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No other place is quite like Alaska, and while cruising the ports along the south-eastern coast is an amazing experience, combining your cruise with a land tour is the ultimate way to experience "The Last Frontier". With a cruise tour, you spend several nights in luxurious hotels in some of Alaska's most desirable and majestic destinations, like Denali National Park, and combine that with a cruise either before or after the land portion of your trip. It's the best way to see the widest variety of what Alaska has to offer!
When selecting a cruise line to do a cruise tour of Alaska, I immediately think of Princess. Not only do they have varying kinds and lengths of tours to choose from, but they also bring their luxurious accommodations onto land in their exclusive Princess hotels. With such a wide variety of itineraries to choose from, you are bound to find a cruise tour that offers exactly what you are looking for on your dream Alaskan vacation.
I will delve further into the different types of cruise tours at a future time, but today I want to focus on Princess' Meal Plan program and what exactly is included. Depending on the length of your cruise tour, you will be given the offer to pre-pay for a meal plan that coincides with the number of days of your trip. The meal plans range in price from $229 to $799 depending on the number and types of meals included. The vouchers are assigned to you by the type of tour you are taking. You do not get to choose the restaurant vouchers, but below is a selection of restaurants that might be included. For this review, we will be focusing on the meal plan that includes 11 meal vouchers (6 breakfasts, and 5 dinners). As of today, this particular meal plan option is $519 per person, which also includes 15% gratuity and all taxes, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the bill at the end.
Here is a breakdown of what you get for each meal voucher:
Breakfasts include: Choice of entrée; choice of coffee, tea, milk, or juice.
Lunches include: Choice of appetizer or soup or salad or dessert; choice of entrée; choice of coffee, tea, or soft drink. (alcoholic beverages not included)
Dinners include: Choice of appetizer or soup or salad; choice of entrée; dessert; choice of coffee, tea, or soft drink (alcoholic beverages not included)
Princess has 5 hotels located around Alaska with different restaurants at each location, so there is a variety of cuisines to choose from and to be enjoyed. Let's break down each location by looking at the sample menus and pricing as of today (menu items and prices are subject to change). I will list the "low-end price" for each meal, that is if you were to order the lowest-priced menu items included in the meal voucher, and the "high-end price" for each meal if you were to order the highest-priced menu items that would be included in the voucher. At times when desserts or drinks are not listed, I will use an estimated price. Then we can look at averages.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Lynx Creek Pizza and Pub - Known as the locals' favorite, Lynx Creek is the best place to stop and grab a pie and a beer. Serving specialty pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and ice cream until late in the evening. Enjoy your time spent in this Alaskan log cabin, or call and have it delivered to your room.
Hours
Pizza Parlor: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
*Food not served past 11 p.m.
Restaurant Hours may vary based on day of week. This is an example of general hours for Lynx Creek Pizza & Pub. Check with Guest Service Desk for exact hours upon arrival.
Price Range
Dinner: Low end: $18.50
Dinner: High end: $53
Sample Menu:
King Salmon Restaurant - Fresh Alaskan seafood is the star in this venue. Denali National Park is the backdrop for this exceptional restaurant that you're sure to remember. Your taste buds will be dazzled with items such as king crab legs, our flavorful prime rib, Alaskan halibut, and of course a variety of wild Alaskan salmon dishes.
Hours
Breakfast: 6 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at King Salmon Restaurant.
Price Range
Breakfast: Low end: $11
Breakfast: High end: $30
Dinner: Low end: $40
Dinner: High end: $86
Sample Menus:
Fannie Qs - Named for Fannie Quigley, a famous Alaskan prospector, trapper, and cook, Fannie Q’s Saloon features locally inspired dishes in a modern saloon setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Fannie Q’s Saloon will offer indoor and outdoor seating and live entertainment. Menu offerings will include authentic, home-grown dishes, such as Bison Sliders, Braised Pork Shoulder, and a dish Fannie Quigley was known for – Bear-Lard Pie.
Hours
Breakfast Buffet: 5 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Lunch & Dinner: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at Fannie Q’s Saloon.
Price Range
Breakfast Buffet: Adults: $23
Dinner: Low end: $36
Dinner: High end: $63
Sample Menu:
Grizzly Bar and Grill - Located next to King Salmon Restaurant. Grizzly Bar & Grill features burgers, Alaska fish and chips, soup, sandwiches, seafood nachos, and hand-tossed salads served inside or out on the river view deck.
