Thread: Skagway AK

Skagway is another port that is within blocks of the town.

I've been setting up a minibus tour with a company I have dealt with several times before. You get to see just about everything as you would on the train plus much more at half the price.

Hal is planning on doing the White Pass Railway (4 hour excursion) thru the ship. He's gone before and would like to go again. I asked him about the bus tour, he said NO that he really wants to do the train.

I thnk both the train and the mini-bus tour will be wonderful excursions. It is great that you have other options for people too Reggie. Tours can get expensive.

For those of you that have not been before, if you book thru the ship you literally catch the train across the street from where we dock. There are normally 3 different train trips offered the day we are there. Town is about 6 blocks away and if you don't book thru the ship you have to get downtown to catch the train --- the savings was only $5 last time so Hal and our friends booked thru the ship. Made it so much more convenient to leave and return to the ship.

For anyone in a wheelchair or using a scooter, let the excursion desk know when you book and they will be sure a train car with a lift is on the train that day. Our friend was in a wheelchair, they rolled onto the lift, it moved up, then then rolled into the train car.

The train cars all have restrooms in them also.

Alaska's most popular Shore Excursion: White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
White Pass Railway Website

MAP of Skagway:

http://www.frommers.com/images/desti...ttractions.jpg

Don and I love trains so I think we'll be booking this one....

Debbie ... when you check it out, there are 3 different options - so read the descriptions carefully. One of them requires you have your passport with you as you go into Canada. Hal is going to do the short one (4 hours I believe) - last time he could go at 8 am or noon.

NOTE on the train: Anyone with breathing difficulties may want to reconsider the train. There can be diesel fumes. Most people never even smell the fumes, but if you are overly sensitive (like me) the train ride is not a good idea.

When Hal and our friends went on the train, I walked into town and explored on my own. Had a fabulous time going into the shops, the art galleries etc. Unlike Mexico, didn't worry about being alone.

In Skagway the sidewalks are actually boardwalks that are about 6 inches above the street. You just have to be a bit careful walking along if it is crowded. Fun to walk thru the train depot in town also.

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video of history, current photos, White Pass Railway etc. Interesting video to watch. Show quite a bit of the town too.

This photo shows just how close you will be to the train if you decide to take the White Pass Railway tour (AND book thru the ship). If you book on your own (about $5 more) then you have to walk into town to catch the train.


A little park area you pass on the way into town.


Sidewalks are actually boardwalks in Skagway ... watch your step as they are about 4 to6 inches above the street level.

Photos were from this website:
Carnival Spirit - Northbound Alaska - May 27-Jun 3, 2009

Hi Mary,
Love the photos. The sidewalks remind me of the old west town in NV and CO. Don is having really bad allergies this year. In fact the power of allergies actually showed up in a blood test he had last week. That along with my asthma getting worse we might not be taking the tour train. I do appreciate you letting me know about the air quality. Maybe just one train trip for this cruise.