5 day cruise plus Denali options

Question

Hi,

Several years ago I completed a do-it-myself 9 day trip that did not involve a cruise and traveled from Anchorage to Fairbanks with my parents. We rented a car and participated in Kenji Fjords and Prince William Sound excursions, and then took the train to Denali for the Tundra tour.

Now, I am planning a trip for my 70 year old brother and wife and do not plan to accompany them. My brother is not good with driving, and I like the idea of a cruise tour as a great deal is already planned for them.

My challenge is that I can't have the cruise tour last for more than 10 days (including travel to and from Alaska to Chicago). I was looking at the HAL DO6 tour that lasts 10 days but it does not include travel to and from Alaska. I want the cruise tour to include Glacier Bay, College Fjord, the dome train to Denali and the Tundra Wilderness Tour .

Can anyone recommend a company where I could secure a 3-5 day cruise and then add on a 2-3 Denali tour? Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't see the option to that with HAL. I was also exploring options to have them fly to Anchorage and then Juneau to start a HAL cruise mid way through Thanks for any info anyone may have.

Answer

Planning a shorter Alaska cruise plus Denali land tour for travelers who prefer not to drive can be a bit tricky, but there are several options that combine a 3–5 day cruise with a 2–3 day Denali experience. Since your brother and his wife are 70 and driving is not ideal, a pre-arranged cruise-tour package is the most convenient option.

Many major cruise lines offer Alaska cruise-tour packages that include both the inside passage cruise and land excursions to Denali. The key is finding a package that fits within your 10-day total window, including travel to and from Chicago.

Holland America Line (HAL) – While the DO6 itinerary you mentioned doesn’t include air travel, HAL does offer pre- and post-cruise Denali land packages. You could book a 3–5 day cruise along Glacier Bay and College Fjord and then arrange a 2–3 day Denali stay with the dome train and Tundra Wilderness Tour. You would need to add flights to Anchorage separately or explore HAL’s air-inclusive options if available.
Princess Cruises – Princess offers 7-day Alaska cruises combined with 2–3 day Denali packages. Their “Alaska Land+Sea Journeys” allow guests to fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks, cruise from Whittier or Seward, and then take the train to Denali for the Tundra Wilderness Tour. These packages often include transfers, accommodations, and excursions, making it easy for seniors who prefer not to drive.
Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Cruises – Both lines offer cruise-tour packages where a 5–7 day cruise can be paired with 2–3 days in Denali via motorcoach or train. The dome train experience is sometimes included or available as an optional add-on.
Alaska Cruise Tour Specialists / Travel Agents – Working with a dedicated Alaska cruise tour agent can help you customize a 10-day itinerary. They can combine a 3–5 day cruise on your preferred ship with a 2–3 day Denali tour, including the dome train and Tundra Wilderness Tour, and handle flights, transfers, and lodging to fit your time frame.

Some additional tips for a senior-friendly experience:

Book a cruise-tour package that handles all transfers and excursions to minimize logistics stress.
Opt for rail travel to Denali rather than driving. The dome train is comfortable, scenic, and accessible for seniors.
Consider flying into Anchorage or Juneau and beginning the cruise mid-way if it shortens total travel time.
Check cruise line packages carefully to ensure the Tundra Wilderness Tour and dome train are included, as not all itineraries automatically include them.
Try to avoid peak summer dates for less crowded trains and tours; late August is generally still busy but manageable.

In summary, a combination of a 3–5 day Alaska cruise with a 2–3 day Denali land tour is very doable. HAL, Princess Cruises, and specialized Alaska travel agents are the best starting points for securing a senior-friendly, all-inclusive itinerary within your 10-day travel window.