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Excursions & Tours

Saxman Native Village and Ketchikan City Tour

Zipline Adventure Park

Exclusive Skiff Fishing and Fresh Catch Wilderness Dining

Highlights of Ketchikan

Backcountry Jeep and Canoe Safari

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Salmon Fishing Adventure

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Rainforest Walk and Totem Park (2 Hours)

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Rainforest Sanctuary Center and Totems

Hiking The Tongass National Rainforest

Rainforest Walk and Totem Park (3 Hours)

Wilderness Hike and Brew

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Rainforest Canoe and Nature Trail

Eagle Island Kayak

Capturing Ketchikan

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Totem Bight Park and Rain Forest Canoe

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Alaskan Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition

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Wildlife and Bear Exploration by Land and Sea

Wildlife Water and Land Expedition with Seafood Feast

Private 3 Hour Ketchikan Exploration

Private Alaskan Crabbing with Dinner

Private Eagle and Wildlife Watch

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Private Salmon Fishing Adventure

Ketchikan tours and cruise shore excursions.

"The Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan, Alaska, is a popular tourist destination because of its rich Alaskan cuisine, scenery, and culture. Located near the Misty Fjords National Monument and Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan offers plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities to see bald eagles, black bears, orcas, and other creatures of the Alaskan wilderness. If the idea of a halibut and crab feast makes your mouth water, Shore Excursions Group offers numerous opportunities for you to get a taste of Ketchikan's its unique and delectable history of food while touring this beautiful land.

Our Ketchikan tours take you on adventures to explore the city and wilderness in southeast Alaska. Whether by flightseeing, cruise ship, zipline, duck tour, or zodiac tour, you can catch glimpses of Ketchikan's black bears and orcas in the backcountry.

Take a city tour or walking tour of Ketchikan's historic Creek Street and visit the Saxman Native Village to see the traditional Native American totem poles that dot the area. For a taste of the local industry, the Bering Sea crab fisherman's tour offers a glimpse into Southeast Alaska's fishing industry. Whether it's taking a floatplane flightseeing tour of the Alaskan wilderness, kayaking among the Misty Fjords and Inside Passage, or exploring the city by trolley, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in Ketchikan for folks of all ages.

Ketchikan Tours of Alaska's "First City"

From the towering Native totem poles of Totem Bight State Park, to its untouched natural vistas, Ketchikan is truly a relic of Alaskan culture and natural beauty. Appropriately named Alaska's "First City," scenic downtown Ketchikan is perched along the shores of Alaska's most breathtaking coastal mountains. The Totem Heritage Center houses one of the largest collections of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. This picturesque Alaskan town is surrounded by several fresh waterways of the Inside Passage, providing tourists with fishing stops at nearly every corner!

A popular tourist destination, and rightfully so, our sightseeing excursions provide thousands of Ketchikan visitors with an exciting and adventure-filled vacation every year. From sea kayaking and canoe safaris to zipline and seaplane adventures, Ketchikan offers a world of excitement. We invite you to experience Ketchikan on one of our premium Alaska shore excursions below to shop among a variety of local stores, embark on an unforgettable fishing, sightseeing, or zipline adventure and immerse yourself within the city's vibrant and fascinating culture. Whether you want a Misty Fjords flightseeing excursion or a bear viewing adventure, our team of travel experts ensures your valuable time at this Inside Passage port will be memorable for all. With so much to offer, our Ketchikan excursions offer something everyone will enjoy! Embark on your Ketchikan, Alaska excursion today.

