Seeking Alternatives to Excursions on Alaskan Cruise

I went to Alaska when I was 16 with my parents on a summer vacation. But we drove. Here are the things I remember from the cities you mentioned...

Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier. It's HUGE, and you can get right up to it. I think there are trucks/buses that go out on the glacier, but you can also just stand back and look. As for restaurants, we went to the Fiddlehead Restaurant there. It was so good we bought a cookbook, and still use it 16 years later.

Skagway - I think this is where the old train ride is. Beautiful scenic views that I still remember.

We didn't make it down to Ketchikan and I'm not sure where Icy Strait Point is. Hope this helps some.

These ideas can be costly, but I think well worth it. I was in Alaska in 2006, I don't remember what city we were in at the time but my husband and I went on a float plane and it was amazing. The views were awesome and the plane landed in a lake that use to be a glaser. The flight it self was extremely fun. Friends of ours took a helicopter ride and landed on a glaser and said it was absolutely amazing and would do it again despite the cost. Our friend at the time was close to 400 lbs and had to pay double and would still do it again. We went to Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka and found the shops in all the places to be very interesting and had some really great stuff.

Dear C., You are very right...the excursions are over the top expensive! I grew up in Alaska and I have been to many of the places you mentioned. Here are a few tips...
If you love the outdoors then just get out and explore. The outdoors in Alaska will be better than the pictures. NEVER pay to see wildlife! It will be everywhere for free!
In Skagway go off the main street and shop. Talk to the shop owners and ask them about their favorite locations.
In Seward there is an aquarium. It should be re-modeled and much better than years ago so that is worth looking into. My sister and brother n law recently went to a great restaraunt in Seward. Let me see if I can find out the name.
Sincerely,
R.

I've been to Alaska and know what you mean about the cost of excursions.

The best recommendation I can make is to go to www.cruisecritic.com and read through their message boards. You will find all kinds of recommendations for each of the cities you will be visiting. Good luck and enjoy!!

Chris

We went to Alaska this summer. The narrow guage railroad in Skagway is not to be missed. It was pricey, but worth every cent.

We bought a book at Half Price Books that had walking tours of each town. Skagway has some beautiful little houses, and some wonderful shops. Ketchikan has a museum with totem poles and Alaskan art work, I think it was about $5 a person, the grounds were beautiful. Be sure to take rain gear, as it rains a lot in the summer. Don't expect it to be super warm either.

The good thing about a tour is that you are assured of getting back to the ship on time.

We went to a salmon hatchery in Juneau, which believe it or not was very interesting, and then to the glacier, it is out of town and we were glad not to be driving in the rain.

You will love, love, love Alaska. Enjoy your trip!

BettyM