My parents,boyfriend and I will be taking the NCL Norwegian Wind Glacier Bay cruise in two weeks. The stops are: Juneau(2pm-mid), Skagway(8am-5pm), Haines(6:30pm-11pm), and Ketchikan(8am-6pm). Some of the NCL excursions seem rather pricey. My mom and I are interested in taking one of the helicopter tours to the glaciers and they are listed at $164-179 per person. Some of the others seem high also.
My questions are: can we book those off the ship ( on the docks)? Are we taking a chance by not booking them through the ship? We will be in Juneau and Haines during evening hours-do local tour companies work that late in the day? And which excursions does anybody suggest? I imagine that all the cruiselines have about the same excursions..
Thanks!
Kittie

Kittie-
My husband, parents, and I took a similar cruise (on the Princess Lines, however) a year ago. As you had expected, the helicopter excursion was an option for us, too. We chose to book it through the ship, though, as they set up all connections (bus to the heli-pad, etc.) and were responsible for our prompt return. Should things run late, you may be responsible for getting yourselves back to the ship before it departs. Also, if only the safest/best helicopter companies are hired by the cruise lines, you may be forced to settle for second best (yikes!) or none at all should you book on your own.
I should add -- the $$$ were well worth it! The flight-seeing was just beautiful!

We cruised the inside passage in June aboard Celebrity's Galaxy. We stopped at all the same ports you have listed. In Juneau we took the whale watching expedition. It was great! We saw 6 whales, bald eagles and various other wildlife. The nature expert on our small boat was very informative and although it was raining (really it was pouring) everyone associated with the tour tried to make it at pleasant as possible. Our friends took the tour to Taku lodge by sea plane. They said it was great. They enjoyed the scenery and the salmon bake. If I remember, this tour is kind of pricey. In Skagway we took the White Pass and Yukon railroad. This was the best of all the shore excursions. The ride was very interesting and the scenery breathtaking. You board the train almost as soon as you get off the boat. This does take up most of the day. I thought this tour was well worth the price. There is absolutely nothing to see in Haines. I can't understand why the cruise ships stop there. We did not book a tour and went into town on our own to look around. That took about 5 minutes. Anyone who did take a excursion was disappointed and said they should not have wasted their money. In Ketchikan my husband and others went fishing. Everyone caught Salmon (If you bring it back to the boat they should cook it for you) This was a popular excursion and considering the raves I heard when they got back I guess they got their monies worth.I walked around the town and it was very interesting and if you like shopping you won't be dissapointed.
I don't know if you can book any of these tours off the ship. I do know that some of the tours like the whale watching and the train ride were heavily booked and I don't know if I would want to take a chance on booking them on my own.
They say the reason that everything cost so much in Alaska is because the tourist season is so short that they have to make their money in 5 months instead of having all year around.
Have a great time and if you have any other questions you can E-Mail me direct.

We just returned from a cruise on Holland America's Staatendam. We had a fabulous time and found HAL very hospitable. We did feel a lot of pressure to make decisions on excursions immediately upon embarkation.

The excursions filled up rather quickly, so it is important to act fast. We felt that HAL had screened the vendors and that it was worth the extra price, rather than to find our own excursions from the ports.

We opted for a seaplane trip out of Ketchikan to Misty Fjord's Nat'l park. The next week we learned of a plane crash in the same area killing one tourist. In Juneau we chose a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier. In Sitka we went on a wild life cruise to see otter, eagles and humpback whales. In Seward we took another cruise which gave us a delightful sighting of dozens of killer whales. We felt like we chose a perfect mix which showed us the best Alaska has to offer. For 2 adults and 2 children we spent over 2,000K. The poster above said it well: the natives only have a few months to make a year's living and everything is pricey! Enjoy - we certainly did! Feel free to e-mail me privately for details. Andrea

Andrea, Andrea, and Carloyn: Thank you so much for the great information! I think that we will book through the ship. I can't wait!
Thanks again!
Kittie

We are leaving for Alaska this Sat 8/15. We're flying into anchorage, renting a car & going to denali park for a few days & then driving down to Seward.We're boarding the Ryndam 8/23 in Seward. We would appreciate any advice. We've been on HAL one previous time. We were not going to do any of the ship's excursions due to the hi expense. What do you think? It sound like we can do them on our own for a lot less money. I already reserved a car for Juneau. Did you take the tram there? Is it worth it? We would appreciate any advice. Please feel free to call me at work at 212-208-1243. Thanks for your help!!!

I live in Juneau, Alaska and would like to ask you NOT to take a helicopter tour. They are spectacular, but they are killing those of us who live here. The noise is extremely disruptive, flights go right over neighborhoods, recreation areas and town. We used to love summer and now many approach it with dread. Help us out, take a walk, ride the tram, go kayaking or rafting, do something QUIET please.

Karla, I am very sorry that these helo flights are creating a problem in Juneau. You have a lovely and historic town and I have really enjoyed my visits there. Is there any possibility you could bring this problem to your local authorities? I'm sure if the good citizens of Juneau made known their objections to the helo flights, and proposed some solutions, the town officials may be willing to work with the helos and the citizens. I don't know where the helos take off and land from, but if they are creating a nusiance, stand up and be heard. Your living in Juneau shouldn't be in misery. Try bringing this matter to all parties involved, including the various cruise ships, helo companies, town council, local native councils, anyone who may be influential in helping to solve or at least reduce the impact of the helo flights in your neighborhood. Good luck. Frank