Alaska: Denali Explorer Cruisetour - Tour #BB3
Princess Cruises
Explore the interior of Alaska with stops in Mt. McKinley, Denali, and Fairbanks. Then depart for a 7-night sailing to view stunning glacial views and visit ports of call including Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
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Sailing Itinerary
Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.
Overview
If the story of the founding of Fairbanks had happened anywhere else, it wouldn't be told so proudly, for the city's father was a swindler, and its undignified birth contained an element of chance not usually admitted in polite society. As the popular story goes (and the historians' version is fairly close), it seems that in 1901, E. T. Barnette decided to get rich by starting a gold-mining boomtown like the others that had sprouted from Dawson City to Nome as the stampeders of 1898 sloshed back and forth across the territory from one gold find to the next. He booked passage on a riverboat going up the Tanana with his supplies to build the town, having made an understanding with the captain that, should the vessel get stuck, he would lighten the load by getting off with the materials on the nearest bank. Unfortunately, the captain got lost. Thinking he was heading up a slough on the Tanana, he got sidetracked into the relatively small Chena River. That was where the boat got stuck and where Barnette got left, and that was where he founded Fairbanks. Fortunately for Barnette, an Italian prospector named Felix Pedro had been looking for gold in the hills around the new trading post, and made a strike on the Tanana. On that news, Barnette dispatched his Chinese cook off to Dawson City to spread the word. The cook's story showed up in a newspaper that winter, and a stampede of hundreds of miners ensued, heading toward Fairbanks in weather as cold as -50°F. Barnette's town was a success, but the cook nearly got lynched when the stampeders found out how far he'd exaggerated the truth. Much more gold was found later, however, and half the population of Dawson City came down river to Fairbanks. Barnette had made it big. The town's future was assured thanks to a political deal. Barnette did a favor for the territory's judge, James Wickersham, by naming the settlement for Wickersham's ally in Congress, Sen. Charles Fairbanks of Indiana, who later became vice president. Wickersham then moved the federal courthouse to Fairbanks from Eagle--he loaded his records on his dogsled and mushed here, establishing the camp as the hub of the region. Wickersham's story is interesting, too. He was a notable explorer, Alaska's first real statesman as a nonvoting delegate to Congress, and father of the Alaska Railroad. Houses he lived in are preserved at Alaskaland in Fairbanks and in Juneau just up the hill from the capitol building. Barnette didn't do as well in history's eyes: He was run out of the town he founded for bank fraud. Fairbanks is Alaska's second-largest city now, with a population of about 30,000 in the city limits and 82,000 in the greater metropolitan area, but it has never learned to put on airs. It sprawls, broad and flat, along big highways and the Chena. It's a friendly, easygoing town, but one where people still take gold and their independence seriously. They're still prospecting and mining for gold around here, fighting off environmental regulation, and maintaining a traditional Alaskan attitude that it's us against the world. Fairbanks is the birthplace of strange political movements, including the secessionist Alaskan Independence Party. It's an adamant, loopy, affable place; it doesn't seem to mind being a little bizarre or residing far from the center of things. And that makes it an intensely Alaska city, for those are the qualities Alaskans most cherish in their myth of themselves. Fairbanks can strike a visitor a couple of ways, depending on what you expect and what you like. Fairbanks can come across as a provincial outpost, a touristy cross between Kansas and Siberia. Driving one of the franchise-choked commercial strips, you can wonder why you went out of your way to come here, and the deserted downtown area can be downright depressing. Or you can relax and take Fairbanks on its own terms, as a fun, unpretentious town that never lost its sense of being on the frontier. My children love it here. There's plenty for families to do in Fairbanks, much of it at least a little corny and requiring drives to widespread sites at the university, on the Chena River, in the gold mining area north of town, and at a big town park called Alaskaland. (You must have wheels in Fairbanks.) There are good opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, and great opportunities for canoeing and slow river float trips.
