royal caribbean excursion alaska

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ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

Alaska cruise tours.

Complete your adventure with the best Alaska tours before or after your cruise.

From North America's tallest peak, Denali, to the stunning coastal route of the Inside Passage, Alaska is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth. In this untouched wilderness, you’ll find ancient glacial valleys, majestic river canyons and misty emerald forests. Head to picturesque Seward, icy waters meet bright green lands. Journey into Denali National Park for a glimpse of roaming brown bears and moose. And learn more about the state's rich cultural past at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Nothing brings you closer to history and adventure than the best Alaska Cruise Tours with Royal Caribbean.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Tours Deals

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BEAUTY TO GO WILD OVER

With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise. Whether in remote outposts or cities surrounded by wilderness, the people who call the Great Land home share an independent spirit, a strong sense of community and a love of Alaska’s wild beauty so their welcome will make your visit truly memorable. 

URBAN MEETS EPIC

Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage, is set between the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet and the dramatic snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Few places in the world can match its appealing blend of metropolitan pursuits and outdoor living. Anchorage is at its most exuberant during the summer, when locals make the most of the mild temperatures and long days to stay out late into the sunny night. The big city also boasts Alaska’s biggest and most diverse dining scene, from great burger joints and craft breweries to classic steakhouses and cosmopolitan cuisine. 

SIX MILLION ACRES OF DISCOVERY

Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North America’s tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds. 

CITY OF GOLD AT THE EDGE OF THE ARCTIC

Back in 1901, riverboat captain E.T. Barnette ran aground in the shallows of the Chena, so he set up a trading post. A year later, the nearby discovery of gold transformed the remote settlement into a boomtown, and Barnette the first mayor. Fairbanks today remains a destination for adventure seekers, as the gateway to Alaska’s northern wilds and some its most isolated terrain. While home to just 32,000, Fairbanks is the big city of the interior and cultural hub for the sparsely populated region. You can still go for the gold in Fairbanks, panning just like the early prospectors did.

ADVENTURING THROUGH ALASKA

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation and accommodations. The best Alaska cruise tours will take you in the finest lodges available with the personal attention and expertise of a dedicated Adventure Specialist, so you'll explore the wild lands of the Last Frontier your way. 

FULLY ESCORTED EXPERIENCES

Local connections are the difference between a good trip and a truly memorable one. And Royal Caribbean Cruise Tours are guided by a local Adventure Specialist who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective. 

WILDERNESS EXPRESS RAILCARS

Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation. Enjoy travelling on the Wilderness Express®, a luxurious, glass-domed train cars, through the interior of Alaska. Royal Caribbean also employs a fleet of deluxe motor coaches to travel the interior byways of Alaska.

AUTHENTIC, CHARMING LODGING

Alaskan summer nights may be short but they should be restful. That's why Royal Caribbean over­nights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. These lodges and hotels allow for easy access both to the great outdoors and the communities where you can get a taste of local life.

Complete Your Adventure With The Best Alaska Tours

Alaska is the ultimate spot for unforgettable adventures. And when you combine your seven-night sailing with Alaska CruiseTours, you’ll explore the best of the Last Frontier — on land and sea. Like hiking through the rugged wilderness, dog sledding, and spotting whales in the wild. Reach new peaks and cross them off your adventure bucket list.

EMBARK ON EXTRAORDINARY

Linger longer in the Last Frontier before or after your adventure onboard Radiance of the Seas® with an Alaska CruiseTour. Start in Seward and trek into the wilds of Denali National Park, then immerse yourself in culture at the historic village of Talkeetna. Or start in Vancouver and ride past snow-capped peaks on The Wilderness Express®, explore fascinating exhibits in Fairbanks, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

EXPLORE RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

MEMORY MAKING EXPLORATION

There is so much to see, do and explore in the Great Land. With the multi night land tour, you’ll enjoy the best of Alaska in port and inland towns. The selection of adventures, explorations and tours is diverse, whether you’re looking for high-flying thrills, history and culture, wildlife, outdoor challenges or a memorable meal on a glacial lake. 

EXPLORE THE CRUISETOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS

CRUISE FROM SEWARD

PRE CRUISE TOURS

CRUISE FROM VANCOUVER

POST CRUISE TOUR

INCLUDED ADVENTURES DISCOVER ALASKA YOUR WAY  

No two travelers are exactly alike. That’s why a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour includes thoughtfully-curated experiences, like panning for gold at a mining camp in Fairbanks, scouting bears and caribou at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and scoping views on an aerial tram ride to the summit of Mount Alyeska — plus many more. Each option is designed to complement your own independent explorations for a complete and memorable Alaska vacation crafted with you in mind.

GOLD DREDGE 8

The discovery of hold transformed Alaska, and the Gold Dredge 8 tour brings the state's gold rush history and mining heritage to life. Over three decades, the pan-like dredge extracted gold just outside downtown Fairbanks. Years after closing, it re-opened as a national historic district and is a popular attraction. You'll travel there aboard a replica narrow-gauge train whose conductor shares tales of the early prospectors. Then watch the giant dredge - itself an engineering landmark - in action before getting hands-on, panning for gold the old-fashioned way. Explore the camp where the miners lived, and then enjoy some cookies and hot coffee while your fortune is weighed.

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Near the very end of the Turnagain Arm Waterway, along the scenic Seward Highway, this center provides a sanctuary for native Alaskan animals in need. Here you can get up close to the orphaned, injured or displaced animals, all under expert care in their natural habitats so that they can be reintroduced into the wild. The resident population varies by the season but can include caribou and moose calves, fawns, porcupines, birds, lynx, and brown and black bears.

ALYESKA AERIAL TRAM

Outside of a flightseeing tour, the Alyeska Aerial Tram in Girdwood delivers Alaska's best panoramic views in a matter of minutes. From the Alyeska Resort at the base of Mount Alyeska, you'll ascend 2,300 feet to the summit. From the tram, you can see for miles, with even more expansive vistas from the mountaintop observation deck. The panorama includes the seven hanging glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, the forested Chugach valley and out to the sparkling waters of the Turnagain Arm waterway. Be sure to look down, too, and you may see wildlife ambling across the mountain's slope.

