Are Alaskan Helicopter Tours worth the money????

[JackN]

For folks who have taken them, are alaskan Helicpoter tours worth the money. If so, any reccomendations. Is it worth paying to land and treck across the ice. Is a two-landing tour better than a one-landing tour??? Or can you get the same experience just flying over the glaciers without landing. I'm serious, we are struggling with this decision.

Jack in South Bend

Song of America '93
Monarch '96
Legend '97
Sun Princess '98
Voyager '00
Millennium '03

[jdocter7]

Hey there, Jack!

My teenage daughters & I cruised Alaska 5 years ago, and YES the helicopter tours are worth every nickel. We sailed on Royal Caribbean & did a tour from the ship, and it was through TEMSCo. If you don't get in the air, or on a boat, or on a train, you're only getting maybe half of the Alaska experience.

Our tour was a one landing--on a glacier. Such an awesome experience! We also did the Whitepass & Yukon train trip, and a Wildlife boat tour, and even kayaking. We saw lots of critters, and did SO many things that fall into the category of "once in a lifetime". Don't scrimp on the shore excursions!

Go Irish!

Gail

[BrooklynGirl]

It's definitely worth it. I would add one other piece of advice that I learned on this board. We booked the first port of opportunity for the ride. We did this because of weather. The advice was that if you book the first place and it rains, you still have opportunity for next port, whereas if you wait you could be disappointed. Just something to think about, but it paid off for us.

BrooklynGirl

[sultan_sfo]

Yes Yes Yes -- I also reached down a crevice and broke a tiny piece of glacier to eat. Sounds foolish -- but I will remember it for ever! /Sultan

Island Princess SFO - FLL 9/2003
Star Princess -- Alaska 6/2002

[Hlitner]

i can only tell you this tale of our trip last year on the Crystal Harmony. We have travled the world for more than 25 years (more than 40 cruises) and usually do everything on our own. A good friend told us to take a tour in Juneau that consisted of a helocopter to a glaciar and than a trip in dog sleds. We really hesitated cause this tour cost nearly $300 per person and this is a lot of money. My friend insisted they we do this so we said what the he%$ and booked the excursion. We arrived in Juneau on a gorgeous day with clear skies and temperature near 70. Our tour cost about $380 per person which is the most outrageous thing we have ever purchased on any trip (we have been on lots of trips). The helicopter took us on a 25 min ride from Juneau up to Juneau Glacier, and my wife had this unreal smile pasted on her face (it was her first time in a helicopter). Our pilot than landed on the glacier where we drove dog sleds for about 3 miles in a wide circle around the summer dog sled camp (many of these dogs are Iditerod dogs training for the summer). We then re-boarded our helicopter for the 15 min ride back to Juneau. Was it worth the $700 cost. Well, my wife is still smiling! Is a helicopter ride worth the money? In good weather it is a good investment. If the weather were to be lousy, than I do not know!

Hank

[PINEY10]

Absolutely! We didn't book through the cruise line, but found our excursion through these postings. In Juneau, we took Captain Larry's Whale watch tour and he arranged for us to take the helicopter tour. Both were a thumbs up. We saw the cruise ships excursions--close to 100 people on the whale watch, and the helicopter tour left people off, ferried in more, and then took people back. With our excursion, we had about 25-30 on the whale watch--so lots of whales, sea lions, etc, and we were taken to the helicopter place which there were 5 of us and the pilot who took us up, around and onto the glacier--an untouched part but making sure it was safe. The cruise ships generally take you to the same spot. It was the trip of a lifetime! Worth every penny.

[Budget Queen]

YES- so much so I have glacier helicopter landed 6 times. Consider direct booking Coastal out of Juneau.

