Anyone been on a princess cruise to alaska before? if so, any suggestions on what shore excursions to take?

Question

Anyone been on a princess cruise to alaska before? if so, any suggestions on what shore excursions to take?

Answer 1

Since I used to live in Juneau, I'll give you a few local tips. Do see the Mendenhall glacier -- even if you have to do it via an excursion. If you rent a car, you can do like the locals do and go "out the road." Basically Juneau is a small town located on the edge of the mountains/glaciers and there is one long road, into the city and then "out." If you drive out the road, there are tons of beaches on your left, as you're heading north. There are small picnic areas and it's uncrowded ... a great view that'll let you take many memorable pictures. You can build a fire and if you dive, there are lots of goodies out there for dinner (huge Dungeness crab, salmon, etc.) But watch for the Fish & Game guys, they're everywhere. But if someone else is out there getting stuff, they can always give you some. ;)  Our the road, up by the boat launch, there is an old Catholic shrine that is really cool to visit -- you walk out a stone path into the water and it's on a tiny little "island." You can look it up on the net (search Juneau and Shrine). Even if it's not "open" its a great place to picnic and enjoy the scenery! And on your way back into town, look for the Mendenhall Lake on your left (they don't mention this much to tourists) ... another cool find.

When you're in town, be sure to hit the Red Dog Saloon -- it's the local's hangout where there is sawdust on the floor and plenty of fun. Also, we locals hang out at the Alaskan Hotel (bar) too. Nice, safe, totally local flavor. Also, across from Juneau is an island called Douglas Island (and the town of Douglas). If you cross over the bridge, and hang a right to head north up the island, you'll eventually find your way to Eaglecrest (the local ski resort). In the summer, cool place to hang out for free and picnic. I don't know if you can get a car, but if you can, you'd save a ton on excursions and have freedom. And you can't get lost. It's just not that big. Also a good stop is the Fred Meyer (in the valley ... the area between town and "out the road") where you can get what you need (sunscreen, pepto, pop, etc.) for regular store prices instead of cruise ship prices). A good restaurant in town (most will call it a little bit "whole wheat and granola") is the Fiddlehead. It's been there forever and the food is earthy, natural, local and delicious. Also in town, is the marina (can't miss it ... on your left as you head out of town toward the valley). Good place to walk to the docks and see what the local guys are catching. Also can buy some local salmon (if your timing is right) to take out the road with you for a magnificent BBQ, Juneau style). That's it. Have fun and enjoy!

Answer 2

Great site for info on port excursions, from people who've "been there, done that":  CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then go to "Ports of Call" and find your ports.

Answer 3

Hi!

Last summer, I went on a cruise on the Sun Princess to Alaska.  So hey, I fit what you're looking for.

Let me start out by saying it was THE BEST cruise I have ever taken by far.  I loved it.  You will love it too.  The scenery is beautiful and everything about it was wonderful.  The staff was great and every excursion I took was amazing.

In Juneau, it's a good idea to go on a tour to see the Mendhall Glacier.  It's beautiful.  At the visitors center, there is a building and also some trails where you can take pictures from multiple angles.  There is also a short presentation on the glacier which we found very interesting.  If you like salmon, there are a lot of excursions with salmon bakes in Juneau.  They also had a salmon bake on the ship one night.  I also had some friends who I met onboard that took the tram ride.  They loved it.  You get a good scenic view.

I also went to Skagway.  This was probably my favorite city in Alaska.  It was quaint and very cute.  We went on a tour of the town.  It was very informative and fun to learn about the town.  Some of my friends took the train in Skagway and said it was great!

The other stop that we went to was Ketchikan.  We went on a buggy pulled by horses for a tour of the town and to see the totem poles.  Be sure to check out the totem poles while you are there.  There are a lot of bear-viewing excursions, and if you like to fish, there are those as well as--you guessed it--more salmon bakes!

In Vancouver, if you go there, go to the Botanical Gardens.  My friends went and said it was beautiful.  There's not really much else to do there.

If you sail through either Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm Fjord, be sure to wake up early and get a good spot on deck.  This is the best and most beautiful part of the trip.

I'm not sure in what city, but some people that I know went dogsledding and found it to be wonderful and a great experience.  That would be fun if you don't mind spending the money.

Hope this was helpful!  Enjoy your time in Alaska!

Answer 4

First off, this was my favorite cruise with Princess. Love every minute of it. My favorite tour was taking the white pass railroad. The sights are totally awesome. I also did the 4 day inland tour before the cruise and that was some of the best part. Going to Denali National park and seeing husky homestead(Jeff King) was incredible. Be prepared for it to rain in Ketchican as it often does. Really cute town though.

Answer 5

The best shore excursion, I took was the the helicopter that landed on a glacier. A memorable experience.

Answer 6

I would either call Princess or who ever you booked your cruise threw & ask for an excursions booklet. Many at each port of call. If you decide on whale watching make sure it is guaranteed that way if you do not see a whale you get most of your money back. In the booklet it will not only list the price but, everything that is included. As some offer snacks or lunch. There is a train ride in both Juneau & Skagway-both excellent. In Ketchikan go to Salmon Mall at end of peir great shops & right out the back door is the Lumberjack show. Also in Skagway you can rent scooters & tour the town on your own. Seaplanes & Helicopters great way to view the Glaciers & all however they only last for 20 minutes & start at $275.00 each Princess when going to the Glaciers will go in as close as possible & then turn the ship very slowly so everyone get a great photo shots. A truly AMAZING cruise.