Getting There Easy Cruise Tour Guide

Got questions about CruiseTours in Alaska? We have answers. Royal Caribbean® makes traveling around Alaska simple and stress-free. From lodging to transportation, it’s all here. Read our helpful frequently asked questions or check out our CruiseTour brochure.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

Want to take your Alaska expedition to the next level? Upgrade your cruise to a Cruisetour and explore the Last Frontier on land either at the beginning or end of your northern getaway. With a CruiseTour, you’ll get to journey deeper into Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness while crossing off bucket list experiences, like a tundra trek in Denali, wildlife watching in Seward, and glacier gazing in Alyeska.

You’ll need your rest between adventures, which is why Royal Caribbean® overnights in the best accommodations in the heart of every destination. Transportation by deluxe motor coach and in the luxury glass-domed railcars of the Wilderness Express is also included, so you can travel in comfort on your way to each new experience.

Ready to venture off the beaten path? Click  here  or call  1-800-722-5059  to book your Alaska Cruisetour, or contact your travel agent.

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The Best Alaska Cruises

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Looking to explore a world-class metropolis before your adventure in the wild? A northbound cruise to Alaska lets you start your journey in vibrant Vancouver.

Opt for a southbound cruise starting in Fairbanks if you want to take your tour of the Alaskan wilderness pre-cruise.

Want to book-end your adventure with exploration in the Last Frontier? Check out one of our round-trip Alaska cruise tours that depart from and arrive at an Alaskan port.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Find your favorite to start your Alaska land tour.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

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The 16 best alaska cruise excursions for 2024.

Venture off the boat to see wildlife, glaciers, railways and more.

The Best Alaska Cruise Excursions

Courtesy of Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

A cruise to Alaska is one of the best ways to visit many parts of the 49th state, including the Inside Passage and the southeastern port towns of Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. You can also see dozens of glaciers on a cruise, plus remote places reachable only by water, like Glacier National Park & Preserve. Traveling by ship allows you to get closer to one-of-a-kind experiences in Alaska's interior, especially if you extend your vacation with a cruisetour (a package that includes the cruise and a land portion either before or after your voyage).

When it comes to excursions, many cruise lines offer the same experiences ashore for larger ports of call, often with a slight variation in the itinerary. The most popular tours highlight the best activities and attractions, such as the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour in Juneau, the Misty Fjords National Monument in Ketchikan and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. You'll also find entertaining offerings from cruise lines that call on smaller, less visited ports, like Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Sitka, Seward and Haines.

While some tours cost less than $100, don't be surprised to find over-the-top experiences that run about $750 per person – such as heli-flightseeing tours, where you'll land on a glacier and go dog-sledding with a team of Alaskan huskies. If you're comfortable with going it on your own, you might find lower prices on some excursions by booking directly with tour operators. Alaskan outfitters are used to working around cruise ship arrival and departure times, so their tours tend to fit into those schedules.

U.S. News has compiled this list to help you find the best Alaska cruise excursions, from the most popular (and affordable) options to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Icy Strait Point (Hoonah)

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Even though it's surrounded by water and mountains – and there's no road into town – Juneau is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each summer. You'll find plenty to do in Alaska's capital, including whale watching tours, salmon bakes and more.

Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top attractions in Juneau, so many tours include a visit to the Tongass National Forest to view the 12-mile-long sheet of blue ice. Some cruise lines, like Princess Cruises , offer self-guided trekking excursions that include a ride on the Juneau Goldbelt Tram, which affords views of the Chilkat Mountains and other panoramic scenery. You can also opt to see the glacier from the water by boat or kayak, or on a float trip.

However, if you're going to splurge on any one excursion, it's this one: Sign up for a helicopter landing on Mendenhall Glacier, followed by a dog-sledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies. During the approximately 30-minute helicopter ride, you'll fly over rainforests and spectacular summits, but the real fun is when you arrive at the camp to go zipping through the snow led by your team of dogs and a professional musher.

The Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion is offered on Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises.

Whale Watching and Wildlife Quest

Whale watching is another top activity when visiting Juneau, and many cruise lines offer several options for tours. Holland America Line has a five-hour, small-group excursion for just 20 guests; you'll search for humpback whales on a safari vessel, then hike on Mendenhall Glacier where you can look for beavers, Arctic terns, porcupines and black bears. If you prefer an even smaller group, Princess Cruises offers a 3.5-hour private whale watching tour for six people. Possible sightings include humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, eagles, harbor seals, lighthouses, glaciers and maybe even a bear along the shoreline.

One of Viking Ocean Cruises ' excursions, the Best of Juneau, lasts more than six hours and takes guests on a naturalist-led whale watching cruise by catamaran. Before heading back to shore, you'll have a lunch of local wild-caught Alaska salmon on remote Colt Island, followed by a scenic drive to Mendenhall Glacier to end the day.

Alaska whale watching and wildlife excursions are offered on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Taku Lodge Salmon Bake

Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 3.5-hour Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast excursion that will tick several quintessential Alaska adventures off your bucket list. After flying over the Juneau Icefield (the fifth-largest ice field in North America) in a classic De Havilland seaplane, guests will land in the river at the historic Taku Glacier Lodge across from Juneau's largest glacier, the 5-mile-wide Taku Glacier.

A traditional Alaska salmon bake (with all the fixings) and drinks made with glacier ice are another highlight of the day. You might even see a black bear sniffing around for leftovers after your feast. Following lunch, take a walk in the lush Tongass National Forest before heading back from the wilderness.

Salmon bake excursions are offered on Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

Ketchikan sits at the southernmost entrance to Alaska's Inside Passage. It is one of the most visited ports in Alaska, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Visitors come to this part of the state for the beautiful scenery, Alaska Native culture and fresh seafood, including Alaska salmon and king crab. And they just might enjoy an entertaining lumberjack show or floatplane ride to kick off their day while in town.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Watch Alaska's hearty lumberjacks battle British Columbia's tough woodsmen in a head-to-head competition to see who can win the title of "Bull of the Woods." The thrill-a-minute show – a guest favorite – features a 50-foot tree climb, ax throwing, log rolling, buck sawing and springboard chopping, along with plenty of lumberjack lore. Some lines, like Princess Cruises, offer just the show; it lasts a little over an hour, so there will be plenty of time for a self-guided tour of Ketchikan before heading back to the ship. You may also be able to book a combination tour that includes the show and an ax throwing lesson (plus a competition of your own), or a trip to Totem Bright State Park, where you'll learn about the significance of totem poles and the Native Tlingit and Haida cultures.

