going on our first cruise in July . southbound Alaska on Carnival,with several couples. due to my dad's health condition (he's not traveling with us)i'm avoiding any pre -sign ups for land tours and i'm planning to "wing" it once we're on ship(i.e. using local travel outfits not cruise affiliated or taking what's available through the cruise line) what pitfalls can i expect-thanks in advance

You really need to plan your shore excursions in advance. If you wait until you are off the ship, you risk not going on some great excursions because they will be full.

IF you have travel insurance, it will cover any non-refundable costs involved if you have to cancel due to your father's condition.

thanks theresa but it's my understanding(from the travel agent) that the money for pre-booked land excursions is not refundable. am I right in this assumption?

You can usually book when you get on board. But don't wait if its a tour you want. That way, nothing is paid for in case you don't make the cruise. Most lines show their tours on line so you can make up your mind before you get on board.On some ships you can book thru the TV in your cabin. Know you'll have a ball!!!!!!!!!

Not true at all - I booked independently with Orca Excursions in Juneau (first class outfit). Due to an accident on board our ship, one person couldn;t make it. Orca gave a complete refund (and I certainly wasn't expecting one!). BTW, booking independently got us better prices and less crowded excursions than doing it t he ship's way.

P.S. I agree with Theresa re the potential for insurance to cover....but check this out with your insurer first, and before you book!

Absolutely you need plans and reservations in advance if you want to go independent. I'll also assume you are referring to port based tours and not a interior Alaska tour?? Is your reason for not booking anything in case you have to get home??? Frankly- I would have that option well covered with what may be available for you.

And, yes most tours are no refunds within a certain timeframe and earlier may have fees. With your situation, you probably are best to book through the ship - with the close timeframe that may have some predictability on your father's health? Bus tours will be available at the dock, little else. Each port has walk up stuff to consider, including free walking tour maps. Bottom line- plan and have back up plans.

Onje "problem" you can definitely "expect" from Carnival, unless they have changed their ways recently, is that you will get little, if any, help with booking your own excusrions through independent operators once you get aboard.

They won't know anyone (why should they know anyone other than who they use?) and given the degree of mark-up and the cut that the ship gets from excusrions it isn't suprising.

PLAN AHEAD on your own using the internet, etc. Otherwise you get off the ship and take your chances with anyone who might be there looking for business.