Hi, mac,
I guess you decided for sure on Alaska vs. the Baltics? Both are very nice
voyages. Our family really loved Alaska for all of the nature-related active
pursuits.
Alaska shore adventures are expensive. Period. But you get a lot of bang for
the buck--many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities from heli-glacier hikes to
salmon fishing, whale watching to bear watching, and everything in between.
We're independent travelers and rarely do cruise-sponsored excursions. If
you do your homework and plan well, you won't miss the boat. The tour
operators' livelihood depends on cruise pax, esp. in Alaska where the
tourist season is so short--many live on summer money the rest of the year.
Consequently, they will do everything in their power to make sure you return
safely to your boat. It's also easier for Americans to arrange independent
tours in Alaska than in some other cruise destinations because they speak
English and USD is the currency!
The Alaska discussion forum at http://www.cruisecritic.com is, hands down,
the best and most up-to-date online resource for info & tips re: your shore
excursions. Check it out in conjunction with yoru review of travel
guides--check out a Fodor's or Rough Guide or whichever you like from your
public library.
Diana Ball
near Houston, TX
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