Seeking Opinions on Three Alaska Excursions

[Gazzah]

Traveling on Celebrity Solstice Aug 1-8 to Alaska. Looking at three excursions. Before I push the button and book, would appreciate any opinions on these from those who have been. I know it all depends on the outfit you use. But would still like to hear about your experience regardless:

 

In Ketchikan - Floatplane in Misty Fjords

In Juneau - Helicopter Up to a Glacier and Trek

In Skagway - White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad with Biking Back Down

 

Kind Regards,

 

Gazzah

[frawnsay]

Traveling on Celebrity Solstice Aug 1-8 to Alaska.

 

In Ketchikan - Floatplane in Misty Fjords

In Juneau - Helicopter Up to a Glacier and Trek

In Skagway - White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad with Biking Back Down

 

 

We have just returned from the May 30 Solstice sailing to Alaska.

 

Floatplane in Misty Fjords

 

two words: DO IT!!!!!

 

Here's a link to a thread with pictures (ignore the actual thread as we got a bit off topic :o)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1880858&page=3

Posts #59-60 (page 3) and #61 (page4)

 

Helicopter Up to a Glacier and Trek

I'm assuming this is Mendenhall Glacier. We met a couple who did this. She explained it as...

Three helicopters flew guests to the glacier. The helicopters "toured" the air and the glacier prior to landing. Once landed, guests were allowed onto the glacier. The helicopters left! They had 20 minutes, she said, to just walk around it was cold (June 2 in the afternoon). Helicopters returned and on the way back, there was another air "tour". Sounds pretty awesome to me!

 

White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad with Biking Back Down

We just did the railroad, which was cool. Here are some pics:

 

winding our way above Skagway and towards Canada...

 

almost to the top...

 

the summit...

 

All in all, I think that you've made some FANTASTIC choices!

[sherryf]

In Skagway - White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad with Biking Back Down

 

I have seen this tour on the highway and it looks terrifying. If you are a very experienced cyclist and have no fear, you might enjoy it. You couldn't pay me to do it. You might want to read some reviews on Trip Advisor:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60877-d1166755-Reviews-Sockeye_Cycle_Co-Skagway_Alaska.html

 

Read both the good and bad reviews and decide for yourself if it is something you would do.

 

I do love the train. I've taken the round trip train as well as the longer train/bus combos into the Yukon. My personal favorite is the Lake Bennett Scenic Journey through Chilkoot Charters.

 

I haven't done either of your other tour selections, but they are both on my "bucket list".

Edited June 17, 2014 by sherryf

[rjeffler]

I agree with the comment about the cycling above. It looked SCARY to me and my family cycles! I guess it depends on the amount of traffic that day, but the roads are narrow!