We had an amazing whale watching trip out of ICP. There were other people on our ship that did the wildlife adventure and were less than impressed with it.
Make it a sea day while docked. Worst port ever IMHO.
are either unique to that port? what time of year are you going? Early May has less whales than say july for example.
In 2017 DH & I did the Spasski River Valley Wildlife & Bear excursion. It was wonderful. We had 2 Tlingit guides thru the rainforest to the viewing platforms overlooking the river. Saw 3 brown bears - one not far from the platform munching on wildflowers & 2 others along the river. The guides were excellent and well armed LOL! We've done DCL to Alaska five times (only once to Icy Strait) and this was one of the best excursions we did on any of the cruises.
How come?
Worst port ever? No way. We did whale watching a couple of years ago using Misty Bay Lodge which has small boat holding about 6 people. It was the best whale watching tour we have ever been on and we have done several from Juneau and Victoria. They also have combination bear tours. Whenever doing Alaska cruise I would pick Icy Strait for whale watching over any other port. Not much shopping there but that's not why we go to Alaska.