Booking tours independently much cheaper?

[smariner]

Is it much cheaper to book tours independently, than going through the cruise line? Some of my research on the web seemed to indicate that the price difference is about 10-15% or so. Does that sound accurate? OR am I not able to find any reasonably priced tours?

 

So, is it worth the hassle of trying to book the tours independently for a saving of 10-15% (since we need to arrange for transporation between ship & starting point of the tour; may need to deal with cancellation policies if the ship changes itinerary at the last minute, etc) ?

[lillabella]

Is it much cheaper to book tours independently, than going through the cruise line? Some of my research on the web seemed to indicate that the price difference is about 10-15% or so. Does that sound accurate? OR am I not able to find any reasonably priced tours?

 

So, is it worth the hassle of trying to book the tours independently for a saving of 10-15% (since we need to arrange for transporation between ship & starting point of the tour; may need to deal with cancellation policies if the ship changes itinerary at the last minute, etc) ?

 

many people will probably say yes - I personally don't think 10-15% savings is worth going independent unless it is something entirely unique from what the cruise can offer. Often times though with an independent tour operator you will have a smaller group or even individualized service.

[Chenega]

I found that to be true with the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. The price difference is about $11.00 for independent vs. cruise package. The cruise ships get their own train that boards right by the ship but it is often jammed beyond belief with every seat full.

 

At best, it's a 1/2 mile walk to the train depot in Skagway and you get to see the depot and some interesting exhibits as well.

[HaloV]

Chenega, Can tickets for the train be purchased at the depot? Thanks

[Chenega]

Chenega, Can tickets for the train be purchased at the depot? Thanks

Yes, and you can also purchase them online at http://www.whitepassrailroad.com

 

They offer three trips at 8:15am, 12:15pm, and 4:30pm. They also offer other packages that are also online.

[NancyHawaii]

Yes, and you can also purchase them online at www.whitepassrailroad.com

 

They offer three trips at 8:15am, 12:15pm, and 4:30pm. They also offer other packages that are also online.

 

If you book with directly... what happens if the ship is late arriving? Will the company refund your money?

 

In the case of the White Pass Raiload... the only time I could book was the 8:15am. The ship arrives at 7 am and leaves at 3pm. I could not book the 12:15pm departure since its a 3.5 hrs. tour and we would not return before the ship departs. The 8:15 departure was the only one.

 

I decided to book thru the cruise ship just in case we are late in arriving and we would be refunded the cost.

[Budget Queen]

Another significant reason to go on independent tour is the personal attention, better and longer tours. It's not always significant cost savings, but that interaction can really make a good tour, great!!

[smariner]

Another significant reason to go on independent tour is the personal attention, better and longer tours. It's not always significant cost savings, but that interaction can really make a good tour, great!!

 

That's a good point, but calling the same operators that offer tours via the cruiselines didn't seem cheaper.

Also, I'm finding it hard to get a list of independent tour operators. After reading through many postings on this board, I found the following list of Glacier tour operators serving out of Juneau.

 

http://www.coastalhelicopters.com/

http://www.flightseeingtours.com/juneau.asp

http://www.temscoair.com/

http://www.glaciertrekking.com/

 

I'm still looking for independent tour operators from Skagway & Icy Strait Point. I wish there was a list of independent tours & their ratings.

[NancyHawaii]

Anyone know if Celebrity charges penalty to cancel excursions booked with them?

 

Didn't realize the cruise cars get jammed packed... it would be worth it to walk 1/2 mile to train depot for more space :)

 

Do you think it would be ok to purchase the ticket on arrival at the depot? Or do they sell out?

[ChelseaM]

If you book with directly... what happens if the ship is late arriving? Will the company refund your money?

 

That was my main concern - our ship arrives at 7am, and I wanted to take the 8:15 train. I'm sure the train will be crowded, but oh well. I'm a little tired of worrying about it. :)

[Budget Queen]

That's a good point, but calling the same operators that offer tours via the cruiselines didn't seem cheaper.

Also, I'm finding it hard to get a list of independent tour operators. After reading through many postings on this board, I found the following list of Glacier tour operators serving out of Juneau.

 

http://www.coastalhelicopters.com/

http://www.flightseeingtours.com/juneau.asp

http://www.temscoair.com/

http://www.glaciertrekking.com/

 

I'm still looking for independent tour operators from Skagway & Icy Strait Point. I wish there was a list of independent tours & their ratings.

 

 

There are hundred's of Alaska venders. You need to determine WHAT tour you are interested in, then look for venders. Or, request visitor guides- most all listed. http://www.traveljuneau.com http://www.skagway.com

http://www.visit-ketchikan.com