Juneau Princess whale watching vs private

[cusematt4]

Hi All,

 

For anyone who has done an Alaskan Princess cruise, does anyone have a recommendation on the below tour 

 

Thanks so much.

 

Whale Watching & Alaska Salmon Bake

Join the collective chorus of "Oohs!" and "Aahs!" on your action-packed whale-watching cruise. Some 65 humpback and orca whales return each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters near Juneau, so whale sightings are guaranteed. In fact, if a whale is not spotted during your cruise you'll receive a $100 refund ($50 for children). Take it all in from the open deck or the large windows in the observation salon. Then transfer to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake for an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring wild Alaska salmon grilled over an alder wood fire. Roast marshmallows, visit the Salmon Creek Trading Post and see the Salmon Creek waterfall and old mine artifacts. A convenient shuttle service departs for the pier every 15 to 20 minutes, so you can return to your ship at your leisure. You'll strike the mother lode of adventure on this easy, full-day tour showcasing the best of picturesque Juneau!

 

vs Harv and Marvs wahle watching?

[Glaciers]

Chances are you’d be on the water looking for whales for 2 hours with the whale watch/salmon bake and 3 hours with Harv n Marv.  If two hours is enough, do that one. I wouldn’t touch a salmon bake and would put the whale watching as the priority. Depends on your priorities.

[rjhollan]

On 1/26/2024 at 6:14 PM, Glaciers said:

Chances are you’d be on the water looking for whales for 2 hours with the whale watch/salmon bake and 3 hours with Harv n Marv.  If two hours is enough, do that one. I wouldn’t touch a salmon bake and would put the whale watching as the priority. Depends on your priorities.

What's wrong with the salmon bake?  or do you just not like fish?  🙂   

[Glaciers]

7 minutes ago, rjhollan said:

What's wrong with the salmon bake?  or do you just not like fish?  🙂   

I don't like salmon.

[karatemom2]

1 hour ago, rjhollan said:

What's wrong with the salmon bake?  or do you just not like fish?  🙂   

 

If you look at the Excursion Detail on the Princess Excursion, the whale watching time on the boat is 2 hours and 40 minutes - so basically 3 hours which is comparable to Harv and Marv. The biggest difference is you will be on a larger vessel as opposed to smaller boat. We have done it both ways and enjoyed both our small boat tour and larger boat tour. We saw plenty of whales both ways.

 

Personally, I really enjoy the salmon bake. It's a little touristy for sure, but the setting is absolutely beautiful with a short hike to a waterfall and some nice entertainment and great food, not just the salmon, but all the sides, dessert, and smores. I could see if you don't like salmon it wouldn't be worthwhile, but if you do like salmon, it's very tasty and a fun experience.

 

It really is just a matter of preference - but either whale watching trip will give you plenty of time on the water and you will definitely see whales, so if you really think you would enjoy the salmon bake as well, the combo trip might be a good option for you. If that is not that important and you think you would prefer a more personal, small boat tour, you might be better off with Harv and Marv, or one of the other small boat vendors that get good reviews here.