Thanks for the information. Not one to "miss the boat", so think we'll stick to the ship's shore excursions. I've heard so many different weather stories, so will be prepared for anything. Still considering the mushers camp. Has anyone done the Duck Tour in Ketchikan? I've heard how much fun the Duck Tours are, but it's a very short excursion.
My sister and I have a cruise planned for September, 2007. Other than a helicopter sightseeing (I;m leery of that), what do you think of the dog sled camps and would there be snow at that time of the year? Just getting started on checking excursions. Is it wise to book through the cruiseline of private tours?
Thanks for any information!
When in September are you coming? If it's one of the last cruises of the year, be sure to check with the tour operator about snow conditions, etc. The dogsled camps are WONDERFUL in Juneau and Skagway - besides sportfishing and whale watching (I'm biased!) I always recommend folks get up on the glaciers via heli... it doesn't matter what you do once you're there, just the flight and time on the ice is an experience not to be missed.
As for the part about "only book the ship's excursions so you don't miss the boat"... My advice is just the opposite. Independant excursions save you big money (Ships make anywhere from 20 to 50% commission on the tours they sell), and are just as "safe" as the ship trips. Check with each tour provider about time schedules. We've all got a copy of the ship arrival/departure schedule, and everyone has a very good feel for disembark/re-embarkation times.... Since the cruise line is in the volume=money game, you will ALWAYS get a less crowded and more personal tour if you book independant of the ships.
Thanks for the information. Not one to "miss the boat", so think we'll stick to the ship's shore excursions. I've heard so many different weather stories, so will be prepared for anything. Still considering the mushers camp. Has anyone done the Duck Tour in Ketchikan? I've heard how much fun the Duck Tours are, but it's a very short excursion.
I've heard some negative comments about the duck tour in Ketchikan, but I suspect it was a case of the tour not matching the tourist very well... For example, I HATE standing in lines and riding around on buses, so ANY bus-based sightseeing tour would probably get a negative review from me. (As an aside, I WOULD be interested in riding in a bus that floats if I had never done that before...)
Note that Ketchikan is very small, and you'll likely see the same things just by walking cannery row. If you've never been salmon fishing or whale watching before, that might be a fun diversion. Like I've said in previous posts, Alaska is such a marvelous place to visit, and you'll want to be sure to do things you'd never have a chance to do at home.
Aren't personal choices about your vacation fun?!?
I always recommend folks get up on the glaciers via heli... it doesn't matter what you do once you're there, just the flight and time on the ice is an experience not to be missed.
I soooooooooooooooooo agree! That was the best experience I have had!
I always tell people that if time is limited and they need to prioritize their adventures to be sure to do the following (in no particular order):
- Catch a wild Alaskan Salmon
- Have a drink at the World Famous Red Dog Saloon
- See a million-year-old hunk of ice
-Case
I have not caught an Alaskan Salmon, I have got one off the Washington coast.
I almost caught an Alaskan Halibut, got it up to the boat but it got away/
I have have had drinks at the Red Dog several times.
I have been fortunate to see all of the glaciers that the cruise ships visit.
I have cruised to Alaska several times.
When we want a cruise without having to fly to the ship, we head north.
Thanks everyone for the input. We are on the last Radiance cruise September 14, 2007. Might just have to do the heli tour (even with my fears) and I'll be sure to have a drink at the Red Dog. Who knows, might even have to try and catch a salmon.
Case--Checked out your site...very nice! Will check with others in our group and see if anyone is game. Personally, I want to see all the wildlife possible and since this is my first visit to Alaska, want to cram in as much as possible. Will be in Juneau 9-17-07.
Again, thanks...and everyone have a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!
It is always good to know exactly WHERE you are giong...typically cruises that leave from Seattle sail outside waters for a day and a half until they reach SE Alaska. Ships sailing from Vancouver have a bit more inside water scenic cruising.
Shorex tips:
heli dog sledding only in Juneau and Skagway
watch whales in Juneau or on the Sea Otter tour in Sitka
fly to Misty Fiords from Ketchikan
Take advantage of your onboard Naturalist or Travel Guide, they are full of info!
Dog sled camps melt near the end of summer, check and see if yours is available. Bear tours usually operate later in the summer, when the bears come to the creeks to eat the salmon. This does not mean that bears are not out all summer, they are, but the tour operators only operate when there is a good chance of seeing bears.
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