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Top 10 Ketchikan Excursions

• Boatman Adventure ($204.99)
• Misty Fjords Flightseeing ($399.99)
• Zipline Park Adventure ($149.99)
• Back Country Zodiac Wildlife ($199.99)
• Kart Adventure ($279.99)
• Jeep & Canoe Safari ($219.99)
• Rainforest, Totems ($119.99)
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• Lighthouse, Totems, & Eagles ($124.99)
• Rainforest Island Adventure ($194.99)
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• Round-trip transportation from your Ketchikan cruise ship terminal!
• Trained and Professional Ketchikan Zodiac Boatman shore excursion guides!
• Safety instructions and all necessary equipment are provided!
• A scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest to the boat basin near Ketchikan!
• Complimentary snack!
• Zipping through the scenic islands in search of Alaska's marine and wildlife!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan and Alaska!
• Air-conditioned and licensed round-trip transportation from your Ketchikan cruise pier area!
• English-speaking, local, and trained Ketchikan shore excursion guides!
• Flight time of approximately 60 minutes!
• Narration over noise-cancelling headsets!
• Detailed map to follow your route on!
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan and the surrounding area!
• Trained and professional Ketchikan Zipline cruise shore excursion guides!
• A scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest to Knudsen Cove near Ketchikan!
• Safety and zip line orientation!
• All necessary zip-line equipment is provided!
• A zip line excursion course made up of 8 different zip lines, platforms, swaying logs, and rope loop transverses!
• Escape the Ketchikan cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Alaska!
• English-speaking certified shore excursion guides!
• All safety instructions and necessary gear are provided!
• Complimentary snacks and beverages!
• Fun shore excursion for the whole family driving your own Zodiac boat and potential wildlife viewings in Ketchikan!
• Round-trip transportation from your Ketchikan cruise ship terminal!
• Trained and professional Ketchikan Adventure Kart Adventure shore excursion guides!
• Safety instructions and helmets were provided!
• A scenic drive to the Kart Excursion base camp outside of Ketchikan!
• Explore the scenic beauty of Ketchikan and look for wildlife while driving a custom-designed off-road Polaris RZR!
• Original Jeep Wrangler 4x4 offroad vehicles, perfect for Alaska exploration!
• Escape the Ketchikan cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan and Alaska!
• Trained and professional shore excursion guides!
• Fun for the whole family exploring the rainforest, seeing eagles up close, and learning about totems in Ketchikan!
• Complimentary snacks and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or chocolate!
• Trained and Professional Ketchikan Kayak shore excursion guides!
• Safety kayak orientation and all required equipment provided!
• A scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest to Clover Pass near Ketchikan!
• Kayaking through the scenic Eagle Islands in search of marine life and eagles!
• Escape the kayak cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan and Alaska!
• Round-trip transportation (Ketchikan) or guide escort (Ward Cove) from your cruise ship pier.
• A wildlife and sightseeing cruise through the Tongass Narrows, the glacially carved waterways alongside Ketchikan's coastline.
• View the historic Guard Island Lighthouse, one of Alaska's first lighthouses, and the beautiful totem poles and Alaska Native clan house at Totem Bight State Park.
• Keep your eyes peeled for American bald eagles and other marine-based wildlife.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages.
• Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Ketchikan, Alaska.
• Fun shore excursion for the whole family on an exciting rigid-hull inflatable vessel and potential wildlife viewing in Ketchikan!
• Use of quality rain gear and life jackets!
• Complimentary snack and water!
• Explore on a walking excursion the Alaskan rainforest!
• English-speaking certified buggy shore excursion guides!
• Complimentary snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and others!
• Fun off-road shore excursion for the whole family driving an Electric Silent Bad Boy Buggy through an old-growth rainforest in Ketchikan!
• Trained and Professional Zipline Adventure shore excursion guides!
• Safety orientation and all necessary equipment provided!
• An exciting ride in an all-terrain Unimog to the zipline excursion base camp outside of Ketchikan!
• A canopy zipline course made up of 8 different zip lines, a suspension bridge, and rappelling platforms!

Ketchikan, AK

With its boat-filled harbor and colorful waterfront, Ketchikan welcomes visitors to southeastern Alaska's Inside Passage. Fishing opportunities abound in the self-proclaimed salmon capital of the world, and bear viewing spots often find the creatures munching on their catch of the day. The Totem Heritage Center displays 33 19th-century totem poles, making it the largest collection in the U.S. Expeditions to the country's largest national forest, Tongass, explore its 16.7 million acres by Jeep, canoe or on foot, while floatplane tours provide a bird's-eye view of Misty Fjords National Monument. Other outings explore the town's past as a Native American settlement and gold rush hub or take to the water with kayaks or paddleboards for encounters with harbor seals and the occasional humpback or killer whale.

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Ketchikan, Alaska Shore Excursions

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Totems, Tlingit, and the Tongass Are Tops on Ketchikan Shore Excursions

Alaska’s native legacy is clearly visible from the moment your cruise ship docks at Ketchikan , and happily, it’s equally visible in the nature and character of available Ketchikan shore excursions. As you reach street level at the port, there’s a colorful map that details not only downtown streets, but also locations of the town’s many totem poles and of buildings with totem carvings.

The totem poles are representative of the culture of the Tlingit tribe of Native American Indians indigenous to this area of Alaska. Many Southern Alaskans are descended from the Tlingit and throughout Ketchikan, you’ll see homage to that legacy. Ketchikan shore tours that put you in touch with Tlingit culture, including totem art and carving, canoe building, foods, dance, and most importantly, the Tlingit people, will create priceless memories.

As Alaska’s southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage , Ketchikan offers eye-popping as well as eye-opening vistas and experiences. And, when booking Ketchikan shore excursions, you can thoroughly explore the wonders of Alaska that persuaded you to taking an Alaska cruise in the first place: Unrivaled scenery that starts with Tongass National Forest, the largest forest in the United States; incredible crystal-blue waterways - Misty Fjords, the Tongass Narrows, and the Revillagigedo Channel to name a few; and world-class fishing for salmon, halibut, cod or crab.

Whether you’re an active or passive nature lover, you’ll find multiple Ketchikan shore excursions that fit your interests and activity level. For any nature lover, exploring aboard a luxurious cruise boat to the rugged coastline bordering the Revillagigedo Channel is a great choice. With guidance from an on-board naturalist, you’ll glide past Misty Fjords monument and wilderness area, see bald eagles and black bears, and gaze up at 3,000-foot high cliffs. You can also book specialized bear-watching tours, wildlife cruises, and rainforest expeditions in Tongass, including zip-line adventures.

If you’re looking to score a big catch, be it salmon or halibut, book half- or full-day charters, and if you’re lucky enough to reel one in, it can be cleaned, cut, packed, and shipped to you in the U.S. Fishing of another sort, that is, crab fishing, is a king-size industry in Ketchikan, and if you can never get enough of a good thing, there are crabbing charters that let you set pots in the Bering Sea, then help pull in the catch, and others that let you sit and enjoy a crab feast while viewing the glorious natural wonders of Ketchikan.

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World Famous George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast

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• Reviews (40)

Excursion Overview

Enjoy a delicious dungeness crab feast at the george inlet lodge.

