We're flying into Anchorage and taking the train to Seward to board Mariner. We won't get to Seward until 4pm or so as I understand it. Is there a handy place there to buy diapers and other baby essentials we don't want to schlep from Missouri, or should we get them in Anchorage prior to getting on the train? We have RSSC transfers, so we shouldn't have to cope with luggage (I hope! tell me if I'm wrong...)

Also - we're looking at Captain Larry in Juneau and were thinking the sunset cruise might be nice. I've heard great things about his service, just wondering if anyone had experience with an evening excursion.

Thanks!

You can walk from the Seward Train Station to the Dock (since we did it with luggage (the other way around) I know it would be cake without(except it sounds like you might have a stroller ;) )). The area between the Station and the dock is all industrial (as I recall). The town of Seward starts about 2 blocks in another direction. You could walk into town but (depending on when ship leaves) you might be better off buying in Anchorage. I'm betting the price might be better, too :) .
Greg

You can walk from the Seward Train Station to the Dock (since we did it with luggage (the other way around) I know it would be cake without(except it sounds like you might have a stroller ;) )). The area between the Station and the dock is all industrial (as I recall). The town of Seward starts about 2 blocks in another direction. You could walk into town but (depending on when ship leaves) you might be better off buying in Anchorage. I'm betting the price might be better, too :) .
Greg

Sue,

We took Capt. Larry's excursion; however, it was a mid afternoon excursion. We had a great time. He is quite a colorful character.

I hope you enjoy your trip. Alaska is magnificent!

I have a related question. On the morning of our cruise in June, we are taking the Alaskan railroad from a conference resort in Girdwood down to Seward. (We will be at a conference for 4 days before the cruise starts.) We arrive in Seward around noon. Our cruise is scheduled to leave around 6.

What time do you think we will be able to board the Mariner? Can we leave our luggage at the dock with Radisson if they won't let us board right away? That way we can go and get some lunch in Seward without dragging our luggage with us. Just wondering what to do for a couple hours until they let us board.

Thanks,

Ginny

They will probably let you board and if not I am sure they will take your luggage. Noon is just about the earliest this will happen but it will probably work out just fine.

A good way to spend sometime in Seward is at the Alaskan Sea Life Center. http://www.alaskasealife.org/

Seward is a small town. On foot, i didn't see many places to shop, so i am thinking you might want to stock up in Anchorage.

Anyone looking for a way to spend a day in Seward might want to check out Kenai Fjords Tours. i've gone on a couple full day tours with them and been very pleased.

Happy Travels! ~ Splish

Well - Captain Larry has been nixed. Dad loves the drinks/dinner routine that he doesn't want to be away from Compass Rose.....as big a wildlife person as he is that is saying something for the food he's enjoyed on Radisson so far!

Thanks for all the info - we'll stock up on diaper and other essentials in Anchorage. Any other recommendations are appreciated!

Anchorage has Fred Meyer, Costco, Sam's. And no sales tax. Freddie's is a combo Target and grocery store. How much time will you have in Anchorage?

We arrive around 2PM and stay overnight. I think the train leaves around noon the next day.

You'll have plenty of time for shopping, then.

If you're staying downtown, take a taxi to Carrs grocery store on Gambell.

If you are near the airport, Fred Meyer on Dimond, Costco on Dimond, or Carrs Jewel Lake.

Carrs is a combo grocery store / drug store. Founded by Larry Carr way back when Bob was little. Got bought out by Safeway, but kept the Carrs name. The one on Jewel Lake is about a block wide. And it isn't the biggest one. It carries some clothing, food, books, housewares, and a full range of drug store items, including pharmacy.

My father-in-law helped Larry Carr open Foodland Shopping Circle in Fairbanks in the early 60's.

For eating, the brew pub is nice. At 5th and F. We love Simon and Seaforts, overlooking the Inlet. Both a bit pricy with kids.

Lucky Wishbone is the old local burger and chicken joint, at 5th about Karluk. Been there since the 50s. Or Gwennies on Spenard Road, not far from the airport. There are a couple of salmon bake places, but I don't know which one is best right now.

