top 5 shore excursions in Alaska

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  • Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024

Комментарии • 128

  • @Abegweit111
    @Abegweit111 6 лет назад +13

    .
    Our first cruise was to Alaska. We loved every minute of it. Thank you for your list. I too really liked the White Pass Rail trip. My husband who dislikes heights wasn't so enamoured; however, as long as he sat on the inside seat away from the window he was OK.
    We didn't do the bear watching trip, it sounds like fun too.
    The one that - for me - was a bit of a let down, was the whale watching trip. We saw only a couple of humpback whales and quite a distance off. Like all wild animal watching, sometimes there are good days and other days not so much. While on ship, however we saw several whales, (Humpback and Orca) including one sighting I'll never forget. It was evening and I was making my usual walk on deck and just enjoying the view. All of a sudden a pod of killer whales appeared out of nowhere and began to swim, leap and dive in what seemed like a frenzy, so close to the ship, I thought we'd hit one of them. It turns out they were hunting seals. There was only one other passenger on deck besides me. While everyone else was at late dinner or in the theatre or casino, we were the only ones to witness this amazing event.

    • @ednaalencar6205
      @ednaalencar6205 3 года назад

      Wow! Loved your comments.
      Thank you for taking time to give your opinion and share your experience.

    • @cberry6751
      @cberry6751 2 года назад

      Sounds wonderful!!

  • @spoonerpurple
    @spoonerpurple 6 лет назад +14

    OMG that seafood table !!!..im drooling

  • @3820jack
    @3820jack 6 лет назад +2

    We have been on two Alaskan cruises and each time we were in Juneau we went on the whale watching/Mendehal glacier. We were there in June each time and the whales were very active! If we go again this will be on our excursion list for Juneau. One excursion that we thought was great was the Alaskan Crab fisherman's tour. You will enjoy watching eagles and lots of them! They have an arrangement with the natives of an island that allows them to set crab traps and feed the eagles. When the eagles see the boat they head to the feeding area. The boat that you are on was on season two of the Deadlyest catch!
    Thanks Don

  • @mattcolver1
    @mattcolver1 6 лет назад +8

    I've been on 4 Alaskan cruises, but didn't know about the bear watching. I'm sure I'll go again sometime so I'll have to remember the bears. I've done pretty much all the others. One I recommend is the helicopter trip up to the glacier in Juneau. Also the river rafting trip that starts at the base of Mendenhall glacier.

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +2

      yup there are so many great excursions and these are just the tip of the iceberg ( pardon the pun lol )

  • @spoonerpurple
    @spoonerpurple 6 лет назад +10

    wow that ATV excursion looks so cool I would do that for sure .....let the mud fly !!

  • @BethCampbell-b9c
    @BethCampbell-b9c 6 лет назад +4

    Did the railway trip was well!! It is fabulous!! Loved Skagway! Agree with the Juno excursion! Seeing those whales is an amazing experience! Also if you are taking the cruise that starts in Whittier take the Alaskan railway from Anchorage down to Whittier. It's an amazing trip. If you have the time also go to the Alaskan Conservation Center in Girdwood where they rehabilitate Alaska's animals to hopefully release back into the wild. It's the best place to see some of the animals that call Alaska home!

  • @mereiriz
    @mereiriz 4 года назад +2

    Thank you! With so many wonderful excursions available, I’m finding it very hard to narrow it down.

  • @joecichlid
    @joecichlid 6 лет назад +3

    I absolutely love cruising to Alaska in May, about the best time to watch wildlife with the whales migratimg into the area to start feeding. Hoonah/Icy Strait Point is my favorite location to whale watch in the area.
    8The train ride in Skagway is always a blast but be sure to take one that goes one way (either) on train and the second half via bus as it gets you deeper into The Yukon and you get a lot of photo stops on the bus! One little thing about that line, once a day they offer the train ride pulled by a steam engine instead of the more modern diesel powered trains. Talk about a unique way to see Alaska. It does cost more but well worth it if you ask me.

  • @fjlennonjr
    @fjlennonjr 5 лет назад +1

    We are taking our first cruise to Alaska in three weeks. We are sailing on the Ruby Princess. We'll be on the White Pass Railroad also Whale watching and Salmon bake. Thanks for the tips.

