We will be on a Princess cruise this summer which stops at Juneau, Skagway, Ketichican and Victoria. Will there be, like in most ports, plenty of private tour operators waiting at the dock or is it better to pre-book the ships excursions? We usually do the latter but we have never been to Alaska? Thank you. Larry

Yes there are plenty of local tour operators but I would suggest planning ahead. I have done that route several times and always done my own research and booked independently.

I recommend White Star Railway in Skagway, a walk around Victoria with a visit to Buchart Gardens and a flight plane in Ketchikan. I had a wonderful experience there and will try to find the contact info in my Alaska file.

Great! I'll look for that. Thank you.

Sorry but as a many time Alaska visitor, the only "tours" left over in port will be city bus tours. Anything else will be long gone, especially flights. I never recommend not having plans and reservations in place BEFORE you leave, not only will you waste a lot of time trying to decide what to do, your choices will be extremely limited and maybe not the most effecient time frame. Alaska ports are now unloading over 10,000 passengers some days.

As for the White Pass RR, if you don't care if you go or not, you MAY be able to purchase a seat when you arrive, but you need to go to the depot, early and do this. Any flights out of Ketchikan will be LONG GONE unless you reserve ahead. Butchart Gardens- will most likely limit you to a ship excursion since your time in port is a late arrival and short. Look over your shore excursion list and narrow down your interests. Repost and I can tell you accurately if there "may" be any availability late booking.

Thank you BQ. I'll do that asap.