HAL / Alaska / booking shore excursions

[bginnh]

Last week, I booked my cabin on the Westerdam for a July departure out of Seattle. I've been trying to book shore excursions on HAL's website but the only response I receive is "Shore Excursion information is not available at this time. Please try again later."

I called HAL to inquire and was told that they typically do not begin selling excursions until 40-60 days from the departure date. They transferred me to the Shore Excursion department but they will not answer phone calls due to "high demand." I did record a voice message but have not heard back from them.

Since shore excursions are booked on a "first-come, first-serve" basis, I would like to know the exact date they begin selling the tours. This is my first cruise on HAL - any advice and/or comments from experienced travelers?

Also, is there a better port for sea kayaking? We'll be in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan and would like to go kayaking once.

[robertmnch]

HI:
Kayaking is best in Juneau out by the Mendenhall Glacier. Second best is around Ketchikan.

What you ran into on the HAL Tour Booking is probably the same thing trying to fill out the Immigration Form = 60 days prior to your cruise.

Since you're doing the standard Inside Passage cruise, I suggest going onto each Port's website and become familiar with what's available in the amount of time you will be in Port. For example, there's a FANTASTIC Whale Watching Jet Boat for 3 hours out of Juneau for about $100 + Tax. It holds about 25 passengers!

Been to Alaska on HAL 5 times and going again in September for two weeks on the Ryndam.

Any further help, e-mail me at robertmnch_26@msn.com