Planning your first Alaska cruise and wondering which shore excursions are actually worth your money? After sailing Alaska seven times and testing dozens of tours, I'm here to share the real winners – plus the disappointing ones you should skip.
You've probably heard about whale watching, scenic train rides, and glacier adventures. But here's what the cruise brochures won't tell you: not all Alaska excursions are created equal. Some will give you goosebumps and lifelong memories. Others will leave you feeling like you paid premium prices for tourist traps.
Let me walk you through the absolute best Alaska shore excursions, complete with real prices, insider booking tips, and honest reviews from my own experiences.
This is likely the "amazing train ride" you've heard about – and the hype is completely justified. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway climbs 2,915 feet in just 20 miles, offering views that will literally take your breath away.
What You'll Actually Experience:
You'll board vintage parlor cars that cling to mountainsides, cross trestle bridges that seem impossible, and wind through terrain that changes from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra. The journey follows the historic Klondike Gold Rush trail of 1898.
Best Excursion Options:
Insider Tips from My Seven Skagway Visits:
The one downside? This excursion sells out fast. I've seen disappointed passengers trying to book walk-up tickets with no luck.
Share your White Pass Railway experiences in our Shore Excursions forum!
Alaska whale watching can be incredible or disappointing – it all depends on which operator you choose and which port you're in.
Best Whale Watching Ports Ranked:
1. Icy Strait Point/Hoonah (Best Overall)
This is Alaska's whale watching gold standard. The waters here are feeding grounds for both orcas and humpbacks.
2. Juneau (Most Convenient)
Multiple operators run from Auke Bay, just 15 minutes from downtown.
3. Seward (Best for Combined Tours)
Kenai Fjords National Park tours combine whale watching with glacier viewing.
Whale Watching Reality Check:
I've done 12 Alaska whale watching tours. Here's what you should know:
Find whale watching buddies in our Shore Excursions forum!
Seeing glaciers in Alaska isn't just about the Instagram shot – it's about experiencing these ancient ice rivers up close. But some glacier excursions are definitely better than others.
Tier 1: Helicopter Glacier Landings
The ultimate splurge, but worth every penny if weather cooperates.
Weather Warning: Helicopter tours cancel frequently due to weather. Book early in your cruise, not your last day in port.
Tier 2: Accessible Glacier Viewing
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau):
Exit Glacier (Seward):
Tier 3: Glacier Bay National Park
If your cruise itinerary includes Glacier Bay, you'll see massive tidewater glaciers from your ship. No excursion needed – just grab a good spot on deck around 6 AM.
My Honest Glacier Advice:
Skip the "flightseeing" tours unless you're doing a glacier landing. The views from the ship or accessible viewpoints are often just as spectacular for a fraction of the cost.
Discuss glacier experiences in our Shore Excursions forum!
When to Book with Your Cruise Line:
When to Book Independently:
My Port-by-Port Booking Recommendations:
Skagway: Book White Pass Railway directly online
Juneau: Independent whale watching, cruise line helicopter tours
Ketchikan: Independent fishing charters, cruise line cultural tours
Icy Strait Point: Book zipline through cruise line, whale watching independently
Seward: Independent glacier cruises work well
After seven Alaska cruises, here are the disappointments I'd skip:
Here's my proven formula for an unforgettable Alaska cruise:
Expected budget: $400-600 per person for three quality excursions. Yes, it's expensive, but Alaska's natural wonders are worth the splurge.
Remember: Alaska weather can change quickly. Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. Most importantly, be flexible – some of my best Alaska memories came from last-minute changes due to weather.
Ready to plan your Alaska adventure? Share your questions and connect with fellow Alaska cruisers in our Shore Excursions forum!
You've probably heard about whale watching, scenic train rides, and glacier adventures. But here's what the cruise brochures won't tell you: not all Alaska excursions are created equal. Some will give you goosebumps and lifelong memories. Others will leave you feeling like you paid premium prices for tourist traps.
Let me walk you through the absolute best Alaska shore excursions, complete with real prices, insider booking tips, and honest reviews from my own experiences.
The Crown Jewel: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway
This is likely the "amazing train ride" you've heard about – and the hype is completely justified. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway climbs 2,915 feet in just 20 miles, offering views that will literally take your breath away.
What You'll Actually Experience:
You'll board vintage parlor cars that cling to mountainsides, cross trestle bridges that seem impossible, and wind through terrain that changes from coastal rainforest to alpine tundra. The journey follows the historic Klondike Gold Rush trail of 1898.
Best Excursion Options:
- White Pass Summit Excursion: 3-hour round trip ($165 adults, $82.50 children in 2026)
- Bennett Scenic Journey: 8-hour adventure to Bennett, BC with lunch ($285 adults)
- Liarsville Gold Rush Trail & Train: Combines the railway with gold panning ($199 adults)
Insider Tips from My Seven Skagway Visits:
- Book the first departure of the day (usually 8:15 AM) for clearest mountain views
- Sit on the left side going up for the most dramatic cliff views
- The parlor car upgrade ($25) includes historical narration and wider windows
- Don't book through your cruise line – save $30-40 by booking directly at wpyr.com
The one downside? This excursion sells out fast. I've seen disappointed passengers trying to book walk-up tickets with no luck.
