Alaskacie

The tours sold by ship are alll run by "independent excursion operators," who also carry insurance. Interesting that the incident you reference went through HAL insurance, -- I wonder whether it is Cruiseship SOP to cover any mishaps on tours sold by them -- have not heard that one before!

You would still need to pay for dogsled tour. The helicopters are not charging extra for the different location, they are collecting on behalf of the dog camps.

In summer, you need to fly to elevation to find snow and yes, the high price is based on flight and then also expenses of dog camps to set up and live on the icefield all summer. Heli to glacier starts at $299 and sled dog camp (dirt track) starts at $129 -- so it's about $100 premium to combine them.

Helicopter/dogsled is $524 independent and typically $600 on ships if bought before cruising and higher when you get aboard.

Ship cancellation is 24 hours prior. Sounded as though Luv wanted to be able to decide day of tour, but yes that would probably be better.

That tour does sell out and several weeks may not be enough time for booking. Also, check your Juneau port time. If Explorer arriving 12pm, you'll have fewer available departures than Radiance arriving 9am. Both operators have a 2 week cancellation window for full refund. Your best bet may be to book when you know that is your first pick; either with a credit card that provides travel insurance (for all, not just the one who may be ill) or just buy trip insurance (also, the one that covers all, presuming that you will all cancel if one cannot go)