exploring Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan

[akacake]

We on the H.A. Zaandam May 23-30 and visiting these 3 ports. We are not planning any shore excursions, we just plan on walking around and checking out each town. Are there any recommended places that are a "must see" that we can walk to? Any exceptional pubs or restaurants?

[CowPrincess]

In Ketchikan stop at the Visitors Center (right at the dock) and get a "walking tour map". If the Totem Heritage Center is not included in the walking tour, consider it as an add-on. Admission used to be $5. Not sure what it is now. It is reclaimed/rescued old totems. Really gives you a feeling of history. If you do go there, walk back towards the ship along Deermont Street, I think it is ... there are totem poles in peoples' yards along there and along Stedman.

 

Here's a downloadable copy

http://www.experienceketchikan.com/support-files/ketchikan_maps_downtown.pdf

 

In Skagway, the National Parks' Service has hiking maps, and also does guided walks.

 

More info here

http://www.nps.gov/klgo/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm

 

You might want to think about taking the shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. A search of this forum will get you more info than you would think possible about that :)

[mapleleaves]

Every town has a web site to support local businesses and activities. Google the town's name followed by visitor information or chamber of commerce. ie http://www.skagway.com

 

Borrow an Alaska travel book from your library and learn about the 3 ports and all they have to offer. There are even books specific to Alaska cruises ... Ann Vippond "alaska by cruiseship' and Fodor "alaska ports of call'.

 

Look at the STICKY above called ' 2013 Alaska cruise review list". There are many detailed and informative trip reports. Go to reply #45 where the reports are sorted by cruiseline.

[Budget Queen]

If you head to your library, both Fodor's Alaska and Frommer's Alaska have walking tour maps.

 

As only a comment- determine if you really want to limit yourself with this "walking around town" choice. There is so much more in all the ports.

[Glaciers]

If you are not doing any excursions Juneau is a good place for a rental car. One of the less expensive places that you will find to rent them on your trip. It would allow you to drive to Mendenhall Glacier and then out the road to the Shrine of St Therese. You would pass by Auke Bay where there has been a black bear sow with its 3 cubs hanging out this spring. Possibly a stop at Alaskan Brewing Co.

[Ashland]

We on the H.A. Zaandam May 23-30 and visiting these 3 ports. We are not planning any shore excursions, we just plan on walking around and checking out each town. Are there any recommended places that are a "must see" that we can walk to? Any exceptional pubs or restaurants?

Nothing wrong with limiting yourself to just walking around....we did this on our first Alaska cruise too...gave us a reason to cruise there again.

[happier]

leaving on Jewell May 17th from Seattle

wondering what clothes to pack for excursions?

should we pack for winter?

[mapleleaves]

leaving on Jewell May 17th from Seattle

wondering what clothes to pack for excursions?

should we pack for winter?

 

Perhaps look down the page and read the answers to similar threads about what clothes to pack.

But the key is to wear layers ..... long sleeve T, sweater/hooody/fleece then top with a hooded waterproof jacket. And carry a daypack to store your layers as you need or don't need them.

Have no idea what excursions you're taking, but if it involves small boats and glaciers you'll need gloves and a hat/scarf.