First time in Alaska

[Ultragirl26]

We're on the NCL Jewel 6/25/18 to Alaska for the first time, we are huge DIY and love to find the same tour off the ship cheaper fans! We've also been known to drive 3 hours (1 1/2 each way) on a road trip, just to eat at the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis Lunch Counter, so we like the off the beaten path stuff too. Therefore, I have a few questions:

 

Ketchikan: 7:00 - 4:00 Are there any known (easy to get to via foot) good places to see bears eating salmon? Any port really for this (at a safe distance, of course-LOL) A friend has already told me Ketchikan is a DIY port. $2 pp round trip bus to totem poles, any other good suggestions?

 

Juneau: 11:00 - 9:00 What is the difference between the "Blue" bus vs "White" bus to the Glacier? What is the cost of each? Are there whale watching excursions you can get at the port (think the Caribbean)? We have on the itinerary Mt Roberts Tram if views are good. Duck Fart shots are already on the menu...Anything else? Museums? Do you recommend renting a car?. We're traveling with another couple so that helps in splitting costs of car rental.

 

Skagway: 800 - 800 Already booked on the White Pass Railway, is there a better side of the train to sit on? We have about 3 hours after our tour, is there anything close by to do?

 

Seward: We're staying overnight and taking the train to Anchorage the next evening, is there a better side of the train to sit on? Are there off boat whale watching excursions? Any must do things?

 

Would love to know your favorite salmon restaurants, especially if it's a great deal, all ports!

 

Thank you in advance for any suggestions!

 

Best,

Terri

[1025cruise]

You might want to post on the Alaska ports of call forum.

[Ultragirl26]

Great idea! Thank you!!

[ColinIllinois]

The place you want to ask this is the Alaska ports of call forum. Here is the link for you:

 

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

[Ultragirl26]

Thanks, copying and pasting now!

[roger001]

When in Juneau, if you want some great Alaskan King Crab, you might want to try Tracy's Crab Shack. King Crab is expensive, but Tracy's is cheaper than the others and super good.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g31020-d665301-Reviews-Tracy_s_King_Crab_Shack-Juneau_Alaska.html

[RD29P5]

I think your going a bit too early to expect to see bears feeding on salmon. Most salmon runs don't start until late July early August or later.

[BlueHonu]

check out this for Seward.

https://majormarine.com/