On this adventure you will be granted an all access pass to Denali National Park as well the opportunity of experiencing the mightiness of Mt. McKinley up close and personal. On this one of a kind cruise experience -- not only will you have the possibility of spotting whales, sea lions, and dolphins... but also take in the likes of grizzly bears, moose, and elk.
As we all know the glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, soon they will be evaporated, dried up and gone. It's time to gather the whole family together and see the glacial ice mass before it's too late. This is no ordinary vacation... this is a bonding experience that will last a lifetime--
http://www.hollandamerica.com/YukonDoubleDenali
Getting There--
It is wise to arrive in Anchorage, your city of embarkation, a day or two early. Your body will need to have time to adjust from a long flight-- pretty much guaranteed, no matter where you depart from...
Thankfully the Anchorage International airport is well thought out and very navigable. Outside of baggage claim they even run a municipal bus system-- on the hour-- that will get you to the hotel district for a mere $4.50. Taxi's are very affordable as well... a short 10 to 15 minute jaunt into the city will only set you back-- $25.00 and that includes a gratuity.
http://www.muni.org/Departments/transit/PeopleMover/Pages/Route7.aspxGetting There--
It is wise to arrive in Anchorage, your city of embarkation, a day or two early. Your body will need to have time to adjust from a long flight-- pretty much guaranteed, no matter where you depart from...
Thankfully the Anchorage International airport is well thought out and very navigable. Outside of baggage claim they even run a municipal bus system-- on the hour-- that will get you to the hotel district for a mere $4.50. Taxi's are very affordable as well... a short 10 to 15 minute jaunt into the city will only set you back-- $25.00 and that includes a gratuity.
Where to Stay--
With overnight stays at the Westmark Hotels in Fairbanks AK, Dawson City and Whitehorse YT-- you'll become familiar with this hotel brand. Seeing that their parent company is the same as that of the Holland American Line-- the property is what you would expect from a hospitality driven enterprise-- tidy, outfitted with comfortable beds and have an exceptionally conscientious staff.
Another nicety they offer is a wake- up call for the Northern Lights. If any of their staff spies the aurora borealis throughout the dark of night-- The front desk will give your room a ring-- so you can grab your camera and snap a few photos of the dramatic spectacle of nature.
http://www.westmarkhotels.com/
For a treasured experience, Air Denali-- not only offers a flightseeing
tour of Mt. McKinley-- the highest peak in North America-- but they also will
land on a glacier near the summit. Nowhere else can you take in unspoiled and
unfettered views of the mountain top unless of course you are an avid climber.
The sturdiness of their planes lend themselves to your
confidence, although the pilots self deprecating humor gets a little tired--- But
considering the chatter over the headset sounds so cool, you forgive the
staleness of their corny jokes.
http://flydenali.com/
Also, don't pass on being one of the proud-- the select few that venture in to the Article Circle. You'll even walk away with a certificate to prove you made it this far north.
Upon your arrival in the tiny community of Fort Yukon, don't expect to be greeted with much fanfare from locals... They aren't the most all-embracing of outsiders, but then again who would want to feel like they are put on display as a tourist attraction--
Don't forget the mosquito repellent.
http://flydenali.com/
Also, don't pass on being one of the proud-- the select few that venture in to the Article Circle. You'll even walk away with a certificate to prove you made it this far north.
Upon your arrival in the tiny community of Fort Yukon, don't expect to be greeted with much fanfare from locals... They aren't the most all-embracing of outsiders, but then again who would want to feel like they are put on display as a tourist attraction--
Nevertheless, you made it to the Arctic Circle and a village
so remote that it is accessible only by plane and river transportation-- with
no roads leading in or out.Don't forget the mosquito repellent.
Trains--
Take a peaceful 7.5 hour train ride slicing through the
pristine Alaskan countryside on the domed rail cars of the McKinley Explorer. A half hour of out of Anchorage, there's the
possibility of sighting Mt. McKinley-- weather permitting of course.
Take in some good eats on white table clothed tables as your
dining car swiftly rambles along the railway. The tasty cuisine is delightful and
the service is welcoming and gracious.
Hop aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route, a train
ride that careens past mountain rock
pools, scenic gorges and dramatic waterfalls. On this unforgettable train ride experience you
will journey along virtually the same path that the Yukon prospectors originally
summitted during the 1890's gold rush.
This wildly popular pleasure
trip lasts a surprisingly quick 3.5 hours and will allow for some memorable
photographs-- provided you will brave the whirling cold and stand in-between
the cars as they bump and whisk down the tracks.
Motorcoaches
On much of the Holland America Land + Sea Journey you will
be shuttled from place to place on a narrated luxury coach. You'll feel like a
Rock Star of the Canadian Yukon-- being on the tour bus and living out of a
suitcase.
Sure many mornings you will be leaving at the crack of dawn,
but your meticulous tour host will always see that the shuttle picks you up and
arrives on time. As an added bonus-- it's as though they have like invisible
luggage Sherpa's-- simply leave your belongs outside your room and poof they're
gone... Only to reappear the next day upon your arrival and inside your new hotel room--
And a Cruise Ship--
for Good Measure
Once you arrive at the Cruise Ship terminal in Skagway and board the ms Zuiderdam, you
will feel like royalty. All of the ship's crew will be scurrying and working to ensure
your voyage is the best possible.
Often times on cruise ships you can't help but hear the
murmur of other passengers complaints-- People complain about the weather--
People complain about the food-- people complain about their health... Well on
Holland America Line--you will hear no complaints. The staff performs at such
high standards and with such gladness in their heart-- you can't help but be
amazed.
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