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Alaskan Dream Cruises Offers Local Discounts for Residents
As summer approaches, Alaskan Dream Cruises is offering early-season deals on select cruises exclusively for Alaska residents. The company, which is Alaska Native-owned and operates five small ships ranging from 12 to 76 passengers, is currently offering 50% to 70% off select cruises in May and June, including an eight-night itinerary called “Inside Passage Sojourn” aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. Zak Kirkpatrick, director of marketing for Alaskan Dream Cruises, says guests love the raw wilderness exploration and visiting small Alaska Native communities. Interested residents can find details of the cruises and ship activities online, but must call the reservation office in Sitka to make arrangements at 855-747-8100.
Princess Alaska Lodges Offers Rail/Hotel Deals to Everyone
Princess Alaska Lodges is offering two-for-one rail/hotel deals for travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks to everyone, regardless of residency. Most of the itineraries depart and return to Anchorage, with some that go one-way between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Princess Alaska Lodges offers glass-domed rail cars pulled by the Alaska Railroad, with the first departure on May 12. The two-night package for Mt. McKinley Princess is $274.40 per person, double occupancy, including transfers between the Talkeetna railroad station and the hotel. Kennicott Glacier Lodge offers an exclusive discount special of 20% off rooms and meal packages to Alaska residents only between May 27 and June 25.
Springtime Wildlife Cruises in Seward Offer Discounted Rates
Kenai Fjords Tours and Major Marine Tours in Seward are offering discounted rates on springtime wildlife cruises. Kenai Fjords Tours is offering a “Kids Go Free” promotion, while Major Marine Tours provides a 20% discount on a combo cruise/hotel package. The discounted price for Kenai Fjords Tours is $80.10 per adult, including 10% savings, for a four-hour whale-watching cruise departing each Thursday to Sunday through May 18. Major Marine Tours offers a discounted rate of $173 per person, double occupancy, for the four-hour Spring Wildlife Cruise in April. Those interested can find details of the itinerary and the hotel online but should make arrangements by calling the reservation offices.
15% Off Room Rates in Fairbanks
Fountainhead Hotels, which operates three hotels in Fairbanks, is offering a 15% discount off room rates using the code “FHH15.” The promotion is valid for Wedgewood Resort near Creamer’s Field, Bear Lodge, and Sophie Station near the airport. This promotion is valid for all guests, and interested parties can book via the Fountainhead Hotels’ website.
Airfare Specials to Europe and Las Vegas
Delta Airlines is offering a cheap nonstop ticket between Anchorage and Las Vegas for travel in April. A round trip costs $309, with little or no advance purchase required. United Airlines is offering the same price for some days, but there is a layover in Denver. Although Alaska Airlines offers two to three nonstop flights per week, the fare is higher, costing between $481 and $616. The best price for summertime nonstop travel to Europe is available on June 18 to 24, with a round trip costing $820 on Condor Air. Although this fare is “economy light” and checked bags cost extra, Alaska Airlines mileage credit is available for the flight.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Parking Woes
Between now and October, the short-term parking lot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport will only offer half of its usual parking spaces due to construction. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly and consider using the long-term or off-site parking lots. It is recommended that travelers allow extra time to park their cars, or better still, get someone to drop them off at the curb.
