Optional Shore Excursions

jacksta · #1 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2008, 05:05 AM

Hi,
I am travelling to Alaska on a northbound 7 day cruise, stopping in Ketchican, Juneau and Skagway.

I would like to hear about people's experiences with optional shore excursions - which would you recommend/not recommend?
Any not to be missed?
IS it possible to book tours on land and save some $$$$ ???

Any suggestions would be welcome

Thanks

Donna · #2 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2008, 05:50 AM

I'd go with a whale watching excursion in Juneau, either through the ship or book yourself. I went with Capt. Larry and he was great.

I also enjoyed the train ride in Skagway, on the long side but very informative and scenic.

Karen16 · #3 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2008, 12:20 PM

You need to do your homework, look over a shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. Determine your budget. There are hundreds of excellent tours to consider.

I always recommend having all plans and reservations in place before you leave. You will be EXTREMELY limited in tour options if you wait until you are in port. Also likely will not have convenient tour times with time wasted, finding tours and waiting for tours to start. Use your short port times more wisely.

Phil&Liz · #4 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2008, 07:41 PM

Go to John Healds blog and go back about 6 entries when Chris Roberts started his contribution to the blog with his in depth discussions of the excursions available in Alaska.

Phil & Liz

jacksta · #5 (**permalink**) April 12th, 2008, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the suggestion - forgive my ignorance .......... but do you have an address/link for the blog

Jacky

Casino Granny · #6 (**permalink**) April 13th, 2008, 05:10 PM

Jacky,

I just typed John Healds blog into Google and it will give you the website.

Hope this helps. We're leaving on May 25th on Star Princess and we signed up for the Whale Watching out of Juneau with ORCA, and in Skagway that train ride through the cruise line.

Good luck.

Linda

Linda