Come hungry for what many people consider to be some of the best crab they've ever eaten and a favorite Ketchikan excursion. The remote location just south of town will only add to your dining pleasure at the rustic, yet elegant, George Inlet Lodge. This historic building was built in the 1940s and once served as an old cannery bunkhouse. When the cannery closed in 1970, two local businessmen undertook the huge job of moving the lodge 90 miles up the George Inlet waterway to its present location at the site of an old gold mine. The lodge's warmth and charm create a relaxing experience that will be the highlight of your Alaskan journey. Your meal features a salad in homemade Asian dressing to start, steaming hot Dungeness Crab, and a slice of rich, smooth cheesecake, smothered in Alaskan blueberries for dessert. You'll also receive one alcoholic drink and unlimited hot/cold beverages are included. Last but not least, check out the gift shop for a special souvenir for your trip.

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
• Dungeness Crab feast with a salad and a slice of cheesecake
• 1 alcoholic drink and unlimited hot/cold beverages: soda, water, tea, and coffee

Requirements:

• There are 79 steps from the parking lot down to the dining room. There is a shuttle available if anyone is physically unable to walk up or down the stairs.

Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 30 minutes - transportation to George Inlet Lodge
• 1.5 hours - meal time
• 30 minutes - transportation to the dock

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the Liquid Sunshine Rain Gauge. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to climb 3-5 steps into and out of the van and shuttle. There are 79 stairs from the parking lot down to the dining room/dock. If a guest is unable to walk up or down the stairs, a shuttle is available. Please leave a comment during checkout if ADA accommodations will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

Layered clothing and waterproof clothing are recommended.

An alternative meal of lemon pepper, Cajun, grilled chicken, pesto pasta, or cheese ravioli is available upon request. Please leave a comment at check out.

We offer the local wholesale rates for all of our tours because we feel that everyone should get the same lowest price possible regardless of how many excursions you book. No tricks, no gimmicks, no hidden fees.

Definitely, arrangements of tours for groups or large families are possible. Please contact us with your group requirements.

Yes! Multiple families may join the same tour as long as adequate space is available and the maximum is not exceeded.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On may 2024.

A scenic short ride to the lodge. Our nice driver made a pit stop to see a beautiful waterfall! Delicious grab meal with very friendly staff.

Great food. Really friendly staff. The price was reasonable and much cheaper than the cruise line.

Our Driver, Ana was very friendly and helpful. Because we had an early start, she stopped along the way to see if we could find the local Orca, then at a beautiful waterfall. The Crab Feast was delicious and fun as well as we were challenged to build a Crab leg tower after being shown how to get all the meat out of the legs. The setting with large windows out to the water was great as well. We recommend this Feast as a special treat.

Great food and atmosphere. Doing it again in September. Highly recommend trying.

On Oct 2023

Second time! It is still a fabulous experience!!!!! If in Ketchikan in the future, you will see me a third time!

• Reviews Showing: 40

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Duration: 2.5 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult (13+): $ 89.95

Infants under the age of 2 do not need to purchase a ticket.

Child (2-12): $ 69.95

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Ketchikan, Alaska Shore Excursions

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Totems, Tlingit, and the Tongass Are Tops on Ketchikan Shore Excursions

Alaska’s native legacy is clearly visible from the moment your cruise ship docks at Ketchikan , and happily, it’s equally visible in the nature and character of available Ketchikan shore excursions. As you reach street level at the port, there’s a colorful map that details not only downtown streets, but also locations of the town’s many totem poles and of buildings with totem carvings.

The totem poles are representative of the culture of the Tlingit tribe of Native American Indians indigenous to this area of Alaska. Many Southern Alaskans are descended from the Tlingit and throughout Ketchikan, you’ll see homage to that legacy. Ketchikan shore tours that put you in touch with Tlingit culture, including totem art and carving, canoe building, foods, dance, and most importantly, the Tlingit people, will create priceless memories.

As Alaska’s southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage , Ketchikan offers eye-popping as well as eye-opening vistas and experiences. And, when booking Ketchikan shore excursions, you can thoroughly explore the wonders of Alaska that persuaded you to taking an Alaska cruise in the first place: Unrivaled scenery that starts with Tongass National Forest, the largest forest in the United States; incredible crystal-blue waterways - Misty Fjords, the Tongass Narrows, and the Revillagigedo Channel to name a few; and world-class fishing for salmon, halibut, cod or crab.

Whether you’re an active or passive nature lover, you’ll find multiple Ketchikan shore excursions that fit your interests and activity level. For any nature lover, exploring aboard a luxurious cruise boat to the rugged coastline bordering the Revillagigedo Channel is a great choice. With guidance from an on-board naturalist, you’ll glide past Misty Fjords monument and wilderness area, see bald eagles and black bears, and gaze up at 3,000-foot high cliffs. You can also book specialized bear-watching tours, wildlife cruises, and rainforest expeditions in Tongass, including zip-line adventures.

If you’re looking to score a big catch, be it salmon or halibut, book half- or full-day charters, and if you’re lucky enough to reel one in, it can be cleaned, cut, packed, and shipped to you in the U.S. Fishing of another sort, that is, crab fishing, is a king-size industry in Ketchikan, and if you can never get enough of a good thing, there are crabbing charters that let you set pots in the Bering Sea, then help pull in the catch, and others that let you sit and enjoy a crab feast while viewing the glorious natural wonders of Ketchikan.