Holland America Line offers a tour with the lumberjack show and a feast of local Dungeness crabs. For another culinary option, check out the 3.5-hour excursion with Norwegian Cruise Line . It includes a visit to Saxman Native Village, where you'll sample smoked wild game meats, dine on chef-selected dishes prepared with regional ingredients, and taste local wines and beers.

Lumberjack shows are offered on Alaska voyages with Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour

Embark on the Aleutian Ballard, the Bering Sea fishing boat made famous by the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" television series. The approximately three-hour excursion gives guests a firsthand experience of what it's like to sail on the vessel as a Bering Sea crab fisherman and catch massive king crabs, octopuses and other marine life with 700-pound crab pots. The boat may also stop at nearby Annette Island, where you'll have the chance to see whales, sea lions, seals and bald eagles soaring overhead (one may even try to snag your catch!). You may also get to watch local fishermen at work.

Some lines that offer the fisherman's tour include Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

Misty Fjords by Floatplane or Cruise

The more than 2 million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the top attractions in Alaska . Described by naturalist and author John Muir as "the Yosemite of the North," the awe-inspiring destination is best viewed from above on a floatplane. From the sky, you'll see towering 1,000-foot waterfalls, the volcanic Revillagigedo Island, snowcapped peaks, verdant forests and 3,000-foot walls of granite descending into the fjords. On a floatplane tour, you'll also have the chance to land on the water and take in the spectacular scenery from another viewpoint.

If you're not a fan of small planes, some lines offer the option of taking a cruise from Ketchikan's harbor. You'll sail into Behm Canal surrounded by the scenery of Misty Fjords, and you may even see wildlife or bald eagle nests. You'll also cruise by Eddystone Rock, a massive volcanic spire emerging from the sea, as well as waterfalls and 3,000-foot cliffs sculpted by glaciers.

Cruise lines that offer floatplane or cruisetours of Misty Fjords include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

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Skagway is another busy and popular cruise port in Alaska. It's one of the most popular towns on the Inside Passage itinerary; its fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history dates back to 1897. Take notice of the historic false-front shops reminiscent of the gold rush days as you explore. Many of these buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and you may even see people strolling down the streets dressed in period costumes.

White Pass & Yukon Route

One of the top-rated attractions in Skagway is the White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad journey through Alaska's wilderness. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – an honor shared by the Panama Canal, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Dating back 125 years, the historic railway features vintage rail cars and climbs to a steep 2,865 feet at the summit over just 20.4 miles. Along the way to the summit – located at the official international border between the U.S. and Canada – you'll listen to the history of the Klondike Gold Rush while passing by Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch and Bridal Veil Falls. After making a loop at the top, the train will head back down the mountain. You might even see snow on the ride if your cruise to Alaska is early in the season .

Excursions on some lines combine the rail journey with other activities, like biking on the Klondike Highway from the summit or visiting Liarsville, a gold rush trail camp. Others include a stop (and a cold beer) at the Skagway Brewing Company. In addition, some cruise providers offer the train ride in a luxury class rail car, which includes complimentary beverages, snacks and a private guide who will explain the history of the railroad as you watch the scenery pass by.

Norwegian Cruise Line's six-hour excursion features a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route, a salmon bake at Liarsville and an adult beverage with one of the "madames" at the renowned Red Onion Saloon. Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises ' new 5.5-hour tour includes the train ride; a trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, which sits 65 feet above the white water rapids of the Tutshi River; and a hearty lunch of bison chili.

Cruise lines that offer the railroad (and combination) tours include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Discovery

If you want to cuddle with Alaskan husky puppies, then this excursion is for you. Norwegian Cruise Line's approximately three-hour excursion takes guests to a professional musher's summer camp in Dyea Valley, where they train sled dogs for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod races. After a thrilling ride into the rainforest on a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you'll head out on a summertime dog sled with 16 Alaskan huskies at the helm. Before puppy play time, you'll learn how the mushers care for the dogs and prepare for the races. Depending on the cruise line, some tours may end with roasting s'mores by the fire.

Some lines that offer this excursion are Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float Adventure

The historic Chilkoot Trail was the main route for those in search of untold riches during the famous gold rush years. Today, the trail, located in Gold Rush National Historical Park, is a rainforest full of birds and wildflowers. Excursions to the park include hikes with river floats on the Taiya River (there are no rapids) or bike tours of the trail. There are also wilderness kayaking outings to Chilkoot Lake, which is home to the five species of Pacific salmon, waterfowl, bald eagles and one of the largest brown bear populations in southeast Alaska.

Some cruise lines that offer these excursions include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Sitka is the only community in the Inside Passage that sits on the Pacific Ocean. The small city – home to just 8,500 residents – was owned by Russia before the U.S. purchased the land in 1867. Today, you'll find remnants of this Russian heritage, like onion-shaped domes and Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Sitka also has a strong Tlingit culture. In terms of shore excursions, you'll find plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing surrounded by pristine landscapes.

Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest

Royal Caribbean International's three-hour jet boat cruise on Sitka Sound features panoramic scenery (including snow-capped peaks) and the chance to see abundant wildlife. During the tour, look for playful sea otters, whales and brown bears walking along the coast. The line also offers another tour – Sea Otters, Raptors and Bears Oh My – that features a naturalist-guided catamaran cruise followed by visits to the Alaskan Raptor Center (a rehabilitation center for birds of prey) and the Fortress of the Bear (a rescue operation for orphaned bears).

In comparison, Carnival Cruise Line 's VIP wildlife quest in search of whales, sea otters, coastal brown bears and more concludes with a feast of wild salmon cooked over a wood-fired grill, Alaska crab and prime rib at the Fin Island Lodge. Following a wildlife Zodiac cruise around the archipelago, Holland America Line's version of this excursion also visits the lodge for lunch in partnership with Food & Wine magazine.