Overview
Located only one mile from the Park entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premium riverside accommodation in the Denali area. An expansive deck overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River - the ideal spot to relax, visit with friends and savor the exquisite landscape. The Denali Princess Lodge features a luxurious lobby, extensive viewing deck with hot tubs, and a highly rated dining experience on the bluff above the Nenana River, looking out towards Denali National Park. All Park tours and activities depart from the Denali Princess Lodge. In addition to fine dining, there are also casual dining options and an entertaining dinner theater performance each evening. Whether you are visiting in spring, summer or fall, the Denali Princess Lodge offers exceptional quality and value.
Overview
From the moment you arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge you know you're somewhere special. Bordering the south side of Denali National Park on the banks of the Chulitna River, this Lodge is a true wilderness retreat. RELAX IN STYLE Each of the bungalow-style guest rooms is nestled peacefully in this wilderness getaway. Relax in comfort and style in rooms with one king, or two double beds, lofty, nine-foot ceilings with fans, a sitting area, a television and a telephone. In addition, each of our suites features a sitting room, bedroom, wet bar, and jacuzzi bath -- the perfect choice to make any occasion extra special. "THE GREAT ONE" In the main lodge there's a room so spectacular we've named it The Great Room. An irresistible haven with an impressive stone fireplace, The Great Room features cozy sitting areas, tables for card and board games, and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that look out upon majestic Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range -- with one of the most inspirational views of The Mountain found anywhere. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES Experience our serene surroundings from the comfort of the Lodge or venture outdoors to explore the wilderness. To assist you, we have a Tour Desk staffed with Princess professionals who are available to help you get an insider's look at this special part of Alaska. A variety of exciting outdoor adventures await you including fishing tours, river rafting, a jetboat safari and even a thrilling flight that takes you to the base of Mt. McKinley. FINE FOOD, FABULOUS VIEW Anytime you travel with Princess, you're sure to sample outstanding cuisine in remarkable settings. The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge carries on that tradition with a dining experience for every taste. Enjoy sophisticated cuisine and panoramic views in the Mountain View Restaurant or casual fare in the Cub Café. Choose appetizers and your favorite refreshment in Grizzly's Bar or while relaxing on the outdoor terrace. At Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge we cater to your every mood.
Overview
Whittier is a city at the head of the Passage Canal in the U.S. state of Alaska, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. The city is within the Valdez–Cordova Census Area.
Overview
Whittier is a city at the head of the Passage Canal in the U.S. state of Alaska, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. The city is within the Valdez–Cordova Census Area.
Overview
Stretching over 90 miles long and covering over 1,350 square miles in area, Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is also one of the most impressive, a 300-foot wall of ice rising sheer and jagged from the ocean. You may hear the rumble and see the monumental splash as the glacier severs into great ice chunks, known as "calves."
Overview
It grinds, cracks and moans as massive pieces of ice split off and crash down. This is not your automatic icemaker on the blink. This is Glacier Bay doing what it's been doing for two centuries. The bay, once covered by sheets of glacial ice, is now a bay revealed. As the glaciers continue to recede, the bay enlarges. Back in 1879, naturalist John Muir was the first to note the glacial movement. Comparing charts from European explorers made 85 years earlier, he determined that the glacial ice had receded by more than 30 miles. Designated a National Park in 1910, today Glacier Bay is a 3.3 million-acre expanse that was buried under a mile-wide wall of ice only 200 years ago. Its natural environment includes five major land ecosystems including wet tundra, coastal western hemlock and spruce forest, alpine tundra, glaciers and icefields, and post-glacial meadows. Each week, dozens of ships traveling the Inside Passage spend the day cruising the 65-mile long bay. As each ship arrives, a National Park Service ranger boards the cruise vessel to provide a running commentary of the treeless mountains, icy fjords, hidden inlets and glacial landscapes as the ship passes by. Glacier Bay isn't just about ice. The ranger will also point out the killer and gray whales, sea otters, porpoises, moose, coyotes, wolves and bears visible in the sea or on the land. Leave your ice pick at home. But don't forget your binoculars.
