Excursion with cruise line or not??

[joeyillinois]

Are there advantages to going through cruise line for excursions rather than on our own?

ports are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. We like to hike, nature/animals, and interested in history. Can't handle flying so no airplane, or helicopter. We're on a tight budget so wondering if tours or something on our own in these ports?? Willing to spring for cruise excursion if it is a "must do".

[UPGrandma]

Lots you can do on your own. Check this site under "ports of call" and cruiseportinsider. You can also use your regular search engine for "what to do in Juneau" etc. another option would be to search "hiking in Juneau". What ship, and dates are you sailing? That will help get answers from those reading your posts.

[jsf]

We always book our own tours,many will tell not too that you might miss the ship, but these big name tour operators wouldn't stay in business long if they made pax miss their ship. Unless there is something wonderful to eat on shore our theory is we already paid for our meal on the ship why pay twice to eat dinner.

J.

[epixx]

For history, check out the National Park Service guided tours in Skagway:

 

http://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

 

They're very good and within your budget (i.e., FREE!). Get there early to get tickets.