You can find this excursion on Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

The Best of Sitka

Several cruise lines offer a version of this tour, which features an exploration of the top attractions in Sitka. On this excursion, you'll visit the Fortress of the Bear in Tongass National Park to learn about the facility's work with orphaned bears. There's also a stop at Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska" between the Russians and the Tlingits was fought. Here, you'll see handcarved totem poles created by skilled Tlingit artists and get to meet local Native artists to learn more. The excursion also includes a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Icy Strait Point in Hoonah may be a much smaller port than others on this list, but it is a jumping-off point for endless outdoor explorations, including whale watching tours and searching for coastal brown bears. Icy Strait Point is Alaska Native-owned and -operated and is home to the largest Native Tlingit village in Alaska. While here, explore the wilderness areas of Chichagoff Islands, visit the 1912 cannery museum, and grab lunch with fresh Alaska king and Dungeness crabs before taking a ride on the world's largest ZipRider. (Or, play it safe and plan to take that ride down the mountain before lunch.)

Whale Watching & Bear Search

The waters surrounding Icy Strait Point host the largest summer population of humpback whales in the state, especially around the Point Adolphus area. If you purchase a tour directly with the Icy Strait Point website, they'll even guarantee you'll see whales – or they'll refund your money. During the tour, look for orcas, Steller sea lions, porpoises and seals. But be sure to also gaze overhead for bald eagles and search along the shore for bears; the Spasski River Valley in the remote wilderness of Chichagof Island has one of the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world. Some cruise lines offer a variation of this excursion that includes a boiled seafood feast back on shore at Icy Strait Point.

You can find this excursion on voyages with Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Viking Ocean Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Scenic Mountain Ascent & World's Largest ZipRider

Thrill-seekers (who love heights) will jump at the chance to ride the world's largest and longest zip line, which sits more than 1,300 feet above sea level at the top of Icy Strait Point. The ride to the summit on the SkyGlider mountaintop gondola is also a rush, but the real excitement comes as you zoom down 5,330-foot zip lines with five other riders at 60 mph – with views of the forest below and Glacier Bay National Park in the distance. A break-activated landing on the beach brings riders safely back to the ground. The price also includes unlimited rides on the gondola.

Cruise lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Viking Ocean Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line.

A less visited port than some others on this list (according to CLIA), Seward is the ancestral home to the Alutiiq, or Sugpiaq, people. Its breathtaking natural beauty – with mountains on one side and Resurrection Bay on the other – has been shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. Top attractions in Seward include the Alaska SeaLife Center and a charming downtown area. It also offers access to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

During your stop in Seward, take a full-day excursion to see the astounding beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park. The impressive fjords are surrounded by mountains standing more than 6,000 feet tall and an ecosystem rich in wildlife. While there, watch for a variety of whale species, sea otters, porpoises and sea lions, and onshore, you might see bears and mountain goats. There are also 191 documented species of birds in the park and many glaciers. As you get up close to Holgate Glacier, listen as chunks of blue ice calve into the water.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking Ocean Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, offer this as an individual tour, while others like Holland America Line include it as part of a cruisetour. You can also book the excursion directly with a local tour operator if you're embarking or disembarking in Seward.

Haines, a small port about 20 miles north of Skagway, is best known for its Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The 49,000-acre preserve has the largest natural gathering of eagles during the late salmon runs and boasts pristine forests, marshlands and rivers brimming with wildlife.

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Norwegian Cruise Line's five-hour excursion takes guests on an adventure into the wilderness by boat while cruising North America's deepest and longest fjord, the upper Lynn Canal. You might even see breaching whales and playful sea lions en route to Glacier Point, where you'll disembark at the beach upon arrival. After a drive through the forest and a hike in the woods, you'll have unforgettable, up-close views of the Davidson Glacier by canoe.

Lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Silversea Cruises. Holland America Line offers this excursion from Skagway.

Eagle Preserve Rafting Float Adventure

Look for bald eagles soaring overhead as you raft down the gentle Chilkat River through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The waters are overflowing with salmon that come to spawn, serving as food for as many as 400 bald eagles living in the Chilkat Valley. Don't be surprised to see brown bears or 1,600-pound moose coming to feast along the riverbank during your rafting adventure.

Some lines that offer this excursion include Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Lin e. Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises host this excursion from Skagway.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to view wildlife and chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She's even considered moving to The Great Land as a full-time resident. Pratesi used her deep knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Best Alaska Cruises for Families
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Most Beautiful Landscapes in the World

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

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• # 4 Bora Bora

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Best Alaska Shore Excursions

Alaska shore excursions are a blend of soft adventure, cultural explorations and tours focusing on stunning scenery and wildlife. The best Alaska cruise excursions involve all of those aspects to create a surprising experience that ticks off all of your bucket-list expectations. Think: flightseeing over Misty Fjords in Skagway, a ride on the White Pass Railway, visit to the Sitka Raptor Center or a thrilling Alaska glacier helicopter tour?

Alaska attracts a wide mix of cruisers, so cruise and excursion companies offer a blend of active itineraries -- hiking, biking and kayaking -- in addition to tours for history-lovers, those interested in Indigenous culture and those looking for pure entertainment. There is truly something for every taste on an Alaskan cruise .

Read on for our favorite Alaska shore excursions at some of Alaska's most visited ports.

Juneau Excursions

Alaska Helicopter Tour: Four Glaciers and Dogsled Adventure

Juneau shore excursions span a wide range on the wow-factor scale, but this combo glacier helicopter tour is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As if the ride in a helicopter over glaciers and landing on an actual glacier weren't exhilarating enough, you can also pretend you're in the Iditarod by getting on a real dogsled.

This shore excursion flies over the massive and impressive Juneau Icefield and see the advancing Taku Glacier up close. You might also see the cascading Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, the floating Dead Branch Glacier or the river-like East Twin Glacier before landing on Norris Glacier, home to a mushing camp. From the helicopter, you could also spot bears, moose, mountain goats and other wildlife.

Once you land, your guide will take you on a dogsled ride over the snow-covered glacier and describe the 1,000-mile Iditarod race from Anchorage to Nome.

Related: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Alaska Adventure

Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Adventure

The Juneau zipline glides above the treetops on Douglas Island (accessed by a high-speed channel crossing from Juneau aboard an expedition craft, which is an adventure of its own). And if you dare to look down, you'll also see the flora and fauna of a rainforest and the remains of an old gold mining operation.

This is a real adventure experience. You are hauled up a mountain in a 4x4, geared up with a harness, gloves and a helmet, and with the direction of trained guides are sent to glide down a mountain on a zipline that runs between tree-top platforms.

The experience feels a lot like flying. You have a little (but not much) control of your speed and can more or less steer yourself into the platforms. Be aware that once you are above the trees, there is no getting off the track. And just when you think, "Wow, I've done it," you have to rappel down a rope to reach the ground.

