shore excursions

[Dkelley]

We are going on a Alaskan cruise on May 22, 2005 on the princess sapphire. This is our 6th cruise but our first to Alaska. I have been searching for just the right shore excursions and hopefully some of my questions can be answered.
1. Is the White Pass Railway tour worth the money? Will I be able to take good pictures on the train? How fast does the train go? Can you go outside to take pictures?

2. Will we be able to see whales & other animals when we cruise the Tracy Arm? I have been told that we will see plenty of animals there and shouldnt spend the money and book a whale watching tour in Juneau.

3. I looked at Southeast tours web site. I was impressed with 3 of their tours they offer in Skagway. I have never booked a tour from an independent before, we have always gone through the cruise ship for our excursions. But I was thinking instead of the White Pass Railway train tour to do one with Sourtheast tours. They seem very interesting and we will be able to see alot more and we will even be able to drive the same path as the train does. And they will stop on the route and be able to get out and take pictures.. Plus it wil be cheaper than doing the train. My question is can you trust an independent to get you back to the ship on time. Or even renting a car in Skagway and driving up into the Yukon & on toward Emerald Lake.


Thanks,

Darla

Princess Sapphire 5/2005
Carnival Elation 10/2003
RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas 9/2002
RCCL Explorer of the Seas 11/2001
Carnival Celebration 10/2000
Carnival Celebration 9/1999

 

[IBCAR18]

Darla, we rented a car full size car with Avis @ Skagway and are going to drive to Emerald Lake ourselfs. Heard this was the best way to "take in" everything at your own pace. Paid like $85 for the car on the Avis.com site. Good luck!!!!!!!!! Emerald Lake is beautiful.

Michelle

 

[nona]

Tracy Arm is a great place. Is the ship going in there? I have been there. I saw black bear and mountain goats and lots of seals. The scenery is incredible. We didn't see whales the last time I went. The whale watching in that direction isn't as good as north of Juneau.

 

[Anonymous User]

Yes you can take awesome pictures on the train,be sure to sit on the left hand side,going up the mountain everything is on that side,on the right you do not get to see much,on the way back they have you turn your seat around so you are on the right hand side going down to be fair to passengers,but the going down is not is fun,you have already seen everything and there is no commentary.There are places between each car where you can stand outside train on a platform to take pictures but we had no problem as well in the train,my husband took 12 rolls of film just on train,it is worth it,the scenery is unbelievable,they describe each place in detail,the Alaska or Bust area,graveyard,ect.Also if you are in Juneau do Captain Larrys whalewatching excursion,not listed on ship excursions but oh is it worth it,you will have a great trip!

 

[Jeana]

The White Pass RR is excellent. The train goes slowly and you can get lots of great photos. You can go out on the platform between cars and take photos.

Re: seeing Whales in Tracy Arm... It is possible but no guarantees. Seeing a whale from the cruise ship and seeing whales on a whale watching tour are different. They are much closer on a whale watch tour and it is very exciting to see them. You will probably see seals or other animals as well. The tour operator knows where to go to see them. I would highly recommend the whale watching tour.

I don't know about renting a car, etc., but I'm sure others can give good recommendations. We did do an independent tour on the whale watching in Juneau (Orca Ent) and had no trouble whatsoever. All the people on board were cruisers anyway.

Keep doing research and getting recommendations and I'm sure you will decide what's best for you. Any of the tours you are thinking of are great. I don't think you will be disappointed.