Alaska - America’s Last Frontier

Glaciers thunder, endless mountains fill up the sky, eagles soar, whales breach and the sun shines at midnight.  Listen and you’ll hear the call of the wild.  This vast, untamed land offers a rare sense of freedom.  Adventure beckons and there’s nothing to hold you back.  You’re in sync with nature and reconnected with wonder, venturing to Glacier Bay, Denali National Park and beyond.  This is Alaska as you have always dreamed her, remote, unspoiled and whispering your name.  

A Best of Times & Princess cruisetour - the best way to explore America’s last frontier

They call Alaska “The Great Land”.  And to do it justice requires an adventure to match.  Our incomparable cruise, rail, and land vacation shows you more of this unforgettable place.  We call it a “cruisetour” - a relaxing voyage paired with a land tour into Alaska’s interior.  It’s the only way to see far flung attractions like Glacier Bay and Denali National Park.  With four days on land and seven on sea you’ll experience as much of Alaska’s awe-inspiring scenery as possible.  The majesty of a glacier-clad peak, the calm of an alpine tarn, the rush of an icy stream, and the solace of a pine-scented woodland are closer than you think.

Here's What's Included as part of your Best of Times Travel EXCLUSIVE  Bundle Package:

4-NIGHT LAND TOUR WITH

7-NIGHT VOYAGE OF THE GLACIERS

• Roundtrip Airport Transfers - with hometown pick-up guarantee*

• Roundtriip Airfare from Logan Airport

• 1 Night Anchorage Alaska

• 2 Nights Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

• 1 night Mt. McKinley Princess  Wilderness Lodge

• Tundra Wilderness Tour Denali National Park    

• Princess Rail Service to Whittier

• 7 night cruise on board Sapphire Princess visiting Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan,  Inside Passage, & Vancouver

• On Board Gratuities Pre-Paid, Free Drinks On Board Ship, Free Wi-Fi, On Board Ship Credit

• Best of Times Travel Cocktail Party  

• Services of a Best of Times Professional Tour Manager throughout your trip**  

• Luggage Handling Fees at the Airport

• Driver Gratuities for Airport Transfers

• Optional Chubb Travelers Insurance Program Available.  For More Information on the Insurance Program Click Here. 

** Minimum requirement of 32 paying customers from Best of Times Travel to ensure Tour Manager services throughout the cruise. 

*  Single Group Pick-Up within 30 Miles of Boston Logan Airport.  Non-Group Bookings will be required to travel to the nearest Best of Times Travel or Group Set Pick-Up Location.  Best of Times Travel will notify you of the closest designated pick-up location to where you live approximately 45 days prior to the sailing date.

Learn What A Cruise Tour Is

Explore Alaska with Princess Cruise Lines

Whales - A Princess TV Commercial

An Inside Look at the Princess Sapphire

ALASKA BY LAND.   Gaze in awe at the grandeur of Alaska from our glass-domed Princess railcar en route to our Princess Wilderness Lodgesm at Denali National Park.  Expert commentary by onboard rail guides, tantalizing Alaska cuisine freshly prepared, and friendly service makes each vista come alive.  Princess is the only cruise line with luxury lodges at legendary national parks.  The spectacular riverside locations bring the classic wilderness within reach.

PLENTIFUL WILDLIFE.  The best part of the wilderness is the tranquility that soaks in.  Slow down and wonders will appear.  Crossing paths with moose and caribou, watching Dall sheep perched on cliffs and eagles high in the sky, seeing a brown bear with cubs in tow.  You never know how many sights and sounds wait for you on the trail.

GLACIERS BY THE SEA.  There are places so unique and rare, their natural beauty is everlasting.  Glacier Bay National Park is such a place; proudly featured on our 7 day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.  Our journey also includes the alluring Inside Passage ports of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan and the 16 dramatic glaciers of College Fjord in pristine William Sound.  Sailing from Whittier, 500 miles farther north than other cruises, offers double the scenery and twice the ice.

