Alaskan Cruise - Excursion Recommendations

[Eskwire]

Can anyone suggest what are the "must do" excursions for a first time Alaskan cruiser (not first time cruiser)...we are an active healthy family with kids ages 13 and 10 :)

[rpcv77]

What ports will you be visiting? Also, check out the Alaska threads on the ports of call forum. Great reviews of almost every port and excursion, whether through the ship or privately arranged. We'll be going for the first time in June 2015. Very excited!

[AZ Ocean Lover]

We did a wonderful excursion in Skagway. It's tempting to do the train but we opted for a river rafting excursion through a bald eagle reserve. It was really fun and they took really good care of us.

 

We also did a whale watching excursion out of Juneau. I have been on many whale watching trips and I've never seen so many. Both orcas and humpback. Of course, there is no guarantee. It didnt hurt that the weather was perfect and the water was like glass.

 

I'm not sure you can really go wrong with excursions in Alaska.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Definitely go to the Alaska Boards...some very helpful and knowledgeable folks

 

Oh, and start saving your money...excursions in Alaska are pricey! ;)

[PunkiC]

We don't often do tours as we prefer to jus wander around on our own, but the train to White Pass is amazing if you happen to get the Skagway on a glorious sunny day. We didn't get the perfect day until our 5th cruise to Alaska and then, when we woke up and saw how wonderful the day was, we bought tickets. Well worth it in the right weather.

 

In Juneau, just take a local tour out me Mendenhall. Much, much less expensive than Princess for the same thing. Actually if you can find a Native American bus with an Indian guide it will be much better because of the great native stories.

[BroncoLvrs]

One of our all time favorite excursions was the Glacier Trek in Juneau. It is pricey but an experience you'll never forget.

 

In Skagway we rented a car and drove into the Yukon to see Emerald Lake. There are some great stops along the way (including the world's smallest desert) and on the way back we saw a black bear hanging out on the side of the road.

 

I agree the Alaska boards are a great help and whatever excursion you do in Alaska it is sure to be fabulous!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[knittinggirl]

We liked the White Pass Railroad in Skagway. We've done it by itself and also as part of a trio. In Victoria, the Butchart Gardens are wonderful. If you like photography, try the Photo Safari in Juneau.

 

With Ketchikan, we're still trying to find something we like. I have short legs, and I still had my spine jammed into the seat behind me and my knees jammed into the seat in front of me. I was counting the time until the trip was over.

Edited November 20, 2014 by knittinggirl

[caribill]

We also did a whale watching excursion out of Juneau. I have been on many whale watching trips and I've never seen so many. Both orcas and humpback.

 

I highly suggest Harv and Marv (Google for their web site). Maximum of six people on the boat so everyone sees everything. Costs about the same as the Princess excursion, but is worth it on the small boat.

 

They also stop at the glacier for about 20 minutes on the way back to the ship. You can stay there and get back on your own (bus or taxi) or let them bring you back to the ship.

 

Be sure to book well in advance as reservations can fill up quickly.

[Genessa]

Can anyone suggest what are the "must do" excursions for a first time Alaskan cruiser (not first time cruiser)...we are an active healthy family with kids ages 13 and 10 :)

 

I'm doing Alaska with my 10 year old granddaughter and decided to do a 7 night round trip inside cabin to save money for excursions - and boy am I glad we did!

 

Princess has the excursions available for our July cruise and we've already booked them

we are both adventurous and active - this is what we chose

 

Juneau - helicopter to glacier to dog sled (very pricey, sometimes cancelled due to weather - but money back if so)

and whale watching

 

Skagway - I've done the railroad, and while it was interesting, we decided to do both a zip lining excursion and a rock climbing one

 

Ketchikan - last time I did the snorkeling and it was a blast - plus just saying you went snorkeling in Alaska ;), but, there is not much actual snorkeling involved - you walk out from a beach, stay in a small cove - sea life is interesting, but we decided to do fishing. We picked halibut, but I might switch it to salmon - think odds of catching a salmon might be better?

 

costing a small fortune, but the look on her face as we looked through the excursion list is so worth it. Plus, since I'll be the sole responsible adult, there'll be No bar tab or casino expenses

[geoherb]

On our three cruises to Alaska, we've only been on one shore excursion booked through the cruiseline. That was snorkeling in Ketchikan. On that cruise, a round-trip one from Seattle, our time in Ketchikan was very short, so I did not want to do anything on our own.