Share your White Pass Railway experiences in our Shore Excursions forum!
Whale Watching: Where to See Orcas and Humpbacks
Alaska whale watching can be incredible or disappointing – it all depends on which operator you choose and which port you're in.
Best Whale Watching Ports Ranked:
1. Icy Strait Point/Hoonah (Best Overall)
This is Alaska's whale watching gold standard. The waters here are feeding grounds for both orcas and humpbacks.
- Glacier Wind Charters: Small boats (max 12 passengers), $189 adults for 3.5 hours
- Icy Strait Whale Watching: Larger vessels, $155 adults for 3 hours
- Success rate: 95% for humpbacks, 60% for orcas based on my visits
2. Juneau (Most Convenient)
Multiple operators run from Auke Bay, just 15 minutes from downtown.
- Gastineau Guiding: $169 adults, excellent naturalist guides
- Harv & Marv's Outback Alaska: $159 adults, "whale guarantee" policy
- Combine with Mendenhall Glacier for $210 total
3. Seward (Best for Combined Tours)
Kenai Fjords National Park tours combine whale watching with glacier viewing.
- Major Marine Tours: 6-hour Kenai Fjords tour, $179 adults
- Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise: Full day from Whittier, $199 adults
Whale Watching Reality Check:
I've done 12 Alaska whale watching tours. Here's what you should know:
- Humpback whales are almost guaranteed (90%+ success rate)
- Orcas are much less predictable (50-60% chance)
- Smaller boats get closer to whales but can be rougher
- Morning tours often have calmer seas and better lighting
Find whale watching buddies in our Shore Excursions forum!
Glacier Adventures: Beyond the Postcard Views
Seeing glaciers in Alaska isn't just about the Instagram shot – it's about experiencing these ancient ice rivers up close. But some glacier excursions are definitely better than others.
Tier 1: Helicopter Glacier Landings
The ultimate splurge, but worth every penny if weather cooperates.
- Temsco Helicopters (Juneau): Mendenhall Glacier landing, $549 per person
- Coastal Helicopters (Juneau): Herbert Glacier landing with dog sledding, $599
- Alpine Air (Seward): Bear Glacier landing, $495
Weather Warning: Helicopter tours cancel frequently due to weather. Book early in your cruise, not your last day in port.
Tier 2: Accessible Glacier Viewing
Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau):
- Free shuttle from cruise pier to visitor center
- Multiple hiking trails from easy (.5 mile) to challenging (3.5 miles)
- Upgraded photo tour: $89 for guided experience with better viewpoints
Exit Glacier (Seward):
- Only glacier in Alaska accessible by car
- Nature Center and easy walking trails
- Guided tour: $125 including transportation
Tier 3: Glacier Bay National Park
If your cruise itinerary includes Glacier Bay, you'll see massive tidewater glaciers from your ship. No excursion needed – just grab a good spot on deck around 6 AM.
My Honest Glacier Advice:
Skip the "flightseeing" tours unless you're doing a glacier landing. The views from the ship or accessible viewpoints are often just as spectacular for a fraction of the cost.
Discuss glacier experiences in our Shore Excursions forum!
Booking Strategy: Cruise Line vs. Independent Operators
When to Book with Your Cruise Line:
- Helicopter tours (weather cancellation protection)
- Complex multi-part excursions
- If you're sailing on a large ship with tight port schedules
- Peace of mind – guaranteed ship return
When to Book Independently:
- White Pass Railway (save $30-40)
- Simple whale watching tours (save $20-30)
- Glacier viewpoints and hiking (save significantly)
- Smaller group experiences
My Port-by-Port Booking Recommendations:
Skagway: Book White Pass Railway directly online
Juneau: Independent whale watching, cruise line helicopter tours
Ketchikan: Independent fishing charters, cruise line cultural tours
Icy Strait Point: Book zipline through cruise line, whale watching independently
Seward: Independent glacier cruises work well
The Excursions You Should Skip
After seven Alaska cruises, here are the disappointments I'd skip:
- Ketchikan lumberjack shows: Cheesy tourist trap for $65
- Generic "scenic drives": Overpriced bus tours with limited stops
- Most cultural centers: Often rushed and inauthentic feeling
- Salmon bakes: Usually mediocre food for premium prices
Final Alaska Excursion Strategy
Here's my proven formula for an unforgettable Alaska cruise:
- Book one "wow" experience: White Pass Railway or helicopter glacier landing
- Choose one quality wildlife tour: Whale watching in Icy Strait Point or Juneau
- Include one accessible glacier: Mendenhall or Exit Glacier
- Budget 2-3 excursions total: Don't over-schedule your ports
- Save money on 1-2 ports: Explore independently with hiking or local attractions
Expected budget: $400-600 per person for three quality excursions. Yes, it's expensive, but Alaska's natural wonders are worth the splurge.
Remember: Alaska weather can change quickly. Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing. Most importantly, be flexible – some of my best Alaska memories came from last-minute changes due to weather.
Ready to plan your Alaska adventure? Share your questions and connect with fellow Alaska cruisers in our Shore Excursions forum!
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