NCL Pearl Seattle RT shore excursions at PORT

[sxmnov08]

Hi,

 

We are taking our first cruise at the end of this month. We have pre-booked the Skagway Heli-Dogsled tour (very expensive). As we basically have blown our budget on this, are there any excursion bargains at the various PORTS? We are especially interested in the Ketchikan Crab Boat.

[Traveller20074]

Hi,

 

We are taking our first cruise at the end of this month. We have pre-booked the Skagway Heli-Dogsled tour (very expensive). As we basically have blown our budget on this, are there any excursion bargains at the various PORTS? We are especially interested in the Ketchikan Crab Boat.

 

The Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's tour may be grounded. You might check. We hit a rock on our tour, and had to turn around...not sure it's up and running yet.

[Wylie Coyote]

While in Juneau, get off the ship...look for the Blue Bus. The Blue Bus will take you to the Mendenhall Glacier.....visitor center....for $16 per person. The buses run every 30 mins or less and the price includes round trip.

[Wylie Coyote]

This is free

 

Pick up the official Ketchikan Walking Tour map at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau’s visitor information centers. Starting from downtown follow the numbered signs posted along two routes offered to learn about the history and culture of our community. Routes can be walked in as little as 60 minutes, but plan extra time to appreciate the sights and for entering attractions or shops along the way.

 

 

Not expensive at all...and very much worth a visit:

 

The Totem Heritage Center established to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan.

 

These Totem Poles, are now displayed at the centre, as well as other Totem's and native Alaskan pieces. In the centre, traditional arts and crafts of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures can be seen. It is said to contain the largest collection of original totem poles in the US. There are 33 on display!

 

ADMISSION IS IN 2010 ....$5 and it is a short bus ride from the cruise terminal. At the cruise terminal to the right where you will see the Liquid Sunshine Gauge (Rain Gauge)...go into the visitor center and get all the info about how to make this happen.

 

The visitor center is also the place to ask about other family affordable options to enjoy Ketchikan.

 

Happy Sailing

[InternetAgeTraveler]

For Skagway, a very inexpensive but enjoyable option is to rent a car. With the Pearl in port all day, you have plenty of time and the drive into the Yukon is spectular. There are 2 options, Avis if cars are available and Sourdough as an alternative (older cars but less expensive). You need passports for driving into the Yukon. Canadians are not allowed to rent cars in the US and drive them into Canada. We did the Pearl and generally did things on a budget, so click on the Pearl review link in my signature for some additional information.

[sxmnov08]

For Skagway, a very inexpensive but enjoyable option is to rent a car. With the Pearl in port all day, you have plenty of time and the drive into the Yukon is spectular. There are 2 options, Avis if cars are available and Sourdough as an alternative (older cars but less expensive). You need passports for driving into the Yukon. Canadians are not allowed to rent cars in the US and drive them into Canada. We did the Pearl and generally did things on a budget, so click on the Pearl review link in my signature for some additional information.

 

Thanks for this tip. Can you recommend destinations in the YUKON that we can arrange by rental car?

[sxmnov08]

This is free

 

Pick up the official Ketchikan Walking Tour map at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau’s visitor information centers. Starting from downtown follow the numbered signs posted along two routes offered to learn about the history and culture of our community. Routes can be walked in as little as 60 minutes, but plan extra time to appreciate the sights and for entering attractions or shops along the way.

 

 

Not expensive at all...and very much worth a visit:

 

The Totem Heritage Center established to preserve endangered 19th century totem poles retrieved from uninhabited Tlingit and Haida village sites near Ketchikan.

 

These Totem Poles, are now displayed at the centre, as well as other Totem's and native Alaskan pieces. In the centre, traditional arts and crafts of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures can be seen. It is said to contain the largest collection of original totem poles in the US. There are 33 on display!

 

ADMISSION IS IN 2010 ....$5 and it is a short bus ride from the cruise terminal. At the cruise terminal to the right where you will see the Liquid Sunshine Gauge (Rain Gauge)...go into the visitor center and get all the info about how to make this happen.

 

The visitor center is also the place to ask about other family affordable options to enjoy Ketchikan.

 

Happy Sailing

 

Thanks! Will this bus also take us to SAXMAN village?

[Budget Queen]

Thanks! Will this bus also take us to SAXMAN village?

 

Yes there is a bus to Saxman, but in my opinion, this is a far better area with a guide. In the past you could arrange for one, at the gift shop.

 

Totem Bight has the advantage of you being able to print out their totem guide sheet and taking it with you. Also the option to head to the Potlash Park next door.

[Budget Queen]

Have a back up plan for your glacier dog sledding, it is the most canceled of Alaska excursions.

 

The bargain of Alaska are walking tours, head to your library, for Fodor's Alaska, Frommer's Alaska ports of call books. Walking tours are in the books. There is plenty to see and do beyond the shops. :)

[sxmnov08]

Have a back up plan for your glacier dog sledding, it is the most canceled of Alaska excursions.

 

The bargain of Alaska are walking tours, head to your library, for Fodor's Alaska, Frommer's Alaska ports of call books. Walking tours are in the books. There is plenty to see and do beyond the shops. :)

 

For backup, is the Whitepass railroad worthwhile? The dogsled is 11:00am. If it is cancelled can we catch the train and how can we get to it (taxi?)

[Budget Queen]

For backup, is the Whitepass railroad worthwhile? The dogsled is 11:00am. If it is cancelled can we catch the train and how can we get to it (taxi?)

 

The White Pass RR is an historic ride with excellent scenery. You can walk to the RR depot, if you have no mobility limitations, otherwise there is the SMART bus.

[InternetAgeTraveler]

Thanks for this tip. Can you recommend destinations in the YUKON that we can arrange by rental car?

A lot to do is just the scenery itself, mountains, waterfalls and lakes. We made lots of stops to just get out and look. If you search for the 'famous' Murray's Guide which lays out a lot of things to do. Carribou crossing is a tourist place with meals, a small museum, and dog cart rides. The small town of Carcross also has a number of things to see.

[sxmnov08]

The White Pass RR is an historic ride with excellent scenery. You can walk to the RR depot, if you have no mobility limitations, otherwise there is the SMART bus.

 

What times can we catch the rr?

[InternetAgeTraveler]

What times can we catch the rr?

 

For the best explanation, I would go to the wpyr website which also lists other requirements such as passports and times.

 

http://www.wpyr.com/excursions.html

 

which lists the options and times.

 

If you are looking to do the Summit only

 

Available Dates: May 6 & 7 and May 12 – September 21, 2011

Departure Times: 8:15 AM & 12:45 PM DAILY

Additional departures: 4:30 PM on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (From May 24-September 7)