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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Best and Worst Excursions in Alaska

By Augnwil , June 17, 2006 in Celebrity Cruises

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This is my first time sailing with Celebrity Cruises, but we have gone to the Caribbean with Royal Caribbean. I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations about specific excursions in the inner passage (Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka). We are a family of four with children of twelve and sixteen, and would like to know about some fairly adventurous excursions as well. We would also like to know if anyone has had any experiences that made them feel ripped off.

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One of our best excursions, out of Ketchikan, was a float plane (deHaviland Beaver I believe), that flew out to the boondocks, and landed on a glacial lake. Absolutely beautiful, and seemingly untouched by humans.

After taking off, a bear was sighted, and the pilot flew and banked the plane so all aboard could see the bear.

I'm told some of the helicopter excursions are very good also. We haven't taken a chopper in Alaska, but have done so in other parts of the world, and choppers are a lot of fun to ride.

We just returned yesterday from Alaska on the Mercury.. we did the White Pass rail tour in Skagway and it was fantastic!!... well worth the money... fun fun and beautiful!!

Boy do I envy you!! We did the mendenall glacier and whale watching tour in Juneau. We loved the glacier park, walk back to the waterfall it is fantastic, but the whale watching was even batter... we saw a lot of whales. We loved this excursion! It had a little activity and some information plus hearing the whales communicate. The tour was called Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest it was pricey $135.00 per adult and $85 for children under twelve but it was worth every penny it was five and a half hours long.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

I just returned from Alaska on the Mercury and there is so much that we will return one day to do the things we missed out on .while we were going on a fantastic helicopter ride to a Glacier in Juneau,our table mates were going on the fantastic Whale Watch that included a bus to Mendenhall.We'll return one day for the Whale Watch while our table mates want to return for the Helicopter.We did the White Pass in Skagway that included a bus trip to Liarsville one way and the train back.The bus stopped several times for picture ops on the way up that were great but the train boths ways would also be great.In Ketchikan we did a 4x4/Canoe trip which we really enjoyed.If your trip starts or ends in Seattle.There is a day trip to San Juan Island that included Whale watching.We saw a couple of greys plus a least a dozen Orca's and other wildlife.We we return we'll do different things only because there is soooooooooooooooooo much to do in so little time..................................Frank:)

We were on a budget for our Alaska cruise, having the kids along. My husband went on the bear watch in Ketchikan and loved it. I took the kids to the Lumberjack show, it was fine but really no big deal. Our whale watch in Juneau was a bit of a bust, but that in no way reflects on the tour operators, just the whales :) .

Whatever you do, get out of the touristy town and see the land! Even if it's just for a short hike. My only Alaska regret was the day in Ketchikan, staying in town.

Check for tours with gold-panning opportunities. We did ElDorado goldmine in Fairbanks and after demo. everyone got a 'poke' of gold-bearing soil to sift by panning down to the gold flakes. Everyone was guaranteed to find a measurable amount of gold or given more soil and extra coaching. Most found about $5-8 worth of flakes but one found $50 piece. I'm sure kids would have alot of fun.

We've taken six Alaska cruises and the one excursion that stands out as the best was the helicopter tour onto Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau. Should you decide to take the helicopter, be mindful that it is an excursion fraught with fear and trepidation - they actually ask you how much you weigh (for purposes of balancing the passenger load in each helicopter) and you have to answer honestly!

In Juneau we rented a van and drove the 50 miles of roads, saw lots of eagles, 1 bear, seals and fantastic scenery. Stopped anywhere we wanted and did see Mendenhal Glacier, Eagle Beach and even 1 bear fishing for salmon.

In Ketchikan we rented fishing gear and the kids fished off the bridge at creek street. They loved it, but they are younger than you kids.

Sitka we visited the Raptor center and then took a Whale Watching boat.

We saw 2 whales - Humpback and grey, sea lions, sea otters, lots of birds, seals and eagles.

I know you will enjoy your cruise,

soooo excited!

Hi everyone. This is a particularly helpful thread. We aren't going to Alaska until Aug 07 - so I have lots of time to read all your suggestions.

If anyone has gone on any of the fishing excurions ( or if you go on one this summer ) I would appreciate a report. My DH plans to go - I'm going to try and book 2 for him - most ports offer one. (I'm not one for fishing, I'll be in the gym, the t-pool, or cafe sipping cappuccino !)

We took an Alaska Cruise/land tour in July 2003. Our favorite excursions were whale watching and helicopter ride with glacier landing in Juneau and the most amazing small plane flight over Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna.

Exactly 6 years ago today (which was also Father's Day) our family of 4 privately chartered a half day floatplane trip to Glacier Bay National Park out of Juneau. It's a place that we always wanted to visit but unfortunately Celebrity had just stopped cruising there (and has not been back to since).

We were picked up at the Red Dog Saloon and driven to the Juneau airport where we boarded a trusty de Havilland Beaver floatplane. After discussing exactly where we wanted to go with the pilot, we ended up flying over both the East and West Arm of Glacier Bay with beautiful views of the dozens of tidewater glaciers that pour into the bay. Flying upstream along the glaciers towards the ice fields was also very impressive. The pilot made 3 water landings including one at the foot of famed Muir Glacier. I especially enjoyed our landing at Reid Inlet where we were able to go ashore for a while. We unfortunately did not see any of the grizzly bears that had been sighted there around that time but Reid Glacier was spectacular and pretty noisy. We caught a view of the Mendenhall Glacier as we landed back in Juneau and their van drove us back to the dock in time to reboard Galaxy for dinner.

