Private ALASKA Excursions?

[Captain Carnival]

I am curious as if like in many Caribbean ports one finds a plethora of private excursion groups looking to sign you up when you get off the ship on the spot (at really good prices) in Alaska ports as well?

Edited May 6, 2014 by Captain Carnival

[LuvCruiSun]

Yes you can find excursions when you get off the ship. Not sure about the good prices though. Alaska is rather expensive.

[Kamloops50]

In Alaska you can always find someone selling excursions near the pier . The only problem is that the better operators have contracts with cruise lines. Meaning the cruise lines get the best time slots for the tours . In Juneau you'll find a shuttle bus service to the Mendenhall glacier that cruise lines don't have. In Skagway there are very few tours at the pier that are interesting. The train sells most of the seats to cruise lines.

[Budget Queen]

I am curious as if like in many Caribbean ports one finds a plethora of private excursion groups looking to sign you up when you get off the ship on the spot (at really good prices) in Alaska ports as well?

 

Alaska isn't the Caribbean. If you have any touring priorities, waiting until you are in port is a mistake. Time is already short, you are better off booking ahead.

 

It would benefit you, instead to pick your tours now and reserve any, ahead. Easy to book direct, if you don't want ship tours.

 

There are big differences with the Caribbean. It can superior to go with specific tour operators depending on your priorities.

[Captain Carnival]

Thanks all for the input, answers, and suggestions!!! :)

[Budget Queen]

In Alaska you can always find someone selling excursions near the pier . The only problem is that the better operators have contracts with cruise lines. Meaning the cruise lines get the best time slots for the tours .

 

I don't agree. There are many excellent independent vendors who are not ship contractors.

 

A more accurate comment would be the cruiselines contract with the bigger businesses who can accommodate large numbers of passengers.

[Captain Carnival]

I don't agree. There are many excellent independent vendors who are not ship contractors.

 

A more accurate comment would be the cruiselines contract with the bigger businesses who can accommodate large numbers of passengers.

 

Thanks and I concur with your assessment.