[Toto2Kansas]

It has been too many years ago to remember which company we used but I have to say, it was the highlight of the entire cruise. Flying over the glaciers and then actually being able to land on one and get out and walk around. It is 'not to be missed' as it is something that will always remain in your memory.
Definitely spend the time and $$$ to take one of these excursions.

http://www.addis-welt.de/smilie/smilie/tier/smilie_hund1.gif
Tahitian October 14th,2004

[cruznliz]

I have been on a helicopter twice. Once in Hawaii in the '80's and once in Alaska in 2001. I was scared to death in Hawaii, though the scerery was great. In Alaska I wasn't scared for some odd reason and the scenery was unforgettable. My daughter and I were chosen to sit in the front with the pilot. (Something about chubby momma on the side, skinny daughter in the middle.) My DH had to sit in the back with 2 or 3 others. The helicopter had a glass floor for the front seats. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif When I first got in I was sure the glass floor would frighten me, but it was awesome looking straight down. We did the one stop trip. We also got to drink glacier water. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif It was definitely not to be missed. Save up your money and do it! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

We've also done the Wildlife boat ride and the canoe up to Mendenhall Glacier. Both outstanding! I could go to Alaska every year and be happy! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Have a great time!

Grand Princess Transatlantic - August 27, 2004
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[JacquieP]

It's absolutely worth it. In fact, I have never talked to anyone who didn't love it.

[2dogcarol]

It was the best part of Alaska! I booked through Coastal Helicopters out of Juneau. I found their 800 number on the internet. They're prices were really good. We had 6 in our helicopter and we were the only ones on the entire glacier. We would have been very disappointed in Alaska if we hadn't done this because our NCL ship didn't get anywhere near the Sawyer Glacier. We loved the scenery so much on the glacier that we put the picture on our Christmas cards last year.

[Richard]

No question about it. Take a helicopter tour. We went with Temsco to land on Mendenhall Galcier in Juneau. It was a very different experience. We also flew around Mt McKinley while at the Princess Mt McKinley Lodge. What a beautiful view of the mountain. Have also flown over the volcanos on the Big Island of Hawaii and around Kawaii. All of these trips have been more than worth the cost. A helicopter provides a much different view. Go ahead and splurge,

[twocats]

The helicopter trip was the best. We booked with Costal and they treated us like royalty. Our ship didn't arrive until 2 hours after our schedule trip. I called them by cell phone and they made arrangements to find out when we would be docking, met our ship, drove us to the airport, gave us a terrific tour, landing on the glacier, then brought us back to the ship. What an experience! I realized later that I left my binoculars in their van. When I contacted them from the next port they kindly sent them on to my home with no charge. Great people!

until we sail away....Panama Canal
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[KateKathy]

You probably don't need another person telling you so - but - YES YES YES - do it!!! We took the "Pilot's Choice" where there were 4 of us and a pilot (me in the copilot seat!) and we landed on a glacier (not with a crowd) and walked around and then landed on the top of a mountain with views 360 for miles around. FABULOUS. and Worth every cent! DO IT!

Kate
Golden Princess 06/04
Sun Princess 5/04
Carnival Pride 03/04
Carnival Victory 06/03
Norwegian Sun 03/03
Ocean Princess 07/02
Wind Surf 07/01

[geoherb]

Here's another point of view: We went on our first Alaskan cruise last summer. We did not do a helicopter excursion, and I don't regret it. I was trying to keep our budget in line. The cost of one helicopter excursion would have been more than we spent in total on excursions. There are so many amazing things to see in Alaska that whatever you do will be great.

[FredS]

I say for a real thrill do a ski plane glacier landing!. We took the trip out of Skagway and flew until the pilot found a glacier he liked the looks of to land on. The best part of a two week cruise to Alaska. We spent about 15-20 min on the glacier walking around. The take0ff was breathtaking as we went down slope and all of a sudden the glacier was gone and we were high above a valley. There were 4 of us plus the pilot. Price then was about $250/person.
An item to consider is signing up for a tour when you get off the ship. There are always tour companies around the dock that will be cheaper than the ship tours for the same thing.

It's not only worth the cost of the excursion, but it's worth the cost of the whole trip. I did it a couple of visits to Alaska ago and it was so special - did it with my Dad - that I've been hesitant to try to repeat it. You cannot describe what it's like to be up on the glacier (or over it for that matter). Stories and pictures do not do the experience justice. Those who do not do the trip don't know what they've missed...you have to experience it to appreciate it.

