r/alaskacruiseplanning

I just found out the Gold Belt Tram will be closed when we are in Juneau, which is one of the only things we wanted to do there. None of the other cruise excursions look that interesting to us.

What are some fun things to do in Juneau and/or Ketchikan? We have been several times but mostly just wander the town, eat a bit and drink a bit. We have been out to the glacier and could try booking a whale watch boat or something if weather is good but want to have some backup plans. Thanks.

We are a family from Europe going on a one way Alaska cruise from Vancouver to Seward third week of July. I am wondering what we whould pack. I understand the weather can be either good or bad, but what would be safest to bring? The thing is that we will go to Hawaii for a week after two extra days in Seward and Anchorage after the cruise, therefore we need to pack smart for the different circumstances. Would we really need good shoes or are sneakers good enough? How about a jacket? Risky not to take a rainproof jacket or do you think we should be alright? What are your experiences with the temperatures end of July?

Going on my first cruise in 20 years, and my first to Alaska middle of May.
I’m terrified of the water, not of getting sea sick, more of bouncing around on the boat and something terrifying happening.

Should I be prepared to be terrified the whole time?

Going on Alaska cruise first week of June with my partner and soon to be in laws. It was decided by the group to not book any eductions in Ketchikan, but rather, to just enjoy the town and walk around. Our cruise ports at 11 am and leaves at 7 pm. Any tips on anything to do while here? Sightseeing, hiking, restaurants, etc?

We really wanted to do the gold panning and salmon bake excursion in Juneau. It’s sold out but we are on the wait list. When I read the description of the excursion that is JUST the salmon bake- it says you can try your hand at gold panning. Has anyone done this where you got to gold pan as part of just the salmon bake? The salmon bake excursion alone is quite a bit cheaper than the one that also takes you gold panning. I hope this is understandable- it’s late and I’m tired lol.

Has anyone ever taken the Salmon Berry Tour transfer from Anchorage to Whittier that stops at the Girdwood Brewery and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

I have it booked in a couple of weeks and I’m just wondering if anyone has any experience with this particular tour. I’m starting to get nervous about making sure I get to the ship on time so I’d feel better if I could hear from someone who has done this one!

I have one excursion in Ketchikan that’s a photography safari and two whale watching excursions at other stops. I have my waterproof Vessi sneakers, but do I need my Merrell hiking boots too/instead? Trying not to pack too much! Thank you!

Debating between Seabourn and Regent for Alaska. 5 couples, very active, in our late 50's -Early 60's.Seabourn has two sailings that go to Glacier Bay, while Regent does not. I'm sure we would be happy with either line but for those that have done both, I'd appreciate the feedback.

Hi! I’m doing my first ever cruise, and it’s a Carnival Miracle Alaska cruise in July. I was just reading some FB group comments, and I’m now curious as to:
How much is it ok to tip?
(As context; This trip wasn’t my first choice since I wanted something more lowkey budget, but after 2 minutes that we booked, I understood I got bamboozled (by my family members that are the main reason I’m doing this) since I saw how much all the add-ons + excursions cost.

So I just saw someone asking on a group how much cash to bring along, and saw the average (of the people who were commenting) was around the $800-$1000+. So, I just want to understand, other than the prepaid gratuities, how much are workers expecting to be tipped? What is the normal culture of tipping on a (mind you, I consider expensive) cruise? How much are excursion guides expecting to be tipped? I was considering (I’m not sure yet if I’ll be able to do them) to do a helicopter ride to a glacier in Juneau, a railroad in Skagway and a basic bears and totems tour in Ketchikan; so how much are they expecting to be tipped?
Is the norm to be tipping every single worker an 18% of whatever I consume/tour I do? Or are like $5 ok? Also when, who and how much do I tip after the already prepaid gratuities? 😭

My mother-in-law is elderly and walks very slowly with a cane since breaking her hip two years ago. We’re going to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore in mid-June. We’re debating whether to purchase a travel wheelchair since even getting around on the ship and dock areas will be difficult for her. The other option would be hoping we can use a wheelchair supplied by Norwegian and by the airports. Does anyone have experience with this situation? We have excursions planned and some of them (like small boats) don’t allow wheelchairs from what I’m reading. I’d appreciate any guidance. Thanks!

Hello! We are currently in Anchorage boarding a cruise in Whittier tomorrow. I’ve had tickets booked with the Alaskan Railroad doing the Glacier Discovery route for months because so many websites online recommended it for transfer. However, the chat bot in the website just said that the Whittier stop is not a staffed depot and you may not be able to get your checked luggage off the train (we have two carry ons and two larger check bags). Has anyone taken the Alaskan Railroad to get to their cruise and did you have any issues with checked bags? All the shuttles are fully booked and I’m kind of freaking out

UPDATE: The railroad was actually very good about luggage. We dropped off our bags with our cruise tags on them and they transferred it directly to the ship for us (at least for NCL). I’m not sure where their bot got that information. My biggest complaint was our train was two hours late 😭

Also, our NCL port was the newer one at Glacier Creek Terminal. NCL had buses to take us to the pier when we go off the train.

My cruise ends in Whittier and my flight out of Anchorage isn’t until 8 pm. I’d love to do one of the kayaking day trips available in Whittier, but I’m not sure how I’d get to the airport afterwards as all of the transfers seem to be in the morning. Would a private car service work? Has anyone done any kind of activity after getting off the ship in Whittier that didn’t already include the airport transfer and make it work? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

HELP! I just get a wheel that spins. my photos and documents aren't loading. I'm trying my phone and computer. Why is this such a disaster? it was like this when i sailed in August.

Flying into Vancouver for 2 nights pre-cruise. Could extend to 3 or 4 nights pre-cruise but don't want vacation exhaustion before we embark. All running within 100/125 dollars a night of each other on Amex FHR. Deluxe Double Fairmont Pacific Rim, Deluxe double Rosewood, One Bedroom Azur. Landing at 6:45 pm first night. It is really just one full day in Vancouver. But convince me to go Earlier. I currently have a really fabulous 4 night stay booked at Fairmont Pacific Rim.

Going on a cruise in early August and we are doing a fishing excursion. Should I get the Solomon XT6 or OnClouds with Goretex? The reason I initially chose Solomon is bc I have fell into the hype train and I like the style but I went to Scheels and saw some cute OnCloud/Hoka options.

Also, does anyone have a goretex light jacket recommendation? I was looking at Arcteryx but they are pricey, which I don’t mind paying for quality, but I live in Phoenix, AZ and I don’t encounter much rain except for a few annual camping trips or trips up to the White Mountains as that is where my family is from.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed. Thank you!

Will be visiting Ketchikan, Sitka and Skagway. Where, if any, are great places to observe sea otters?

I don’t know if this is allowed but I have a favor to ask. I was in Skagway last week and got a National Park date stamp at the Tourist info building. Sadly, it didn’t make it home with me. Would anyone be willing to make another stamp for me for my National Park book? It’s free. There were slips of paper on a table with two different round stamps. One for the Klondike Gold Rush National Park and another for the Chilkoot trail.
I mostly need the Klondike stamp but both would be awesome to have.
If someone can do this, I can send you my address when you get back. I will reimburse for your postage stamp. Thanks so much!

Hi everyone,

I have a 6-hour cruise stop in Juneau and plan to rent a car at the pier.

Is it realistic to visit both Mendenhall Glacier and the Shrine of St. Therese in this timeframe? I do not know the exact driving times or how long each stop takes.

If this is too rushed, what closer alternatives would you suggest pairing with the glacier instead?

Thanks for any advice!