Unfortunately the company that we flew with was bought out by another air line. However if interested, you may want to check out this list: charter companies .

Good luck with your selections and I hope you enjoy your cruise!

CaliforniaDreamin

O.K., look into the zipline adventures offered in Ketchikan and Juneau. Most cruise ships probably offer one or more. Also, privately arranged tours are available in Juneau at www.alaskazip.com . I used them and they are very nice people. Will pick you up by the Mt. Roberts Tram building on docks.

Years ago we did alaska on Royal Carribean. Our favorite cruise so far (out of 9). We went on the pilot's choice helicopter tour out of juneau and landed on 2 different types of glaciers, one snowy, the other ice. We still marvel at our pictures. It was our first ride in a helicopter, and we absolutely loved it. I must admit though, it is very expensive.

hope this helps.

Good morning,

Of all our cruises, we loved Alaska the best. It is not just a trip, but an experience!

First, we suggest you check out the Alaska board-it is super.

Here's what we did, and would not have changed a thing:

Juneau-whale watching with Captain Larry (fantastic-continuous whales)and helicpoter to the glacier with Coastal. You can also simply take a cheap shuttle to the glacier on your own.

Ketchikan. Float plane trip with Carling Air (Island Wings would be comparable). Simply spectacular.

We booked all the above through Orca Enterprises and strongly recommend you utillize their services. For example, on our day in Juneau, fog was in the forecast and they arranged for us to go to the glacier first to beat the fog and then on the whale watch-later flights to the glacier were cancelled. The sequence of ports changed several times over the weeks before the cruise, and Orca took care of all the switches, etc. No extra fee to book through them.

Skagway-are you going there? We rented a car through Avis and drove with another couple to Emerald Lake in the Yukon. Far better than the bus because we stopped when and for how long we wanted-often saw buses just pass by. This trip is somewhat comparable to the train one, but a lot cheaper and more flexible. Either would be fine, though. The bus would be our last choice.

If you are stopping in Victoria, we suggest getting the gray line bus near the Empress and going to Butchart Gardens.

In Vancouver, walk or take bus to Stanley Park-beautiful

As you can see, we did not and do not recommend any ship excursions.

Happy sails to you.

OOOEEE:D :D Bob and Phyl

Boo's Mom

Best : Floatplane or helicopter ... have done both. Both are excellent !

No good: the lumberjack show ... in Ketchikan.

Not that it was "so bad"....but they sure charged a large amount for such a show.

Do something in the great outdoors...while in port...instead of watching this show !

Without ANY doubt, my favorite excursion was the "Lynn Fjord Cruise and Eagle Preserve Float" out of Skagway. One of the most gorgeous days of my life.

Bob and Phyl,

We have just rented 2 cars for our family to drive the Klondike highway out of Skagway. Can you tell me how long the drive was to Emerald Lake? We really want to do that but we pick up the cars around 8 and the ship sails at 3 - I'm not sure if we have the time. Thanks

I am another visitor to the Alaska Ports of Call Board. There is a wealth of information there especially excursions. I have been there three times and the fourth coming up next year and I have never had a bad excursion private or ship sponsored. Go the Celebrity shore excursion site and you might get some ideas. They do give you a pretty good description of the excursion.

We did the train and bike in Skagway, it was amazing. I am in really bad shape and only had trouble with a little bit of the bike part. There is a height limit though.

We took a taxi out to Mendenhall in Juneau. it was $55 roundtrip and the driver waited for us.

Bob and Phyl, We have just rented 2 cars for our family to drive the Klondike highway out of Skagway. Can you tell me how long the drive was to Emerald Lake? We really want to do that but we pick up the cars around 8 and the ship sails at 3 - I'm not sure if we have the time. Thanks

It's about 75 miles on very good road. You will probably want to stop at a few scenic pulloffs and at Carcross Visitor's Center (with maps, free coffee, hot chocolate and clean restrooms) & General Store across the street. It will probably take about three hours going and two coming back. Allow about five hours total and you will be fine.

What California Dreamin said:)

Here's the definitive guide-don't leave home without it!

http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/sklondike-photos1.html

Note that sometimes as you leave Skagway, you may run into a lot of fog, etc., but almost always it is clear when you get over the mountain.

When we picked up our car (Avis) we asked if we could get seniors' rate and they did so. You'll have a great time:)

It would get fairly expensive for a family of four, but our favorite excursion was the four hour Orca Cove kayaking trip with Southeast Kayaks. They only take 6 people at a time, so you feel like you're out in the wilderness. http://www.kayakketchikan.com/index.html

We didn't do anything specific, just paddled, but it was great fun. We saw whales, an eagle and a harbor seal, but they don't guarantee animals. It seems like something kids would enjoy; the kayaks are pretty stable and easy to manage.

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Celebrity Edge - June 13, 2025

Click For Interactive Map

June 13, 2025

June 13 - 20, 2025

Celebrity Edge

Celebrity Cruises

7 Night Alaska Dawes Glacier

from Seattle, Washington

The June 13, 2025 cruise on the Celebrity Edge departs from Seattle, Washington. On this 7 Night Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, the ship will visit a total of 7 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Celebrity Edge sets sail on a Friday (June 13, 2025) and returns on a Friday (June 20, 2025).

