If your Alaska cruise embarks or disembarks in Seward, you will need a transfer to or from Anchorage, which is 127 miles away. Cruise passengers can choose either a 3-hour bus transfer or a 4.5-hour ride on the Grandview Train of the Alaska Railroad. The train runs directly between the Anchorage airport and the cruise pier in Seward.

The train fare is about 40 to 50 percent more than the bus, but the wilderness train route is more scenic and relaxing, passing by picturesque glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and mountains. In addition, the road is very busy in the summer and circles around the mountains, so you won't get as close to the glaciers.

These photos were taken from the Grandview train on our way to meet the Seven Seas Mariner in Seward.
Alaska Railroad Grandview Train - Anchorage to Seward on the Alaska Railroad

Alaska Grandview Train Photo (c) Linda Garrison

Notable journeys don't have to be far from home. Cruise West (www.cruisewest.com) offers domestic departures from five cities in three western states. As travelers look to make the most of fewer vacation days, Cruise West's domestic departures ensure guests find memory-rich trips right in their own backyards. Itineraries with domestic departures include the San Juan Islands & British Columbia from Seattle, WA; three itineraries on the Columbia & Snake Rivers traveling roundtrip from Portland, OR; and five Alaska voyages from Juneau, Ketchikan or Anchorage, AK.

Cruise West has operated tours and cruises in Alaska for 63 years. Ronnie and I sailed the Inside Passage of Alaska on Cruise West's Spirit of Yorktown in August 2007 and had a marvelous voyage, filled with wildlife and spectacular scenery. In 2009, the company will offer five ships, seven itineraries and 120 Alaska departures ranging from four to 25 days. Cruise West's Alaska itineraries ensure passengers see a less-visited, undiscovered Alaska. Alaska cruises operate May through early September. Prices start at $1,149 per person, double occupancy for the four-day Glaciers of Prince William Sound. Passengers who book and pay in full by February 27, 2009 will save up to $550. A passport is required to participate on all cruises onboard the Spirit of Oceanus.

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I'm cruising in South Africa this week on the Silversea Silver Wind so I thought I'd include a photo of one of her sister ships, the Silver Shadow, at anchor off Nafplio, Greece, as my photo of the week.

Silversea Silver Shadow Photo (c) Linda Garrison

Princess Cruises launched its newest ship, the Ruby Princess, in November 2008. I attended the Ruby Princess christening ceremony, and stayed onboard for a two-night preview cruise. Although the Ruby Princess is almost identical to her two sisters, the Emerald Princess and the Crown Princess, she has a few new features that cruisers will enjoy.

This profile has information on these new features and includes links to almost 100 photos of the new ship.
Princess Cruises' Newest Ship the Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess Photo (c) Linda Garrison