Hi!
We always book
DCL excursions. So far we have had only one cancellation and that was in the Mediterranean and due to ocean currents and weather.
DH feels more comfortable booking through them and although I might take the chance of using someone like Harv and Marv for now we're happy.
Sitka~3 Stars~ Jet-Cat Wildlife Quest and Beach Exploration~
We went on a catamaran out to a beach and walked through the forrest for about an hour and spent about a half hour on the water coming and going.
We saw some otters and birds going to the beach. The tour director, Mary was nice as was the captain. She had baggies for us in case we wanted to take any shells back and DD found a piece of ocean glass and some shells. Unlike Hawaii, you are allowed to take what you find home.
They probably had the best hot chocolate of the entire cruise.
They provided local themed snacks, hc, tea and coffee.
On the way back we were able to view a young gray whale "playing" for about 20 minutes. He kept surfacing and diving like he was putting on a show like a kid.
You cant guarantee that you are going to see wildlife. We knew this going into this.
I would only give this 3 stars. Overall it wasnt that great and probably not worth the money spent.
Skagway~ 4 Stars~ Ocean Raft nature Adventure~
Rib boat through the Lynn Canal. This was fun!
Just DD and I did this as there was a weight limit and DH wasnt interested.
You are in an open boat with about 20 people and crew. You sit on a backwards saddle/Schwinn bicycle banana seat with the little metal bar to hold on to. Since the boat is small they are able to take you right up to the cliffs and waterfalls.
We saw lots of eagles! otters and Lauren, who looked just in time, saw a young bear on a shore line.
The captains name was Captain CJ and I did not get the naturalists name, but she was very good, knowledgable and enthusiastic!
Of course it was thrilling when the captain would speed up and do 360s1
Two young boys sitting up in the front were thrilled and shouted out
"That was awesome!"
Speed, wind whipping through your hair, nature up close, get to wear those awesome Deadliest Catch wet suite (required!).
Definitely do over, worth the money!
The only reason it gets 4 stars and not 5 is because the whole family didnt do it.
Juneau~ 4Stars~ Alaska's Whales and Glaciers Photo Safari
We chose this because DD thinks she will end up with a minor in photography.
I think she may end up with a major in it.
The gentleman, Dave, who was our guide has been a professional photography since college, used to do portraits, showed us some of his work as we were driving out to Mendenhall. Yes, he's good, knowledgeable and kept things at a very good pace. I think Lauren wsa able to get some pointers from him.
We went on a hike through the forrest to Mendenhall, not just a lets cross the street type of tour. Showed us the receding markers, spoke of the history of the local flora and fauna. We spent some time at the glacier and he offered to take our "Christmas card" photos. We took him up on the offer.
We reboarded the buses and went to the docks and boarded our boat.
On the ride there they gave us avery nice snack bag with at least 4 different things in it. Nice. And water bottles.
DH doesnt do well with small boats when he can feel the waves hitting and rocking. He does great on cruises.
There were times I was very concerned about him. That may be something you might want to keep in mind.
We starting seeing whales and then we would see these little black spots and they told us they were seals! They were playing and so cute!
And then... There was an Orca!! A young male. That made the day!
It was just amazing.
The weather was freezing and raining. the weather we were expecting in Ketchikan we had in Juneau.
On our ride back we were given dvds of what we saw and photography pointers and other things on it. It wasnt our specific trip but I think it was a really nice and I think DD will be able to use it.
Do over! and worth the money.
Ketchikan~ 5! Stars!~ Adventure Cart Expedition~
Cruises can be hard for the older kids when they dont fall into the adult category and they are too old for the clubs. We had our son pick out something that he wanted to do and this is what he chose. There is a weight limit but DH contacted the company directly and they told us that our son should be fine.
We could not have asked for more perfect weather! Ketchikan was dry. Not one drop of rain while we were there.
This is off road carting. They want you to hit the potholes. You cant avoid them to be honest. We had great views of the water and forrest. We learned about logging and deforestation before the National Forestry took over.
Our guide looked like Shaggy with Rastafarian hair. He was cool.
DH and I got to be the lead cart and our group was small with only 7 of us. 4 of us and one other family.
Yes, this one is expensive. Was it worth it? Yes. Would we have done it if we didnt have our son with us? No. But he was thrilled and after going along with everything else we felt he deserved to do something he wanted to do.
The memories are worth it.
well there you go, my long winded but honest review.
Hope this helps deciding what you will be doing.
Enjoy your cruise and happy sailing!
From the sounds of it all the 