Case in point - traveled with four friends to Alaska, two chose to do it, two did not. The two that did and I actually had to ditch the other two at one point to talk about the trip. The two that didn't go were quite upset that they missed out on all the excitment and stories.

Do it - even if you can't reconcile the money issue, think how many times you'll have this opportunity and how many times you'll wish you'd have done it if you don't! If nothing else it will make you realize how magnificent and grand Alaska is and how small and inconsequential all those problems left at home are.

-------------------------
Sun Princess, 03/2004; Pacific Princess, 07/2003; Star Princess, 05/2003; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Grand Princess, 10/2002; Sun Princess, 05/2001; Sun Princess, 04/2001; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Sun Princess, 09/2000; Regal Princess, 10/1999; Sun Princess, 08/1998; Holiday, 05/1998; Westerdam, 09/1997; Regal Princess, 11/1996; Royal Odyssey, 09/1995; Starward, 11/1993

[spongerob]

There are some places and some things that you never can be sure that you'll ever have a chance to visit or experience again. Missed opportunities are far more regrettable than extra dollars on a credit card bill. Carpe diem.

Just completed:
Caribbean Princess Apr 3/04
Golden Princess Apr 10/04
Coming up:
Tahitian Princess Oct 14/04

[Budget Queen]

"An item to consider is signing up for a tour when you get off the ship. There are always tour companies around the dock that will be cheaper than the ship tours for the same thing"

This is only a good option if you are looking for bus tours. Flights will long be sold out. Some ports now have over 10,000 passengers unloaded a day- not much available for tours. I recommend having all plans and needed reservations in place before you go.

[am57]

BUDGET QUEEN, NEED YOUR ADVISE AGAIN, WE ARE THE FAMILY OF 4 GOING TO ALASKA FIRST TIME EVER ON THE CORAL MAY 29. SO FAR I BOOKED, WHALE WATCHING W/CAPT LARRY, FLOATPLANE W/ISLAND WINGS AND EAGLE FLOAT TRIP WITH ECO ORCA. THE NEXT BIG DECISION IS WE ARE DOING A LAND TOUR PRIOR WITH PRINCESS AND STAY TWO NIGHTS AT MT MCKINLEY SO WE ARE TRYING TO DECIDE FLIGHTSEEING THERE OR AT ONE OF THE PORTS?? WISH WE COULD DO BOTH, SO WHAT DO YOU STRONGLY RECOMMEND?????THANKS AGAIN AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR HELP

[Budget Queen]

Frankly- McKinley lodge is in the middle of no where, and McKinley NOT likely viewable. The best tour here- my opinion only is flightseeing. But will be a 50 mile shuttle bus ride to Talkeetna from the lodge. I like the summit flights vs the summit views- but the views can go in ski planes with landings. So a great deal will depend on your flying experience and desires. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif As a side note- if any of the 4 are children- BE certain to have games and extra batteries on the land portion- extremely few kids are on these tours and long times in transit are sometimes boring for kids. As to choice of flight??? I would skimp elsewhere and do both- be aware there are few eagles in Haines before Sept. If you keep a pair of binoculars handy and keep looking UP, you will most likely see eagles during your inside passage sailing and at the ports. Certainly scenic however. You could have a cheap day in Skagway instead?? Let me know if you need ideas?

[am57]

Budget Queen, thanks again for your help, my girls are 19 and 16. They really wanted to do the eagle float trip, I told them they may not see that many eagles, but I did hear it was very scenic. As far as Mt McKinley would you suggest the Summit or one with a glacier landing??? Oh we will be in Fairbanks 1 day prior to went our land tour begins with Princess. Unfortunately, the Denali tour with Princess is only the Natural History tour, which I understand is not close to the Tundra tour. We were thinking of booking this independently when we get to Fairbanks as we will have a day to ourselves, what do you think? Is it worth it at that time of the year??? and is it possible to do?? thanks again,