On Mar 25, 11:38 am, Judy Heuman wrote:
> My husband and I are planning to go on an Alaskan cruise in June with
> our two adult sons and their spouses. We have collected brochures and
> have limited our choices to Princess, Norwegian or Royal Caribbean
> cruise lines.
>
> We're interested to know your personal experiences with these cruises
> - which had good on-board activities and good excursions. Which
> excursions do you recommend?
>
> There are so many choices -- it's hard to decide without more
> information.
>
> Thanks. Judy
>
> ===============================================================
> Judy Heuman j...@rogers.com
I took the inside passage cruise from Princess last June with stops in
Juneau, Skagway, (no stop) Glacier Bay NP, Ketchikan, and Victoria
BC. I won't comment on the cruise itself since it's my only and to me
it was more transportation than the destination. I LOVED Alaska and
cannot wait to go back and explore in more depth. I'll give you my
opinion and you can make your own choices.
Juneau - did the Mendenhall Glacier, Salmon Hatchery, and Salmon Bake
excursion (my mildly handicapped mom was with me). I like factory
tours so the hatchery was educational to me - but could have been
skipped. The Mendenhall Glacier was a must see and there is a nice
short hike to the waterfall right next to the glacier. If you want ot
go out to the fall you must go out right away when you get there or
you won't have time. It's a beautiful spot, not to be missed. Next
time I would probably take a helicopter out onto the glacier. Skip
the salmon bake - it was staged and mediocre except the walk up the
river's edge was pretty to 2 minor waterfalls. I wandered around town
on my own - don't blink you'll miss it. Beautiful art on the Juneau
city hall building. Typical tourist shops and bars. I'm told the
marine mammal excursion did see lots of orcas.
Skagway - take time to visit the National Park Building and tour and
wander around a lovely little town. I didn't take the rail tour that
many rave about. I wanted to hike and see something out of the
tourist usual route. Took the Haines rainforest hike excursion with
only 3 other people and a former NPS ranger as our guide. Easy hike,
reminded me of NH but more open in the forest. Picniced at a
beautiful beach. Lots of bald eagles, and a golden, wildflowers and
local knowledge. The fast ferry from Skagway to Haines is a great
ride with lots of eagles and waterfalls down the fjord. Leave extra
time before you return to explore Haines and the old Army Fort.
Get a cruise that goes into Glacier Bay National Park. This is perhaps
the most beautiful place in America.The changing of our landscape is
almost palpable. One of the most emotional sceneries I've
experienced. Stay on deck as you come out of the NP to see humpback
whales
Ketchikan - did the salmon fishing excursiion with 5 guys - my first
guided fishing "6 pack" - awesome and unforgettable experience -
caught a 25 lb king salmon and had it filleted and frozen (best fish
I've ever had and I eat a lot of fish). Bald eagles were as plentiful
as seagulls are in CA.
Victoria BC - excursion: Butterfly and Butchart Gardens. Nothing more
need be said. The gardens are probably the finest in North America.
My most important advice is: you've travelled all that way to see
Alaska - don't cheap out on excursions: do exactly what your heart and
dreams tell you.
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