AK Shore Excursions?

[ballfamily]

re booked on the Star from Seattle on 8/30/09, with stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria. Six adults in the group. Any suggestions one the "best" excursions to explore - particularly in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway? Thanks!

[Assateague Island Princes]

Depends on your interests. This is what we've done -

Ketchikan - flightseeing with Michelle of Island Wings (spectacular!) and also went sea kayaking (excursion through the ship, Holland America). Really a lot of fun and not as strenuous as you might think!

 

Juneau - Harv and Marv's Whale watching - WOW!!! Would HIGHLY recommend! We did this in June of 2008, but will do it again in 2010 - only this time for even longer!!! Small, 6 person boat, personalized tour, very, very knowledgeable and personable captains, born and raised there - they know their stuff!!! In 2006, when we stopped in Juneau, we took the tram to the top of Mt. Roberts and hiked for several hours. Really great views!

 

Sitka - Rhino 4X4 adventure - really fun! Would do this one again in a heartbeat! Also went sea kayaking there this last time, great trip. Went to the Raptor Center on our own and enjoyed that as well.

 

Scour travel books - Fodors, Frommers, etc. Look over the shore excursion list for your cruise - there are hundreds of options to choose from. Once you've narrowed down your interests, you can ask questions on this board and receive a wealth of information. Some very knowledgeable and patient folks on this board - all willing to share their experiences.

 

You will love Alaska and I'd venture a guess that you'll go back again...and again....We did!:p

[neecee23]

In Ketchikan we toured with Ketchikan Taxicab Tours.

http://www.ketchikantaxicabtours.com/

For $74/hour, 6 people can tour very economically. We had Kat drive us in a Dodge Caravan on a tour of the area around Ketchikan. You can look for bears, tour the totem pole parks, and be dropped off at Creek Street and tour the town on your own. They will take you to the interesting spots or tell them what you want to see. Very nice tour. We also went to the lumberjack show, fun.

Juneau - we rented a car from Rent A Wreck. We had 5 people in our group so it was cheaper to rent a car to drive out to Mendenhall and other sites.

Skagway - we took the train/bus combo tour with Chilkoot. Enjoyable tour but it was cloudy and drizzly that day.

Victoria - we just took the shuttle from the dock into the inner harbor area and just wandered around. Saw the miniature museum and the Empress hotel and just shopped. Not much time here.

Many tours are available in each port. Look at the recommendations that people make here and don't be afraid to book independently.

[Budget Queen]

Take a look at a shore excursion list and narrow down your interests, there are 100's of tours that are worthwhile. There is no point in me raving about my favorites, which aren't going to be yours. :)

 

I strongly suggest everyone go their own way, it's unrealistic to think 6 adults are going to be on the same page?? Tours are too costly to go on with no interest and too excellent to miss if a priority. There are more than enough "bests" for 10 trips!!!