we have a fairly long stop in Ketchikan on our Mercury cruise. We plan to go to the Saxman village. Do we need to be on an excursion to see the Native American dancing? <BR>Or can we do this on our own? <BR> <BR>Also any comments on the other excursions, like the Misty fiords flightseeing? <BR> Thanks much! Bill

In 1998 we sailed on HAL's Ryndam. We very much enjoyed an excursion called "Orca Beach nature hike." The group dressed in rainsuits, ZIPPED along in two zodiac rafts to an isolated beach. We were met by a guide who led us along a trail through the rainforest, explaining the lifecycle of the forest itself. I believe it's part of national (or state) park territory with constructed trails and stairs where necessary, etc. <BR>Feel free to email me with any other questions. Have a great trip!!

We just returned from a Holland America cruise to Alaska. The trip to the Saxman Village through the cruise line did include a performance by the Native Americans. The shore excursion office stressed that the performance was specifically reserved for those who booked the excursion thru the cruise office. <BR>I do not know if they indeed turned others away. <BR>In Ketchikan, I went on the Tongass Game Trail Hike. It was a rugged hike, not just a walk. I am a novice hiker and really enjoyed myself. <BR>Enjoy your cruise.

We were in Ketchikan in July 1999 and went on a bear watching trip. We took a float plane to a salmon hatchery and it was great. We walked down to the water where the salmon were and waited about 10 minutes. We paid a lot for this trip and were worried that we weren't going to see anything and then here came a bear. It was great. We got to see him catch the fish and eat them. Then another bear came. We had a great time. The plane was fun also.

I would be coutious about any helicopter flight that you might take in Alaska. After paying $180 for the Mendenhall Glacier flight in Juneau, I was in the middle of the back seat and certainly didn't get my monies worth. Alaska is beaustiful and you'll have a wonderful time.