Ports. Ships. People

Denali National Park

We arrived via the Alaska Railroad (a four hour train ride from Fairbanks.)  The Princess Cruises domed train cars always are on the back where their signature caboose-styled platform allows guests to get outside and see Alaska.

We are staying at the Princess Denali Wilderness Lodge conveniently located at the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve.

Upon arrival, CruiseJess and I took lunch at the King Salmon restaurant overlooking the river.  After lunch we went on a helicopter ride to a glacier. I questioned how I would tolerate the helicopter, and happily I can report that it was a “piece of cake.”

Speaking of cake, there is no shortage of Alaskan sweets. The sweet -stuff I am finding out in Alaska is the King Salmon and halibut. Both of these dishes are wonderful and cooked to perfection at the Princess Denali Wilderness Lodge.

We woke this morning for our four-hour tour of Denali National Park and Perserve. Our driver www.DouglassBourne.comis a poet, an author, and a very safe driver (working for park concession operator Aramark.) Doug would offer words of wisdom on the school bus that transports guests through the park.

Later in the afternoon, we took another tour and this one was on a Jet Boat Safari.  Gliding on the alumunum bottomed boat above the river’s water was delghtful. After the hour-long roundtrip ride through the river, we were treated to an Alaskan history narrative and some gold panning. Yes. I now own 8 flakes of real Alaska gold.

Tonight we have dinner theater at it’s best.

Thanks so much to Princess Cruises for hosting this trip.  Anyone with questions, feel free to contact me at cruise@cruisebuzz.net