Helicopter Flightseeing and Extended Glacier Trek

This combo tour in Juneau includes both a helicopter tour and glacier trek. On this adventure, you'll check out the local terrain from above with a helicopter flightseeing experience . But the real action begins when you learn to climb up and rappel down glaciers using special equipment. The best part is that no experience is needed; a guide will instruct you in the use of the provided mountain gear, which includes boots, an ice ax and crampons. It's not easy, but the experience is otherworldly.

Skagway Excursions

White Pass Railway

The White Pass Scenic Railway is one of the most popular Skagway shore excursions, especially on a clear day. It’s a historic narrow gauge railway that was built into amazingly rugged and beautiful terrain some 120 years ago. It follows the same Trail of '98 route taken in the late-19th century by a steady stream of gold prospectors looking for Yukon gold. Those prospectors did it on foot and often, in wet, muddy conditions or frigid temperatures.

These days, you'll travel in the comfort of old-fashioned rail cars, and the route takes you up the 2,865-foot summit of the White Pass, through tunnels and over sky-high trestles, past remote valleys and sights like Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch -- so named because so many miners lost their horses there.

For those seeking a more active way to see the White Pass, we highly recommend you book the White Pass Train & Bike Tour. You take the train up the Pass and then get off at Fraser (which is in British Columbia, Canada -- so bring your passports) for an additional 15-minute van ride to the White Pass summit. You'll then bike 15 miles down the Klondike Highway on a guided summit-to-sea tour back to Skagway. Along the way, you stop at waterfalls and other spectacular overlooks.

Related: Six Tips for Cruising Alaska on a Budget

Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Experience

You'll begin this trip with a 35- to 40-minute bus ride to the remnants of the nearby ghost town of Dyea, which was Skagway 's biggest competition during the gold rush days. It's now set within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park as the site of a dog musher's camp. Once there, you'll board an all-terrain vehicle called a Unimog, which will take you up a rugged mountain road to where the mushers keep their dogs.

There, you'll be assigned to a special wheeled summertime sled (there's no snow at this time of year), where you'll grab a seat and prepare to have a team of eager huskies speed around a mile of twists and turns in the crisp mountain air. Your assigned musher will introduce you to the dog team, fill you in on the sport of sled-dog racing and snap some photos of you along the way.

After your sledding experience, you'll have a chance to play with sled dog puppies. This is also a nice (and more affordable alternative) if you're unable to take the glacier dog-sledding flightseeing excursion in Juneau.

Skagway Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

Board a custom-built enclosed expedition boat for a 60- to 70-minute ride through fjords and rainforests with an abundance of wildlife and spectacular views. Upon your arrival at Glacier Point, a remote beach, you'll set out on a short drive and hike, before boarding a 31-foot-long canoe for a paddle up to the face of Davidson Glacier. Consider this excursion if you'd like to see a glacier up close without spending the money on a helicopter tour.

Icy Strait Point Excursions

ZipRider Zipline Adventure

The Icy Strait Point zipline is 5,330 feet long and with a vertical drop of 1,330 feet. But this excursion begins with a narrated bus tour through the Indigenous Tlingit village of Hoonah and up a mountainside. Once you've reached the launching area, you'll be harnessed for your ride down the mountain in a seat attached to a thick cable. (There are six cables side by side, so up to a half-dozen participants can do the ride at the same time.)

Check out the views if you dare to open your eyes as you literally zip down the mountain at speeds of roughly 60 miles per hour. Screaming is, of course, not required (but just might make the ride more fun). At certain points, you are 300 feet above the forest floor and might also catch views of Port Frederick, Icy Strait and your cruise ship.

The ride takes only 90 seconds before your gentle, brake-activated touchdown on the beach. For even more adventure, some tours combine the Icy Straight Point zipline with an ATV ride.

Related: What I Learned on My First Cruise to Alaska

Cooking in Alaska's Wildest Kitchen

Aspiring chefs can spend one-and-a-half hours learning about Alaskan seafood, local fishing and cooking techniques on this interactive foodie outing. A local fisherwoman/"wilderness chef" will lead a demo on fish fileting, then bring you outside where you can learn to grill the day's catch over a large wood grill. While you listen and cook, nibble on salmon and halibut dishes, as well as local veggies. At the end, you'll have newfound culinary knowledge to take home as a souvenir. Plus, it leaves plenty of time for further exploration in Icy Strait Point.

Sitka Excursions

Sitka Raptor Center and Indigenous Tales

The Sitka, Alaska Raptor Center is home to view birds of prey, including bald eagles, up close. Sitka is also noteworthy among Alaska towns for its strong Russian and Tlingit heritage. This tour combines the work done at the raptor center with Sitka's cultural side.

In Sitka, you can see St. Michael's, the first Russian Orthodox cathedral in America and visit the forested Sitka National Historical Park (where in 1804 the Battle of Alaska was fought between the Russians and native Tlingits). Today the park houses a collection of totem poles. Castle Hill, where the post-Alaska Purchase flag was first flown by the U.S. in 1867, is another popular spot, while Tlingit stories and songs can be seen in a traditional-style clan house in Sitka.

Wild Arts Artist Walk: Hot Italian Glass

On this two-and-a-half-hour excursion, you'll walk through the small city of Sitka -- once known as the Paris of the Pacific -- with a guide, stopping at various art galleries and artisan ateliers along the way. Witness everything from wood-carving and ceramic work to jewelry-making and glass-blowing, before trying your hand at Venetian glass-blowing yourself. You'll also have free time at the end to browse a gallery and to shop for souvenirs. This tour is ideal for anyone who wants to take a short excursion and still have enough time left in the day to explore Sitka on their own.

Related: The Best Time to Cruise Alaska

Salmon and Halibut Fishing: Catch and Ship

There's good fishing off Sitka, and with this full-day, small-group excursion, you hit the waters in search of king, silver or chum salmon, as well as Sitka is known for its salmon and halibut fishing trips. With this full-day, small-group excursion, you hit the waters in search of king, silver or chum salmon, as well as halibut. The captain will take you to known fishing spots where various techniques -- weather permitting -- are employed for salmon fishing and halibut fishing. Be aware that small boats on the open sea can make swells and wind chop feel all the stronger.

