We’re thrilled to have booked a balcony room on the Coral Princess for our honeymoon next June! It’s our first cruise, and we’re all about an outdoorsy, active vacation. The plan is to spend a few days in Vancouver before heading Northbound, ending the trip in Denali.
We found a tour that stays at just one lodge (Denali Princess Lodge) for 3 nights, which seemed ideal since we wouldn’t have to pack and move during our stay. But after reading the reviews, I’m a bit shocked—they’re terrible! We’re not overly picky and are still fairly young, but I really don’t want to end our honeymoon at a place with consistently bad feedback. It’s not just one or two people; I saw 10-12 negative reviews!
Does anyone have any insight or experience with this lodge? I’m considering canceling the land portion and spending more time in Vancouver before the cruise
There aren’t nearly as many hotels in Alaska as there are in the lower 48 states, or even much of the western globe.) There were some really shady rooms we slept in; one even had water that was stained rust from the faucets. It’s also important to note that there are hotels only in a limited region of Denali’s village, and getting to another town requires a lengthy trip.
I can’t speak to the quality of the accommodations at the Princess lodge, but we did explore the grounds, lodge, shops, and restaurants while we stayed next door at the McKinley Lodge (Holland America’s) in June. Everything appeared to be rather pleasant. You’re directly outside Denali’s entrance, and there are stores and eateries across the street. You won’t be let down, in my opinion. I’ve noticed negative ratings for several destinations because of unfavorable weather or delayed buses.
Your desire for a “active vacation” leads me to believe that you are younger than the typical passenger on a Princess Alaskan cruise. I’ve discovered that other Princess travelers have high expectations for luxury; Alaska is a wild place with plenty of sparkle and glamour. Having said that, it’s possible that some assessments come from those who had high expectations for Alaska.You will be alright; this isn’t the Ritz. Take pleasure in and enjoy yourself!
As previously mentioned, don’t expect Alaskan hotels to be on par with other types. Last summer, we spent a night at the McKinley Lodge in a room that looked right out of 1989 (it wasn’t a cruise). It’s comparable to a two-star hotel accommodation, and you won’t be sorry. However, the property’s most recent structures are only accessible by cruise passengers.
There’s really no reason to stay in the room because of how breathtakingly lovely the outdoor areas are. There are small businesses with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a massive fire pit.
Pro tip: the bus tour of Denali was incredible, the gold star train journey from Anchorage is incredible, and the Serbian restaurant is fantastic and well worth a visit.
I just did a brief perusal of the reviews and while some had legitimate issues, it seems like a lot of the reviews were from people who really had quite high expectations from people who have never stayed in state or national park lodges or in places near national parks. For the most part, they typically quite basic, but people aren’t there to enjoy the rooms. FWIW, I had friends who did a Princess cruise with their kids last year as an active vacation and they were able to set up their own hikes with no issue and said they had a wonderful time. They did not do the land based cruise tour afterward but I have heard good things from people who did them in the past.
We visited three months ago, and while it is not a five star resort and is rather dated, it is clean, well-maintained, and has excellent staff and service. Go forth and explore; perhaps, you will spend more time outside than inside the hotel.
Unlike the lower states, Alaska is unique. Things are a little more rustic, and visitors anticipate fully furnished, recently renovated accommodations. That’s not how Alaska is. I’ve found most places to be significantly older, yet clean. Expecting something brand-new and sparkling when you go in will let you down. The staff members there struck me as being more grounded and realistic than the “bend over backwards for any stupid thing” types, like the woman who screamed at the front desk when her room service didn’t clean her room in the exact hour she requested or because the coffee was the wrong brand.
It was amazing that we spent three nights at Kenai Princess Lodge. Wonderful! We spent one night at McKinley and were not at all impressed, but we also had nothing negative to say. A true gem is the Kenai Lodge. The remaining ones are all more than suitable.
Though our party thought that Glacier National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park were more impressive, Denali is nonetheless a good national park despite being greatly touted.
Like all parks, these nearby hotels, resorts, and other amenities are of very low quality. Resources may be scarce because nobody travels there for the resort experience because it is so far away.
Having said that, everything is OK. It’s the vistas, not the bed, that draw you in.
Keep in mind that Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most breathtaking locations I have ever seen and is not overrated! Despite my six cruises through Alaska, I have never grown tired of it:) I am very excited to return!
The HAL hut, which is adjacent to the Princess Hotel, is where we stayed. The setting is GORGEOUS. With the backdrop of the mountain peaks, you are indeed in Denali. There’s a wonderful shopping centre across the street. While the setting may not be five stars, the lodging certainly is.
Please DO NOT omit the section about Denali. Our favorite was that. Suggestions: Have dinner at Mouse Aka’s! The NWA company goes white water rafting Afternoon trek and snap tons of pictures at Black Bear!
Last year, my folks spent time there. They were let down, but they aren’t whiners or people with high standards. Both the meal and the service they received were subpar. Although they thought the vacation was enjoyable, they didn’t think it was worth the price they paid.
That’s one of the reasons I wanted to spend a few days in Vancouver after finishing the land tour. The simple lodgings in Alaska are OK with me, but I would want to end my trip in a large city with more options.
It’s our first cruise, and we’re all about an outdoorsy, active vacation. 
The plan is to spend a few days in Vancouver before heading Northbound, ending the trip in Denali. 
But after reading the reviews, I’m a bit shocked—they’re terrible! 
We’re not overly picky and are still fairly young, but I really don’t want to end our honeymoon at a place with consistently bad feedback. 
It’s not just one or two people; I saw 10-12 negative reviews! 
I’m considering canceling the land portion and spending more time in Vancouver before the cruise