Alaska trip - sight-seeing

[san_diego]

Hi All,

We are on our first cruise to Alaska in July by HAL. We are going for the experience of travelling by ship - not so much for sight-seeing at ports of call. We did not book any tours and we want to go for whatever is available when we land. In many ports of call in Alaska, I understand that the museums/art centers are close by. We are planning to stroll around or take public transport. Here are a few questions:
1. If the ship docks at 7:00 am, how late can we leave the ship? We would like to avoid the rush of people getting down. And how early can we return to the ship in the evening to relax?
2. When the ship docks at 7:00 am, can we expect to have some coffee or breakfast served in the ship? Or do we have to go ashore to have our breakfast? Similarly if we choose to come back early in the afternoon, can we have some refreshments in the ship or do we have to wait until dinner time?

[srlucado]

Here are a few questions:
1. If the ship docks at 7:00 am, how late can we leave the ship? We would like to avoid the rush of people getting down. And how early can we return to the ship in the evening to relax?
2. When the ship docks at 7:00 am, can we expect to have some coffee or breakfast served in the ship? Or do we have to go ashore to have our breakfast? Similarly if we choose to come back early in the afternoon, can we have some refreshments in the ship or do we have to wait until dinner time?

I just got back from a long Alaska/Yukon cruise-tour package that ended with a 4-night cruise on the Ryndam.

You can leave the ship pretty much whenever you like. If the ship docks at 7:00, there'll probably be an initial rush, but by 8:00 it'll most likely be thinned out.

Regardless of docking time, there will be meal service aboard ship. Check your daily ship activity guide for exact times & locations. (For example, there may be no dining-room lunch, but the buffet will be available.)

You might also consider just having room service bring you breakfast that morning. We did that twice and it worked out well.

While in Ketchikan, we made an early trip off the ship to look around, then back aboard for lunch, then off for an excursion ("Duck boat" tour), then back on later. Food in Alaska is very expensive, so unless there's some local specialty you're after in port, I'd suggest taking advantage of the ship's food.

The only caveat I'd give is that on your last morning, if you want anything to eat before saying farewell, get there early! Our ship was supposed to have breakfast available until 9:00 or 9:30, but by 8:30 they were shutting down foodservice.

[cf_chuck]

Hi All,

We are on our first cruise to Alaska in July by HAL. We are going for the experience of travelling by ship - not so much for sight-seeing at ports of call. We did not book any tours and we want to go for whatever is available when we land. In many ports of call in Alaska, I understand that the museums/art centers are close by. We are planning to stroll around or take public transport. Here are a few questions:
1. If the ship docks at 7:00 am, how late can we leave the ship? We would like to avoid the rush of people getting down. And how early can we return to the ship in the evening to relax?

In my experience, when the ship docks at this time, the only rush is from those that have early tours set up or are planning to set something up early in port. At this hour, there's not much open ashore to see, so given what you stated, you'd be wandering around for a while until things opened. You can leave and return to the ship anytime while it's in port subject to the re-embarkation times set in the daily schedule (generally at least a half hour before departure).

2. When the ship docks at 7:00 am, can we expect to have some coffee or breakfast served in the ship? Or do we have to go ashore to have our breakfast? Similarly if we choose to come back early in the afternoon, can we have some refreshments in the ship or do we have to wait until dinner time?

In my experience, the Lido opens early (before porting) when the ship ports early. The main dining room also opens early, but not necessarily before porting. Room service is also an option. If you don't have a tour planned or scheduled, you can take your time and take advantage of one or more of the above. As another poster pointed out, eating ashore can be expensive so taking advantage of the ship's food service is a good idea. You can board for lunch and leave again if you wish. In my experience, in port days the Lido tends to extend it's lunch hours, the main dining room may be closed, but the Terrace Grill runs its usual hours. You won't go hungry unless you plan it that way.

I found walking around to see the sights was not too difficult, but I was younger then. :p Not knowing the specifics of your cruise, the only port that I found requiring a good bit of walking was Juneau to get to the art museum (worth the walk for me). Skagway, Sitka and Ketchican were all easy distances (except plan to do some hill climbing).

It's also fun to enjoy the afternoon after exploring on one of the upper outdoor decks watching the air and marine harbor traffic. Enjoy, but bring warm clothing to layer.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If the ship docks at 7 you should be able to go ashore by 8. You will find that the Lido continental and full service breakfast will have opened by 7.

In the afternoon the Lido buffet will close by 2 or 2:30 but you can still get sandwiches, salads, ice cream and desserts in the Lido and hamburgers, pizza, etc out by the pool grill.

You need to be on the ship 1/2 hour before it is scheduled to leave - for example - if the ship is scheduled to sail at 6 PM, then all aboard it 5:30.

In Juneau, if you take the Blue City bus out to Mendenhal Glacier keep in mind that there are no restaurants to get anything to eat or drink out there.