You'll need to buy a one-day fishing license from the captain of the small boat for $15 cash, as required by Alaska law. Also, in May and June, you need an additional $15 king salmon stamp. If you catch a fish, you can have it packaged and shipped home for an additional fee, though your catch will not be permitted back onboard the ship.

Seward Post-Cruise Excursion

A Seward Glacier Cruise: Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise and Alaska SeaLife Center

This excursion combines a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park with a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center . It's a full-day outing. At the SeaLife Center, get up-close views of seals, walruses, sea otters and seabirds. Then, it's off for a 5-hour, park ranger-led sailing through the national park's Resurrection Bay, where you can view Bear Glacier and wildlife like whales and bald eagles. An all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib lunch buffet is also included.

Like Whittier (farther below), Seward is most often used as an embarkation and debarkation port. As such, this is an excursion that's also limited to participants who are sailing on back-to-back cruises to/from Seward if you buy through the line. It's also open to those who are ending their sailing in Seward with a late-night flight out of nearby Anchorage (or with an overnight stay in the city), in which case the tour includes an airport transfer, too. Unlike Prince William Sound in Whittier, note that those with motion sickness should take precautions since the Resurrection Bay waters can be a bit choppy.

Ketchikan Excursions

Ketchikan’s Misty Fjords Flightseeing by Floatplane

Misty Fjords National Monument is a Kethickan must-see, and on this flightseeing tour you view the magnificent scenery with a bird's-eye view from a seaplane. This pristine park encompasses nearly 2.3 million acres of sheer granite cliffs, imposing waterfalls, sparkling fjords and thick forests. The seaplane will also briefly land on water within the park to give you a taste of the serenity down below.

The tour is not only narrated; it's also set to inspirational music. You're not likely to see any scenery prettier than this, and you'll stand a good chance of spotting wildlife like eagles, bears, mountain goats, deer and wolves.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour (The "Deadliest Catch" Tour)

Fan of the Discovery Channel's "Deadliest Catch" (or just enjoy seeing fishermen in action)? Then Ketchikan's Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour is the shore excursion for you. Those who book it will ride along on Aleutian Ballad, a fishing boat featured in the second season of "Deadliest Catch."

While sailing the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage (as opposed to the more treacherous fishing ground of the Bering Sea), you'll witness part of a day in the life of commercial fishermen, as they haul in their latest catch of Alaskan king crab, halibut, octopus, shrimp and more.

Related: Your Cheat Sheet to Alaska Luxury Cruises

Saxman Native Village

Your experience of Alaska should include a healthy dose of Indigenous culture and history. This two-and-a-half-hour tour takes you to an Indigenous village just a short ride from Ketchikan where the Tlingits welcome guests and offer a taste of their culture. After a tribal ceremonial greeting and short video program, you enter the Beaver Clan House for a song, dance and storytelling presentation.

You then head to Saxman Totem Park, home to one of the largest collections of authentic totems in the world, where your guide will help explain the stories and meanings behind the poles. Poles are still created here at the Village Carving Center, where expert craftsmen pass along their skills to apprentices. Indigenous art and souvenirs are offered for sale.

Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

It's true: You really can snorkel in Alaska . You'll start out with a quick trip to the dive shop, where your guides will outfit you in head-to-toe wet suits thick enough to make even the most frigid waters comfortable (though temperatures here can reach as high as 65 degrees in summertime).

Once you're geared up, it's on to the shallow tide pools of Mountain Point, where you'll snorkel with your guides over kelp forests, through schools of fish and past sea stars and sea cucumbers -- with ample time to ask questions. After about an hour in the water, you'll head back to the dive shop, where a hot beverage caps a perfect day.

Haines Excursions

Wilderness river adventure.

The Wilderness River Adventure is a great Haines shore excursion for wildlife enthusiasts. The excursion begins with a narrated bus ride along the Haines Scenic Byway. You then transfer to the glacially carved Chilkat River on a flat-bottom boat where you will traverse a remote section of the renowned Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The goal of the guided boat ride is to spot as many bald eagles as you can (keep an eye out for nests in the trees) and -- if you're lucky -- bears, moose and other wildlife as well. Lunch is served in a heated pavilion, and staff also stoke a roaring campfire to help you beat the chill and relax.

Whittier Post-Cruise Excursions

Whittier Glacier Cruise

This five-hour, high-speed catamaran trip runs out of Whittier into the wilderness of Prince William Sound. Look out for 26 different glaciers en route, along with wildlife on land (like bears and mountain goats), sea (sea otters, seals, porpoises, sea lions and whales) and sky (look out for eagles and visit a bird rookery). Park ranger narration is included, as is a hot meal.

Though Whittier -- set about 65 miles southeast of Anchorage -- is most commonly used as an embarkation/debarkation port, the glacier-filled sound is well worth making time to explore. Just note that if you're booking the tour through your cruise line, it's only open to cruisers on back-to-back voyages that both end and then begin here, or for passengers ending their cruise in Whittier, followed up by either a late-night flight out or overnight stay in Anchorage.

Accordingly, passengers can opt in for a version of the excursion that includes a post-tour motor coach transfer to Anchorage hotels and its airport.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions — from heli-hiking to whale watching

There are some cruise destinations — Barcelona, for instance, or Venice — where you really don't need to sign up for shore excursions . You can just walk off the ship and head to the major attractions on your own.

For the most part, the ports of Alaska aren't like that.

To get the most out of an Alaska cruise , you'll want to sign up for a tour in most if not all of the ports you visit. And not just any old tour. You'll be looking for the best Alaska shore excursions that get you out into the Alaska backcountry.

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

In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" — breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance — are related to the Great Outdoors. As a result, many of the best Alaska shore excursions for cruisers are found outside of the towns where ships stop. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Picking the best Alaska shore excursions

People who know me know that I love talking about Alaska port towns. This isn't just because I spent more than two decades writing about Alaska and other cruise destinations for major newspapers. For many years, I was the co-author of Frommer's "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide. In researching nearly half a dozen editions of that book, I spent many days exploring each of the major cruise ports in the state. I've tried a large number of the shore excursions in places such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. I've also poked around these towns a lot on my own.

As noted above, my biggest message to anyone planning an Alaska cruise is to get out of the towns . Sign up for something — a hike, a rafting trip, a train ride, a fishing outing — that gets you out into Alaska's spectacular outdoor settings.