Cruise Price by Cabin Type

The price of the June 13, 2025 cruise on the Celebrity Edge ranges from $1,054 for an inside cabin to $3,598 for a suite.

This is a 7 night cruise and price per night is noted below for each cabin type. An inside cabin will cost $150 per night, an ocean view cabin will cost $201 per night, a balcony cabin will cost $278 per night, and a suite will cost $514 per night.

$150 / night

$201 / night

$278 / night

$514 / night

The Celebrity Edge was built in 2018 and is amoung Celebrity's 16 ships in it's fleet. The Celebrity Edge is included in the cruise line's Edge Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Celebrity Edge vs all other Celebrity ships.

All Itineraries

Christened "The Emerald City", Seattle is known as one of the most livable cities in the world and actually receives less annual rainfall (36 inches) than New York and Atlanta. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, Puget Sound, and mountains, Seattle is a recreation enthusiasts' dream. In the summer, water sports are only 10 minutes away and winter sports, such as snow skiing, are only 45 minutes away.

Christened "The Emerald City", Seattle is known as one of the most livable cities in the world and actually receives less annual rainfall (36 inches) than New York and Atlanta. Surrounded by lakes...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

The first cruise ship appeared in Ketchikan 114 years ago, and it has been a favorite port ever since. You can tour the area by boat, bus, horse-drawn trolley, or even a restored 1955 Chevy. The most famous part of town is Creek Street. The homes once comprising the red light district are now filled with arts, crafts and gift shops. Totem poles are everywhere, with 24 at Saxman Native Totem Park.

The first cruise ship appeared in Ketchikan 114 years ago, and it has been a favorite port ever since. You can tour the area by boat, bus, horse-drawn trolley, or even a restored 1955 Chevy. The most...

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Rain Forest climate provides Juneau with lush terrain and wildflowers. Visitors can find unparalleled glacier viewing from Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield and Glacier Bay National Park, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Juneau's kayaking, dogsledding, rafting, biking, hiking and glacier hiking.

Alaska's capital city, Juneau, is located in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass Rain Forest climate provides Juneau with lush terrain and wildflowers. Visitors can find unparalleled glacier viewing from...

CRUISE ENDICOTT ARM & DAWES GLACIER

The picturesque town of Skagway is famous for it's hospitality, sightseeing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Laughton glacier and Parsons Peak, or take an evening walk across the swinging foot bridge to Yakatania point, where bald eagles and harbor seals fish for supper. No matter what you decide to do, you will be amazed with the sights and activities in and around Skagway.

The picturesque town of Skagway is famous for it's hospitality, sightseeing and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Laughton glacier and Parsons Peak, or take an evening...

Cruise Inside Passage

Alaska's Inside Passage is awash with pristine water mountain views. A cruise among the fjords and islands takes you into prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. The Inside Passage is home to the totem poles of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians, and Russian setters, as well as prospectors, lumberjacks, and fishermen. All have added to the tapestry of this area's history.

Alaska's Inside Passage is awash with pristine water mountain views. A cruise among the fjords and islands takes you into prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. The Inside Passage is...

Founded as a fur-trading post by the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria is home to an interesting mix of cultures. There are English pubs, East Indian restaurants, and Japanese sushi bars. Chinatown features great buys at Market Square. Spend a pleasant afternoon among the flowers and waterways of world-famous Butchart Gardens.

Founded as a fur-trading post by the Hudson Bay Company, Victoria is home to an interesting mix of cultures. There are English pubs, East Indian restaurants, and Japanese sushi bars. Chinatown...

Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

I took a $900 dog sledding and helicopter excursion on my Alaska cruise. Was it worth it?

Editor's Note

Dog sledding has been on my travel wish list for as long as I can remember. My fifth-grade teacher read our class Jack London's "The Call of the Wild," and I was captivated by the story of Buck and his journey as a sled dog. Although difficult to read at times, with themes of betrayal and the brutality of nature, the narrative of Buck's survival, loyalty and trust left an indelible mark on me.

The hope of one day embarking on a thrilling snow ride led by a team of huskies never left me. And during a recent Celebrity Cruises sailing on Celebrity Edge, my dog sledding dream came true by way of the line's Small Group: Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing by Helicopter excursion in Skagway, Alaska.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

My tour was complimentary as part of a hosted press trip, so I hadn't considered the cost of the excursion. When my excursion tickets were delivered to my room, I had to do a double take when I noted the price on the ticket — $913!

I've never spent that much on a cruise excursion. I'm a budget-minded girl who's not typically prone to excessive spending — unless I'm left alone in a good thrift store for too long. I don't recall spending more than $100 per person for cruise ship excursions I've taken in the past, which include guided snorkeling and kayaking tours, zip-lining adventures and catamaran tours.

The typical cruise traveler has to make hard decisions on Alaska cruises, where excursions are often pricey but also once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I was curious whether this experience would justify the ticket price for those considering a dog sled and helicopter tour.

Should you spend over $900 on one of the most iconic cruise excursions in Alaska , a helicopter flightseeing tour with a dog sled ride on a glacier? Read on to find out.