[RuthC]

I understand what you mean when you say you're traveling to experience the ship more than sight-seeing---I'm a "ship is the destination" kind of cruiser myself.

But Alaska is one itinerary where the ports are the focus more than the ship. It is so beautiful, different than other places, that it is meant to get out and drink it all in.

Please don't pass up the opportunity to see plan something every port. You don't have to take HAL shore excursions, but it is best to make solid plans in advance, and if those plans involve private tours, book those in advance.
There's just too much to see/do to waste time figuring it all out once you dock. Oh, and have back-up plans for changes in weather. ;)

[scapilot]

Get ready for a visual blast to the mind. Alaska hold some of the most beautiful places on earth in the inside passage. On your second day of the cruise I recommend getting up early and checking out a sunrise over the hill to the east. The colors are spectacular and the waters around the ship are as smooth as glass as you enter the fjords. Watch for whales. Your in primetime to view many type of whales. I hope you have good weather like we did a few weeks ago. Here are just couple of examples of what you might see. Enjoy your cruise.;)

[geocruiser]

Hi,

We are going to Alaska 6/26. Below are some web sites that I used to plan our cruise. I hope they help you.

Juneau
http://www.juneau.org/visitors/index.php (http://www.juneau.org/visitors/index.php)
http://www.traveljuneau.com (http://www.traveljuneau.com/)
http://www.juneaualaska.com/visit (http://www.juneaualaska.com/visit)
Tramway http://www.goldbelttours.com/travel/day_trips/juneau/tram.html#Mount_Roberts_Tramway (http://www.goldbelttours.com/travel/day_trips/juneau/tram.html#Mount_Roberts_Tramway)
Salmon http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/fishcam/index.shtml (http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/fishcam/index.shtml)
Glacier http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/index.html (http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/mendenhall/index.html)
House of Wickersham http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/wickrshm.htm (http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/wickrshm.htm)
Shrine of St. Therese http://www.shrineofsainttherese.org/ (http://www.shrineofsainttherese.org/)


Ketchikan
http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/ThingstoDo/Attractions/tabid/92/Default.aspx (http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/ThingstoDo/Attractions/tabid/92/Default.aspx)
http://www.city.ketchikan.ak.us/departments/museums/totem.html (http://www.city.ketchikan.ak.us/departments/museums/totem.html)
http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/ (http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/)
http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/GettingHere/KetchikanMaps/tabid/81/Default.aspx (http://www.visit-ketchikan.com/GettingHere/KetchikanMaps/tabid/81/Default.aspx)
BUS SYSYEM http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/works/bus_info.htm (http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/works/bus_info.htm)
Creek Street http://www.creekstreetketchikan.com/ (http://www.creekstreetketchikan.com/)

Kodiak
http://www.kodiak.org/ (http://www.kodiak.org/)
Museum http://www.kodiak.org/cgi-bin/bizdir1.cgi?museum&&KICVB_CategoryAnthony (http://www.kodiak.org/cgi-bin/bizdir1.cgi?museum&&KICVB_CategoryAnthony)
100 things to do in Kodiak http://kodiakisland.net/100things.html (http://kodiakisland.net/100things.html)
Walking map http://www.kodiak.org/walkmap3.html (http://www.kodiak.org/walkmap3.html)

Sitka
http://www.sitka.org/tours.html (http://www.sitka.org/tours.html)
http://www.sitka.org/ (http://www.sitka.org/)
http://www.nps.gov/sitk/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/sitk/index.htm)
http://www.travelsitka.com/ (http://www.travelsitka.com/)
http://www.museums.state.ak.us/sheldon_jackson/sjhours.html (http://www.museums.state.ak.us/sheldon_jackson/sjhours.html)

Valdez
http://www.valdezalaska.org/ (http://www.valdezalaska.org/)
http://www.valdezmuseum.org/index.cfm (http://www.valdezmuseum.org/index.cfm)

Skagway
Train http://www.whitepassrailroad.com/ (http://www.whitepassrailroad.com/)
http://www.skagway.com/ (http://www.skagway.com/)
Show http://thedaysof98show.eskagway.com/index.htm (http://thedaysof98show.eskagway.com/index.htm)
Soapy's saloon http://soapysmith.net/page23.html (http://soapysmith.net/page23.html)
Jewell Gardens & Garden http://www.jewellgardens.com/ (http://www.jewellgardens.com/)
http://www.skagway.com/activities.html (http://www.skagway.com/activities.html)
http://www.nps.gov/archive/klgo/home.htm (http://www.nps.gov/archive/klgo/home.htm)


Seward
http://www.sewardak.org/ (http://www.sewardak.org/)
http://www.alaskatravel.com/seward/ (http://www.alaskatravel.com/seward/)
Sea life center http://www.alaskatravel.com/seward/alaska-sealife-center.html (http://www.alaskatravel.com/seward/alaska-sealife-center.html)

More links
http://www.cerro-alto.com/alaska/ (http://www.cerro-alto.com/alaska/)

Maria

[pengu1n]

Hi All,

We are on our first cruise to Alaska in July by HAL. We are going for the experience of travelling by ship - not so much for sight-seeing at ports of call. We did not book any tours and we want to go for whatever is available when we land. In many ports of call in Alaska, I understand that the museums/art centers are close by. We are planning to stroll around or take public transport. Here are a few questions:
1. If the ship docks at 7:00 am, how late can we leave the ship? We would like to avoid the rush of people getting down. And how early can we return to the ship in the evening to relax?
2. When the ship docks at 7:00 am, can we expect to have some coffee or breakfast served in the ship? Or do we have to go ashore to have our breakfast? Similarly if we choose to come back early in the afternoon, can we have some refreshments in the ship or do we have to wait until dinner time?

