Seeking Suggestions for Arranging Excursions on our Own

We are cruising to Alaska in June on Regatta. 2 years ago when we took a 17 day cruise on the Marina to the South Pacific, we did several excursions arranged personally either by us, or others on the same cruise. We found these excursions to be quite a bit cheaper than those offered by Oceania and just as good (if not better in some instances). Has anyone ever arranged any excursions in Alaska and, if so, will you kindly share which ones and the experience? Thanks for the help!

First, I suggest you find the roll call for your cruise and see if others are setting up independent tours. Most of the time, at least a few are.

Then you could also consult the Ports of Call for Alaska. Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

Good luck.

Mura

First, I suggest you find the roll call for your cruise and see if others are setting up independent tours. Most of the time, at least a few are.

 

Then you could also consult the Ports of Call for Alaska. Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

 

Good luck.

 

Mura

Thank you Mura. There is a roll call, but so far, no one has talked about independent excursions. Will check out the link your provided.

Another think you can do is check out past roll calls for your itinerary. I've done that in the past and have gotten good information. It can at least give you an idea of what is available where.

Another think you can do is check out past roll calls for your itinerary. I've done that in the past and have gotten good information. It can at least give you an idea of what is available where.

That's a great idea! Thanks!

If you list your ports, it will be easier for posters to make recommendations.

If you list your ports, it will be easier for posters to make recommendations.

Good point :o! Ports: Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Straight Point (Hoonah), Skagway & Victoria.

Thanks for pointing this out!

ALaska is different in that you do not need to have a group. The tour operator forms the group so don't worry about the roll call participation

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We arranged our excursions independent when on the Regatta in Alaska last year. The Alaska board is a good place to get excursion ideas. We always go whale watching in Ice Strait Point or Juneau. Of 9 Alaska cruises one of the best excursions we’ve taken was out of Sitka with Gallant Adventures last year. We saw a more diverse selection of wildlife than we had ever seen before on one excursion.

When we’re unfamiliar with ports and excursions we go to the line’s excursion page, pick a few that we’d like, and start search for the vendor and reviews to book independent.

We arranged our excursions independent when on the Regatta in Alaska last year. The Alaska board is a good place to get excursion ideas. We always go whale watching in Ice Strait Point or Juneau. Of 9 Alaska cruises one of the best excursions we’ve taken was out of Sitka with Gallant Adventures last year. We saw a more diverse selection of wildlife than we had ever seen before on one excursion.

 

When we’re unfamiliar with ports and excursions we go to the line’s excursion page, pick a few that we’d like, and start search for the vendor and reviews to book independent.

Thanks for the suggestions and ideas! We knew we would want to do the whale watching and Hubbard Glacier in Juneau. Had not thought about Sitka yet. Will look into the Gallant Adventures.

Again, many thanks!

We were in Sitka in June 1990 on a Princess cruise ... in Sitka we thoroughly enjoyed just walking around ... (I'm going by memory since I evidently didn't keep a diary on that trip!)

Of course, back then we walked for longer distances than we do these days!

I also recall that we used a ship's tour for a flight to Tracy Arm from Juneau. Back in those days we used ship's tours if we did any official tours. At any rate, this was a small seaplane -- maybe 6 passengers, if that. It was delightful.

Mura

We were in Sitka in June 1990 on a Princess cruise ... in Sitka we thoroughly enjoyed just walking around ... (I'm going by memory since I evidently didn't keep a diary on that trip!)

Yes, Sitka is also a very good walking port. Fewer cruise ships visit there so it's retained some of that Southeast Alaska charm.

Check the ports on Trip Advisor under "things to do" and also Fodor's. Look for

Recent blogs about the ports, too. Much can be done just walking around, but I would not miss the train out of Skagway!

Another information source is Trip Advisor. You select your destination and then can view reviews of various tour agents. I've had good luck here for the most part.

In Hoonah (2015) we used Glacier Wind Charters & had a wonderful whale-watching tour! Would use them again in a heartbeat.

Laurie

In Hoonah (2015) we used Glacier Wind Charters & had a wonderful whale-watching tour! Would use them again in a heartbeat.

 

Laurie

Laurie,

Did you arrange this on your own?

Yes, we did. Turns out 2 other couples on the same cruise did the same thing! There were just the 6 of us for the afternoon. Google Glacier Wind Charters.

We got a lot of good ideas from the Alaska Forum. In Juneau, we booked a private walking tour of the city - and very much enjoyed it. Your excursions should be based on your interests, and what you enjoy doing. It really does help to do a little research - and figure out what excursions you might want to book through the cruise line and which ones to book independently.

Yes, we did. Turns out 2 other couples on the same cruise did the same thing! There were just the 6 of us for the afternoon. Google Glacier Wind Charters.

Great! Will do that. Thanks again for the information.

Just booked our Whale Watching Excursion with Glacier Wind Charters! TripAdvisor reviews were fabulous! Thanks again! Can't wait!

Hope you have a great day in Hoonah!