The Luxury Resort You Must Stay at on the Big Island of Hawaii
January 28, 2026
Boyne Mountain
April 2, 2026Table of contents
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Introduction
Alaska is a land of striking contrasts—rugged, untamed wilderness paired with moments of unexpected elegance. What many travelers don’t realize is that Alaska really offers two entirely different landscapes: the dramatic, coastal fjords reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest, and the vast, open interior that feels more like the great central plains—just with moose, glaciers, and Denali looming in the distance.
To truly experience this beautiful dichotomy, I highly recommend a two-week Alaska land and sea adventure. Spend one week exploring the Alaskan interior by car, followed by a second week cruising along the coastline. This approach delivers the most comprehensive—and luxurious—Alaska experience possible.
Week One:
Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
Fly into Anchorage, pick up your rental car, and begin your journey clockwise on Route 3 toward Fairbanks via Denali National Park. Because of our flight arrival time, we spent the first night in Anchorage.
We stayed at the Downtown Anchorage Marriott, which was perfectly located—especially for dinner at the iconic Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill. Do yourself a favor: make reservations and request a window seat. This is elevated Alaskan seafood done right, with sweeping views and impeccable service. We loved it so much, we returned again on our final night in Anchorage before boarding the cruise.
Day 2: Anchorage to Denali National Park
Depart Anchorage on Route 3 and make a stop in Talkeetna, an off-the-grid, quirky little town with strong hippie vibes. You’ll find tent-side souvenir shopping, eccentric locals, and yes—possibly some questionable-smelling rolled cigarettes.
For a more refined experience, continue on to the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s absolutely worth stopping for lunch on the expansive deck. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of Mount Denali herself—the undeniable star of the show.
If your schedule allows for a slower pace, Talkeetna is a charming overnight stop. If not, continue on to your evening destination: the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, perched above the rushing Nenana River. Holland America also operates a nearby lodge, which is a great backup if the Princess property is booked.
Day 3: Denali National Park Bus Tour (A Must-Do)
Private vehicles are only allowed to drive the first 15 miles of the 92-mile road into Denali National Park, so beyond that point you’ll need to either hike—or take one of the park’s interior buses. I strongly recommend booking the longest bus tour that goes all the way to the end of the road.
We were picked up directly from the Princess Lodge and driven deep into the park. Be prepared for wildly variable weather. We visited during the first week of September and experienced several inches of snowfall—our tour was even delayed while the road was plowed.
Pack layers. In summer, temperatures can be pleasant, but the mosquitoes are absolutely relentless—bug spray is non-negotiable in July and August.
I won’t sugarcoat it: a long day on a school bus in freezing temperatures doesn’t scream “luxury.” But it does grant access to a part of the United States that very few travelers ever see. The guide’s commentary added invaluable context, and the wildlife sightings were unforgettable—grizzly bears walking alongside the road, Dall sheep scaling cliffs, and a massive bull moose casually blocking traffic as he tracked his mate.
Despite the length, this Denali experience is an absolute must.
Day 4: Denali to Fairbanks
Continue driving north through spectacular wilderness toward Fairbanks, the closest thing interior Alaska has to a metropolis. From here, you can opt for an Arctic Circle excursion—though this will add significant time.
We spent the day driving, stopped at the HooDoo Brewing Company for drinks, and enjoyed dinner at a beloved local Thai restaurant, Lemongrass (yes, excellent Thai food exists in Alaska).
That night, we attempted to spot the Northern Lights. Even in September, the sun didn’t fully set until after 11 p.m. We drove north of Fairbanks for better visibility, only to discover—somewhat hilariously—that the view from our hotel parking lot was just as good. While the aurora was faint, the experience was still memorable.
Day 6: Glass-Domed Train to Seward
Spend your final land night at your designated cruise hotel and use the cruise-provided transportation to Seward, where ships depart. You’ll have two options: a motor coach or a glass-domed scenic train.
This is not a decision. Take the train.
A motor coach transfers you to the depot, where you board your train car—complete with a bartender-guide offering drinks and fascinating commentary throughout the journey. The views are stunning and serve as the perfect transition from inland wilderness to coastal fjords.
The train pulls directly up to the docks, delivering you steps away from your awaiting cruise ship. It’s seamless, elegant, and unforgettable.
Week Two:
I recommend a 7-night Alaska cruise departing from Seward and sailing south to either Vancouver or Seattle. Sailing into Seattle through Puget Sound is particularly beautiful, but both endpoints are excellent.
As for cruise lines, I’ve personally sailed Alaska with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, both solid options. Princess Cruises, however, essentially pioneered Alaskan cruising and offers deep regional expertise.
Whichever line you choose, I strongly suggest booking a suite for the ultimate luxury cruise experience.
I’ll be sharing a more detailed post in the future covering Alaska cruise ports and excursions, but one thing to note: many ports have lost their original charm, replaced by cruise-owned shops and predictable jewelry stores. Still, there are some truly unique excursions—glaciers, wildlife, helicopters—that are hard to pass up.
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Final Thoughts
I have loved every trip I’ve taken to Alaska, but this two-week Alaska land and sea itinerary was hands-down my favorite. If you have the time, driving the interior and then cruising the coast provides the richest, most well-rounded experience of the state.
One important note: I highly recommend doing this trip without young children. We traveled before having kids, and in hindsight, there’s no way they would have tolerated the long drives or the marathon Denali bus tour.
