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On a cruise, do you have to go on excursions or can you wander around the port towns instead?

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I'm taking a cruise to Alaska with my family but I'm not sure if I can afford to do a ton of excursions. Are people allowed to wander around the port towns for free or must they pay for an excursions in order to leave the boat?

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  1. I have been on 3 cruises and am probably going on another one this summer. We never did any of the excursions. Usually you can find tours and things like that in port for cheaper. That is what we have done in the past. Have fun.


  2. You are able to do what ever you wish when the ship docks. some people stay on board and enjoy the peace and quiet of the pool and lounges, while others go ashore and have an independent wander around the town.

    If you plan on doing excursions, be selective.

    Visit http://cruisecritic.com and read the reviews of Alaskan cruises.

    Some people have arranged their own excursions which are normally much cheaper that the ship's. I know what you mean about the cost of taking a family on excursions, we normally spend more on excursions than we spend on paying for the cruise. It can make the eyes water a bit!

  3. Ali is so right! Doing things on your own is fun! The most famous ones like a float plane ride or helicopter tour are sometimes overbooked. So if you want to see them, you'll have to book them thru the cruise line.

    On your own you can step out and visit many interesting places in ketchikan, juneau and sitka. skagway is very small (except the train ride which is very good).

    Make sure to enjoy the Lumberjack show in Ketchikan and the glacier bay in Juneau.

    There are tourist booths all around town and they are more than happy to guide you and surely you'll save money!

    If you need more details let me know!

    Majestic Gems

    Juneau.

  4. You are free to come and go in port as much as you like.  Just be back on board the ship 30 minutes before it leaves.  You can purchase an excursion if you want, or just walk around town, or do both.  However, you do not need to purchase an excursion in order to leave the ship while it is docked in port.

  5. Nope you dont have to pay to wonder around. The excursions you pay for are usually guided tours of some kind...but I have been on two cruises and I find that wondering around on my own is waaaay more fun!!

  6. You are right about the prices.  This is why I am putting off going to Alaska till another year cause the prices on the excursions are really expensive but if your going with a group and are already booked try to make some extra cash before you go cause it is a very expensive trip and maybe you won't get back anytime soon.  You can look on the cruise website under tours and get some idea of the port excursions and what they cost.  Your very lucky it is a beautiful trip.  Have a great time.  (yes you can wander about when you dock)

  7. Never been to Alaska, but the Bahamas cruise I took let you go wherever you wished. You just had to be back in time for the ship to leave.

  8. You can either take the excursions or can wander around.

  9. Youre always be free to leave the boat but make sure youre back no later than half an hour before departure time. Many cruise travellers take tours on theyre own.

    But in some ports it could be a good advice to buy a shore tour since the port is situated a long distance away from the major point of interest. Some cruise liners will in theese cases provide a transportation tour that drops you off at the point of interest say the main square. Check with your cruise line for more info! Johan

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