kayred

I have looked on the Gastineau website and I am convinced that is the tour I signed up for. The explanation/photos are the same from the Princess website. I will look into reviews for this tour...thanks I had no idea it was the same.

Is this the Juneau one?

 

http://www.princess.com/excursion/exDetails.do?t=A&exType=S&tourCode=JNU-705

 

That looks like a Gastineau Guiding boat, and it is smallish. Might even be the one I was on, but I am not certain. Maybe call the Shore Excursion department at Princess and find out how limited it is -- the description does say "small group". With all sincerity, if you choose this one, use the outhouse/porta potty ashore before you get on board ;)

 

This picture is VERY much like the boat I was on.

 

https://www.google.ca/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x5400df64920afb9d:0x6df06ff8e6ddf550!2m5!2m2!1i80!2i80!3m1!2i100!3m1!7e1!4s//plus.google.com/photos/photo/104024364647577089744/6099142497502548482!5sgastineau+guiding+-+Google+Search&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjP2ub96LHKAhUHxmMKHSB2DXQQoioIbzAM

 

I would be very surprised if you felt crowded.

Yes, that is the one I am signed up for. hmmm, I never thought about restrooms :rolleyes:

Did you enjoy the tour?

Thanks everyone who has posted so far. Both my husband and I are both city people (we live in Las Vegas) so we don't get alot of wildlife so seeing any will be fun. Of course we would love to see the typical - whales, eagles bears etc...I will post the tour descriptions below...

Juneau - Your small-group wilderness experience ensures a comfortable and interactive atmosphere to make the most of this world-class Alaska experience. You will see first-hand how the habitats of the land and the sea interconnect in southeast Alaska.

Begin with a narrated drive to the famous Mendenhall Glacier. Reaching its maximum size about 265 years ago, the glacier is fed from an ice field high above Juneau. From across an iceberg-dotted lake you will see the dynamic flowing force, carving its way down the valley. Sustained by the geography and unique climate of the area, Mendenhall Glacier has been able to survive much longer than other glaciers in North America. Its existence continues to provide us with new insights into past, present, and future climatic conditions.

A naturalist will guide you along a path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring the beautiful trails, breathe in the fresh air that flows off this spectacular river of ice and learn about the Tongass National Forest. Walk under a sheltered rainforest canopy and take in the wonders and the many species that make this area their home. Keep an eye out and your cameras ready to spot beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines, black bears and more. The canopy gives way to the glacier's lake and secluded sandy shoreline with scenic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.

A short drive takes you to a picturesque harbor to board your specially designed safari vessel customized to afford up-close viewing of the marine wildlife. The stable, covered vessel sits low in the water, putting you eye to eye with the animals that make their home in these protected waters. Humpback whales are plentiful and spend the summer months feeding on herring and plankton. In the Juneau Humpback Whale Catalog, over 148 individual whales have been identified in these local waters. Binoculars and nautical maps are available for your use on the vessel.

Once whales are sighted, your captain will maneuver the boat to allow for exceptional viewing and photo opportunities. In addition, undersea listening devices may be deployed so that you can hear the whale's unusual sounds. You will receive a $100 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour if a whale is not sighted on the trip. In addition to humpback or killer whales, you may see sea lions, Dall's porpoise, harbor seals and sea birds. Keep a camera handy as your vessel drifts quietly to capture the behaviors and antics of Alaska's most notable marine residents.

Upon return to shore, a scenic motorcoach ride will return you to port.

Ketchikan - Your excursion begins as you board your motorcoach for a scenic, narrated drive through Ketchikan to a private dock, where you'll meet your captain and Alaskan crew and board your vessel. Keep your camera within easy reach, because photo opportunities abound on this seafaring excursion that has earned a CRUISE Award ten times.

You're free to relax in the heated main cabin or enjoy the open-air observation deck, as you witness an abundance of eagles with binoculars provided to you. You will see ten eagles' nests and baby eagles in season. Harbor seals, pigeon guillemots and moon jellyfish are commonly spotted daily. Whales, deer, blue heron and a variety of sea birds are seen throughout the entire season. Along the way, you'll hear of the area's maritime history, the rich Tlingit culture, the timber and fishing industries and local lifestyles.

