Selecting shore excursions for an Alaska cruise is always a difficult process. There are so many exciting options from which to choose. Late last year, Princess Cruises released the winners of its 2008 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.

Juneau:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails, Gastineau Guiding Company
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour, TEMSCO Helicopters
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Co-Tour Guides:
Jami Likins, Gastineau Guiding Company
Matt Failor, Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO Helicopters

Nancy’s Comments: I agree with Princess passengers on the Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour. This was definitely one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise. These helicopter excursions are pricey, but they’re memorable and well worth it.

Ketchikan:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Snorkel Alaska
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Co-Tour Guides:
"Kiwi" Allan Brann, Commercial Fishing Adventures
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:
Near Island Sea Kayak Adventure, Orcas Unlimited Charters of Kodiak
Tour Guide:
Sue Rohrer, First Group

Seattle:
Shore Excursion:
Best of Seattle, Gray Line of Seattle

Seward:
Shore Excursion:
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords Tours
Tour Guide:
Whitey Van Deusen, Trails North

Nancy’s Comments: Good choice! Kenai Fjords Tours offers exceptional wildlife cruises.

Sitka:
Co-Shore Excursions:
4x4 Wilderness Adventure, Greenling Enterprises
Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, Allen Marine Tours
Tour Guide:
Justin Horn, Sitka Tours

Nancy’s Comments: I agree with Princess passengers. The Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest here is amazing. If your cruise stops in Sitka, though, make sure to allow plenty of time to explore the town. If you have to skip a shore excursion in one port, this may be the one to choose. It’s a charming place with lots of attractions within easy walking distance.

Skagway:
Co- Shore Excursions:
Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing, TEMSCO Helicopters
Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Alaska Mountain Guides
Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4, Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Co- Tour Guides:
Mike Fortney, Chilkat Guides
Nicki Bunting, Skagway Street Car Co.

Nancy’s Comments: The Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing 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.

Valdez:
Shore Excursion:
Columbia Glacier Cruise, Stan Stephens Cruises
Tour Guide:
Chris Arrate, Keystone Outfitters

Vancouver:
Shore Excursion:
Capilano Canyon's Natural Beauty, Rockwood Adventures

Victoria:
Shore Excursion:
Enchanting Butchart Gardens, Gray Line West
Tour Guide:
Norman Archer, D'Costa Ports of Call

Nancy’s Comments: I agree. Butchart Gardens is an exquisite display that must be seen.

Whittier:
Shore Excursion:
Blackstone Glacier Adventure Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruise & Tours

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 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.