I am going on a cruise to Alaska May 2007 and was wondering if I should wait to book an excursion?

Question

All the excursion through the cruises prices are ridiculous any advice on whetther or not to wait. I am going to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Victoria. Please Help.

Answer 1

I would wait.Depending on the weather or how you feel you may not want to go and do what you wanted when you were at home. They sell the excursions on the ship as well, as on the docks at each port of call. If you were thinking of whale watching which is around $125.00 each only go on the ones guaranteed because if you do not see a whale they refund $100.00 each.

Enjoy

Answer 2

We went to Alaska August 2006.  Yes, I agree that most of the excursions are over priced.  However, you do take a risk by waiting and not booking through your cruiseline.  They do sell out fast.  Some people book their own excursions via travel agents, or waiting to get on shore.  That can be a huge risk as well.  If you book outside of your cruiseline, and something happens, like getting delayed, the cruiseline will not wait for you.  Alaska is fabulous!  Enjoy your vacation.

Answer 3

You can wait, if that is what you prefer to do. Before booking anything on your own, I would definitely go to a site like Cruise Critic and visit the message board for your ports. There you can find information on excursions. A lot of people share experiences and gives reviews on different alternatives for excursions, including local companies.

Personally, I always book with the cruise line. I just feel safer doing this, even after all my cruises. The cruise line looks into several companies, makes sure they have insurance and everything like that so you will be safe. Also, if for some reason you would be delayed getting back to the ship because the excursion ran late, the ship will wait if you are on one of their excursions. If you are off on your own or doing another excursion, they may not know where you are and may have to leave. So, it is very risky.

You can also wait until you are on the cruise. Since so many people are booking outside of the cruise line, they don't usually sell out, though you do take a chance that they will be gone before you book. I find that most of the time you can still get most of the excursions onboard at the excursions desk. That way, you don't have anything booked and then decide you are too tired or something. It also allows you to get a closer weather report and things like that.

I've done a lot of excursions in Alaska and I think they are well worth the cost, they are a lot of fun. I've been on a few that I wouldn't do again, but there are also a lot I have done several times. And again, I like booking with the cruise line just for the peace of mind.

Have a great time!

Answer 4

I work in this type of infustry and there are ways around the high prices. Like being flexible on the dates for less traveled times or groups going with you. things like that. might try a travel agent too.