Alaska Shore Excursions
Apr 14th, 2006, 07:43 AM
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Alaska Shore Excursions
Doing HAL R/T out of Vancouver end of August ..stops Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Suggestions on which excursions will give us the best experience? or, must see sights? Any recommendation on Vancouver hotel for pre-cruise stay? Thanks
Apr 14th, 2006, 02:48 PM
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We are taking the same cruise and were recommended the Terminal City Club Tower in Vancouver right near where we will board. Phone no. 1-888-253-8777. Price is 160-200's (US$). The GREAT thing about this hotel is that they will take care of getting your luggage on the ship and will give you your rm until your cruise sets sail. That is 5pm for us. Have a great time!!
Apr 20th, 2006, 03:36 AM
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I never recommend the Mendenhall river float trip. Only a brief distant view of the glacier, rest of trip is trees and backyards. Very tame and in my opinion, money better spent elsewhere.
The eagle float trip is out of Haines. If you are porting in Skagway, you backtract via ferry. A superior scenery viewing trip is the float trip on the Taiya River out of Skagway, but no eagles likely.
Are you looking at flying or boating Misty Fjords. I like flying, there is so much to see from above that is completely missed from a boat.
The eagle float trip is out of Haines. If you are porting in Skagway, you backtract via ferry. A superior scenery viewing trip is the float trip on the Taiya River out of Skagway, but no eagles likely.
Are you looking at flying or boating Misty Fjords. I like flying, there is so much to see from above that is completely missed from a boat.
Apr 21st, 2006, 03:37 PM
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We enjoyed the Misty Fjords float plane with Island Wings in Ketchikan. Michelle, the pilot is EXCELLENT!
Whale watching in Juneau with Orca Enterprises is highly recommended as well.
Most people like the White Pass RR. We did a tour with Chilkoot Charters..took the train up and then a bus into the Yukon, had lunch and back to SKagway by bus. Excellent tour guide and a nice small group.
Whale watching in Juneau with Orca Enterprises is highly recommended as well.
Most people like the White Pass RR. We did a tour with Chilkoot Charters..took the train up and then a bus into the Yukon, had lunch and back to SKagway by bus. Excellent tour guide and a nice small group.
Apr 26th, 2006, 04:22 PM
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I was able to book trips for our other ports... But am still lacking something in Ketchikan. So far I have:
Juneau-Taku Lodge Floatplane and Feast
Skagway-white pass railway, gold panning, salmon bake.
Ketchikan-????
Victoria-Buchart Gardens
I have a few concerns about Ketchikan. First, is the weather (I don't want to book a $200 tour and be miserable in the rain) Also, we really couldn't find something we HAD to do, but rather said we didn't want to spend a ton of money and didn't want to do another floatplane/helicopter.
Whe are deciding between the Saxman Native Village or the kayak trip....
Could we book the village apart from the cruise ship or can we walk (get a bus?). Is the village a good trip?
Juneau-Taku Lodge Floatplane and Feast
Skagway-white pass railway, gold panning, salmon bake.
Ketchikan-????
Victoria-Buchart Gardens
I have a few concerns about Ketchikan. First, is the weather (I don't want to book a $200 tour and be miserable in the rain) Also, we really couldn't find something we HAD to do, but rather said we didn't want to spend a ton of money and didn't want to do another floatplane/helicopter.
Whe are deciding between the Saxman Native Village or the kayak trip....
Could we book the village apart from the cruise ship or can we walk (get a bus?). Is the village a good trip?
Apr 27th, 2006, 03:44 AM
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You can get Saxman Village tours at the dock for about $25, sometimes kayak trips too, but don't count on it. You do need a tour as a great deal of the trip is the commentary.
If you are late arriving like most ships into Victoria- it is very difficult to get to Butchart unless you arrange car service direct. You don't have time to spare waiting for a cab for the return and they can be in short supply at night.
Listings- http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/483.asp
If you are in port all day, then just take the cheap city bus, pick up is on Douglas, behind the Empress, up a couple blocks across from the MacDonalds.
If you are late arriving like most ships into Victoria- it is very difficult to get to Butchart unless you arrange car service direct. You don't have time to spare waiting for a cab for the return and they can be in short supply at night.
Listings- http://www.tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/483.asp
If you are in port all day, then just take the cheap city bus, pick up is on Douglas, behind the Empress, up a couple blocks across from the MacDonalds.
