Newbie to Space A and cruises

Author Message   JohnAC Senior Member Username: John6012 Post Number: 155 Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 01:15 pm:    Thanks Leonard, we'll be at Seward for 6 days at the Army rec center before we catch the train to Anchorage. Then 2 nights at the Backpackers Hostel (pvt room) for $60.00 per night. It's a new hostel and they have shuttle service from airport>hostel or train station>hostel or reverse. Going to go on one of Rec centers cruises one day and fish another. It's going to be one of the great trips of our life and we're looking forward to traveling! Thanks again!   Leonard Self Intermediate Member Username: Wekanfly2 Post Number: 13 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 - 10:26 am:    Don't miss the train to Anchorage from Seward as it is the most spectacular one we've ever been on. It is only at the other end of the pier area in Seward. If you were staying overnight in Seward I would recommend the Aquarium and the Exit Glacier. The Air Force resort is closer to the downtown by a couple blocks but the Army resort is sooooo beautiful. The train station in Anchorage is only at the base of the hill to one of the Elmendorf gates. Don't miss the Iditarod dining hall open to retireees. There are pretty routine flights out of Elmendorf. I would go for it. We flew back out of Whidbey with no problems. Enjoy your trip.   JohnAC Senior Member Username: John6012 Post Number: 146 Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 01:38 pm:    Leonard, we are going on a cruise in Jun 08 to Seward and thought about trying to catch a Hop from Elmendorf to anywhere in the CONUS but are undecided as to whether we should go ahead and buy a commercial ticket or sweat the Hop. It would be nice if we could "plan Space A" but hat option is not ours. We are flying commercial to Vancouver but if there is a flight from the midwest around the time we are schedule to leave going to McChord or Whidbey, we'll take it even if we have to stay on base a few days and use the commercial ticket later. Plan?   Ernie Atwell Intermediate Member Username: Neal_65 Post Number: 24 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Thursday, November 29, 2007 - 11:55 am:    I would like to try an Akaskan cruise sometime.   Leonard Self Member Username: Wekanfly2 Post Number: 10 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 01:39 pm:    We did the Alaska thing last year and it was great. We did southbound Seward to Vancouver on the Volendam. We flew JAX to Eilsen then caught hop to Elmendorf. Stayed with a great family in Anchorage I located on Craigs list. We were able to use their pick up truck (saved major bucks) and then took the alaska train from Anchorage to Seward cost about$60 each. That is the most spectacular ride I've ever been on takes about 4 hours and they slow down and narrate at points of interest ie, dahl sheep on the mountainside, moose bears glaciers etc. The train is a short walk to the pier in Seward where the ships dock. We spent the night in Seawrd at the Army resort as there are many interesting things to do in Seward. The marine aquarium in great. You could do htis trip northbound and have a great time then fly south from Elmendorf. You could fly into Seattle and catch Amtrak north to Vancouver then the metro to the pier.   Joyce Eckerman New member Username: Wanderwoman Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 - 08:08 pm:    I have been reading this message board for several months now and figured it is time to jump in! I have never traveled Space A before or gone on a cruise. My husband, my 14 year old son and I are planning to do both next summer. I am booking a northbound 7 day cruise from Vancouver to Whittier. With the military discount, Carnival actually had the least expensive fare. We live near Scott AFB. My husband feels uncomfortable taking a hop west, thinking it is too iffy.....we are CAT 6...what if we don't get out there in time..... So the plan is to fly commercial to Vancouver, and possibly get a hop back home. We can be very flexible the return trip. My husband is retired and I am a teacher. Any thoughts on this?? How far is Elmendorf from Whittier?? Are there lots of transportation options (train, bus, car rental) right when you get off the boat? I thought we could see what trips are offered by MWR at Elmendorf. The land tours offered by the cruise line are very pricey. So, seasoned travelers, if you were making this trip, what would your projected itinerary be for sightseeing in Alaska (starting in Anchorage), lodging suggestions and return trip to Scott? Your're input is greatly appreciated!