Head North to Alaska via Princess Cruises

A Georgia Summer Escape....north to Alaska!
by Greg McCluney

Just an afternoon of viewing glaciers...

What’s the perfect escape from a sweltering summer in Georgia? Most of us head north to the mountains of the southeast to adjust our attitude via the altitude. But sometimes it isn’t enough. Hop a plane for the Rocky Mountains? What’s the perfect summer destination? That’s a matter of debate and budget, but if you want some snow, some ocean, fast, clear streams and superior wildlife viewing, think WAY up north…north to Alaska.

Nothing matches the splendor of the fjords, glaciers, wildlife and highest mountains in North America. And with temperatures peaking in the 70s each day, where better to enjoy the outdoors while the south sweats it out? The question is how do you want to experience all this splendor. Your wine and travel editor couldn’t make up his mind either, so we made the decision to split the trip. Once that decision was made, Princess Cruise/Tours became the obvious choice. Why? Only Princess owns their own network of magnificent Alaskan lodges AND offers flexible Alaskan cruises either before or after the ground portion of your vacation. This is a definite advantage over other lines that just block space in independent hotels and lodges.

You can choose from five different lodges in different parts of the state, on your own or as apart of a pre-designed package. Both can include an excursion on the Alaskan railroad, a great addition to the trip. We chose a land tour of three Princess lodges, a train trip down from the Denali Park and Lodge on the Alaskan railroad to the ship at Whittier and then a 7-day cruise through the Inside Passage ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.

As a wine writer, I was anxious to experience the food and beverage service at the lodges prior to the cruise segment. I was not disappointed. Although there is a significant difference between the individual lodges, both in the variety of menu entrees as well as wines offerred, especially by the glass programs. We found the Copper River and Denali Lodges to offer the most interesting and varied programs, although it was a matter of better and best, none was lacking. Each day a number of land tours are offered, giving guests a chance to get into the great outdoors in style, whether it is a guided hike, ATV ride, horseback ride, wildlife quest or salmon fishing float. In any case, you’re always back for a warm fire, cocktail hour and excellent dinner in the lodge.

But life on board the Princess Sapphire was quite another story, as each cruise day revolved, to quite an extent, on meal times and special food and wine events. There’s a wine club on board that met throughout the cruise with tastings, wine education classes and even the opportunity to buy wine to take home, at very attractive prices.

There are five restaurants on board with open seating for dinner. One wine list is used in three of the rooms, while the two premium venues (one Italian and one steakhouse) have enhanced lists of their own. A small surcharge applies to dining in these, although it was certainly worth it. The seven day Inside Passage cruise with Princess leaves two days at sea, and cruises through glacier-packed fjords and ice fields for another. You won’t be feeling Florida’s humidity either, as temperatures are usually in the mild 60’s. Days in port are packed with day trip options to see bears, fish, heli-rides and lots of shopping opps

The days at sea often get negative reactions from passengers who think they will be bored. We found the Princess crew to go all out with musical presentations, movies, pool games, lectures on Alaskan history and geography, and a nice library to browse. Of course, there are stores on board as well, if you really need to do more shopping. I set up spa treatments (do it early), went to wine tastings and set lunches in the formal dining room, which you don’t have time to do in port. When you’re on vacation, it’s a rare chance to sit down and enjoy a long, leisurely multi-course, full-service lunch with your significant other. And try a couple of new wines to pair with your selections. The Princess wait-staff did a good job with their recommendations; they weren’t afraid to try some unusual match ups.

Combining your Alaskan adventure with a Princess land/cruise tour package is a good way to see a lot of a huge piece of American wilderness, enjoy some outdoor adventures and escape the Georgia heat. And, it’s the only place I know of where a bear may interrupt your wine tasting!

Fine dining at Sabatini's.

For more information on Princess cruises/tours visit: Princess.com