But I also have a few specific, top-line pro tips when you're thinking about the best Alaska shore excursions:

• Get up in the air . It'll be expensive. We're talking $250 or more per person. But there's nothing like seeing the grandeur of Alaska from a helicopter or floatplane. The Juneau Icefield, in particular, is a sight to behold. It covers around 1,500 square miles. You can see it on a flightseeing tour from Juneau, with some tours including landings on the ice.
• Don't miss the whales. Even if you're not a big wildlife person, you'll be mesmerized by the humpback whales of Alaska. They are huge (at up to 52 feet, longer than a Greyhound bus), and there are boat tours that will get you up close to them. The best places to do this are out of Juneau and also Icy Strait Point if your ship stops there.
• Splurge for a trip to Misty Fjords National Monument . This glacier-carved wilderness area, not far from Ketchikan, is another don't-miss sight. It's everything you think of when you think of Alaska: icy blue lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys. The only way to get there is on a boat or floatplane tour, and they typically start at over $200 a person.

Unfortunately, as you can see from the above, many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaskan ports are expensive. But Alaska is not a place to skimp. Alaska is a place where you may want to budget almost as much per person for your shore excursions as you do for your cabin.

That said, you don't have to splurge for a big outing at every call. In Juneau, for instance, you can get an outdoor experience with a relatively inexpensive trip to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. It's just 12 miles from the cruise ship docks and reachable by bus or taxi. The bus will set you back an astounding $45 per person, round-trip, which I find an intolerable gouge (but … it is what it is). If you have a few people, you're probably better off with a taxi, which runs around $35 each way. For two or three people traveling together, it's not all that pricey a trip.

Either way you do it, you'll find some nice hiking trails around Mendenhall Glacier and a visitor center. There's a creek there, too, where I've sometimes seen salmon running. One time, I even saw a bear. Speaking of which: A bear is something you think you want to see in Alaska until you actually see one. Then you're just hoping you don't get eaten.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

I should also be clear that the towns themselves aren't devoid of attractions. While I highly encourage Alaska-bound cruisers to get out into the wilderness, there are plenty of worthwhile things to do in each of the main port towns.

In Juneau, food tours have become popular; think King crab bisque and Alaska salmon. The Alaska State Museum is beautiful and worth a visit. Skagway is like a Gold Rush-themed movie set. You should at least walk its main street (Broadway), with its wooden-board sidewalks. If you're a craft beer fan, like me , you also might want to sample a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale at the Skagway Brewing Company. It's made with Sitka spruce tips picked locally in the spring.

In Ketchikan, you should save a few minutes to stroll up Creek Street, along Ketchikan Creek, where you might spot salmon running. It's the ultimate Alaska selfie spot.

Related: The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle

How to book the best Alaska shore excursions

The simplest way to book an Alaska shore excursion is through your cruise line. You check a box on an online form before sailing or while on board, and — poof! — it's all arranged. They send a ticket to your room, and when you walk off the ship, a tour guide will be waiting for you.

Another way to go is to book directly with a tour operator in one of the ports. Many of the tour operators you'll find in Alaskan ports are the same tour operators that operate the ship-sponsored excursions. Often, the tours that the local tour operators will sell you are the same tours that the cruise lines are selling you, at the same price . Shopping around isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.

Indeed, in some cases, the cruise lines own the tour operators in Alaska ports, or at least a piece of them. For instance, the parent company of Princess Cruises and Holland America is a part-owner of Skagway's big attraction, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.

That said, you can sometimes get discounts by calling a tour operator directly. I've had some luck with that over the years. It's hit or miss.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

Below, I've listed six of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions. These all are tours that you'll find in the tour lineups at every major cruise line that operates in Alaska. That said, different lines sometimes have different names for these tours — and sometimes different pricing.

For the listings below, I've used the tour names and pricing listed in the current tour sheets at Princess, which along with sister line Holland America, is the biggest cruise operator in Alaska.

Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

Dog-sledding and glacier adventure by helicopter

Cost: $669.95 per person

Port where available: Juneau

For those with a hefty bankroll, this might be the ultimate Alaska shore excursion. Combining helicopter flightseeing over the seemingly endless Juneau Icefield with a landing on a glacier for dog sledding, it hits two of Alaska's most iconic experiences.

It's also insanely expensive, as I know from firsthand experience. I once took my entire family of five on this excursion, dropping more than $2,000 in the process. That's a huge chunk of change for an outing that lasts three hours.

But I'll tell you this: I don't regret doing it. Not one bit. For starters, the views of the Juneau Icefield as you fly to and from the dog-sledding camp are incredible (assuming the weather cooperates). But the real joy was seeing my three young girls interacting with the teams of Alaskan huskies that live at the camp.

Once you arrive at the camp, you'll meet the dogs and their mushers, see where they live, get a quick tutorial in mushing, and then head out for a spin around the camp on a dog-pulled sled.

Related: These are the best times to visit Alaska

Whale watching and wildlife quest

Cost: $189.95

If it's Alaska's famous humpback whales that you want to see, you'll want to book a whale-watching tour. The waters around Juneau are particularly known for humpback whales — so much so that the operator of this excursion offers a whale-sighting guarantee.

Setting off from the Juneau harbor in a whale-watching boat, you'll cruise to nearby areas to see not just humpback whales but harbor seals and sea lions, too. You might even spot a killer whale or porpoise.

The boat used for this excursion has both inside and outdoor viewing areas. The trips last about four hours, including transfer time from your cruise ship to the whale-watching boat.

Related: The ultimate list of Alaska cruise tips

Note that if you have a big enough group, it sometimes pays to arrange a private boat out of Juneau to take you to see humpback whales. Many lines offer a private boat charter for whale watching as a tour option, or you can arrange one through a local company.

Klondike rock climbing and rappelling

Cost: $119.95

Port where available: Skagway

If you're like me, you may be a little terrified at the idea of climbing the sheer face of a rock cliff. But don't let that scare you away from this 3 1/4-hour tour. It's a hoot.

Experienced climbing guides will meet you at your ship and drive you up the Klondike Highway to an area of granite cliffs that's the perfect playground for beginner and more seasoned climbers alike. Upon arrival, the guides provide you with all the gear you need — climbing shoes, helmets and harnesses — for a safe scramble up a 70-foot-high wall. They'll also offer plenty of instruction (and encouragement) plus a snack of trail mix and hot chocolate.