Overview
Skagway, with a population of 862, is located in the Upper Lynn Canal at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska, 100 air miles north of Juneau and 110 road miles south of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. The City of Skagway is geographically the largest city in Alaska with 455 square land miles. Skagway's history and spectacular natural setting combine to create unparalleled sightseeing and recreation opportunities. Poke around on your own, or select from a variety of commercial tours. Either way, you will be amply rewarded with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.
Overview
Considered the "gem" of Southeast Alaska, the city is nestled against the ocean, tucked tight against the mountains and back-dropped by the lush green of the largest national forest in the United States, the Tongass. Visitors will find that Juneau is not only the state's capital, but it's also a melting pot of history, unique topography and jaw-dropping scenery that is found nowhere else on the planet. Whether it's wildlife viewing, glacier trekking, ziplining or just shopping for locally created artwork, visitors to this remote yet extraordinary region will certainly find a bit of "Alaska" to take home.
Overview
A city of southeast Alaska on an island in the Alexander Archipelago. A supply point for miners during the gold rush of the 1890s, it is now a major port and tourist center on the Inside Passage. Population: 7,450.
Overview
Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, it’s surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.
Tour Highlights
Alaska's "Golden Heart City" of Fairbanks is a great introduction to the heart of this unique state. Check in to your hotel and get ready for the beginning of your adventure.
A cruise along the Chena River on a Sternwheeler Riverboat is about as authentic as it gets. Later, you'll head for Denali National Park via a scenic motorcoach trip to the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®. Check in with the Guest Service Desk for help in planning your own Denali adventure (additional fees apply). Or you may enjoy the spectacular main lodge, river view deck, and Princess Village with the popular Christmas cottage and sugar shack. Be sure to check out Fannie Q's Saloon (additional fees may apply), named after a famed local homesteader.
This morning, take a Natural History Tour into Denali National Park watching for glimpses of Denali and Denali's "Big Five"; moose, bears, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. In the afternoon, depart via motorcoach to the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge®. Sit and gaze at "The Great One" from the lodge's treehouse, hear stories about climbing Denali in the Hudson Theater or roast marshmallows at the fireside patio.
After a morning enjoying the lodge, you'll transfer to the historic town of Talkeetna to board an exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness Rail® for the journey to Whittier and your waiting ship.
Onboard the Coral Princess
Coral Princess
Year Built: 2003
Year Refurbished: 2019
Double Occupancy Capacity: 2000
Coral Princess® offers 90% ocean-view staterooms - with over 700 balconies and a wrap-around Promenade Deck. The ship features an array of dining options, such as the Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse, as well as a European-themed casino and Crooners martini bar.
Activities & Services (included in cruise)
Theater
- Card Room
- Casino
- Disco/Nightclub
- Game Arcade
- Movies Under the Stars®
- Theater/Show Lounge
- Fitness Center
- Miniature Golf
- Pool - Outdoor
- Sports Facilities
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
- Bars/Lounges
- Internet Center
- Library
- Children's Indoor Play Area
- Children's Outdoor Play Area
- Organized Age Specific Activities
- Teen Center or Disco
- Teen Programs
- Business Center
- Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
- Elevators
- Infirmary/Medical Center
- Religious Services
- Self-Service Laundromat
- Wedding/Vow Renewal
Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)
Full-Service Spa
- Beauty Salon
- Full-Service Spa
- Spa Services/Massage
- Sauna/Steam Room
- Babysitting
- Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
Dining Room
Main Dining
Bordeaux Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions, and dietary needs.
Provence Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions, and dietary needs.
Sabatini's Trattoria
Specialty Dining
Bayou Café & Steakhouse℠: Experience the first New Orleans-style restaurant at sea, featuring Creole and Cajun traditional cuisines, such as jambalaya, etouffee, and crawfish gumbo. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Chef's Table Experience: Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. This restaurant is available for an additional cost. Limited capacity, reservations required.
