What are the best shore excursions on an Alaskan cruise?

Question

Going on an Alaskan cruise in June on the Norwegian Pearl. Does anyone have any recommendations for the shore excursions? We will be in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can get opinions on that at CruiseCritic.com.  Click on "Boards" at the top of the home page, then go to "Ports of Call" and choose "Alaska".

Answer 2

My favorite was in Ketchikan, and we did the helicopter to dog sledding. it's kinda pricey, but seriously amazing. You get to take a copter ride over a beautiful glacier, then get out and dog sled on it. Amazing.

Also, in Skagway, we did this thing where you took a water plane, helicopter, boat, and car. I don't remember what it was called, but that too was incredible.

And I suggest getting the savvy traveler if you have a chance- my family spent a lot of time going through the shops, getting the free things, and getting to check out the amazing deals on jewelry. that may have been one of my favorite parts of the trip, actually.

Answer 3

My very favorite shore excursion was taking the white pass railroad. I believe that was out of Juneau. You will see spectacular sights on this excursion and never have a dull moment.

Answer 4

In Skagway, you should do the combo tour of the White Pass and Yukon Railway and the Liarsville Gold Mining Camp.

The railroad is a narrow guage line that was built for the 1890's and early 1900's gold rush. You take the train up to the top of the mountains into Fraser, Canada. From there you take a bus back down, stopping for photos at the Welcome to Alaska, USA sign. At Liarsville, you get a chance to pan for gold and see a cute show.

In Juneau, a good tour is to the salmon hatchery and then on to Hubbard Glacier. There are also some flightsee tours available where you can see a lot more or even land on and walk on a glacier.

In Ketchikan, the Lumberjack show is cute. I'd pass on the Indian village with the Totem Poles. That was kind of boring. There are other more active tours available here too. Check with your cruise line when you board, or even before on their website.

I haven't been to Victoria, so no help here for that one.