An evening fire crackles in the huge river rock fireplace.  In the elegant restaurant, Alaskan specialties are being served with a side of dazzling mountain river views.  The open-air cafe offers a lively scene and the expansive deck provides the tranquility of pine-scented air.  Nothing makes an escape to Alaska more complete than the luxury of a Princess wilderness lodge.  There are so many things happening around the lodge - trails for hiking, lakes for kayaking, rivers for fishing or rafting, horses for riding, and helicopters for flightseeing.  And that’s just the short list.  It may not be what you’d expect in the heart of Alaska.  But its just what you’d expect from Best of Times Travel and Princess®.

A magnificent lodge and a setting to match

The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premier place to stay at Denali National Park.  From your very first impression of the spacious Main Lodge with its imposing rock fireplace, cozy seating areas and lower-level shops, you recognize that distinctive quality and style.  A network of lovely landscaped trails connects the resort’s stunning centerpiece with the river-view restaurants, hot tubs and expansive outdoor decks.

LODGE AMENITIES

• Summit Dining Room 

• Music of Denali Theatre

• Base Camp Bistro 

• “Climb Denali” presentation

• Outfitter and Tour Desk 

• Hair, nail & massage salon

• Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub 

• Rapids Restaurant

• Gift Shops 

• Outdoor Hot Tubs

• Fitness Center 

• River Run Deli & Espresso

• Daily shuttle to Denali Visitor Center

Real Alaskan wilderness, true hospitality

The moment you step into the Great Room you know why we chose this location.  Two-story windows frame spectacular view of North America’s tallest peak.  An expansive deck opens up to a panorama of mountains, river and forest.  Inside there’s a massive, free standing rock fireplace, lots of cozy places to read, dine, sip an espresso, watch a movie, and join a hike or a Park Ranger program.  Outside there’s endless wilderness to explore on a choice of optional excursions.

LODGE AMENITIES

• Mountain View Dining Room 

• Outfitter and Tour Desk

• The Grizzly Bar 

• Cub Cafe

• Gift Shops 

• Espresso bars

• 20,320 Alaska Bar & Grill 

• Outdoor hot tubs

• Park Ranger programs 

• Photo Symphony

• Walking trails with botanical loop

Experience nature’s power on awe-inspiring waterways

Thunder doesn’t just come from the sky.  Glaciers creak, rumble and calve explosively with a stupendous roar.  The sound and fury, the icy colors and special effects, and the chance to catch it all on film on board ship, make Alaska the greatest show on earth.

WONDERS OF THE WORLD.  There’s magic in these vast rumbling glaciers.  They hold you enchanted with their massive scale, glowing blue ice and crash of white thunder.  And Alaska’s waterways reveal more of these thrilling Ice Age giants than anywhere else on earth.  Nature’s marvels will live in your memory long after you return home.

WILD KINGDOM.  Feel your heart expand and your spirits soar as you witness this life-altering spectacle of nature from our ship.  Gaze in wonder at bald eagles creating graceful arcs in the impossibly blue sky, and watch for humpback whales, orcas, seals, otters and porpoises at play in the glassy sea.

An onboard world dedicated to your every pleasure

Relax and rediscover those small, leisurely pleasures you never seem to have time for at home.  Here you are, at last...tracing the glorious Alaska coastline on our complete escape.  And you find that the reality exceeds your expectations in every way.  You quickly realize that the crew, from Captain to chef to stateroom steward, is completely devoted to one single goal - making your voyage extraordinary in every way.

On every Princess Alaska cruise, there’s always ample opportunity to sample all the incredible things our ship has to offer.  The sky stays bright longer in Alaska, so there’s plenty of time to take it all in from your stateroom, as relaxation washes over you.

As each glorious day fades into the night, an evening of excitement is just beginning.  Perhaps you’ll begin with a celebratory glass of champagne in a lounge where a pianist is playing your favorite song.  Then it’s off to a dazzling musical production or a date with Lady Luck in the casino.  Romantics might choose a starlit stroll around the Promenade Deck, no other sound but the waves below.  Every evening , the ship is alive with entertaining possibilities.  Whatever your desire our Princess cruise is an unforgettable journey.  

