The cruise line's do a great job of cruising through Southeast Alaska. But I am not fan of their land tours through Southcentral Alaska. This opinion is based on two years as a tour bus driver for those tours.
I think a better option is renting a vehicle and putting together your own great trip. With your large group, that may be more challenging...
Of the two choices you listed, I would go with option 1. Option 2 uses McKinley Princess Lodge which is just a passenger warehouse in the middle of no where.