Has anyone ever cruised the Inside Passage of Alaska via Princess Cruises' Golden Princess?

Question

If so, what did you think? I will be doing that very cruise with my boyfriend and his family June 15th - 23rd. Also, how were the shore excursions at the different ports of call?

Please share any opinions and/or advice. Thank you!

Answer 1

Yes- last year 2006 June 29 through July 7th

Skagway - train ride up the mountain - relaxing and fun

Juneau- Heli-mush THE BEST EVER! a helicopter ride up over snow filled mountains to a dog sled camp - sled rides, a chance to mush the dogs. Wild and absolutely worth EVERY penny they charged. Nice people too! www.alaskahelimush.com

Ketchican- sea plane into the mountainous forest reserves of Alaska. noisy plane but what a view. But you do get to wear headsets to talk back and forth so not too bad. We landed the seaplane on a hidden lake to watch a mother bear and her two cubs for a while. The lake was at the base of a 40-story waterfall.

You cant go wrong with ANY of these excursions!

Have fun!

Answer 2

We cruised the inside passage on Princess about four years ago.  Its very scenic, a smooth voyage sine there are no open ocean waves, and the ship, food and staff were great.  It can be a little chilly on deck or your balcony at night so take a light jacket.  When you get close to the glaciers it can be downright cold.  I mean like coat, gloves, and hat cold. When you pack think layering for the different temperatures. light jacket, sweater, long sleeved shirt.  The first couple stops, Juneau, Ketchkan, and Skegway it will probably rain a little.  Not enough to stop your tours but light showers.

In Ketchkan we did the Totem Poles tour.  It was nice, although it rained.  We also did a tour in Juneau to a fish Hatchery and Mendenhall Glacier (Ithink that's the right town).  That was OK too, picturesque.  In Skegway we took the bus tour that went up the mountain to the Yukon on the gold rush trail.  There was a train trip that went the same way but it was more expensive.

There are some more exciting tours, like dog sledding on a glacier, or a helicopter ride that were way too expensive for us.