First Alaska Cruise

[Luci lu]

We're booked for the Inside Passage cruise on the Sea Princess RT out of San Francisco on June 1st. We're very excited! We'd appreciate any tips re: shore excursions for Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Anyone else on this cruise? Thanks for your input!

[Appygirl]

Juneau - there are several kiosks set up in the parking lot where you disembark the cruise ship to sell you a tour. Cheaper than what the cruise ships charge. The Mendenhall Glacier would be a good one. Several different companies sell return fares up there. Last summer it was $28 round trip back to the dock.

 

Skagway - no tour operators clamoring for the cruisers. If you want to go on a shore excursion, best to book it in advance from your trip. Most people like the train ride to the Yukon. We did a sled dog tour. If you don't like dogs, I wouldn't recommend it but we enjoyed the experience.

 

Ketchikan - tour operators on the dock clamoring for your business so don't feel obligated to book your shore excursion on the ship. We did the duck tour, an amphibious vehicle that does a city tour and then drives into the harbour for a water tour. Cost $38 last year, and you can buy from them once you disembark.

 

It really all depends on what you like, what kind of tours you do. Skagway is the only town where you should book through the ship. There's really not much to do in this town. About 4 blocks of gift stores to shop at, basically all selling the same items for the same price.

[NorbertsNiece]

Hi,

Welcome to the boards :)

There is a roll call for your cruise where you can meet up and discuss your trip with others here

[Budget Queen]

You need to do your homework and find out what each port can offer in touring. Look over your shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. I never recommend, just getting off the ship- THEN finding out what you want to do, looking at booths. This is a very small portion of what is available overall. I always recommend having plans and reservations in place before you leave. Time is short in port. Do not expect big savings with independent tours, except the bus/city tours.

[timetravler]

I did this cruise last summer. Be sure to be outside when you go under the GG bridge. We had our swim suits in our carry on. Nothing like sitting in the hot tub on the ship as you sail under the bridge. We were on the ship, BTW by 11:40. It was great as there were no lines what so ever. Also a great viewing place for the glacier if your goes to Glacier Bay is deck 7. You will then be protected from rain(it often rains in Alaska). We also found it uncrowded and we would go between the two sides by being where there is a pass thru. But if it is not raining, go up top, or even better stay in your cabin if you have a balcony. If you are a total food lover, sign up for the chefs table as soon as you board the ship. You do this in the dinning room. It does cost $75 each, but it may very well be the best dinning experience you ever had. Chef Joseph is great!. Lucky you to be going on a fantastic cruise.

[MercedMike]

There are soooooo many excursions in Alaska. This board will give you great feedback on most of them.

 

Here are some that we have liked:

 

http://www.bully4.us/alaskaexcursions.html

 

YMMV

 

Have a GREAT cruise!