Not sure if I'm misunderstanding or everyone else did, but you (almost) never HAVE to get off the ships at the ports. (One time, don't remember when or where, all passengers had to get off the ship for immigration or something. Plus they ALWAYS make you get off when your cruise is over. So rude!:D ) My son frequently opts out of our shore excursions or shopping trips and never gets off the ship. All meals will be served while in the ports, although sometimes one dining venue or another doesn't open because there are few people still on board and the crew also gets a chance to go ashore.

[MikeT718]

I would have to agree with Ruth C Alaska has to be about the ports there is TOO much beauty there not to see it..We Just came back from HAL's tour 14 which is 4 days land tour and 7 days aboard the Volendam...Even with all of that we did not see even a small portion of what Alaksa has to offer and I want to go back in a couple of years

[san_diego]

Thanks for all the tips and advice. And the pictures and web sites are a great help. Yes, we heard that Alaska has great natural beauty and we do not want to miss it. But at the same time, we do not want to take any strenuous tours.

[NancyIL]

You can experience traveling by ship on ANY cruise, including a Mexican Riviera cruise out of San Diego or LA, for a heck of a lot less money and no flights. The reason to cruise to Alaska is to see Alaska.

Don't just walk around in the ports, as they tend to be overrun by other cruise ship passengers who are doing the same thing! Go on a whale watch, take a helicopter flight and land on a glacier, go for a hike. Chances are you'll never visit any place that's as beautiful as Alaska, so enjoy it while you can.

[craftymom914]

I agree with all the postings - the scenery is magnificent and not to be missed. But you don't have to be gone all day to experience it. We did a 4 day land tour before boarding our ship. The highlights for us were a helicopter and dog sled experience in Ketchikan and a tour in Skagway of a Totem Pole village. Very unique and interesting. In each port we were able to come and go from the ship and walk into the towns to shop and look around. In Juneau while others in our group went whale watching we walked about town and took the finicula to a zoo/rain forest are. It was right off the dock and offered magnificent views.
Have a great time!

[NancyIL]

The highlights for us were a helicopter and dog sled experience in Ketchikan and a tour in Skagway of a Totem Pole village.

Good choices, except you saw the totem poles in Ketchikan and did the helicopter dog sled excursion in Skagway. :)

[photodoodle]

I understand what you mean when you say you're traveling to experience the ship more than sight-seeing---I'm a "ship is the destination" kind of cruiser myself.

But Alaska is one itinerary where the ports are the focus more than the ship. It is so beautiful, different than other places, that it is meant to get out and drink it all in.

Please don't pass up the opportunity to see plan something every port. You don't have to take HAL shore excursions, but it is best to make solid plans in advance, and if those plans involve private tours, book those in advance.
There's just too much to see/do to waste time figuring it all out once you dock. Oh, and have back-up plans for changes in weather. ;)
I have to agree with Ruth and the others who have encouraged you to plan an excursion or two. You don't have to choose anything strenuous. I fear you might regret not going on an excursion, especially when you hear how thrilled other people were by what they experienced. The Alaska board on Cruise critic has tons of discussions about what to do in each port and the available excursions.

[MWGuy]

Sitka: Davey Lubin Puffins/Whales tour is well worth your while.
We were on HAL in May and in Sitka all day, but this tour is for approximately 1/2 of that time. It was a highlight of our cruise.

[RoupMom]

When we went a couple of years ago, we found a great thing in Ketchikan that wasn't even in the tour books, and was within easy walking distance of the ship, a little away from the main tourist places. It's the Southeast Alaska Museum, run jointly by several (mostly) Federal agencies. They have wonderful exhibits and a lot of information about many aspects of Southeast Alaska. One thing my hubby particularly enjoyed was an exhibit that demonstrated how difficult it would be to survive --- how much you'd have to learn -- if you were dropped suddenly into that area and needed to fend for yourself. There were exhibits on agriculture, mining, etc., and there were only 2 other people there during our entire visit!

[srlucado]

If anyone's interested, here's an online photo album of my recent cruisetour through Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, Tok, Eagle, Dawson City, Whitehorse, the White Pass & Yukon RR, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and the Inside Passage.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/srlucado/sets/72157605530077351/

Enjoy!