  • @spoonerpurple
    @spoonerpurple 6 лет назад +28

    because of the shadow it looks like you have captains bars on your shoulders.......Captain Don

  • @voiceofreason4259
    @voiceofreason4259 6 лет назад +13

    I like the bear watching as well

  • @christinekirkwood5311
    @christinekirkwood5311 6 лет назад +11

    Thank you so much for posting this Don. I want to do them all lol especially bears and whales. You have given me some great tips to look into when i go :)

  • @karrenk8235
    @karrenk8235 6 лет назад +10

    great idea for top shore excursions

  • @brianscrivener4670
    @brianscrivener4670 6 лет назад +3

    WE are doing our first Alaskan cruise in 2021. I will have to review this video just before then. Great information Don.

  • @angelacohen4531
    @angelacohen4531 5 лет назад +1

    Train in Skagway was aw
    esome!

  • @miongoogle1035
    @miongoogle1035 4 года назад

    AWESOME Tip about doing ATV to Glaciers, game changer. Thanks !

  • @disineyfreakz9183
    @disineyfreakz9183 6 лет назад +5

    great ideas for excursions

  • @julieruton5214
    @julieruton5214 6 лет назад +3

    Thank you for these awesome videos. I will be first timer to Alaska in July 2019. It's my bucket list trip over my birthday. I am wondering if you have ever done a video with disabled people as your focus group. I will be spending the majority of my time in a wheelchair. Though I am not wheelchair bound.

  • @kathrynmadison5077
    @kathrynmadison5077 4 года назад +1

    I took that trip on that train beautiful once in a llfe time

  • @davidbeckingham
    @davidbeckingham 5 лет назад +4

    Loved this. Can you tell me where the bear viewing platform in Ketchikan is. How do you get there?

  • @suelovescruises4219
    @suelovescruises4219 6 лет назад +4

    those are some great excursions

  • @QualityChildcare1
    @QualityChildcare1 6 лет назад +3

    Great tips for excursions!

  • @jasonb7543
    @jasonb7543 6 лет назад +4

    great choices here

  • @peterlanders3900
    @peterlanders3900 5 лет назад +1

    I think I need to book anther cruise in Alaska

  • @movieboys1551
    @movieboys1551 6 лет назад +4

    great tips for trips

  • @joebalice5223
    @joebalice5223 5 лет назад

    Don, wife and I are going in August and could not be anymore excited to see Alaska, deffinately will be going to see the bears and walking all of ketickan

  • @johncameron4194
    @johncameron4194 3 года назад

    Nice to know about the bears.

  • @ashleymeggan
    @ashleymeggan 2 года назад

    I cannot wait for my Alaska cruise!

  • @susandiekmann
    @susandiekmann 6 лет назад

    Amazing shore excursions! I can see why they're your favorite.

  • @maryelizabeth6082
    @maryelizabeth6082 6 лет назад

    Great ideas for shore excursions if I ever get to Alaska.

  • @akeolsson8020
    @akeolsson8020 5 лет назад

    We did the Alaska cruise on Princess a few years back. Many fantastic excursions but one you did not mention was the snorkeling tour (wetsuits!). It was the best thing we did on the entire trip. Not cold at all, but it felt nice when they poured hot water in the suit as we were going to get out of it.

  • @brandonbarefoot7588
    @brandonbarefoot7588 5 лет назад +1

    The Mendenhall Glacier is not a tide water glacier, so you will not visit it by boat. It is actually pretty far from the ocean. If you book a combination tour, you will whale watch in a boat, and visit the glacier by bus.

  • @ottawahomes8210
    @ottawahomes8210 6 лет назад +14

    I knew you would have whale watching on the list lol

  • @ednaalencar6205
    @ednaalencar6205 3 года назад

    Love this video. Don, in our world you Rock.

  • @kimwan1000
    @kimwan1000 5 лет назад

    Great suggestions Don. Thank you. I’d love to do this cruise vacation. Hopefully in September of 2020!

  • @carolcogbill4752
    @carolcogbill4752 3 года назад

    Great recommendations! Thank you, Don!!

  • @bostonphyllis
    @bostonphyllis 6 лет назад

    Very helpful. I will be going to Alaska September 2018 sailing on NCL Bliss.

  • @josephmenna3985
    @josephmenna3985 3 года назад

    Very nice

  • @sandrakolb6252
    @sandrakolb6252 5 лет назад

    Love the whale pictures! Thank you

  • @MrBucketlist
    @MrBucketlist 2 года назад

    Thank you Don!

