Alaskan Cruise Questions

[Txbownut]

The wife and I just booked an Alaskan cruise for the end of August out of Seattle. Will be visiting Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Some questions for you guys that have been:
What are the "must sees"?
I'm not much on the commercial excursions, where can we go see and do without dropping $500 every time we get off the boat?
What is the best lens for my DSLR camera for the trip? Hopefully I will get some wildlife/sea life pictures.
Any particular gear I need to take? I figure a decent rain jacket would be handy, but I don't figure I need my full set of Gortex gear?
Anything else I am missing?

[TomB]

A good set of hiking boots and a binoculars were on my list. A dry bag to go with the rain gear is helpful. Mosquitoes can be pretty ferocious too. The fishing can be a once in a life time experience. Because of some ankle issues I carried a shock corded walking stick for the uneven ground and slippery conditions on hikes.

[klooney]

We didn't book any on shore excursions through the ship... We just got off of the boat and did our own thing. Check out the red onion saloon in Skagway. Are you going up Tracy arm fjord? That was the most amazing place I've ever been!

If you are a beer drinker, take plenty of money for drinks, they are expensive on the boat.

Hopefully you got a room with balcony, that's where I spent 90% of my time.

Sorry I'm rambling now, best vacation ever, who did you book your cruise?

[Tbar]

Dress in layers.....something like a North Face weather proof jacket with hood and removable inner lining. Also a day pack that you can stuff one or both layers into. We did a lot of putting on and taking off of layers.

If it is available make sure you do the Taku Glacier Lodge flight out of Juneau. It is a MUST see and was at or near the top of our 15 day vacation.

[Txbownut]

Going Carnival, it was a little cheaper for the balcony than some of the other cruise lines. I plan on sitting on the balcony the majority of the trip. Yes, we will see Tracy Arm. I purchased a bottle of whiskey for the room on my last cruise for about $80. It's not cheap, but way cheaper than drinks on the boat and you can take some Cokes etc. on board for mixers. I've never heard anybody say that it wasn't a great trip. I'm pretty stoked.

[pblaetz]

White Pass Train ride in Skagway is a great excursion.

https://wpyr.com/

[austinRecurve]

No need to do any type of whale watching trip... you should see plenty of marine life from the ship.

What do you want to do? I lived in Juneau 10 years so... I know all the little secrets.

Hike? Fish?

There are some cool trails around the Mendenhall glacier. You may need to rent a car or take a taxi to do anything. The ships dock downtown and there's not much close by other than shopping and eating.

[lbbf]

We enjoyed the boat more than the shore. The scenery is amazing! I didn't know which way to look. The Red Onion Saloon was fun.

[Winman]

White Pass Train ride in Skagway is a great excursion.



https://wpyr.com/

X2.....great ride...Be Sure and do the Bushart Gardens on Vancover Island,they are gorgeous...

[Mary]

Zap lining is tons of fun in Ketchikan and the helicopter dog sledding on the glacier in Juneau was an incredible experience.

[Tbar]

Make sure you book your room/balcony on the side of the ship that will be facing land for the best views.

[kae006]

x3 on the White Pass train ride. We also did a salmon fishing trip and a helicopter tour to the top of the glaciers that were both awesome. You'll see tons of whales but we did a whale watching trip as well and it was also amazing. You'll love the cruise.

[Quackerbox]

We're kicking around the idea for next summer when junior gets out of school.

Those that don't mind, what's the cost per person? PM If You like. Last time we cruised we had it all paid for 2 months before we left. As for drinks, we took 2 bottles on

[M.E.B.]

White Pass Train ride in Skagway is a great excursion.



https://wpyr.com/

We enjoyed this.

Don't book any eagle watching tours. They are as plentiful as seagulls. Surprised me after all you hear.

We took plenty of time to walk through the towns.

[Geezy Rider]

Make sure you book your room/balcony on the side of the ship that will be facing land for the best views.

Since the cruise goes up the passage there is land and great views on both sides.