I need some help from those of you who may have cruised Alaska before. My mother is cruising with us as she's always wanted to see Alaska but didn't want to go on her own. Well, she says she wants to see Alaska but we can't get her interested in any excursions except whale watching in Juneau. In Skagway and Ketichkan, she thinks she'll just wander around town to shop and have lunch. First, I know these towns are not that big. Second, she doesn't walk well for long periods. I thought the train in Skagway would be a good option to see the scenery without a lot of walking, but she says she grew up in the Rockies so has seen mountains. How do I convince her that Alaska is like nothing she's ever seen before?
My mother is exactly the same. She is 75 and I am bringing my father and her and my brother and SIL on this cruise. My mom and dad don't want to do the excursions either because of the cost. They live in Idaho and spend plenty of time in the mountains so they feel like they don't need to do the excursions either.
What I have suggested is that we take the on/off in Ketchikan and take the tramway up to the top on our own. I think they are willing to do that. Then in Juneau we are going to take the shuttle bus to Mendenhall Glacier. My brother will hike but my mom will probably spend most of her time sitting in the visitors center.
For Skagway, I took the train in May and loved it, but my parents have ridden trains before up in mountains and they don't think they want to spend the money. I agree with them because I did the train and although the scenery was beautiful I live right in the mountains in Salt Lake and have explored mountains alot, so not a big deal. The ship pulls up right into town, so main street is less than a 2-3 minute walk. Not a big deal.
They will enjoy the Tracy Arm day tremendously. When I took my parents on the Panama Canal Cruise in 2005, they enjoyed the day transitting the canal more than anything.
I figure once they get on the ship if they change their minds, we will sign up for something, but I really think they will be happy not doing much of anything, just cruising the inside passage is what they really want to do.
What I did do though is scheduled our Palo's dinner the first night of the cruise so as we cruise up the inside passage we will have the most beautiful view from the ship while we are eating. Your mother might really enjoy that.
Hope that helps!
Yes, it will be hot!!! I'll be right behind you all leaving on the 10th for 5 nights at WDW. 
) She also doesn't have a computer to actually see everything that is offered either.