Downtown should be lovely with the hanging baskets and old-time light poles. There is a park area between 5th and 6th with bricks donated by locals.

Gotta stop, I'm getting very homesick.

We were looking at the Crows Nest for dinner - at the top of the Captain Cook. Should we change? Since we only have one night I'd hate to pick the wrong place. Staying at the Hilton, so shopping looks close. Probably pick up some beer along with the diapers - that will get some weird looks.....

Any other "must see" items in the limited amount of time we're there?

Crow's Nest was one of only two places that required a jacket/tie when we lived in ANC. Fabulous views.
Haven't eaten there in years, but don't think it's changed much.

The Anc Museum of History and Art is great. Be sure to see the diorama and the pioneer's cabin on the second floor. It's walking distance. The hotel is at 3rd and E, the musuem at 7th and A.

The Native association has a place called TAHEETA, which stands for all the Native cultures, Tlinget,
Athabascan, Haida, etc etc that is supposed to be good. Can't remember where it is, maybe 5th or 6th and A??? Not far.

Go to the Log Cabin as soon as you can. It's between 4th and 5th on F, the Visitors' bureau info place. Two blocks from the Hilton. Lots of info.

Check this out before you leave. http://www.anchorage.net/

The closest decent grocery/drug store to the Hilton will be the Carrs Eastgate, 13th and Gambell. Cheap taxi ride. Load up on all your sundries there. Still no sales tax.

We're off Mon to NYC, board Navigator on Wed.

Don't hesitate to contact us after June 3 if you need more info.

Believe it or not, I had dinner at the Crow's Nest in 1968!!! At that time it was the tallest building in Anchorage. For many years it was the most memorable meal of my life. Of course that was with my then-girlfriend who did not end up becoming my wife, so I've replaced that most-memorable meal with a few I've had during my 31 years of marriage. Seems like the PC thing to do.

When we cruised Alaska in 2000 (I think), we toured a Native American museum that was really excellent. They had live craft demos and all sorts of fascinating stuff. Also, the native art shops, particularly in the Captain Cook, were amazing and I spent a lot of time there.

Also, there is a "park" commemorating the 1964 earthquake. It is truly worth a visit if you have time. As I recall, there is a house that fell into a crack that you can see.

Sue,

I am not sure when you are leaving for Alaska, but we were in Anchorage for 2 days before our cruise about 2 weeks ago.

When I called the Crow's Nest, she said it was more of a continental menu and a jacket was required. (I think.) Sounded very nice. We ended up going to the Marx Brother's Cafe which is in an old little home in downtown. Food was excellent. Dress was dressy casual. Not a super fancy place, though. Also, the bathrooms were up on the second floor - no elevator. No views or anything, and the tables are very close together. So perhaps the Crow's Nest would have a nicer atmosphere. The views are supposed to be very good from there also.

We also ate at the Glacier Brewhouse which is more of a casual place with tall beamed ceiling. It could get loud because it is very open. The food was excellent there, also.

Have fun!

Ginny

Thanks! I've been reading all your posts and printing away - I can't wait! Crows Nest is casual according to AmEx - thanks for the info on jackets. We're suckers for a restaurant with a view.....

We stayed at Captain Cook Hotel after our alaskan cruise July 2003. We loved the large room on concierge level with a wonderful hospitality suite. we fell in love with the views. Ate dinner at Crow's Nest, just the view is worth it since unfortunately our experience with the food was not up to par. Of course we had just disembarked from the Radisson so we were defintely holding the restaurant to a very high standard. perhaps if we'd eaten there before cruising it would have been better or maybe the chef was having a bad day.

For great food with a view, if you don't want to be as dressy as the Crow's Nest, try Simon and Seafort's, which is famous for their view and their prime rib and seafood.

Marx Brothers is great, but cramped. Had dinner at the Glacier Brew Pub a few years ago, it was equal to Simon's, but no view. Don't know if The Top of the World, on top of the Hilton, is open to the public or not. At one time it wasn't.

Don't think you can go wrong with any of those choices.

Enjoy!