Sabatini's℠ Italian Trattoria: A new menu features handmade pasta dishes from Chef Angelo Auriana of renowned L.A. restaurants The Factory Kitchen and Officine BRERA, plus treasured family recipes from Italian chefs across the fleet. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Ultimate Balcony Dining: A luxurious breakfast experience at sea all served right on the privacy of your own balcony by dedicated waitstaff. Treat yourself to this unparalleled indulgence and savor food, views, and memories that will never be forgotten. This option is available for an additional cost.
Princess Pizzeria
Casual Dining
Chocolate Journeys℠: There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate. Princess' pastry chefs channeled their love of chocolate into handcrafted treats designed exclusively for the Chocolate Journeys℠ program. These sweet creations combine premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs and can be found throughout the ship.
Horizon Court: Offering 24-hour casual buffet dining.
International Café: Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small-bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche, or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.
Princess Pizzeria: This poolside pizzeria serves fresh pizza by the slice.
The Bar & Grill: Follow your nose to where the burgers are flipping and the hot dogs roasting, served with a variety of fixings and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst, and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you're relaxing out on deck.
Room Service: Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of $14.99 (per person, per voyage) will apply for OceanNow delivery and a $5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow.
Disclaimer regarding ship dining
Affordable staterooms feature twin beds that make up into a queen, refrigerator, spacious closet and a bathroom with shower.
Category: IA
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IB
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IC
Approximately 156 to 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: ID
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IE
Approximately 156 to 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IF
Approximately 156 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Nicely-appointed staterooms feature a picture window and bathroom with shower.
Category: O5
Approximately 212 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: O6
Approximately 212 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: OB
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: OC
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: OD
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: OE
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: OV
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.
Category: OW
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.
Category: OY
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.
Category: OZ
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window with an obstructed view.
Staterooms feature a private balcony, siting area with desk, spacious walk-in closet and bathroom with shower.
Category: B1
Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: B2
Approximately 248 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BA
Approximately 210 to 234 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BB
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BC
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BD
Approximately 210 to 234 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BE
Approximately 210 to 234 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BF
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BY
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air.
Category: BZ
Approximately 210 sq. ft. including balcony, this cabin has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air.
Features separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, refrigerator, some with wet bar, bathroom and balcony or window.
Category: M1
Approximately 280 to 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.
Category: MB
Approximately 280 to 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.
Category: MD
Approximately 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.
Category: ME
Approximately 302 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious cabin provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with combination tub and shower.
Category: MY
Approximately 162 sq. ft., this well-appointed stateroom features a picture window for memorable views.
Category: S5
Approximately 470 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.
Category: S6
Approximately 470 sq. ft. including balcony, the Vista Suite features a spacious cabin and separate seating area with a sofa bed. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits.
Symbol | Description |
---|---|
Will accommodate third person | |
Will accommodate a rollaway | |
Will accommodate third and fourth person | |
Connecting staterooms | |
Wheelchair-accessible stateroom; roll-in shower only | |
Ambulatory accessible stateroom, accessible features may include grab bars and/or fold down shower seats |
- Ship Name: Coral Princess
- Year Built: 2003
- Year Refurbished: 2019
- Year Entered Present Fleet: 2003
- Ship Class: Coral
- Maximum Capacity: 2,586
- Number of Passenger Decks: 16
- Number of Crew: 895
- Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
- Ocean-View without Balcony: 157
- Ocean-View with Balcony: 527
- Total Inside Staterooms: 108
- Tonnage (GRT): 91,627
- Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,000
- Country of Registry: Bermuda
- Total Staterooms: 1,000
- Suites with Balcony: 208
- Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Member Reviews
Available Dates & Prices
Terms & Conditions
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.
†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.
© Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry.
Digital Costco Shop Card
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