What not to miss on a Alaska Cruise

[Rambler5678]

What not to miss on a Alaska Cruise.

 

[MUN]

We enjoyed our floatplane trip in Ketchikan. I also enjoyed walking through downtown Skagway. The National Park Service maintains a number of historical buildings and I thought their exhibits did a nice job of giving you a feel for the gold rush era. Also, we spent two days in Vancouver before the cruise. We loved Vancouver and can't wait to go back. However, imho, the best part of the cruise is the time on the ship as we sailed through the inside passage. The beauty of the scenery is amazing.

MUN

 

[kid-at-heart]

The first time we visited Skagway we rented a "Green Jeep" and drove up to Emerald Lake, stopping to see things along the way. Afterwards we drove around town and out and about.
https://www.alaskagreenjeeptours.com

The next time we went hiking in Skagway. The trails we took were close to the dock so we could walk to them from the ship. https://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/shorterdayhikes.htm

 

[GPaLarry]

We did Liarsville in Skagway, which is great for kids, with panning for gold (look in the creek), appearance by Donald Duck, a fun show and good food. Did the scientific whale watching (and other critters) that included a trip to Mendenhall Glacier first then small boat ride to check lobster trap, seals and whales...great for kids and adults in Juneau. Ketchikan we did the duck city and bay tour. Also a good choice for us on a rainy day. Most of the excursions are short enough that you have time to walk the towns. They are right next to the dock, so easy access.
A couple of things to remember:
1. Take a good camera...loads of photo ops from start to finish. 2. We went this past June and it rained off and on a couple of days, so take rain gear. 3. If smoking is a concern, don't get staterooms 8000 back maybe 10 rooms (port side). During our glacier day when it is dead calm, the smoke and ash from the 9th deck smoking area came down on us almost all day...yuck! 4. Our last "at sea" day was sunny and the temps were near 80 on deck by the pools. Bring sunscreen.
We will do this cruise again as it is within driving distance (5 ish hours from Portland, OR). Traffic around Seattle and at border crossing can be issues.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Glacier Bay and Denali Park.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Glacier Bay and Denali Park.

Both of which are not done on a DCL cruise.

 

[Rambler5678]

We are taking the 9 night Disney cruise this July.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Both of which are not done on a DCL cruise.

True. OP didn't specify a Disney Cruise.

 

[Shanti]

True. OP didn't specify a Disney Cruise.

No, but he did post his question on the Disney Cruise Line Forum...

 

[jdb in AZ]

We are taking the 9 night Disney cruise this July.

Since you're going to Icy Strait Point, our favorite thing there was the whale watching shore excursion, which also included bear watching. We did see bears in the wild, and we were escorted by an armed guide. No bears or tourists were harmed during our visit.

We also enjoyed a floatplane trip from Ketchikan into Misty Fjords. We flew over big horn sheep, then landed on a small glacier lake.

 

[RebelHawk]

If you or your family enjoy fishing the Salmon Fishing excursion in Ketchikan was awesome. We pulled in 5 beautiful salmon that we had processed and then shipped back home. Sure we could have just bought salmon at home for less but it was extra special serving our friends wild Alaskan salmon that was caught ourselves.

 

[xlxo]

Vancouver..... you need extra hotel nights pre/post-cruise to enjoy all the activities.

If affordability is an issue.... post your preferred hotel dates and I can make some alternative suggestions away from the cruise terminal for savings on a multi night stay.

 

[xlxo]

Glacier Bay and Denali Park.

Another vote for Glacier Bay.

 

[DVC Doc]

Highlights of our cruise were floatplane to Neets Bay for bear watching in Ketchikan and glacier dog sledding in Juneau. I also highly recommend at least an ocean view if not a verandah. We spent so many hours just watching the beautiful scenery go by.

Link to my video TR:

 

[ilovebassets]

Vancouver..... you need extra hotel nights pre/post-cruise to enjoy all the activities.

Agree with this 100%. We had three nights (2 pre and 1 post) in Vancouver. Could have easily use one or two more especially with our east coast jet lag and long travel times. Fantastic city.

 

[ickeymouseDisney 5]

There is a glacier excursion on the Tracy arm day that I didn’t know about
Wish we would have done it!!

 

[Rambler5678]

Anyone every done the small boat glacier excursion in Tracy Arm or Endicott Glacier?

 

[ickeymouseDisney 5]

Also loved the excursion to salmon hatchery