KatieKepic
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2015
- Messages
- 179
So helpful, thank you!If your only options are from mid-June to early August, I'd do early August. The very end of August to early September is my perfect time for an Alaska cruise, but I know that's tough with school. Any time in July or August will have great wildlife viewing.
Late dining is definitely preferred. Even some DCL excursions don't get back to the ship until 6 on the later port days.
Aft verandahs are generally in high demand, but it's always worth a shot if you're flexible about the floor and don't need them connecting.
In Juneau, I can highly recommend Alaska Whales & Rainforest Trails (JU34). It's run by Gastineau Guiding. They only sell through cruise lines, not independently, but the groups are small. I think it's a great value for what you get. For 8 people, you could reach out to them directly for a private tour and compare the price.
In Skagway, I like renting a car and driving the white pass route on your own. That lets you stop wherever you want and stay for as long as you want. If you don't want to drive, the White Pass railway and spending time in town is a great day too.
I did the George Inlet Lodge crab feast in Ketchikan, and it was one and done for me. I'd just get crab legs from a restaurant in town instead. The Rainforest Bear Sanctuary is a great option that isn't too expensive. There are also plenty of wildlife viewing excursions here.
If your cruise visits Icy Strait Point, definitely do whale watching there. It's more of a manufactured port and doesn't have as much to do as the other towns, but it's also near some of the best waters for seeing whales.
For general advice, bring all types of clothes. It can be 40 and windy one day, then 75 and sunny the next. Also bring comfortable walking shoes. Hiking boots are overkill unless you're doing an all-day hike on your own. If you want to photograph wildlife, you'll need a long lense. Vancouver is a great city and easy enough to use public transit around. Go early if you can.
The school schedules definitely make it harder to plan, especially with 3 different ones.
I'm really hoping we can get the afts. We'd prefer connecting but would take what we could get. We'll be able to book on platinum opening day so fingers crossed we can. If not we'll do regular verandahs that connect.
Thank you for the tour recommendations and advice. We're leaning toward Juneau over ISP, I think.
I know my family is going at least a week early to be able to explore. There looks to be so many great places to check out in Vancouver.