Family Alaska Cruise - recs requested for 13

[k-chart]

Hello!  We've just booked a family reunion cruise in Alaska in July for 13 of us, ranging in age from 8 to 78.   We're looking forward to it - first time together since pre-COVID, and just excited for lots of time to hang out together on board!  As late bookers - we aren't planning too much in the way of excursions but are hoping to find 1 or 2 structured activities that might still be available that we could do as a group in one of our port of calls; Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan or Juneau or even fun multi-generation activities on the boat (we'll be on the Celebrity Eclipse).  Would love to hear from other Alaska cruisers if they have had luck with either cruise-sponsored or independent excursions, or even just local port activities for a group of our size - interests include; whale and/or bear watching, fishing, appreciating natural wonders, food, culture, history.  We're well-suited for this trip!  

[DaveOKC]

Icy Point Straight - definitely do the whale watching tour (we used our ship's excursion.  Best whale watching ( have been on at least 6-8) we have done and even got to see "bubble feeding" a number of times!  Great for all ages IMO.

 

[Ferry_Watcher]

We did the whale-watching from ISP as well and it was amazing.  We did the excursion thru Celebrity and there were two 40 person catamarans that were used.   Assuming that you are able to book all 13 family members, you might let the attendant filling the boat that you have a large group, and they may send all of you to the second boat so you are all together.  They fill the boat first come, first on, so you could also arrive early so you are seated together.

 

In Juneau you can all go to Mendenhall Glacier via bus, whether it's the $2 public bus (longer travel time, more walking and you are on their schedule); or the "Blue Bus" a private tour company about $40-$45 per passengers, but more frequency in trips.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g31020-d23311701-The_Blue_Bus_Glacier_Express_Is_a_fully_narrated_trip_to_the_Mendenhall_Glacier-Jun.html

 

 

[SightCRR]

 Look into Crab Boat tour altho it will be pricy. Search tubetube for excursions and show others to get their ideas. 8 year old would be perfect age to go on the trip. If anyone has a national park pass have them bring it as it will save a little. sightcrr. 

Edited April 22, 2023 by SightCRR