Alaska Cruise Guide Finale: Shore Excursion Recap

This is my ultimate review of Alaska cruise shore excursions. While I've shared detailed video notes for each activity separately, here's a consolidated take. Key tip: I didn’t plan most excursions in advance due to Alaska’s unpredictable weather (200+ rainy days/year!). Stay flexible—book 1-2 days ahead or even last-minute based on conditions. Our 7-day one-way cruise (Vancouver → Seward via Inside Passage) included stops at: 1️⃣ Ketchikan Excursion: Wildlife Sanctuary, Rainforest & Totem Walk (booked via cruise ship). Verdict: Decent but overpriced. Highlight: Spotted a black bear! Alternative: Explore Creek Street for free to see salmon runs (this town is America’s Salmon Capital). 2️⃣ Juneau Goldbelt Tram: A must-do for panoramic views. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Combo (booked via Viator): 5-star experience—perfect weather, humpbacks breaching, and glacier hikes. Pro tip: Choose a tour that drops you at Mendenhall Glacier afterward! 3️⃣ Skagway Yukon Tour (with Dog Sledding): Go early for the 6-hour version (friends loved the northern Yukon scenery). Our 4-hour afternoon tour still delivered—saw a black bear family on the return! 4️⃣ Seward Scenic Railroad to Anchorage (cruise-booked): HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Alaska’s diverse landscapes—stunning even in rain! Final Thoughts: Weather rules everything. Prioritize flexible bookings. Mix paid excursions with free exploration (like Creek Street). Don’t miss: Whale watching in Juneau + Seward’s train ride. #AlaskaCruise #ShoreExcursions #TravelSmart #GlaciersAndWhales 🚢🏔️🐋