Need advice on whether to book our own excursion in Juneau or go with the ship's.

[ldlewis45]

We want to do whale watching while in Juneau, but I'm not sure whether to book our excursion through the ship or book separately through a service in the port. It's a significant price difference. Then again, by booking through the ship, there's a lot more peace of mind.

[VennDiagram]

In part, this might depend on the age of your parents. My experience has been that the small boats often have only a "marine head" as a bathroom facility, whereas the larger Allen Marine boats that do the ship's whale watches have a real bathroom, that is easily accessible. I like the small-boat experience, but my flexibility is declining, so likely I will have to choose larger boats soon....

 

You could email the private vendors that are of interest, to find out what the bathroom facilities are, if it is a concern.

[ldlewis45]

In part, this might depend on the age of your parents. My experience has been that the small boats often have only a "marine head" as a bathroom facility, whereas the larger Allen Marine boats that do the ship's whale watches have a real bathroom, that is easily accessible. I like the small-boat experience, but my flexibility is declining, so likely I will have to choose larger boats soon....

 

You could email the private vendors that are of interest, to find out what the bathroom facilities are, if it is a concern.

I didn't even think of that! Thanks! My folks are both in their mid 70s, so that might make a difference.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Do agree -- when we were much younger we did the small boat excursion for whale watching.

Now much older -- larger boats are easier to get around -- especially get on and off them.