Skagway Whale Cruise excursion

[montereybob]

Celebrity is offering an excursion while we dock in Skagway called the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise. It is priced at $179. That seems very expensive for a whale watching tour. Is it worth this much money? I have been on whale watching tours in Hawaii for $79. What makes this excursion worth the high price?

Edited September 24, 2016 by montereybob

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Celebrity is offering an excursion while we dock in Skagway called the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise. It is priced at $179. That seems very expensive for a whale watching tour. Is it worth this much money? I have been on whale watching tours in Hawaii for $79. What makes this excursion worth the high price?

 

It's Alaska. The summer tourist and whale watch season is only 5 months long, and they need to make their money before the tourists and humpbacks fly (or swim) away. Even on a privately booked whale watching excursion you will not pay much less per person. I've never been on a whale watch in Skagway; I've only done whale watches in Icy Strait Point and Juneau. In fact, I never even knew there were whale watching companies in Skagway. But I looked, and sure enough, there is whale watching in Skagway, for only $110 per person. But, per this company anyway, it's limited to May and June only

 

http://skagwaywhales.com/

 

I recommend doing a whale watch in Juneau, if you are stopping there. Been with these folks three times.

 

http://www.harvandmarvs.com/

 

The cruise lines work with Allen Marine for whale watches in Juneau. Larger boats, but very good service and quality.

 

http://allenmarinetours.com/

Edited September 24, 2016 by Old As Dirt Mom

[montereybob]

Sorry, you are correct. The excursion I was looking at was in Icy Strait.

[Italy52]

Celebrity is offering an excursion while we dock in Skagway called the Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise. It is priced at $179. That seems very expensive for a whale watching tour. Is it worth this much money? I have been on whale watching tours in Hawaii for $79. What makes this excursion worth the high price?

 

I have cruised with Celebrity to Alaska quite a few times and have never seen this excursion listed --- wonder if it is a relatively new one. Have you asked on the Celebrity board if anyone has taken it?

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Sorry, you are correct. The excursion I was looking at was in Icy Strait.

 

A private whale watching excursion in Icy Strait will run you about $160 per person. I have done a whale watch tour with Hoonah Travel Adventures. Glacier Wind and Misty Bay also come recommended. There are other companies; tripadvisor might be helpful.The main reason I book independent excursions in Alaska is for the small group size. There isn't that much difference in price between the cruise lines and the independents.

 

Have fun with the planning:)

[mapleleaves]

You'll find a listing of tour vendors on the town web site:

 

http://www.visithoonah.com/attractions.html