced climbers. With the Tundra Wilderness Tour, you cannot get off and head back. . You have to keep traveling to increase your chances of seeing more. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112686850', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises came to Alaska, it really opened up Alaska to this group of tourists, elders that are no longer active adventurers, and theyre ok to pay more, and be more comfortable. 2020, Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. We are looking forward to our trip but want to know we are going to enjoy it. The project is scheduled to begin in 2023 but given the recent road closure and the anticipated challenge to repair and maintain the road through Pretty Rocks in 2022, NPS and FHWA are pursuing contracting and funding options to be able to begin sooner. Since you asked specifically about tours and have decided against the transit bus, take the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour if you want the best chance to view wildlife. Denali is the highest peak in North America and is surrounded by one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries. CLICK HERE, *Price includes $15.00 Park Entry Fee (Adults Only). Additional information can be found on the tour dates page here. The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. Deb, P.S. upgrade our natural history tour for the tundra wilderness tour so had our TA cancel the Princess tour and then we booked through the park service. Typically, this is an 8-hour tour that goes to Stony Dome at Mile 56, but that obviously won't happen this year due to the road closure. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River (Mile 43) to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park! It seems OP has already ruled out the transit bus option so I offered advice in line with the question. Tuesday at 11:45 PM. Using the exclusive 2-for-1 coupons available in the Alaska TourSaver, you'll enjoy exclusive savings for lodging, flightseeing tours and other Denali tours.Don't wait: get your Alaska TourSaver and start saving on your trip to Denali National Park today!There are so many coupons for Alaska tours included . August 14, 2018 The Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along a spectacular road corridor, promising different experiences every day, as Denali's wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Hear about the history and culture that surrounds you at a Living History presentation while visiting Savage Cabin. Do you have to pay the full price of the excursion to upgrade? We are beginning a pre-cruise tour next week that includes the Denali Natural History tour. Having a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, you can spot the bald eagle riding the wind and soaring across the sky. Check out our Alaska wildlife guide to learn . If you wont have a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then it hopped up onto the road and the driver just let the bus roll slowly back down the hill following the wolf. On the TWT we have seen a wolf - which is extremely rare. Males are often recognized when fighting over a mate, creating a unique dance as they run into each other and lock horns. Ride either an automatic single or double ATV through rugged terrain, splashing through water (weather permitting) and traversing rocky creek beds on an ATV that can reach speeds of up to 30 . After dark, he turned his attention to the skies, scanning for the northern lights. For rates, operational dates, and important information for booking all tours, please click here. His visit was part of the Discovery at Sea program (a Princess partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet), and his enthusiasm about our stop in Ketchikan was contagious. You can make your reservation online, over the phone, or in person at the Denali Bus Depot. Currently part of the road looks like this: Yes, it is offered. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the premier tour of Denali National Park and Preserve! Princess also operates Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. I tried getting a credit for the Natural History tour from Princess and book the Tundra directly and it turned into a nightmare of over 20 hours on the phone to fix the mess they created. Ketchikan, Juneau, and the Tongass National Forest near Sitka are just some of the places they dwell. Hit the greens during this spirited expedition to Black Diamond Golf Course. This thing is so cool. Our tours provides an in-depth look at the world of dog mushing and the Iditarod, Alaska's great sled dog race, including the training, racing and breeding of these champion sled dogs. When we passed another bus going the other way the driver stopped and jabbered with the other driver about it and that driver got all excited as well. I cannot fathom why the others exist, except as a money grab for cruisers. I was right near the front of the line because I prefer a window seat behind the driver the second row back. NOTE: There are several departure times. If youre cold, youre not working hard enough, said Ron Zwahlen, a commercial fishing captain. An expert guide narrates every spectacular sight. To experience the best of the Park, we suggest taking one of our fascinating and awe-inspiring interpretive tours. The Backcountry Adventure tour does not go inside the park. Tundra Wilderness Tour - East Fork Cabin The 5-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denali's wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Read a more detailed description of tour buses Non-Narrated Transit Buses These buses are not narrated. Ours was easy TA just canceled the shorter tour and we received the credit when we paid our final payment. Tundra Wilderness Tour 9 hours | Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge | 1AK-DNP-110 Avg Guest Rating Book Now From $ 185 Find a better price for any excursion we offer and we will refund you 110% of the price difference. This fully narrated guided tour takes visitors 42 scenic miles along the Park Road to the historic Murie Cabin. A bottle of water is included with this tour. Aboard your safari transport, head deep into the Alaskan bush to the Stampede Trail, a forgotten trail in the wilderness that Christopher McCandless took to explore the backcountry. By my calculation, fo. You can use ABTA's approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process if you have a complaint that is not resolved. There are plenty of other great views from the road, toothis is just a smattering of good spots! Combination Cruise & Alaska Tour: Denali & Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodges Book online. This tour has two shorter variations due to spring and fall road conditions. On 6/27/2022 at 8:18 AM, peachykiehn said: Delight in a wonderful, feel-good musical comedy that hilariously depicts the legend of the first men to reach the summit of Denali, North America's highest peak. Prism systems. This will allow you to travel to Denali and take our tour all in the same day. Enjoy a gorgeous tour along the natural boundary of Denali National Park.. Since you asked specifically about tours and have decided against the transit bus, take the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour if you want the best chance to view wildlife. Incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road, and some of the best opportunities to view the parks wildlife inhabitants await you on this tour. Find out about the local native culture and their stories at Primrose Ridge. However, we suggest you pre-book our boxed lunch for the trip. The guide told those people to stand aside and proceeded to shepherd her cruise tour passengers PAST the people waiting. I can see the interest in having both options. Heidi is a physical therapist by profession, cruise enthusiast at heart, and Princess all the time . I've never been on this, seemed like. The name ''Denali'' means ''The Great One'' in the native Athabascan language. COVID update: Denali Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour has updated their hours and services. Which is why most people go to Denali. Used to be Alaska was a bucket list trip for elders, and when (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Learn how to make an etched, dichroic, fused glass pendant or keychain from a local glass artist. Experience life above the trees ziplining just outside of Denali National Park! Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cruise Itineraries. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112684145', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car, have the time and cost is not a concern, do both. The buses do not have restrooms; however, rest stops are made approximately every 90 minutes. We have to find a hotel for one night we are doing a rafting trip then taking train back down to telkeetna the next afternoon. The one that interests me is the 6 day Princess Copper River tour which starts in Anchorage and circles through Denali, Copper River, Valdez to Whittier. LauraS Exact departure times can be any time between 5:00 am and 11:00 am in the morning. Tour buses are school buses. Princess offers the tundra Wilderness tour for $157. With only one park road, nature exists as it has for thousands of years, and your visit offers a glimpse into an era that most cant imagine, even in their wildest dreams. I was polite but firm. Dates: May 15 - September 14, 2023. Explore the park with a certified naturalist guide. Get breathtaking insights into the Alaskan wilderness and listen to the interesting background information given by the guide. Pay an upgrade price, not the full price. In the evening, enjoy the "Music of Denali" dinner show. The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? Visit the home and kennel of Iditarod musher Mike Santos and learn about sled dogs, the Iditarod race and life in rural Alaska! . Thank You, Yes, I did read of the closure. You can read/see the differences by comparing these links: - https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/tour-information/, - https://www.reservedenali.com/tours-transits/the-denali-tour-experience/#dnht.