  • @spoonerpurple
    @spoonerpurple 6 лет назад +7

    im so happy for you as your cruise is getting closer ..too bad your nephew isnt going with you ..I hope your not getting charged double for your room because of it

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +1

      no this is a cruise I won for scoring very high on Princess cruises training sessions. :) (#travelagentperks )

    • @spoonerpurple
      @spoonerpurple 6 лет назад +1

      wow fabulous !!!

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +1

      Yup if all goes well with the surgery in January just wait till you see all the cruises next year. have to make up for not going lol

  • @DonFather
    @DonFather 5 лет назад

    wow really good tips. Thx Don!

  • @gloriakoch4242
    @gloriakoch4242 5 лет назад

    You need to take your passports on the train ride and other trips out of Skagway. We are doing a combination train, gold panning, play with puppies 6-hour trip. What is the odds on seeing the bears? We are going on Ovation in 6 weeks. Our only ports are Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. We also spend all day in Victoria.

  • @markbergthold6181
    @markbergthold6181 6 лет назад +1

    In Juneau we enjoy taking a float plane over glaciers & out to the Taku Lodge. If you've been there, could you include it in a Juneau clip? I enjoy your videos, glad your health is improving!

  • @kennydo369
    @kennydo369 4 года назад

    Amazing information sounds great!

  • @larrykramer2761
    @larrykramer2761 6 лет назад +15

    These sound fun...but also expensive. Can you give us an idea of the cost for these excursions?

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +8

      they were between 100 and 175

    • @simplyatsea6779
      @simplyatsea6779 3 года назад +2

      We are paying $2,500 in excursions for 2 adults (4 ports) Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point.

    • @larrykramer2761
      @larrykramer2761 3 года назад

      @@simplyatsea6779 that seems excessive to me, but if you can afford it go for it!

    • @cberry6751
      @cberry6751 2 года назад

      @@simplyatsea6779 I’m cruising for the first time, from Vancouver to Seward & back on 12 Aug 2022. The excursions are so expensive, my friends & I will find something else to do in the ports.
      Whale watching is over $250 pp & the bears cost $599 pp. Nothings under $100… and the best excursions are over $300.pp. August isn’t a good month for watching whales & I’m not sure about the bears. We’re just coming out of the pandemic & the cruise rates are the lowest I’ve ever seen. Booking RT from Washington DC to Vancouver is quite expensive (it’s May & gas is almost $5 per gallon).
      Hotels at Canada Place, where the ships dock, are running $400 to $800 per night for two adults… without breakfast or free shuttle to the ships. Rates are higher for 3 or more sharing a room. We’re excited about Alaska, but the excursions are just too expensive after all the other costs.

  • @lawanahultquist9342
    @lawanahultquist9342 5 лет назад

    I took an Alaska cruise about 4 years ago on the princess first cruise I had ever been on I booked it through princess I loved two of the ports but I felt like a princess was not exactly honest about what there was to do on the ship the only thing there was to do literally was play sudoku

  • @sandramaughan3832
    @sandramaughan3832 5 лет назад +1

    Love your videos. I feel I can really trust your comments. Thank you for your honest tips.

  • @claudeandmichelle1171
    @claudeandmichelle1171 6 лет назад +6

    Hi Don! What about dog sledding helicopter tours?

    • @ilovesparky13
      @ilovesparky13 4 года назад +1

      Claude A It’s CRAZY expensive. Almost $600 per person.

    • @overlordboopy
      @overlordboopy 4 года назад

      ilovesparky13 crazy expensive, but absolutely worth it!

  • @Solo_Traveling
    @Solo_Traveling 6 лет назад +1

    Oh God now I really want to go lol.

  • @leannelaney9584
    @leannelaney9584 4 года назад +1

    How do I see Neets Point? I would LOVE to see the bears!

  • @lawanahultquist9342
    @lawanahultquist9342 5 лет назад +1

    Not trying to be negative please understand that but I took my life savings to take this Cruise just giving people opinions who's never been

  • @tammyschaeffer2574
    @tammyschaeffer2574 2 года назад

    I really enjoyed this and thank you for sharing. What cruise line we’re you on when you booked the wonderful Alaskan excursions? We were looking at Royal and was wondering if we should stick with the go to ports or venture off to some of the smaller ones like Sitka and Haines
    Thank you Tammy

  • @rochelledarman4594
    @rochelledarman4594 5 лет назад

    Hi Don! Love your videos! Any chance you can share a link to the Skagway ATV with glacier trek you mentioned? I can't see to find that tour and we'd love to do it.