Shining like a precious gemstone in the glassy Alaskan waters is the Sapphire Princess.  Among the wealth of amenities on this modern vessel is a lively Grand Casino, nightclubs like Universe and Explorers Lounge, the relaxing Lotus Spa®, a state-of-the-art fitness center, hot tubs and more.  At dinner, you’ll be tempted by the offerings in specialty restaurants like Sabatini’s, the International Dining Room or other elegant Anytime Diningsm rooms.  Day or night, it’s always and adventure on this incredible ship. 

Decks:  18   

Guests: 2,600

Gross Tonage: 108,977 

Restaurants:  5

Bars & Lounges: 10 

Full Service Casino

Hot Tubs:  6 

Swimming Pools: 3

ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON AND ARE BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY.  IF YOU ARE A SOLO TRAVELER, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU SELECT THE OPTION FOR SOLO TRAVELERS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR STATEROOM.  IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR TRIPLE OR QUAD OCCUPANCY PRICING PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE DIRECTLY.

Staterooms - The Sapphire Princess staterooms are designed with enjoyment in mind.  Each room includes a refrigerator, TV, hair dryer, a personal safe, and plush European-style duvets with luxury 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens.  

Category - Inside Staterooms - Features two twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed.  Other amenities include a refrigerator, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.  Approximately 166 square feet of space.

Category - Balcony Staterooms - This impressive stateroom offers the elegance of a balcony with fine patio furniture.  It offers all the amenities of an oceanview stateroom, including a spacious closet and desk.  Approximately 217 to 248 square feet.

Mini-Suite Staterooms - This impressive stateroom offers the elegance of a balcony with fine patio furniture.  It offers all the amenities of an balcony stateroom but includes extras such as 2 TV’s, walk-in closet, bathroom with tub, and more.  Approximately 323 square feet of space with balcony.

For Full Details Regarding the Optional Chubb Travel Insurance Click Here.

Purchasing your trip on-line incurs bank service fees that are charged at the time of check-out and will also be charged on any installment payments as well.   

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Responsibilities: Best of Times Travel is acting solely as an agent for supplier(s) identified on accompanying documents in selling travel related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this agency. Best of Times Travel is not responsible or liable for breach of contract or any other intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers which result in any delays, missed connections, changes in ports of call, climatic conditions, losses, damages, or additional expenses owning to advertised schedules, change in any service or accommodations, or any other causes beyond our control. Departure/arrival points will try to be satisfied but are not guaranteed. In the event the services and accommodations set forth in this brochure cannot be supplied because of delays or other causes beyond our control, Best of Times Travel will use its best efforts, provided they have received notice of the delay or disruption, to arrange for comparable services and accommodations. Rates and itineraries shown here were in effect at the time of printing and no changes are anticipated; however, Best of Times Travel reserves the right to withdraw any tour or to make any rate changes, as necessary. Prices are subject to change. A deposit and signed application is always required to confirm a reservation. A Deposit of $700pp, plus insurance premium (if selected) is due upon registration to confirm your reservation. Travel Insurance: We recommend your purchase of optional travel insurance. This optional travel insurance is per person and the premium is based on the overall trip cost. Travelers MUST purchase the plan at the time of initial deposit. Coverage will not be in place unless your full Deposit is received. Cancellation schedule and fees are in place regardless of cancellation reason (including, but not limited to, force majeure, health pandemics or government restrictions).  Travel Insurance is Non-Refundable. Payment in full must be received by April 1st, 2025 or this may result in an automatic cancellation. Please note: All cancellations must be made in writing and sent to Best of Times Travel Office or emailed to cancellations@bestoftimestravel.com. The date of cancellation is deemed to be the date received in writing by Best of Times Travel. Cancellation Charges for this event are as follows: Cancellations from date of booking until 4/1/25 have no cancellation fee.  Cancellations from 4/2/25 until 5/5/25 will be assessed a $250 cancellation fee per person. Cancellations from 5/6/25 until 5/27/25 will be assessed a per person cancellation fee of 25% of the total fare.. Cancellations from 5/28/25 until 6/10/25 will be assessed a per person cancellation fee of 50% of the total fare. Cancellations from 6/11/25 until 7/10/25 will be assessed a per person cancellation fee of 75% of the total fare. Cancellations after 7/10/25 will receive no refund, 100% of total fare. Any refund due is based on date of cancellation and the published fares. Best of Times Travel is not responsible for any refunds over and above said amount.

*Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion Waiver has the following stipulations: plan must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment, insured must be medically able to travel at time of purchasing the plan, all pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs need to be insured.  This information is a brief description of the features of this insurance program. Coverage & pricing may vary by state. The provision of this document is for informational purposes only and is not an insurance contract. Coverage is being marketed by Chubb Insurance Solutions Agency, Inc. located at 202 Halls Mills Road, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey 08889. Insurance benefits are underwritten by ACE Property & Casualty Insurance Company located at 436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106.

PASSPORT - A valid government issued passport is required for this trip, and must be valid for 90 days AFTER the date this trip returns.  *BEFORE BOOKING, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU PROVIDE YOUR LEGAL NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH AS THEY APPEAR ON YOUR PASSPORT.  Errors in passenger information can result in your being denied boarding privileges. 

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS - Guests will be notified by Best of Times Travel of any changes to requirements or mandates that take place prior to our trip departure date.   Best of Times Travel is not responsible for guests being denied boarding due to their inability to meet required mandates to sail.    

Here are some important details regarding the finalization of  your cruise booking once it is completed:  

Official Cruise Booking - Once you have made your booking with Best of Times Travel on-line through this site you will receive an email notification that your reservation has been placed and payment received.  This is NOT your official booking information with the cruise line.  Shortly after your booking you will receive a secondary email directly from Best of Times Travel Office with your official Cruise Registration Number and Cabin Number for the Cruise.  Any customers receiving a confirmation from our office with a Cabin Number that begins with a "GTY" means that your are guaranteed that cabin category or better on the ship.  It means the ship is getting full and the cruise line would only guarantee you that category or better.  If Best of Times Travel is unable to confirm your reservation with the Cruise Line you will be notified as such and a full refund of payments made upon registration will be issued.

Travel Insurance – If you have chosen the optional Chubb Travel Protection program, please print off a copy of the brochure for your records.  This has important information on it regarding coverage and services provided by the insurance program.

Final Payment – Please note that final payment is due into our offices no later than April 1st, 2025.  Please note that our on-line booking system is set up with automated installment payments on your account instead of making one lump sum payment at the end.  If you do not wish to be on the automated installment plan, please email our office at rtreat@bestoftimestravel.com and we will stop the automated payment plan.  You will be notified via email closer to the final payment time that your balance is due.  Please be reminded that failure to submit final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation and subsequent cancellation fees.

Online Check in Form – Please note that Princess Cruise Lines & U.S. and International Customs Authorities require accurate completion of the Online Check in Form. Please complete this form at least 45 days prior to trip departure. To complete the registration process CLICK HERE TO BEGIN.   For customers that have sailed with Princess before “LOG IN” for those that have not "REGISTER".  Follow the prompts from there to complete the registration. You will need your reservation/booking #, which will be emailed to you from our office once a cabin has been assigned.   You will need to provide Princess Cruise Lines your passport information as well as other pertinent personal information.  Once you have logged into your account and have provided the necessary guest information you will be able to Manage Your Cruise & Access the MedallionClass App.

Best of Times Travel can’t be held responsible for information submitted incorrectly that results in denial of boarding the ship. 

Final Documents - Please note that all final details regarding the program will be shared from Best of Times Travel to you approximately 3 weeks prior to the sailing date.   In the meantime if you have any questions or concerns regarding your booking please feel free to contact our office via email or you may call us at 603-554-8901.

Warmest Regards,

Best of Times Travel