michele

Two adventuresome, thirty-something women, first-time cruisers & first time in Alaska, having trouble deciding which excursions to book. Cost of excursions is not the concern, but I do want good value for money spent -- in other words, I'm willing to pay a lot but only for a great experience. Would like to know Fodorites' opinions of the following excursions, if you've done any of them or know anyone who has, & which you'd especially recommend or not recommend. Also, we'll spend some time in Seward at the end & plan to do a full day boat trip there -- would any of what is listed below be duplicative? We are going in late August.<BR><BR>Ketchikan -- Bear Adventure 10:45 am-1:45 pm via float plane to Traitors Cove/Margaret Creek for bear viewing at waterfall. $259<BR><BR>Juneau -- Glacier Panorama & Dog Sled Adventure, flying over Juneau Icefield & landing on Norris Glacier, 9:15am-12:15 pm. $369<BR><BR>Juneau -- Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest 1pm-5pm via Auke Bay catamaran through Stephens Passage. $105<BR><BR>Skagway -- Glacier Point Wilderness Safari -- canoe to Davidson Glacier 1pm-6:30 pm. $199<BR><BR>Skagway -- White Pass Scenic Railway, 8:15am-11:45 am, $94 (is this a "must" or a "miss"?)<BR><BR>Or would it be better to do the Dog sledding-glacier flightseeing in Skagway on Denver Glacier rather than in Juneau? They are the same price.<BR><BR>Advice please?

Celebrity

Michele,<BR>I hope you don't mind, but I would like to add another one.<BR>Juneau - Glacier Trekking - 4/4.5 hours, helicopter ride to glacier, after some instructions, ice trekking for about 2 hours. cruise line cost $359.00, direct booking $319.00. Any info on this excursion? Is it worth it?

Celebrity

Michele,<BR>It's me again, I posted the same question here:<BR>http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=frm&s=927093444&f=268097554<BR>and got all the info I needed quickly.<BR>I suggest you post your questions there, as it seems to have a lot more people with personal knowledge of Alaska cruises and excursions.<BR>Good Luck and enjoy your cruise!!!

tommy

Michele- <BR>In Skagway, I did the White Pass Rail trip. The railroad has an interesting history, and the scenery is spectacular as you climb up the mountainside. But it has some serious disadvantages. First, on my trip, there was continuous commentary over the speaker system in the train, done by a young woman with a really annoying high pitched voice, and it was impossible to get away from it. Also the trip is very long, and the trip back is basically the same scenery as the way up. With the vibration of the train, the length of time in the train, and the repeat scenery, almost everyone in our car had fallen asleep by the time we returned. Hardly an adventure - lots of sitting. Another disadvantage (to me at least) was that the train was filled with day trippers from the huge liners that dock in Skagway, which itself is overrun with them. The train actually stops to let off passengers from these ships at their dock, and pedestrians trying to maneuver around the wharf have to wait to pass while they disembark. This took an exceptionally long time if I remember right. In my opinion, the canoe trip sounds pretty cool, and will get you out of town and thus serious crowds. I wish I had known of it when I was there. <BR><BR>As for Juneau, I did a helicopter trip that landed on the glacier and the icefield, and feel it was one of the highlights of the trip. I got an amazing perspective of the size and scope of these things that I just didn't get from the water.<BR><BR>Hope this was helpful and have fun.

pat

We just got back from RC cruise to Alaska on July 20th. In Juneau we could not decide so we did the Glacier Panaoram & Dog Sled Adventure and the Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest. Both can be done in 1 day but its expensive (2 adults and 2 children (ages 6 & 8)-- with no child discounts!). Both were excellent!! The helicopter and dog sled was a highlight of out trip. Being on the glacier surrounded by mountains was awesome. There is nothing there but the dogsled camp (180+ dogs and their handlers). On the whale watching & wildlife quest we saw pods of killer whales along with a group of humpback whales bubble net feeding. Incredible sites!! <BR> We had chosen to take the Helicopter in Juneau because it seemed like a longer helicopter ride. We were up in the helicopter for at least 20+ minutes each way. Very professional operation something not to be missed.

Risa

We are planning on going in June 2003 with 2 children ages 7 and 10 where did you get the information on the Dog Sled and Whale Watching info. How much did it run you.<BR><BR>Thanks