Cruise and Landtour 5/21-5/31

Question

Forgive my long post but trying to show as much detail as possible. I am on a land/cruise tour with Princess cruises 5/21 to 5/31. I am 39 and like hiking and outdoor activities. Will be the youngest in my group. Itinerary is as follows:

Day1-Arrive in Anchorage. Staying at Captain Cook Hotel.

Day2- staying at Mt. McKinley Princess lodge. I have an excursion booked for a flight seeing tour with a glacier landing with K2 aviation. I think it’s later in the afternoon.

Day 3-Denali Princess Lodge. We have a “natural history tour” booked. I’ve read it is not that good, and to rather opt for the “green busses” and go deeper ibto the park on my own. Would love to hike in the park.. do I hire a guide?

Day 4- 9 hour train ride to Whittier to start our cruise.

Day 5-Hubbard glacier (we don’t get off the ship)

Day 6-Glacier Bay National Park (we don’t get off the ship)

Day 7-Skagway (need excursion suggestions)

Day8-Juneau (need excursion suggestions)

Day 9-Ketchikan (need excursion suggestions)

Day 10- at sea

Day 11-Vancouver (I think we have a city tour booked)

I will be on the “Sapphire Princess”. I’ve never been on a cruise before so this is all new to me. Would love any and all suggestions, tips etc.

any chance of the northern lights? Should I even pack shorts? I want this trip to be a great experience. There is so much info to go through it’s a bit overwhelming .Thanks for any and all info!!

Answer

Your Alaska land and cruise itinerary from May 21–31 sounds fantastic! Since this is your first cruise and you enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, here’s a detailed breakdown and suggestions to help you make the most of it.

Day 1 – Anchorage: Arriving in Anchorage, staying at the Captain Cook Hotel is convenient. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore downtown Anchorage, check out the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a short walk, or visit the Anchorage Museum if interested in local history and art.

Day 2 – Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge: Your glacier flightseeing tour with K2 Aviation is a highlight. Dress warmly; even in May, temperatures on glaciers are cold. Bring a camera with extra memory and layers to adjust to the changing temps in the aircraft and on the glacier.

Day 3 – Denali Princess Lodge: If you want a deeper experience in Denali, taking the “green bus” into the park is a great idea. These buses allow more flexibility and stops for wildlife and short hikes. For hiking:

You can do short day hikes independently along the Savage River area or along the Mount Healy Overlook trail near the visitor center.
For longer, off-trail hikes, hiring a guide is recommended, especially for safety and wildlife awareness.

Pack layers, rain gear, good hiking boots, and binoculars. Wildlife sightings are often better in the early morning.

Day 4 – Train to Whittier: The 9-hour train ride is scenic. Bring snacks, a camera, and something to relax with. Sitting on the side facing the mountains is best for photography.

Days 5–6 – Glacier Viewing: Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay are amazing from the ship. For photography:

Use a zoom lens for ice calving shots.
Dress in layers; it can be windy and chilly on deck.

Day 7 – Skagway: Excursion suggestions:

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – scenic train ride with beautiful mountain views.
Dog sledding on a glacier – a classic Alaskan experience.
Self-guided town walking tour – historic buildings and gold rush history.

Day 8 – Juneau: Popular excursions include:

Glacier helicopter and ice trekking tours – memorable and active.
Whale watching tours – excellent in late May.
Mendenhall Glacier hike – easy to moderate trails accessible from the visitor center.

Day 9 – Ketchikan: Options:

Totem Bight State Historical Park – cultural experience and short walks.
Creek Street and historic downtown – leisurely stroll with shops and views.
Ziplining or kayaking – if you want more adventure.

Day 10 – At sea: Relax, explore ship amenities, attend talks or shows, or plan for photos of passing scenery.

Day 11 – Vancouver: If you have a city tour booked, it will cover highlights. Otherwise, consider Stanley Park, Granville Island, or the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a few hours.

Packing Tips and General Advice:

Layering is key – temperatures vary from 35–65°F, and it can be windy or rainy.
Pack a good waterproof jacket, hiking boots, gloves, and warm hats for glacier excursions.
Shorts may be useful for warmer indoor spaces or casual walks, but unlikely needed outdoors.
Binoculars and camera with zoom lens for wildlife and glacier views.
Northern Lights are very unlikely in late May due to daylight hours.

Additional Tips:

Book popular excursions in advance, especially helicopter and glacier tours.
Bring snacks and water for long excursions.
Check local sunrise and sunset times; Alaska days are long in May (sunrise ~5:30 am, sunset ~10:15 pm).
Engage with park rangers for advice on trails and wildlife spotting in Denali.

Overall, your trip balances land adventure and scenic cruising well. Focus on outdoor experiences, bring warm layers, and embrace the slower pace of Alaska travel. You’re in for an incredible journey!

Cruise and Landtour 5/21-5/31

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