Selecting shore excursions for an Alaska cruise is always a difficult process. There are so many exciting options from which to choose. Getting feedback from other who have "been there, done that" is often helpful, so check out the winners of Princess Cruises' 2010 C.R.U.I.S.E Service Awards. These awards honor the best tours and guides in Alaska based on passenger survey responses and feedback.

If you’re wondering what shore excursions to take on your next Alaska cruise, take a look at this list. I’ve added a few of my own comments for several ports as well.

ICY STRAIT POINT:

Shore Excursion:
Whale & Wildlife Cruise, Icy Strait Point

Tour Guide:
Annette McLaughlin, Icy Strait Point

JUNEAU:

Co-Shore Excursions:
Helicopter Glacier Trek, Northstar Trekking
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast, Wings Airways and Taku Lodge

Co-Tour Guides:
Collin Pilcher, Gastineau Guiding Company
Joel Kersting, Gold Rush Tours

KETCHIKAN:

Co-Shore Excursions:
Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Moutain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Snorkel Alaska
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures

Co-Tour Guides:
Joe Williams, Where the Eagle Walks
Rob Holston, Lighthouse Excursions

Nancy’s Comments: In Ketchikan, we took the Misty Fjords Seaplane Exploration tour to view Misty Fjords National Monument. It’s another expensive excursion, but scenery is absolutely spectacular and I’d highly recommend it. I’m also a big fan of ziplines. The Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition here lets participants experience eight ziplines and three aerial bridges – pretty nice!

KODIAK:

Shore Excursion:
Best of Kodiak, First Group

Tour Guide:
Dee Ann Valdivia, Kodiak Tours

SEWARD:

Shore Excursion:
Alaska SeaLife Center & Puffin Experience, Alaska SeaLife Center

Tour Guide:
Danny Seavey, IdidaRide Sled Dog Tours

SKAGWAY:

Co-Shore Excursions:
Glacier Discovery by Helicopter, TEMSCO Helicopters
Glacier Point Wilderness Safari, Chilkat Guides
White Pass Bennett Lake Adventure, White Pass & Yukon Route

Co-Tour Guides:
Steve Merrow, Chilkat Guides
Tyler Geist, Alaska Mountain Guides

Nancy’s Comments: The Glacier Discovery by Helicopter tour sounds awesome, but that one wasn’t offered when we went on our Alaska cruise. We took the Eagle Preserve Scenic Float & Wildlife Cruise and saw lots of eagles, moose and other wildlife. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is also popular here.

VANCOUVER:

Shore Excursion:
Capilano Canyon’s Natural Beauty, Rockwood Adventures

Tour Guide:
Bill Reaugh, TMS Gateway Tours

VICTORIA:

Shore Excursion:
Butchart & Butterfly Gardens, Gray Line West

Tour Guide:
Norman Archer, D’Costa Ports of Call


WHITTIER:

Shore Excursion:
Wilderness Explorer Glacier Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruise & Tours

Tour Guides:
Richard DiJulia, Alaska Sea Kayakers

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, make sure to book your shore excursions early – particularly for those “must have” experiences. Many cruise passengers are now booking shore excursions online and popular tours often sell out in advance.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.


Please Note: All of the shore excursions I have recommended were paid for personally and were not comped by the cruise line.