Alaska excursions - need advice

J

jensun

Guest
In June we will be on our second cruise to Alaska - Princess - Whittier to Vancouver.

I need advice on shore excursions - 10 years ago when we were there we did the White Pass Railroad in Skagway. This time I would like to rent a car and drive up the pass.
Can that be done?

Want to do a flightseeing (not helicopter) either Misty Fjords out of Ketchikan or a glacier flyover out of Juneau? If you could only afford one of them, which would it be?

Last - for whale watching in Juneau - Capt. Larry or the Princess sponsored catamaran?

Would appreciate anyone's suggestions including via email.

Happy cruising!
Sandy
 
D

Dale

Guest
Cars can be rented in Skagway for about $68. I did a google search and found the private company. None of the agencies like orbitz had a clue about Skagway.
 
G

GKarschnick

Guest
We did the Misty Fijords flightseeing and enjoyed it thoroughly. We have take both the Princess Catamaran and Captain Larry's whale watching tours. IMHO, the catamaran was far superior in every way. less crowded, more stable, better snacks and more accomodating to the time of ships arrival and departure.



Post Edited (04-04-04 20:48)
 
A

am57

Guest
we are a family of four, and will be going to Alaska May 29 on the Coral Princess. I would like some feedback on the following excursions. In Juneau we are looking at the Orca Point Lodge & Whale watching. Or the Mendenhall Glacier Wildlife Quest. Are they worth it. In Ketchikan I booked a floatplane tour with Island Wings. In Skagway I am still looking, would like to do a flightseeing tour. My daughters want to walk on a glacier and do the dog sled. Any suggestions? Did anyone do the Eagle Preserve Scenic Float Advanture out of Skagway???? thanks for everyone's help
 
B

bfpierce2004

Guest
princess catamaran in juneau....be aware if you rent a car in ketchican and drive up the pass...you will go into canada after about 20 min. ...bring documentation
 
B

BarbaraK

Guest
We have booked our 3rd trip with Capt Larry for this May, we have booked a back to back with him. :)
Island Wings in Ketchikan have been recommended several times on these boards for the Misty Fjords flight. We have booked with them also. We did try a couple of years ago to take the trip with them but the weather was so bad they said it wasn't worth the flight as you wouldn't be able to see anything. They refunded all our money.
On the other hand people we met who had booked through the cruiselines didi the flight over the Misty Fjords as they were not given a choice and said it was dismal, nothing to be seen due to the heavy rains.

We took the Eagle Float trip out of Skagway on our first cruise to Alaska and it is one of our favourites! Very scenic and lots of eagles to be seen. It seems some people have had trouble with mosquitoes on this trip but we were lucky we didn't, we did the trip at the end of August /September.

Hope everyone has a wonderful time whatever they decide to do! :)
 
B

boatluvr

Guest
Just to clear up some mis-information: You cannot drive out of Ketchika because it is on an island.

You can drive over the pass from Skagway and end up in Canada.

Misty Fjords with Island Wings is a good choice.

You can visit the Mendenhall Glacier out of Juneau. I've been told there is a local bus that will take you there very reasonably. Or - rent a cab for a trip out. Of course, there are tours that will take you there. It's a matter of preference.

Whatever you decide, you'll have a great time!
 
N

Night rider

Guest
Hi Sandi;

If you go as far as Emerald Lake you should go around the corner and visit Emerald Lake ranch. I don't know if you are into horse back riding but if you are the the trip takes you up behind the hills above Emerald Lake for the most fantastic view as well as back into the highcountry, www.yukonhorses.com is where you can check them out.

Have fun.
 
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