Safer to book through cruiseline or independently?

[kristing63]

We are going on our second trip to Alaska, and in Skagway we want to do the Hike and Float in the morning and a helecopter tour in the afternoon. Since we are scheduling one tour after the other, is it safer to go through RCI in case we are delayed on the first trip or encounter any other mishap? Do you save a lot of money booking these tours on your own? Does RCI use Temsco in Skagway? Any information would be most appreciated!!! Thanks!

[Budget Queen]

TEMSCO is the only operator in Skagway. Are you in port all day??? leaving around 8pm?? Then you should have no problem with booking both tours independently if you wish. Key if you do is to disclose your other tour plans, having timing of each and verify return times. Won't need more than an hour between the two unless you want it. If you have an earlier departure, then the ship booked excursions are probably the better bet for the afternoon tour.

[kristing63]

Thanks so much for the quick reply! I think our ship is there from 6:30 to 8:30. RCI has a morning hike and float, and then we would have 1 hour in between and then a helecopter tour. This would leave us with some unstructured time to wander around Skagway, which we would all enjoy. Do you save a lot of money on the helecopter tours booking directly? (They are so expensive!) If you book on your own, do the tour operators meet you at the dock and return you to the ship, or do you have to try and find them? It would be great if we could get back to the ship for a short while in between to freshen up and grab a quick bite to eat. Thanks again!

[Budget Queen]

You will need to compare if there is a price difference. TEMSCO may be all ship contracted on your day there. If they do independent book the savings will run about $25pp, worthwhile in my opinion. You do have to get to their airport, without any mobility limitations should not be more than a 20 min. easy level walk from the farthest dock location- railroad and third ship back. They are right accross from the Ore dock.