Hours
2 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Restaurant Hours may change based on day of week. This is an example of general hours for Grizzly Bar & Grill. Check with front desk upon arrival for exact hours. Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
River Run Espresso - River Run Espresso is located on the lower level of the Main Lodge where you'll find quick service items including specialty coffee beverages, pastries, and ice cream.
Hours
5 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at River Run Espresso.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Rapids Morning Express & Bar - Located inside the Great Room near guest buildings A & B. Enjoy a morning coffee and fresh baked goods or a glass of wine.
Hours
Rapids Morning Express: 5 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Rapids Bar: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Music of Denali Dinner Theater - Kick back and laugh after a full day of sightseeing by joining in on this evening-long jaunt to a family-style roadhouse to see a side-splitting musical comedy about the first men to reach the summit of Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley).
Hours
Shows nightly at 5:15 pm and 7:45 pm
The evening begins with a family-style dinner featuring
Alaskan salmon
Smokehouse BBQ
Hearty mashed potatoes
House-baked apple crisps for dessert
Come hungry because this delicious spread is all-you-can-eat
While feasting on this savory meal, enjoy wonderful performances by a talented group of musicians and singers who hit all the right notes with lively songs and heartfelt sounds.
After dinner, unwind over a cup of complimentary coffee or tea or, if the mood suits, soda, beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Sourdough Breakfast Buffet - Make a quick stop at the Music of Denali Theater where you can feast on an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet featuring Alaskan sourdough French toast, scrambled eggs, cheesy gold miner potatoes, fresh biscuits & gravy, and Alaskan reindeer sausage.
Hours
Breakfast: 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. (served in the Music of Denali Theater)
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
20,320 Alaskan Grill - Experience 20,320 Alaskan Grill - named for the height of Denali and decorated in mountain-climbing decor with artifacts from actual Denali ascents. Choose from a list of appetizers and entrees that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Hours
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Lunch & Dinner 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be at 20,320 Alaskan Grill
Price Range
Breakfast: Low end: $12
Breakfast: High end: $19
Dinner: Low end: $29
Dinner: High end: $73
Sample Menus:
Base Camp Bar - Whether enjoying a frosty beverage on our spacious deck or sampling one of our specialty drink combinations inside, Base Camp Bar's relaxing atmosphere is a great place to gather with friends and family. Our extensive wine list will make choosing that perfect bottle of wine or champagne stress-free. And be sure to make a selection from our list of fine Alaskan-brewed beers.
Hours
Lunch & Dinner: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be at Base Camp Bar.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
North Fork Restaurant - The great view and sophisticated atmosphere of the North Fork Restaurant are rivaled only by the delicious Alaskan cuisine and attentive, personalized service found within. Enjoy succulent Alaskan seafood, mouth-watering steaks, and creative pasta dishes. And don't forget to browse our decadent dessert selections!
Hours
Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be.
Price Range
Breakfast: Low end: $12
Breakfast: High end: $21
Dinner: Low end: $48
Dinner: High end: $79
Sample Menus:
Coffee Bruin Espresso - Specialty coffees, pastries, and snacks are served quickly for fueling up when you're on the go.
Hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. *Close depends on business
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge
Whistle Stop Bar & Grill - In addition to a menu full of favorites, the Whistle Stop features wine, cocktails, blended drinks, and many Alaska-brewed beers. Join us for indoor seating or enjoy beautiful views from our spacious patio.
Hours
11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be at Whistle Stop Bar & Grill.
Price Range
Dinner: Low end: $28
Dinner: High end: $59.50
Sample Menu:
Two Rivers Restaurant - At Two Rivers Restaurant, you'll find an elegant dining room with mountain and valley views, the perfect complement to the freshest seafood and top-notch preparation.
Hours
Breakfast: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at Two Rivers Restaurant.
Price Range
Breakfast: Low end: $11
Breakfast: High end: $20
Dinner: Low end: $41
Dinner: High end: $84
Sample Menus:
Dragonfly Espresso - Specialty coffees, pastries, and snacks are served quickly for fueling up when you're on the go.
Hours
5:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge
Rafter's Lounge - In Rafter's Lounge, enjoy a quiet cocktail or one of our fine Alaskan microbrews on tap. An excellent menu of appetizers, sandwiches, and salads is available. Have your drink on the deck overlooking the spectacular scenery.
Hours
Open 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
Bar menu avail. 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be at Rafter's Lounge.