  • @bushman907
    @bushman907 6 лет назад +1

    forgot wings airways and the taku glacier lodge, best tour possibly in the entire world

  • @nellshermack658
    @nellshermack658 6 лет назад

    Hi - just discovered your videos - yay! I recently booked an Alaskan cruise for next year and your insights are very helpful. Regarding the train excursion, would you recommend booking it through the cruise ship or on our own?

  • @ritaklemm8496
    @ritaklemm8496 6 лет назад

    Our cruise line offers an excursion called Yukon Expedition & White Pass Scenic Railway for 8 hours or one called White Pass Scenic Railway (only) for 3.5 hours. Which one are you talking about?

  • @mpierce53
    @mpierce53 6 лет назад

    I am trying to find the Bear viewing you mention and found the "Animal Planet Exclusive-Bear country and Wildlife Expedition" KTN-885. This is with Princess Cruises, and I just wondered if this is the one you made reference to?

  • @lawanahultquist9342
    @lawanahultquist9342 5 лет назад

    I did the glacier one also was very very very disappointed in that I live in Wyoming and I have a glacier right up above my house in the wilderness this wasn't really even a glacier anymore it was just a pile of snow everything was dirty it was overcrowded you couldn't move I'm just being honest I love Alaska but I do not personally or did not enjoy that particular Excursion

  • @patsybaby60
    @patsybaby60 5 лет назад

    My husband all of a sudden gets sea sick on small boats if they are in rough or rocky water. Could he handle these small boats. Looks awesome. Find with speed boats it’s the constant rocking going slow???

  • @lisafelice9409
    @lisafelice9409 5 лет назад

    HI Don! We will be cruising to Alaska in August on the NCL BLISS!! We are super excited. My husband and I have 2 children, age 10 boy, and 14 girl. I was thinking of doing a Whale quest tour, in Auke Bay, via Allen Marine, with a stop at Orca point lodge for a salmon bake in Juneau, and when in Skagway, we were going to do Mushers camp and dog sled experience. In Ketchikan, we were just going to walk around town. Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated! Im now thinking of doing the Bear watch in Ketchikan, not sure how to book that one?

  • @YoungTang
    @YoungTang 5 лет назад +1

    I'm wondering do when is the best time to buy the excursion? Buy it before the trip? During the Trip? or try to buy them on the spot after you arrive at each port? Also, is it possible to buy groupon deals before the trip?

  • @lawanahultquist9342
    @lawanahultquist9342 5 лет назад

    I just booked another cruise with Princess because I'm trying to teach my sister the art of relaxing we are going to the Caribbean this time if I do not enjoy the ship this time I Won't Sail with Princess again I understand I don't have all of the stuff on top all of the toys that's not what is important but gag on even the spiders were bored out of their skulls

  • @lindarachwalski381
    @lindarachwalski381 5 лет назад

    What ship do you feel gives the best experience? How is the month of September for weather and animal viewing?

  • @rodneyscales4575
    @rodneyscales4575 6 лет назад

    Do NCL has a Vancouver excursion when you get off the plane.

  • @jbooth6155
    @jbooth6155 6 лет назад

    Im not a seafood person, how is the other food, salads, burgers etc? Planning on cruise next August.

  • @billkimball2161
    @billkimball2161 4 года назад

    When do we book shore excursions for June trip to Alaska 2020? You mentioned making sure the weather is good for the Mendenhall glacier trip. Is it better to wait until we see the weather when we are actually on the cruise ship?

  • @jameschristopher2832
    @jameschristopher2832 5 лет назад

    HI Can you please tell me what moth you went and see the bears in Ketchacan? ALso what was the place again?

  • @deborahwest2643
    @deborahwest2643 5 лет назад

    What are the best months to see the bears? We're going in September and am hoping to see some.

  • @kpoppride12
    @kpoppride12 2 года назад

    Whats the 4th excursion called?

  • @Jermster_91
    @Jermster_91 6 лет назад

    What are some Kid Friendly excursions?

  • @cmaur811
    @cmaur811 6 лет назад

    Don , my hub refuses to go on a cruise. I’m going to Alaska May 2018 .. what can I do to convince him he will not be bored?
    Food sound good but you might be eating lunch at 9 am

  • @joannekondraciuk2411
    @joannekondraciuk2411 6 лет назад

    Are these tips suitable for the month of May?

  • @theoldinandout1
    @theoldinandout1 4 года назад

    how do we get to Neets point? Thanks Don!

  • @cmaur811
    @cmaur811 6 лет назад

    Where do I book that long zip line ? I do not see it.

  • @kevinmuldoon2192
    @kevinmuldoon2192 4 года назад

    Do they require a license for the ATV excursion

  • @floyd3002
    @floyd3002 6 лет назад +3

    I'm an avid Cruiser but new to cruising and I'm a fan of your broadcast I have a question concerning Cuba I made a reservation shortly after Trump made his announcement concerning Cuba so now it seems that I need to be in a group and be escorted the whole entire time I'm in queue but with Royal Caribbean can you give me more information is it totally impossible to be on your own in Cuba thanks much and I wish you the best in health

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +1

      No you can still get off the ship and explore on your own. The cruise line is just being careful. It's like going off on your own in areas of Mexico, you have to be ever watchful and I would recommend keeping to very populated areas.

    • @floyd3002
      @floyd3002 6 лет назад +2

      Don's Family Vacations wow I did not expect you to respond and I definitely appreciate it me and my girl was concerned we was going to be herded like cattle through Cuba.. it can't be as bad as some parts of Jamaica LOL.. we definitely will be knowing a tour to comply with the people to people but definitely would love to get around town and explore a little bit safely on our own. Thank you Don for the great video I look forward to seeing them everyday keep up the good work happy selling..... PS you should do a video on this topic that's a lot of people who are concerned with this issue just a suggestion

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад +1

      I might try to get one out thanks ( PS lol I try to get back to everyone whenever I can )

  • @devinboothby1514
    @devinboothby1514 5 лет назад

    Don, I would like to see a story about life of the crew on a ship

  • @yuvi9260
    @yuvi9260 6 лет назад

    Do we book these in advance or once we are there

  • @yellowstone2964
    @yellowstone2964 5 лет назад

    Don what ship would you favor for a intimate Alaska experience,both people are 55 years old ?

    • @ColoRadio6996
      @ColoRadio6996 5 лет назад

      Holland America, for sure... many options to choose from

  • @dmoore7519
    @dmoore7519 6 лет назад

    Video volume is low compared to other videos.

  • @andis9076
    @andis9076 6 лет назад +1

    What is the difference between booked Alaska excursion via cruise ship (more expensive) or external (cheaper)? You mentioned the ship might wait for you little bit if you booked through them? How long they willing to wait? half hour-1 hour max?

    • @Donsfamilyvacations
      @Donsfamilyvacations  6 лет назад

      know matter what if you go through the cruise line they will pay to get you where you need to be next even if the ship left. but normally the ship will just wait for the tour to get back. not so with a private tour. If you know you won't be late then the cheaper option is fine. but if you say go whale watching and the boat had trouble the ship might not be there waiting for you if it's a private tour and now your stuck there trying to get to the ship at your own cost

  • @203Bernabei
    @203Bernabei 6 лет назад +1

    What tour do you take to Neets point?

  • @anitabennett8909
    @anitabennett8909 6 лет назад

    Don of all Cruise Vloggers we enjoy you the most; sure there are flashy gay men that drink and show their cruises but they are not informative and real like you. We look forward to your videos and while waiting for a new one we watch your older videos.
    I was hoping you can answer 1 question for me; do you tip the train employees and tour guides on the White Pass & Yukon train? We are going on the Luxury car would that make a difference?

  • @carolchurch3727
    @carolchurch3727 6 лет назад

    I can't do the seafood I'm alrigic now bummer .I wanna see whales to .no doubt Alaska's betuful ,and the whales etc.but if I ever get to go on a cruise I will go tropical .I'm not a cold wether woman .Never have liked the cold.

  • @Peaches100
    @Peaches100 5 лет назад

    if i woke up on an alaskan cruise i would think i had gone straight to h****ll!! hee hee!!!
    i am from oop north in england and the weather is just the same as on the boat ... minus the sea of course ... all year round ... so it wouldn't be a treat!!! : S
    my best look isn't in a sou' wester!!! : S 🦞💗💗💗🦞

  • @carolelynndent8718
    @carolelynndent8718 5 лет назад

    Don please help me.. I would like to go on the 2010. I want to take a son. Age 49. Please