You'll observe harvested and old growth areas of the Tongass National Forest, and travel past historic Ward Cove Cannery. You'll circumnavigate the Guard Island Lighthouse established in 1901. No other excursion offers this itinerary or a view of Totem Bight State Park from the water. You'll view totem poles, including Ketchikan's tallest, and the clan house as you travel past the park, and see colorful cabins, mansions of the local rich and famous and unique homes, many built on their own islands. Your deckhands are pleased to take your picture in front of the totem park or lighthouse or you may pose with your captain for a memorable photo in the wheelhouse. Your captain will unravel historic mysteries of Alaska's most dangerous island, Danger Island, and you will circumnavigate or have clear viewing of twelve islands on your tour route. Many of these islands are inhabited only by Alaska's wildlife.

Enjoy Alaska's most scrumptious "Hot Chocolate Supreme", coffee, tea, water or your favorite soft drinks along with salmon spread, crackers, cheese, fresh fruit, cookies & mints: all complimentary and they make for a delightful treat as you take in the breathtaking seascape and professional narration. Our salmon spread recipe will be provided to you to take home. Eagle photo portraits, prints, Guard Island Heritage memberships, lighthouse souvenirs, post cards, pens, magnets, plush animals and other items are available from the onboard gift shop. As your tour concludes, you will realize why Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion has earned the "Tour Guide of the Year" over 10 times. With a walk back to your motorcoach and a relaxing drive back to the pier, you'll have a myriad of unforgettable memories of a lifetime and will probably agree, "Wow! That was a great excursion!"

Thanks and I really appreciate hearing about your experiences on these tours/cities...

I am going to Alaska on the Crown Princess out of Seattle in june 2016. I am working on finalizing my excursions and I am interested in what you think. So far I have planned:

Juneau - (11am-10:30pm) "Discovery Channel's Alaska's Whales & Mendenhall Glacier Trail" (11:30am-4:30pm) We then would like to have some Crab at the crab shack and then take the tram and enjoy the beautiful views.

Skagway - (7am-8pm) "White Pass Rail, Summit, Gold Panning & BBQ Lunch" (8:45-2:30) We then plan to walk around town and maybe shop a little

Ketchikan - (7am -1:15PM) Walk around Creek Street and maybe depending on our mood do the lumberjack show.

We are considering cancelling the whale watching tour in Juneau and replacing it with "Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion" in Ketchikan. We have ruled out doing all 3 excursions, mostly for the price but also because on occasion my husband gets motion sickness on smaller boats and he really doesn't want to do two smaller boat excursions. If we don't do the whale tour in Juneau we will want to spend a lot of time at the Mendenhall glacier so we will have to find transportation there (I am guessing there is a shuttle) and we will spend a few hours walking the trails. We would also have more time in the area of the tram and would probably walk some trails there.

Here are my concerns/questions:

1. Does the Ketchikan tour have less motion the tour in Juneau?

2. Have any of you regretted booking such a full day in Juneau. I am wondering if the whale tour/glacier/crab shack and the tram is too much in one place even if we have a long day in port.

3. We are not the type to run on the ship at the last minute, so if we do the tour in Ketchikan. what will we miss at Creek Street/Ketchikan town?

4. I have read the reviews of the "Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion" and there are a lot of good reviews as well as a few that there was no wild life. Has anyone gone in late june (june23rd) and had any luck in spotting wild life.

5. We only do ship excursions and I am wondering if the Juneau whale watching tours crowd too many people on the boats. I hate the idea of spending $400 to be cramped and unable to see. (I have read the advantages of private bookings but my husband has had a bad experience and now only wants ship tours...it is what it is).

6. How does the shopping at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan compare. We will be looking just for your typical stuff and maybe some local homemade type items.

Lots of questions but for our family this is a very expensive trip and I am enjoying thinking through the planning. I know we will have a wonderful time either way and we are really easy to please so ultimately any choice will be fine. I am just doing my part to make the most of the time/money we will be spending. Thanks in advance.

We will also be on Princess June 20th, we are on the crown an in Juneau that day. Does anyone know if the ships have any special events. I was wondering if we would see more activity in town that day

To the OP_

I see that your Alaskan cruise is for the end of June. Do not be surprised if you encounter some warm weather then. I would suggest that you pack a bit of warm weather and colder weather clothing.

Jeans may be a bit warm for the ports.

My DH and I went on an Inside Passage cruise several years ago in mid July.

The first port was Ketchican (Sp?) and the temperature was close to 80 degrees in the afternoon.

wow, I didn't think it would be that warm, thanks. We live in vegas so to us 80 is still jean weather but I will throw in a pair of shorts for my husband, they really take no space.Thanks for the heads up. We can always buy a special t-shirt in a port if it's too warm. Thanks!