 

The things we have done on our own (not all in the same cruise) have included taking the bus to Mendendhall Glacier, touring the State Museum, touring the capitol, and kayaking in Mendenhall Lake in Juneau; kayaking in Haines, renting a car to drive into the Yukon Territory, and kayaking in Skagway; and kayaking and taking the bus to Totem Bite park in Ketchikan. We also always enjoy walking around the towns, especially Creek Street in Ketchikan.

[capriccio]

I highly suggest Harv and Marv (Google for their web site). Maximum of six people on the boat so everyone sees everything. Costs about the same as the Princess excursion, but is worth it on the small boat.

 

They also stop at the glacier for about 20 minutes on the way back to the ship. You can stay there and get back on your own (bus or taxi) or let them bring you back to the ship.

 

Be sure to book well in advance as reservations can fill up quickly.

 

Absolutely agree about Harv and Marv in Juneau. Would also recommend Chilkoot in Skagway for the train ride to the Yukon and van trip return (or vice versa).

[willtravel8090]

We loved the glacier in Juneau. The train was great in Skagway. We did a little tour in the Yukon where we got to ride in a "dog sled" with wheels, my daughter loved it and of course holding the puppies too. As funny as it sounds we let our DD pick the Ketchikan excursion and she picked the Duck rides which are an amphibious vehicle that tours The town and then drives right into the water. Your kids would probably love it. The true highlight of that short but great tour was the 40-50 bald eagles we got to see on the water part of the tour. There are really no words... Enjoy what ever you decide :)

 

 

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[Cruiserkenn]

Can anyone suggest what are the "must do" excursions for a first time Alaskan cruiser (not first time cruiser)...we are an active healthy family with kids ages 13 and 10 :)

 

In Ketchikan, Totem Bight State Park is a great tour. There are lots and lots of authentic totem poles to see... A great memory for both you and your kids.

 

I agree that whale watching in Juneau is spectacular! Harv and Marv small boat tour would be good so that your kids can see.

 

I also agree that the river rafting/ eagle preserve from Skagway is wonderful. We even saw a real live wild wolf on this tour. Breathtaking!

 

If someone talks you into the train in Skagway, well, that too is wonderful. Great for the railroad experience and wonderful scenery.

[sherryf]

I highly suggest Harv and Marv (Google for their web site). Maximum of six people on the boat so everyone sees everything. Costs about the same as the Princess excursion, but is worth it on the small boat.

 

While Harv & Marv get great reviews, they do not take children under 13 unless you reserve the whole boat.

 

I have been out with Orca Enterprises twice and had wonderful experiences both times. Larger boats, but not nearly as large as the cruise line tours.

 

I've been to Alaska 7 times now and have been on quite a few tours. I would be happy to answer any specific questions the OP may have, but I do agree that the Alaska boards are the best resource for Alaska cruise questions.

[shepp]

In Skagway we rented a car and drove into the Yukon to see Emerald Lake. There are some great stops along the way (including the world's smallest desert) and on the way back we saw a black bear hanging out on the side of the road.

 

We've done that twice, and it was spectacular both in early summer when the mountains were covered in snow and in early September when they were covered in fall foliage. But it's worth noting that the supply of rental cars is very limited and early booking is essential.

[Cruiserkenn]

While Harv & Marv get great reviews, they do not take children under 13 unless you reserve the whole boat.

 

I have been out with Orca Enterprises twice and had wonderful experiences both times. Larger boats, but not nearly as large as the cruise line tours.

 

 

 

Thanks for your thoughts. Whale watching in Juneau is fantastic... Super exciting. Orca Enterprises sounds like a great alternative for those with younger family members.

 

Don't miss whale watching in Juneau!

[Kerry&LuAnn]

I highly suggest Harv and Marv (Google for their web site). Maximum of six people on the boat so everyone sees everything. Costs about the same as the Princess excursion, but is worth it on the small boat. They also stop at the glacier for about 20 minutes on the way back to the ship. You can stay there and get back on your own (bus or taxi) or let them bring you back to the ship. Be sure to book well in advance as reservations can fill up quickly.

 

Here's another vote for Harv and Marv's whale watching excursion. We've done it on both of our cruises to Alaska... outstanding experience!