Details about my tour

The Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing by Helicopter excursion was offered during a seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier cruise. The tour was organized by Temsco Helicopters Inc., and it took place during our port call at Skagway near the end of our sailing. The tour was around two hours long, including checking in, a 15-minute helicopter ride each way and roughly an hour to pet the dogs and ride the milelong course in the sled.

How much does an Alaska dog sledding and helicopter tour cost?

Celebrity's Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing by Helicopter excursion in Skagway costs $912.99 per person. The price is the same for guests of all ages, from infants up.

Yes, you read that right. There's no minimum age for this tour, so babies can dog sled. I saw a family with their infant checking in for a tour when we were there. If your child is 2 years or older, you must purchase a ticket for them. If you can hold your baby in your lap so they don't take up a seat in the helicopter, you aren't charged for a ticket for them. However, if you'd prefer your 1-year-old to have their own seat, you must purchase a ticket for them.

Other vendors, such as Alaska Shore Excursions and Skagway Shore Tours, offer similar dog sledding and helicopter tours to Denver Glacier for around $659 per person. Similar tours through independent vendors in Anchorage, Juneau and other Alaskan cities range from about $589 to $900.

My dog sledding and helicopter tour adventure

On the morning of the tour, I woke up to clear skies and loads of sunshine in Skagway. Helicopter tours are weather-dependent, so I was grateful for the fair conditions. While you'll receive a refund if your tour is canceled due to bad weather, you might be unable to book another dog sled excursion in another port. That would have definitely been the case for us, as Skagway was our last Alaska port of call on the itinerary.

Our group of five people from Celebrity Edge boarded a shuttle bus for the short ride from the ship to the tour meeting point at the Skagway waterfront. A representative from Temsco Helicopters met us and led us to a smaller shuttle, which took us to the company's building and helicopter launch area. During our ride, we watched a mandatory safety briefing.

When we arrived, we signed our waivers and received glacier boots that went over our regular shoes. I was prepared with my grippy hiking boots, but I was glad to have something apparently more effective for walking on glaciers. The boots looked cumbersome, and I expected them to feel like awkward ski boots. However, they were easy to walk in, though I did feel like I was preparing for a moon landing.

They also gave us a fanny pack-type life vest and instructed us on how to activate it in the event of an emergency water landing. It was hard to pay attention to all the safety briefings as I was feeling giddy waiting for the actual tour to begin.

Weight distribution is important on helicopters, so the pilot assigned us seats based on how much we weighed. We didn't have to step on a scale; they trusted us to tell them our actual weight. I was given the first spot; to keep my self-esteem intact, I didn't ask if that was a positive or negative thing. Passengers who weigh 250 pounds or more must pay an additional "weight surcharge" of $150.

I was surprised by the many restrictions on what we could bring on the helicopter. We could not bring tablet devices, GoPro sticks, drones, extendable items or bags of any kind (backpacks, crossbody bags or small fanny packs). Thankfully, we could bring smartphones and smaller cameras onto the helicopter, so I could still take plenty of adorable sled dog footage and aerial photos of the stunning surroundings. Phew!

Before we departed the ship, I left my sturdy Nikon camera with the long zoom lens in my cabin, bringing only my iPhone and fanny pack. We were instructed to store our belongings in a locked cabinet during the excursion.

As we ascended above the Skagway harbor, I geeked out over our fantastic vantage point of the cruise ships docked that day. Then we flew over scenic Taiya Inlet, taking in ridiculously gorgeous views of the water below and the surrounding snow-covered mountains, some dotted with waterfalls. We spotted bald eagles and a few seals along the way. I've always felt the word "breathtaking" was overused and cliched in travel articles, but those views caused me to gasp more than once.

The ride was about 15-20 minutes long. On our way there, the ride felt longer — probably because even though I was in awe of the scenery below, I was anxious to get to those adorable dogs. (On the other hand, the ride back after our sled ride seemed short to me.)

Our helicopter touched down on the Denver Glacier next to the dog sled camp, where about 240 sled dogs live from April to around August or September. At the end of the season, all the dogs and equipment are transported from camp by helicopter. (Can I volunteer to accompany the dogs during the trip?)

We were encouraged to interact with the sled dogs, and this dog lover didn't need to be told twice. I petted and cuddled every single pup on our team as many times as I could, and I might have shed a couple of happy tears while doing so. Some folks in my group said guests weren't allowed to pet or interact with the sled dogs on similar tours in other destinations, so I was thrilled that I took an excursion where I could get some puppy love.

I forced myself away from my new canine friends to turn my attention to Trace Drake, our musher (i.e., the sled team guide or driver). He was friendly, funny and informative and shared details about the lives of the sled dogs. They begin training at around 6 months old and work for about eight to 10 years before they retire. When they retire, they are most often adopted by a musher or guide and live out the rest of their days as house dogs.

Temsco Helicopters operates up to 10 dog sledding and flightseeing excursions to Denver Glacier daily. The sled dogs at the Denver Glacier camp typically do two runs, then rest for four before working another two.

It's happening!

Finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived — we boarded the dog sleds for a ride on the glacier. The dogs were eager to take off, and the cacophony of excited barks and yelps was almost deafening.

Each dog sled had two seats in the first section and one seat in the second, with a space in the back for a person to act as the musher. I wasn't brave enough to attempt mushing and capturing video, so I stayed seated. It was a wise decision, as I proved incapable of hanging onto my iPhone even sitting down. It flew from my hand at one point during the ride (a reminder to always secure your belongings when dog sledding).