There are a million posts on formal nights so I understand them well but I have a question on the casual nights.

I have read that men can wear jeans in the MDR on casual nights but can a woman? I read the website (See below) so I am assuming that I can't wear jeans to dinner.

Smart Casual

Guest attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies

Pants and open-neck shirts for men

Inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) are not permitted in the dining rooms. Shoes must be worn.

I have sailed on princess once, 10 years ago but I don't recall. I am going to Alaska and plan to bring jeans anyway and I am trying to plan if I have to bring both jeans and slacks/dresses for dinner. I was hoping to keep to 2 pieces of luggage and I am now starting to doubt that.

Thanks Oh, and of course my jeans wont be frayed or with holes :)

Great news, thanks!:)

I have some dear friends who want to gift is with wine for our upcoming anniversary cruise. Sounds great to me but I am wondering if can have it sent to the dining room or the crown grill to enjoy there? We are in an inside cabin and I think we would enjoy it more at dinner then in the room.

Do you know when the crown is scheduled for beds. I sail the end of June.

I am showing my ignorance but what is the difference between a hot sauna and a steam room???

I confess we are the people that offend many by not wearing a jacket to dinner. For us we would love the rules to relax and be shirt/tie for dinner and no jacket. Because of this rule we will eat dinner in the crown grill for one night and my husband in a shirt and tie will just have to be a rule breaker on the second formal night. I live in Vegas and I will not eat dinner at a buffets here and I am not going to on a cruise either.

It's been a long time since our last cruise but I remember how my husband and I found ourselves most afternoons sitting by the aft pool enjoying a milkshake. It's funny because I don't think we ever do that in real life but it was a fun and relaxing. Hope our Alaska cruise is not too cold to relive the memories

I am Hoping for a nice up sell to a balcony. Congrats!

I check the price each day on my June Alaska cruise. I saw the price go up $50 on the cheapest category about 4 days ago and then yesterday it went up 150 more for a total of 200 more. Exact same cruise. If I stay in the same room (mid ship) this "sale" would cost me $240pp - not a good deal for me even with the discounted air fare (my flight saves 200pp on air cost).

I am joining the others who are glad we booked early.

I have flex air but I agree this will have to be a great sale if I am going to mess with my flight. I would hate to have something in the future mess up my flight and I am dreaming of a good sale/up sell offer to upgrade to a balcony. Probably just a dream but a girl can hope :).

I will confirm with Princess when the sale starts but I am interested in my friends at CC experiences. If I book withe this sale that combines air and cabin price and then in the next few months the cabin price drops again will I loose my flight? I currently have a cruise and Ezra's air booked for Alaska in June.

Looks to me to be a cruise and airfare sale in Europe Alaska and Japan but this is not from a 100% reliable website so I am not sure.

I have a cruise to Alaska in June and would like binoculars for the trip but the truth is I will probably never use the again. I have read the posts on good types and really appreciate them. I have decided because I have so long till I go to start looking in some pawn stores hoping to find a Great deal maybe even a deal in a new camera.

My questions is because I am getting a used pair is there anything I should be careful to look for. Is there a down side to buying used binoculars or cameras. Basically I am hoping to use your experience to avoid buying a broken or damaged item because of m inexperience with them. Thanks in advance.

Thanks for all the answers we are hopefully taking a short cruise in November from LA and will go ahead and use princess transfers because we fly in the day of the cruise. I am blessed to also have a cruise out of Seattle next June where we also did the transfers because we booked our room through princess. For Seattle we fly in a day early. My question for Seattle is do they take the luggage from the airport the same way. Will I have all my luggage at the hotel or just our carry on. I want to make sure I pack correctly. Thanks in advance for the help.

Do you book the super shuttle in LA in advance?

Yes that's the show. And I saw late fall but I was wondering if any had info that it was already on. Just hoping. Thanks for the help. Sorry for messing up the name.

I have tried searching but can't find out - will the new show Much To Do be on the ruby November 30th. I am trying to talk my sister into a quick get away and if this show is on it may help. She is a huge fan of Wicked.

Great website. I enjoyed it alot

We celebrated a June anniversary in January because that was when the cruise and our schedule worked out. Princess was fine with it and there was no problem. This time Our Alaska cruise is actually on our anniversary so that will be fun.