Alaska Cruise Excursions
The shore excursions that define an Alaska cruise, port by port.
Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Watching
A combo tour pairing glacier viewing with a boat trip to spot humpback whales in Juneau’s waters.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
A historic narrow-gauge train climbing through Gold Rush-era mountain passes — one of the most booked excursions in Alaska.
Rainforest Zipline & Wildlife Sanctuary
Zipline canopy tours through temperate rainforest, often paired with bear-viewing sanctuary visits.
Dog Sledding / Glacier Helicopter Tours
Helicopter flightseeing to a glacier for a dog-sled experience on the ice — a premium, high-demand excursion.
Top Alaska Excursions by Port
| Port | Signature Excursion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Juneau | Whale watching in Auke Bay | Humpback sightings are very common in summer |
| Juneau | Mendenhall Glacier visit or helicopter glacier landing | Helicopter and dog-sledding-on-glacier tours sell out early |
| Juneau | Mount Roberts Tramway | Easy, walkable from the pier |
| Skagway | White Pass & Yukon Route Railway | Book a left- or right-side seat guide; spectacular gold-rush route |
| Skagway | Hiking, e-biking, Klondike gold-rush history | The town itself is a national historical park |
| Ketchikan | Misty Fjords floatplane | Weather-dependent; book early in the day |
| Ketchikan | Totem parks, Creek Street, lumberjack show | Good for families and short port times |
| Icy Strait Point | Whale watching, ZipRider zip line | One of the longest zip lines in the world |
| Sitka | Raptor center, sea otter and wildlife cruises | Rich Russian and Tlingit history |
| Seward / Whittier | Kenai Fjords wildlife cruise | Pre- or post-cruise on one-way sailings |
How to Budget
Alaska excursions cost more than most Caribbean tours. Flightseeing, helicopter and dog-sled experiences can run several hundred dollars per person, while whale watching and the railway are mid-range. Free or cheap options include the Mount Roberts trail, Skagway’s historic district, Ketchikan’s Creek Street and Totem Bight park. Mix one splurge with self-guided days to balance cost.
Booking Tips
- Book helicopter, floatplane and railway excursions as soon as your booking window opens; they sell out.
- Weather-dependent tours are refunded if canceled. Book them early in the cruise so you have backup options.
- Layers, rain gear and binoculars matter more than on any other itinerary.
- Independent operators are reputable in most Alaska ports, but confirm return times carefully.