Before the trip, I'd never walked on a glacier and had envisioned it as a mass of sky-blue ice. While we had visited Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau a couple of days before, we only saw it from a distance. Denver Glacier looked more like a field of snow encircled by towering snowcapped mountains, but it was a remarkable sight. The seemingly endless span of snow made me feel like I was on an ice planet in a "Star Wars" movie.

I felt a rush of adrenaline and elation when we took off. The symphony of sounds filled my ears — the musher's commands, the clink of the leashes, the scrape of the sled blades gliding along the packed snow — and kept me present in the moment for the entire ride. I did my best to capture as many videos and photos as I could but I knew nothing could replicate the awe I felt. I'm not ashamed to say my eyes welled up more than once along the way.

Our ride was about a mile long, with a couple of stops to pet the dogs, take photos and let me run back and grab my wayward iPhone. The entire ride took about 40 minutes. The tour company also took a group photo halfway through the ride, which we could purchase for $35 (one photo) or $50 (two photos). I was able to capture several photos and videos, so I declined.

Is an Alaska dog sledding and helicopter tour worth the cost?

Whether you shell out hundreds of dollars for a cruise excursion is a personal decision based on your budget and how you travel. For me, the rare opportunity to take two helicopter rides over some of the most gorgeous landscapes, spend time with real working sled dogs and take photos of a seemingly endless field of snow would definitely be worth the splurge.

If given the chance to do this epic cruise excursion again on my own dime, I would budget in other areas to make it happen, including not doing excursions in other ports. For example, at Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia, in Canada, one could easily explore independently. In Juneau, we took a public bus to the entrance of Tongass National Forest (only tour buses are permitted beyond the entrance), walked to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and bought a daypass ($5 per person) to hike to Mendenhall Glacier and to the base of Nugget Falls.

Other ways I would cut back to accommodate a bucket-list excursion include not paying extra for specialty dining and not purchasing a drink package or other add-ons. Celebrity had plenty of delicious restaurants that were included, so I would rather prioritize the tour over fancier meals.

If I earned enough airline miles before my cruise, I would redeem them to pay for my flights to and from the cruise departure port. Similarly, I could save up points for my precruise hotel stay.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

One of the perks of being a Celebrity Cruises Captain's Club loyalty program member (for Classic tier members and above) is receiving a 5% discount on Small Group Discovery Tours like our Dog Sledding and Glacier Flightseeing by Helicopter tour in Skagway. If you're a frequent cruiser, you might be able to shave some dollars off your tour price that way.

If a $900 tour is not in your budget, check prices in other ports and for tours booked through an independent operator to see if you can find a more affordable option. Temsco Helicopters offers a helicopter and dog sledding tour on Mendenhall Glacier, with prices starting at $659 per person (still pricey but not $900).

Another cheaper option is a sled dog experience without the flightseeing. Alaska Shore Tours' Skagway Sled Dog and Musher's Camp excursion takes guests to an authentic dog sledding summer training camp. The tour features time in historic downtown Skagway before an 11-mile ride to the Musher's Camp in Dyea, once a thriving gold rush town. The sleds have wheels for rides without snow. Tickets start at around $184 per person.

Temsco Helicopters also offers an excursion to a dog sledding summer camp in Juneau with a dog sled ride on a dirt course for about $159, but it doesn't include a helicopter ride.

Bottom line

The Alaska dog sledding and helicopter tour was a bucket-list travel experience that I won't soon forget. Soaring above the Taiya Inlet and between the mountains was thrilling. The feeling was matched only by the intoxicating sled ride across a snow-covered glacier driven by some of the strongest and most beautiful canines I've ever met.

I would love to share this adventure with my husband and daughters on a future trip to Alaska. I guess I'll start squirreling away money now so I can afford a repeat experience.

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• Norovirus outbreak reported on Celebrity Summit ship's Alaskan...

Norovirus outbreak reported on Celebrity Summit ship's Alaskan cruise

Celebrity Cruises reported a norovirus outbreak aboard the Millennium-class vessel Celebrity Summit during her 7-night Alaskan voyage from Vancouver BC Canada , to Seward Alaska (May 24 to May 31, 2024).

The USA's agency CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) identifies norovirus as the primary cause of gastroenteritis in the United States, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. On this cruise, 68 out of 2264 passengers and 5 out of 943 crew members were affected.

Despite the contagious nature of norovirus, which typically lasts one to three days and often resolves without medical intervention, only a small percentage of those on board experienced symptoms. Passenger ships are required to report potential outbreaks to the CDC under specific conditions, including voyages longer than 3 days, 100+ passengers onboard, and at least 3% of passengers exhibiting symptoms.

During the voyage, many passengers remained unaffected and continued to enjoy the scheduled stops at Hubbard Glacier , Juneau , Skagway , Icy Strait Point , and Ketchikan in Alaska.

Cruise lines enforce sanitation protocols to mitigate the risk of outbreaks. Passengers can further protect themselves through frequent hand washing, particularly before meals and after contact with high-touch surfaces. While preventing outbreaks entirely is the goal, established procedures ensure swift management to minimize disease transmission.

The gastrointestinal outbreak on the Celebrity Summit highlights the critical role of preventive measures and rapid response protocols in maintaining passenger safety and enjoyment during cruise vacations.

For more Celebrity Summit incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .