Skagway -7:30 AM tour, is this even doable?

[HappilyEverAfter80]

For those that have cruised on the Disney Wonder to Alaska. Do you remember what time the ship was cleared to disembark in Skagway? It says our time ashore is 7:15 am.
We are looking at a third party excursion (Rail & Yukon bus tour) which meets at 7:30 am.
I messaged the tour provider and they said the ships arrive at 7 and they are just at the end of the pier so we’ll make it.
Well not sure where they got 7 am from as it says 7:15 for us, but wondering if the ship is usually cleared for disembarkation at 7?
If it’s 7:15 and we are ready to go right away, is it doable? Does anyone know? TIA

 

[justafigment27]

Our private tour in Skagway, booked outside of DCL, was 100% DCL passengers.

My guess is that the tour operators know the ship schedules pretty well and will only book you on a tour that you can make.

 

[sadiecatie]

I’m curious about this as well - we’re looking at the same tour on our Skagway day, but I was figuring the 7:30 departure was too early. If it’s not, I would definitely prefer that (get going earlier, then have more either port time or time back on the ship in the afternoon).

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I’m curious about this as well - we’re looking at the same tour on our Skagway day, but I was figuring the 7:30 departure was too early. If it’s not, I would definitely prefer that (get going earlier, then have more either port time or time back on the ship in the afternoon).

I messaged the tour operator again and received the response below this evening:
Hello,
If your cruise ship is scheduled in Skagway at 7:15am, there is ample time for you to make our 7:30am departure time. Even though the ship’s schedule is 7:15am, the cruise ship arrives in Skagway between 5:30AM and 6:00AM. Our local longshoremen spend approximately 45 minutes tying the ship up to the dock and setting the gangway in place so that cruise passengers can disembark promptly at 7:15am. You merely need to walk to the end of the pier and we will be there waiting for you carrying a sign with our business name on it.

We want to do this tour for the exact same reason as you. We hope to be back to Skagway by 2 and explore a couple of hours in town, get back on the ship for dinner.
The cruise line has a similar (if not same) excursion but it departs at 9:30 and it’s $30 more per person I believe.
Anyway based on the response I received (here and tour operator) I think we’ll go for it.

 

[anricat]

The tour operators know the ship schedules. We were once booked on a tour and another ship was late coming into port - maybe 30 minutes. We waited for the other ship to dock and be cleared before we left for the tour. They aren't going to leave large chunks of their customer base behind. This their bread and butter, I wouldn't even think twice about it. They'll get you. Skagway is like 2 blocks long. Even if you had to walk to the end of town you'd still make it. Just make sure you get up and get your breakfast and be ready when the ship is cleared. You'll be fine.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

Thank you! I feel MUCH better about booking this tour.