Alaskian cruise excursions

[mel77gap]

My husband and I are going on the Alaska cruise on the Mercury July 13, 2007 and was wondering if anyone could tell us what excursions are the best to book? We are leaving out of Vancouver going to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchican. How about the weather in July? Mel

[claud925]

Go over to the "Ports of Call" boards, and click on Alaska. You'll find all kinds of threads there from posters who have given some wonderful accounts of their excursions, as well as answers to questions just like this.

[The Bush]

In Ketchikan take the Misty Fjords float plane trip with Seawind Aviation. Book directly with Steve and Leslie Kamm. They are wonderful and the scenery in outstanding.

 

I also went fly fishing in Juneau and it was super, but I had to book thru Celebrity which cost an exter $50 vs. booking direct.

 

Have a great cruise-The Infinity is a wonderful ship if it does not have pod problems.

 

Wyman Pilcher

Marietta, Ga.

[Rev22:17]

mel77gap,

 

My husband and I are going on the Alaska cruise on the Mercury July 13, 2007 and was wondering if anyone could tell us what excursions are the best to book? We are leaving out of Vancouver going to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchican. How about the weather in July? Mel

 

Okay, here goes.

 

>> In Ketchikan, the tour of Saxman Village offers a unique encounter with the indigenous Tlingit culture with (1) a totem park with explanations of totems in general and the specific totems on display there, (2) live totem carving (you also can order totems in various sizes), and (3) a presentation of Tlingit dance. There's plenty of time for shopping or for a visit to the town's historic salon after the tour.

 

>> In Juneau, it's very easy to see many of the major attractions on your own. The Mount Roberts Tramway, which goes to the top of Mount Roberts, where you'll get spectacular views on a clear day, is right next to the cruise ship dock. The state capital building, which offers free tours several times each day, is just a few short blocks up the street. On the next block, you'll find both St. Nichola Russias Russian Orthodox Church and the (Roman Catholic) Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, both of which have very interesting art and thus are worth a visit even if you don't belong to the respective denominations. This is also a good place to take in a salmon bake if you wish to do so, but the salmon bake is best booked through the ship due to the timing.

 

>> In Skagway, a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route is a "must." An article published in the May 2006 issue of Trains magazine (follow the "next page" links to read the article) provides an excellent background on this historic narrow gauge railroad originally built to haul prospectors, with their equipment and provisions, into the Yukon Territory during the infamous "Days of '98" (that is, the Yukon Gold Rush of 1897-1899). Built in a matter of months by pick and shovel through some of the most rugged terrain in the world, it's a marvel of civil engineering even by modern standards that offers some of the most spectacular views of gorgeous terrain that you will find anywhere. I recommend booking this excursion through the ship, as the ship's trains depart from and return to the cruise ship pier rather than the town's railroad station -- a factor that might be crucial if your connections become tight for any reason. Skagway's historic downtown is pretty walkable, so you can see it on your own before or after the train ride. I also recommend a play called the "Days of '98 Revue Starring Soapy Smith" that's about the gold rush era at the Eagles Hall if your schedule allows.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

Norm.

[Funcouple]

My husband and I are going on the Alaska cruise on the Mercury July 13, 2007 and was wondering if anyone could tell us what excursions are the best to book? We are leaving out of Vancouver going to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchican. How about the weather in July? Mel

 

 

Weather: Very unpredictable. Plan for anything. Dress using layers is the rule of thumb in Alaska. Be ready for rain too.

 

My Personal Favorites::

 

Jim From NJ's Recommendations:

 

Cruise Portion:

Juneau - Wings of Alaska -- Glacier Fields – (Mike),http://www.wingsairways.com/

 

Ketchikan - Southeast Sea Kayak -- Orca's Cove (Greg) http://www.kayakketchikan.com

 

Haines Visitors Center, http://www.haines.ak.us/

 

Skagway / Haines Fastferry, http://www.chilkatcruises.com/

 

Haines Car Rentals, Captains Choice Motel http://www.capchoice.com/

 

Haines -- Amazing Salmon Canning line with Antique Equipment http://www.cannerytour.com/

 

Land Portion:

Talkeetna Visitor Information (very nice and helpful) http://www.travelingusa.com/business/talkeetna/

 

Denali National Park Shuttle Bus Program http://www.nps.gov/dena/home/visitorinfo/bus/home.html

 

Denali Outdoor Center (Whitewater, Bike Rentals) http://www.denalioutdoorcenter.com/

 

 

There's tons of info to sort through -- these are simply our favorites!