Price Range
Dinner: Low end: $26
Dinner: High end: $55
Sample Menu:
Rod & Reel Restaurant - Enjoy the elegant atmosphere and fine cuisine of the Eagles Crest Dining Room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Enjoy a bottle or glass of excellent domestic or imported wine from our wine cellar.
Hours
Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Cocktails: 4 p.m - 10 p.m.
Restaurant hours frequently change. This is an example of what the hours might be at Rod & Reel Restaurant
Price Range
Breakfast: Low end: $12
Breakfast: High end: $20
Dinner: Low end: $36
Dinner: High end: $82
Sample Menus:
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge
Riverview Deck (weather permitting) - Enjoy the serene view of the Chena River on a stroll out to the Riverview Deck of the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Sip your favorite beverage and select from a menu of tantalizing treats while relaxing at the river's edge.
Hours
Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm
Dinner: 5 pm - 10 pm
Restaurant hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at the Riverview Deck.
Price Range
Dinner: Low end: $27
Dinner: High end: $41
Sample Menu:
Trackers Bar & Grill - Trackers Bar & Grill has a casual atmosphere with tasty cuisine, featuring wild Alaska seafood, great burgers, and sandwiches. Cozy up to the bar with our signature cocktails, Alaskan beers, or a world-class wine menu.
Hours
Lunch & Dinner: 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Cocktails: 10:30 a.m. - Midnight
Restaurant Hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at Trackers Bar & Grill.
Price Range
Dinner: Low end: $42
Dinner: High end: $79
Sample Menus:
Edgewater Dining Room - Overlooking the Chena River, join us for a quick and easy breakfast buffet featuring cook-to-order omelets and egg station. The dinner menu is rounded out with comfort food or try one of our signature entrees. (May-Sept)
Hours
Breakfast 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Restaurant hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at the Edgewater Dining Room.
Price Range
Breakfast: Sample Menu (not provided)
Dinner: Low end: $35
Dinner: High end: $68
Sample Menu:
Seasons Gifts & Coffee House - Seasons Gifts & Coffee House offers a variety of snacks and your favorite espresso beverage in addition to a fine selection of made-in-Alaska items.
Hours
5:30 am - 9 pm
Restaurant hours frequently change. This is an example of what you can expect the hours to be at the Seasons Gifts & Coffee House.
Price Range
Sample Menu (not provided)
That is quite a delicious-looking selection of places to eat! It's also great how conveniently located the restaurants are to the hotels for those with mobility limitations. Looking at pricing to see if it is worth purchasing a pre-paid meal plan is going to be a bit subjective depending on what you order.
For breakfast, assuming you get an entree and beverage, the "low-end" breakfast choices, like fresh fruit cups or steel-cut oats, ranged from $11- $23 and averaged $13.50. The "high-end" breakfast choices, like Alaskan Crab Newburg Omelets, ranged from $19 - $30 and averaged $22.17.
For dinner, assuming you get an appetizer or soup or salad, entree, dessert, and beverage, the "low-end" dinner choices, with entrées like the two-piece fish and chips, ranged from $18.50 - $48 and averaged $33.88. The "high-end" dinner choices, with entrées like the Bering Sea Crab Trio, ranged from $41 - $86 and averaged $68.54.
Considering the original meal plan we are using for our example, it includes 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, plus all taxes and 15% gratuity.
If a person were to stick to only the lowest-priced menu items for breakfast and dinner using the average price among the menus provided:
(6 breakfasts x $13.50)+(5 dinners x $33.88)= $250.40
Which would come to $287.96 after a 15% gratuity is added.
If a person were to stick to only the highest-priced menu items for breakfast and dinner using the average price among the menus provided:
(6 breakfasts x $22.17)+(5 dinners x $68.54)= $475.72
Which would come to $547.08 after 15% gratuity is added.
To review, the meal plan we are looking at costs $519 per person and includes the gratuities, and because there is no state sales tax in Alaska we won't worry about it. Keep in mind, this is not a perfect science and the value you get will depend on where you dine and what you order. If you are the kind of person who prefers the higher-end menu options, I would say go for it and get the meal plan. Or if you just don't want to worry about budgeting for food and like to indulge while you are on holiday, it's a good idea. But, if you are a light eater, I would probably say it might not be worth it for you. Just remember, if you are on the fence, you only have until two weeks before your sailing to add the meal plan option or you will not be able to purchase it. Reach out to me if you have any questions, would like to explore cruise tour options, or would like to add a Princess Meal Plan package to your cruise tour. Have a yummy time in Alaska!
Great overview. Thanks for putting it together 👍