First cruise ever, First time to alaska

my wife and I will be doing a 1 week cruise in May onboard the Carnival Miracle for our honeymoon.

We've been trying to do some research on excursions or tours to do, but it's been hard going.

My wife and I are both a wee bit hefty, so anything that is helo or plane dependant is out as we have to purchase extra seats.

We're trying to do this on a budget, ( i know, on a cruise..) as we're saving up a down payment on a house as well.

Anyone have thoughts, and links :) to things we can do that won't break the bank?

we'll be in Seattle -> Endicott Arm, Alaska -> Skagway -> Juneau -> Ketchikan -> Victoria -> Seattle each one day.

Appreciate any help, and thanks.

we like libations, so things like the Alaskan Brewing Co, are already on our list, but for sure want to figure out the glacier, and whatever else

i have found one great site, hope it helps others as well.

http://cruiseportinsider.com

<<< We've been trying to do some research on excursions or tours to do, but it's been hard going >>>

waaaaaaaaaa Seriously you're only going to 5 ports ... how hard can it be to read up on 5 ports ??

-Borrow some Alaska travel books from your library. They are a concise source of information for sights & activities at each port. They list DIY and low cost options. There are even books specific to Alaska cruises!

Perhaps budget for one memorable excursion on your trip.

Ketchikan .. visit the Discovery Center, pick up a map from the Visitor Center and take the walking tour. Ketchikan is a pretty town with an interesting history. You're too early for the salmon run, but the walking tour is still very interesting. Take the local bus out to the Totem Park for about $2.

Juneau -- take the Mighty Great Tours shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier and walk to the falls, under $20. Or rent a car and drive to the Glacier, then out to the coast to Eagle Beach, Shrine of St Therese. There are only 50 miles of roads so you won't get lost. Juneau has very successful whale watching trips if that's of interest.

Skagway -- rent a car and drive to the Yukon. Most people want to see Emerald Lake. Or splurge and take the train trip or train/bus tour.

Victoria - you arrive too late to do much. Wander around the harbor, see the Empress Hotel, visit a pub.

i have found one great site, hope it helps others as well.

 

http://cruiseportinsider.com

Appreciate you posting this link I will use this in planning our 2014 Alaskan cruise....congratulations on your upcoming wedding & enjoy your honeymoon to Alaska:)

my wife and I will be doing a 1 week cruise in May onboard the Carnival Miracle for our honeymoon.

 

We've been trying to do some research on excursions or tours to do, but it's been hard going.

 

My wife and I are both a wee bit hefty, so anything that is helo or plane dependant is out as we have to purchase extra seats.

 

We're trying to do this on a budget, ( i know, on a cruise..) as we're saving up a down payment on a house as well.

 

Anyone have thoughts, and links :) to things we can do that won't break the bank?

 

we'll be in Seattle -> Endicott Arm, Alaska -> Skagway -> Juneau -> Ketchikan -> Victoria -> Seattle each one day.

 

Appreciate any help, and thanks.

 

we like libations, so things like the Alaskan Brewing Co, are already on our list, but for sure want to figure out the glacier, and whatever else

What a wonderful way to spend your honeymoon. I met my husband on a cruise to Alaska 26+ years ago.

Here's the walking tours/maps if you need any of them:

Juneau Walking Tour

Skagway Walking Tour

Ketchikan Map

Creek Street In Ketchikan (worth going to)

Map of Victoria ... shows walk from ship to town

Map of Juneau (downtown)

Seattle ... take the monorail out to the Seattle Center. So much to do and see and much of it FREE. Pike Place Market is always fun too.

Juneau ... take the tram up to the top of Mt. Roberts. One fee, you can go up and down on the tram as often as you would like for the day.

Skagway ... White Pass Railway. I walked through town and loved all the artsy type shops.

Ketchikan ... We walked all thru town and up Creek Street. There is a very interesting museum right in town (can't remember the name tho) that we want to go back to see this time.

Victoria .... Most ships are only there a few hours. I know the ship had a pub tour, horse drawn carriage tours, and other. Butchard Gardens (spelling is wrong I'm sure and google is down for me to research it) is wonderful day or night time. It's quite a ways out, so be sure to book with the cruiseline. If you go during the day, a trip to the Victoria waterfront is fantastic. You will see the Parliament Building, Empress Hotel, shops unique to Victoria, museums and so much more.

Enjoy your cruise.

I did a "Live" thread on our trip to AK last August 31-Sept 7. Our strategy to get the most out of our cruise while being smart with our money was the high--low strategy. We decided ahead of time what were priorities and must see" items. For us these were whale watching, glaciers, trains and animals. So that is where we spent our money.

For example, we took the city bus in Ketchikan to see the totem poles. We took the city bus back to town and had lunch. Then we walked around Creek street. Great day--but, very inexpensive.

Here is the link to the thread on our cruise. The discussion of Ketchikan [with pictures] begins at posting #40.

 

we like libations, so things like the Alaskan Brewing Co, are already on our list, but for sure want to figure out the glacier, and whatever else

In Skagway, a good place to sample local brew is at the Skagway Brewing Company. Walking distance from the ship. Definitely try the Spruce Tip Ale.

<<< We've been trying to do some research on excursions or tours to do, but it's been hard going >>>

waaaaaaaaaa Seriously you're only going to 5 ports ... how hard can it be to read up on 5 ports ??

quote]

 

Actually it probably is not the research but simply being overwhelmed by the shear amount of information on those five ports. We all know that there are enough things to do in those ports to keep you busy for several cruise visits. Couple that with trying to do it on a budget and the pressure of saying to yourself that this is going to be a single trip and if that isn't enough this is also a first cruise - that is a whole lot of info to digest. Let's also not forget they are also planning a wedding and this is the honeymoon.

 

To the OP - you were given a link to a good site that gives you a good overview of the port towns and what there is to do in them both through ship tours, ind tours, and DIY. As for getting info out of this group I find it helpful to ask more narrow questions - ie decide what your interests are ie what do you want to get out of this trip and let the community point you in that direction.

 

You mentioned libations - I suggest that you research both breweries and famous saloons - try the Red Dog in Juneau and have a duck fart.

You also mentioned that you probably won't be doing a flightseeing tour due to having to buy 4 seats - that is fine there are other things to do.

 

An Alaskan cruise is more about AK than the cruise ship - you will have more time in port than at sea (exception being the days between Seattle and your first port and your last port and Victoria). This portion of AK is known for several things - wildlife: whales, eagles, bears, harbor seals, salmon etc. Scenery - glaciers, mountains, rain forrests. Native culture: Tinglet totems and villages abound: History - mainly gold rush, but also early settlers. Each town you visit has developed special interests around some of these items: Skagway is the gold rush town, Juneau is for whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier. Ketchikan is for Native Culture - and Scenery is all around you - which even when you are on ship you will want to be watching all that is around you.

 

Some advice from a person who has done AK as a first cruise (for our 25th anniversary) don't try to do too much and don't worry about taking the ship's tours - there are lots of independents who do the same tour for less $$ and will get you to the ship on time.

we like libations, so things like the Alaskan Brewing Co, are already on our list, but for sure want to figure out the glacier, and whatever else

We did the Glacier View Bike & Brew in Juneau on our honeymoon. The bike ride is not too difficult. I'm a bit "fluffy" and I was able to do it. :o You get to see Mendenhall Glacier from both sides of the lake, enjoy samples at the brewery, and work off some of those extra calories! We were lucky to have a gorgeous sunny day for it.

I am not the OP but I appreciate those that posted helpful info - I know there is alot of info out there, but there is ALOT of info out there and sometimes it's nice to get the "cliff notes" from these boards.

Seattle is easy to enjoy on a limited budget - you will love Pike Place Market. Also there is a FREE museum near Pioneer Square that will give you so much info on the Alsakan gold rush and exploration. There are also inexpensive ferries but if your time is limited, the sail away will probably give you the same views. We took a local bus up Queen Anne Hill and just walked around in the neighborhood, lovely homes, views and gardens.

Everyone is different so it will depend on your preferences, but this is what we like

Seattle -(the Space Needle of course), there's a cool park "West Point Lighthouse", the ship actually passes it on the way out.

Skagway -We always rent a car and drive to Emerald Lake in the Yukon. It's a beautiful drive! Emerald lake is one of the most photographed in Canada. Google it and you'll see why. If you drive, stop by the Cemetary and Reid falls on your way out of town, it's about 1/2 mile. The turn off is easy to miss.

Juneau - There are a couple of GREAT independent Whale watching tours. Ones a larger "Purple" boat. The other is a six pack, which we really like. The tram up Mt Roberts is nice and there are some trails but they'll probably be impassible in May.

Ketchikan -Some people like Saxman village, but we, again, rent a car and go to Ward Lake and Totem Bight. Both are beautiful. Make sure to ride the funcular and walk Married Man's trail in town. The Lumberman's show is touristy but fun. Oh, and at the top of the funcular the hotel has the best hot chocolate! It's a little pricey though.

Victoria - If it's a short stay, just shopping and seeing the street performers is fun

Have a blast!

An often overlooked attraction in Ketchikan is the Totem Heritage Center. This is one of two Ketchikan city museums, and is within walking distance of the cruise ship docks. Since the historic totems are displayed inside it is a great option on a rainy day -- not that it ever rains in Ketchikan!

You mean the town that has a liquid sunshine gauge :D

In seattle, we're getting in a day early and having a "nice" dinner at Salty's on Redondo Beach, and maybe a trip to Pikes Market.

As for the cruise, the wife wants to get out on the glacier if possible, and not just look at it from across the bay.

Wildlife isn't a top priority as we're both fairly well traveled, however I like bears and eagles.

I'm a photographer, so any scenic place is great, and finding some less traveled places and not getting the same boring stock shots as everyone else is always a bonus.

beyond that, like i said, we're into good drinks, and good LOCAL food. I try not to go to any big chain places on vacations, but sample the mom&pop places instead.

I'm not opposed to spending an afternoon on the boat w/ my feet in the pool and an umbrella drink in my hand if need be either.

I did tell her if the oppurtunity presents itself, we ARE having a snowball fight :)

The only chain places are in Juneau - a Mc Donalds :D.

In order to get on a glacier you either need to hike or helicopter in.

Not sure if you will be able to go beyond the "stock" photos - there are not that many places that have not been photographed - you might be able to put a new angle on them. There are probably going to be some interesting human interest type shots in Ketchikan - esp with the Native Culture there.

You probably won't be sitting around the pool - but a hot tub instead ;).

If you do that you will be missing out on the grand splendor that is Alaska. While in Port you should get out and see the sights.

If you eat off ship you will find lots of local places - but be warned in is expensive - just like the excursions.

In Skagway you can take a walking tour that is free.

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

I did a "Live" thread on our trip to AK last August 31-Sept 7. Our strategy to get the most out of our cruise while being smart with our money was the high--low strategy. We decided ahead of time what were priorities and must see" items. For us these were whale watching, glaciers, trains and animals. So that is where we spent our money.

 

For example, we took the city bus in Ketchikan to see the totem poles. We took the city bus back to town and had lunch. Then we walked around Creek street. Great day--but, very inexpensive.

 

Here is the link to the thread on our cruise. The discussion of Ketchikan [with pictures] begins at posting #40.

Sorry--I see that I did not post a link.:p:p

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1697232

Here's the walking tours/maps if you need any of them:

 

Juneau Walking Tour

 

Skagway Walking Tour

 

Ketchikan Map

 

Creek Street In Ketchikan (worth going to)

 

Map of Victoria ... shows walk from ship to town

 

Map of Juneau (downtown)

Thank your for sharing your research with us! :):):)

Thank your for sharing your research with us! :):):)

You are very welcome. Always glad to share.

here's our itinerary, culled some ideas from above, and some from a lot of research. this allows us some time to just do whatever w/o scripting out our entire trip. included are a pile of links to help anyone else out as well.

we are getting in a day early to seattle, and as mentioned, are going to Salty's on Redondo Beach for a nice dinner, will probably hit up pikes market and do some grazing for lunch, w/ a stop at the Pikes Market Brewery, afterwards we found a little scotch and wine bar w/ 210 single malts in stock!!!

saltys:

http://saltys.com/menus/south-seattle

scotch and vine:

http://www.scotchandvine.com/

pikes brewery:

http://www.pikebrewing.com/

alaska trip:

=========Ketchikan possiblilities: sun 5-12 0700-1300

Creek Street - shopping and walking tour

http://cruiseportinsider.com/ketchikanonyourown.html#walk

Dolly's Museum - 20 century hooker ( lulz )

http://cruiseportinsider.com/ketchikanonyourown.html#dolly 5$/ea

funicular on creek street to Cape Fox Lodge 2$ roundtrip, great hot chocolate inside, but pricey if you add booze, great views!

http://www.capefoxlodge.com/dining.html

==========Skagway: friday 5-10 0700-2100

http://www.carnival.com/Activities/Excursion/172009

99/pp 5.5 hour drive into the yukon/canada lunch provided

Sugar Mama's Cupcakes

2.25$/ cc

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-mamas-skagway

Skagway Brewing Company, est 1897

http://www.skagwaybrewing.com/home.html

Fat Salmon Charters, Wildlife tour, 2 hours, 79$/person

unfortunately our cruise is to early in the season to take advantage of this, lack of wildlife would mean we'd be cruising around by our lonesomes :( fat salmon is run by a coast guard master

captain, who is very nice!

http://www.fatsalmoncharters.com/wildlife_cruises.htm

http://www.fatsalmoncharters.com/rates_reservations.asp

need to reserve asap

==========Juneau saturday 5-11 0700-1500

Glacier Smoothie

soaps for my lovely

http://www.glaciersmoothie.com/

Glacier, 8$/pp each way/pp on the blue bus which runs hourly from downtown

http://cruiseportinsider.com/juneauonyourown.html

theres a 1 mile self hike that gets you up by a huge waterfall and as close as you can get to the Mendenhall glacier as possible w/o dishing out $$$ for a flightseeing tour

http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/97/70/67/on-the-nugget-falls-trail.jpg

Alaskan Brewing Depot

we are doing the depot as opposed to the brewery, which is located in a industrial park, and while you can get samples there, they don't sell any of their beer. the only other reason to goto the

brewery is to talk to the brewmasters, and get a brew tour, both of which i could give w/ my eyes closed

http://www.alaskanbeer.com/press-room-2/233-alaskan-brewing-depot-grand-opening-celebration.html

Russian Candy Store

http://www.russiancandystore.com/About-Us---Asia---Alaska.html

Mount Roberts Tramway 31/pp unlimited rides/day

http://www.goldbelttours.com/mount-roberts-tramway/

hope that helps, we're lookin forward to it!

pix can be seen here, we had a great time, only thing to take away from the above post is that the russian candy store isn't there anymore, although they still had the address on their site at the time of our visit.

http://www.jmnfoto.com/Landscapes/Alaska/29899456_M4QzCj/

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and photos!

Nice photos! Looks like a great trip.