Transportation

[mtd]

This is my first Alaskan cruise--If you don't use Carnival to schedule flights and/or hotels will they provide transportation from the airport to the ship n Whittier?

[f-mattox]

Yes, you can purchase transfers even if you don't book air with the cruise line. You need to provide them with your flight information in writing 45 days (I think) prior to your trip.

[mtd]

Is it better and cheaper to do it thru Carnival or on my own?

[f-mattox]

It is usually less expensive to arrange your own transfers; however, there is a certain peace of mind that comes with booking through the cruise line.

If you research carefully and allow yourself plenty of time you should be o.k. doing it yourself.

[LHP]

We booked our own air because we had free points (for 4 people) and we booked our own hotel (free points) in Anchorage.

We used Carnival's bus transfer from Anchorage to Whittier. It was 1 1/2 hour ride and it was a nice ride. I think (if I am remembering correctly) it was $45.00 a person.

Lots of people take the train from Anchorage to Whittier...you book that on your own. They say it is a beautiful, relaxing ride.

One of those two would be my recommendation.

The Carnival bus picks up at the Egan Convention Center by the Hilton there in Anchorage.

[TrvlPro]

Be sure you leave plenty of time between your flight arrival and the ship's check-in time. By the time you land, get baggage, wait on the transfer to be loaded and travel time (up to 2 hours) you've used up a big portion of the day.

Planning is everything with a one way Alaska sailing. You can check with CCL or your T/A to get recommended flight arival times. I alwats a 1 hour to the recommendation, you never know.

Cheers, Neil