Alaska Summit (6/24) Choice of Excursion Critique Please!!

[makunc1]

Hi everyone, my wife and I (29 and 26) will be talking our second Celebrity cruise this June 24 on the Summit to Alaska. We were previously on the Zenith to Bermuda in August of 2004, and came back to Celebrity again because we thought it was 10x better than our Princess honeymoon cruise abroad.

Anyway, I have picked the shore excursions that we seem to like best, and I was hoping for some feedback before we booked them. I know that some non-celebrity endorsed excursions are the same and cheaper, but I am pretty conservative, so I like having everything booked in one place and only one person to complain to if something should happen to go wrong.

So, here goes. Please critique (and offer alternative suggestions) - note, the two Juneau tours are spaced out in the morning and afternoon:

SKAGWAY - Glacier Lake Kayak & Scenic Railway

Approximate Duration: 5 Hours

Adult: 187.00 (USD) | Child: 187.00 (USD)

Ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad and explore the waters of a glacially carved lake by kayak. One stage of your adventure will be aboard the "scenic railway of the world." Carved out of the rugged coastal mountains this ride has views of waterfalls, trestles, mountains, glaciers and the original trail of 1898. Experience the White Pass Summit and Canadian Highlands before disembarking at Lake Bernard. The next stage of your adventure begins with a ?gear grab? and instruction in the use of stable, 2-person kayaks. Paddle across the cold pristine waters that Klondikers plied over 100 years ago to reach the goldfields of the Yukon. Capture views of snow-capped mountains that rise in all directions. Your professional guide will provide interpretations of the gold rush, natural history, flora, and fauna. Watch for bear, mountain goat, caribou, and eagles amid the alpine terrain of the Tormented Valley. After paddling, a light snack is provided before your narrated drive down the Klondike Highway back to Skagway.

Minimum age to participate is 9 years old. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to paddle up to 80 minutes, covering a distance of 1 to 3 miles. All participants must bring proper international identification, including proof of citizenship (e.g., passport or birth certificate and current photo identification).

Juneau - Glacier Dogsled Adventure via Helicopter

Approximate Duration: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

Adult: 463.00 (USD) | Child: 463.00 (USD)

Join in a combination of Alaska's most highly desired activities - helicopter flightseeing, a glacier landing, and a dogsled ride. This excursion combines the Four Glacier Adventure via Helicopter Tour with a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride on a glacier. Fly over the Juneau Icefield and land on the Norris Glacier, home of the exclusive dog mushing camp. After your helicopter touches down on the snow-capped glacier, view the scenery high above as you hear stories of the famous 1,000 mile Iditarod dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome. The highlight of your visit to the camp is a dogsled ride on the snow-covered glacier. Your flightseeing resumes over the glacial landscape as you watch for bears, mountain goats, and moose. Warm layered clothing, jacket and gloves are recommended.

If weather conditions cancel the dogsled portion of this excursion, the tour may be operated as helicopter flightseeing with a glacier landing. The price would be modified accordingly. In the event this option occurs, you will be notified prior to the tour departing. Due to weight restrictions on board helicopters, all participants must register their body weight at the time of booking. This is a requirement of the helicopter companies to ensure guest safety and comfort. For security purposes, no bags are allowed on the flight. Approximately 30-35 minutes flight time and 1 hour at the dogsled camp.

Dependent on prevailing ice conditions this tour may be subject to cancellation toward the end of the season.

Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

Approximate Duration: 4 Hours

Adult: 117.00 (USD) | Child: 96.00 (USD)

Join a white-water rafting trip that is popular with beginner and experienced rafters of all ages. Your adventure begins with a drive to Mendenhall Lake, where you may view the Mendenhall Glacier, which measures 1.5 miles wide and 150 feet high at the face. Near the shoreline you'll suit up with rain gear, life jackets and rubber boots. Each raft carries eight to twelve people and is rowed by an experienced guide. Paddle rafts may be available for the more adventuresome. While in your raft, view the Mendenhall Glacier and its floating icebergs in the distance. Hanging glaciers, towering peaks and glacial topography may also be seen. As your raft proceeds down the river, your guide will explain the natural phenomena in the valley and you'll encounter stretches of rapids, adding excitement to the trip. Make an Alaskan-style snack stop near the end of the river before your return to the ship.

Minimum weight to participate is 40 pounds. This tour will operate in all weather conditions so warm clothing and an extra pair of socks is recommended. This tour is operated under a Special Use Permit by the U.S. Forest Service.

Icy Strait Point - Whale & Marine Mammals Cruise

Approximate Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes

Adult: 120.00 (USD) | Child: 85.00 (USD)

Board a sightseeing vessel and ply the cool, deep waters of Icy Strait to the Point Adolphus area, one of Alaska's premier whale watching sites. Your onboard naturalist will describe the diversity of marine life that accumulates here every summer to indulge in the nutrient rich waters, fueled by the long Alaska summer days. Learn about the behavior and habitat of the wildlife you may encounter which include Humpback and Orca (killer) whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. You will be cruising through waters abundant with marine life, however whale sightings are not guaranteed.

Warm layered clothing and waterproof outwear are recommended for the open-air observation deck. Don't forget your camera and binoculars!

Ketchikan - Rainforest Ropes & Zipline Challenge

Approximate Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes

Adult: 134.00 (USD) | Child: 134.00 (USD)

From your unique vantage point you will observe the rainforest like eagles do as they soar over the forest canopy. Your guides will lead you on a short walk into the forest where you will be outfitted with specialized climbing gear and receive a safety briefing.

Your first challenge will get you off the ground as you gain confidence in your belay system on a balance beam. Continue to gain elevation in a series of challenges as you ascend higher into the trees across a suspension bridge, traverse a two line bridge, inch across a postman's walk, cross a swinging log and walk up a Burma bridge to the zip line platforms. The zip lines will take you over to a tree platforms located 65-feet above the ground nestled into old growth trees. As you finish, head over to the climbing wall and put your skills and confidence to the test and ascend the wall, ring the bell and rappel down.

Participants must be at least 13 years old, 58-inches tall, between 80 and 230 pounds and be comfortable with heights. Closed toed shoes are required.

THANKS,

Michael