If it all sounds a bit daunting, know that you don't need any experience at climbing to do it; I sure didn't have any when I tried it, nor did my young daughters, who absolutely loved it. There are multiple routes up the cliffs, some perfect for beginners. After making it to the top, you'll rappel back down — an entirely different kind of thrill.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway ride

Cost: $149.95

Call it the iconic attraction of Skagway, Alaska. A ride into the mountains on this narrow-gauge railroad is the tour everybody takes when visiting the Gold Rush town-turned-tourist hub. And for good reason. It offers an easy way to get deep into the Great Alaskan Outdoors.

Truth be told, I'm a fan of more active excursions. But for someone who isn't going to hike, bike, horseback ride or raft their way through the wilderness around Skagway (there are tours for all of those things, too), a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railway is one of the best ways to get a glimpse of the area's classic Alaskan scenery.

Related: 13 things you should do before every cruise

From the comfort of a vintage rail car, you'll get stunning views of mountains, gorges, glacial rivers and waterfalls as you climb nearly 3,000 feet to the summit of White Pass — the headwaters to the mighty Yukon River. Designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the 20-mile route is a marvel in its own right, with improbably steep grades at times and segments that pass over soaring wooden trestles and around tight, cliff-hanging curves.

Heli-hike and rail adventure

Cost: $399.95

This is another tour with a sky-high cost. But, in my opinion, it's well worth the money. Indeed, it's one of my all-time favorite Alaska shore excursions.

The five-hour, Skagway-based outing begins with a transfer from your ship to a nearby helicopter pad, where you'll find a helicopter waiting to whisk you high into the surrounding Sawtooth Mountain Range.

On a quick flight to your destination — a mountain trail in the Tongass National Forest — you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and Goat Lake. You'll land at Glacier Station, a remote mountain helicopter pad alongside the White Pass & Yukon Railway tracks. From there, you'll set off on a two- to six-mile guided wilderness hike on a trail along the Skagway River. The highlight of the hike: a magnificent view of Laughton Glacier.

Returning to Glacier Station, you'll end the day with a ride back to Skagway on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which makes a special stop to pick you up.

Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane

Cost: $299.95

Port where available: Ketchikan

There's nothing that says Alaska quite like a trip in a floatplane. And, if you're going to do a floatplane ride, there's nowhere better than in Ketchikan. You'll find a small armada of floatplanes waiting to take you to nearby Misty Fjords National Monument.

Misty Fjords is one of those quintessential Alaska destinations that's so beautiful you just want to cry. That is, if it's not too "misty" to see it. It got its name for a reason. The area is often shrouded in clouds and drizzly rain. Ketchikan is known as one of the rainiest places in North America, with over 13 feet of rain each year. So, yeah, bring a rain jacket.

But, also get ready for lovely views of glacier-carved fjords, cliffs and rock walls jutting thousands of feet out of the ocean. The whole thing is covered with temperate rainforests and features huge waterfalls (thanks to all that rain). It's definitely a sight to see.

Note that there often are two versions of this tour available: One that is about two hours in length and only includes flightseeing and a slightly longer version that includes a water landing within Misty Fjord National Monument.

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Royal Caribbean excursion done right! - Alaska Excursions

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Royal Caribbean excursion done right!

I am so glad I booked this excursion through Royal Caribbean (but you can probably call A.E. directly to book an excursion)... We went on the dogsled experience, and I was so happy - I am not a huge dog lover, but I thoroughly enjoyed the tour (complete w/ ride on Unimog!), 15 minute mush, lecture from the 2007 Ididarod musher - and even held a 5 day-old pup! I learned a lot about Alaska's state sport and would like to thank all the employees for an enriching experience. They all were great!

Wonderful excursion. Loved visiting and holding the puppies. The guides were very informative and friendly.

The visit to Davidson Glacier with Alaska Excursions - "Glacier Point Wilderness Safari" - was the highlight of my trip. So much activity in six hours. First an enclosed boat for an hour over the glacier area, then a bus to the camp, where we put on waterproof clothes and boots. (No need to bring your own boots!) Next was a short hike down to the river. Then on a canoe, which thankfully was motorized. We only needed to actually paddle to get in and out of shore. The views of the Davidson Glacier were amazing, and as you got closer and closer you realized how massive it is. The walk over to the glacier and ice cave, on top of the glacier, was quite an experience. Overwhelming and gorgeous blue. My friend and I also went on the Dog Mushing and Puppy Camp in Juneau since we couldn't get on a dog sledding trip on the glacier. It was really fun, you got to spend time with the dogs and hear about how they prepare for races, etc. And of course hold the puppies! At both, the guides were very knowledgable and clearly enjoyed their jobs. They made these even more fun and informative.

We visited the mushers camp while we ported in Skagway with our cruise. I had booked this excursion independently and not through our cruise. It was very easy and all done via email. Keith picked us up at our ship. He was a great tour guide through town. And he has a great sense of humor. Once we got to the camp, we met our driver & guide, Chris & Sam. We loaded onto our Unimog and started up the mountain. My boys enjoyed every moment of their ride in the 'Mog. The scenery on the way up is just beautiful. At the camp, we met our musher, Becky, and her team of 16 dogs (all her own dogs). She took us on a two loop trip around the camp. Tons of fun. The ride was not long enough! After the ride, we got to meet and pet our team of dogs and Becky told us about her team and what racing involves. We loaded back into our 'Mog and headed back down to the base. There, we got to hold the puppies! So cute and very squirmy. Soon after, Keith was ready to bring us back to town. We were lucky in our wildlife spottings and saw a bald eagle on our trip to the camp and 3 Harbor seals on the way back to Skagway. All-in-all, it was a great excursion. My boys loved it and it was definitely a highlight of our trip to Alaska.

Did I mention "Puppy Camp"? They leave that to the last as it is the ultimate highlight of the tour. That is not to say that the prelude is not just as exciting with a dog sled ride on wheels (not snow, wrong season). This tour is actually off-season training for these amazing animals and is critical for their winter fitness. Laura was the owner of the dogs we were whisked away with on our six person sled. She was so very informative and dedicated to her canine companions. I need to give high accolades to our two guides, Kevin and Aerial. Both were very knowledgeable about the local history, but then most guides are. The difference is how they delivered the information in such an interactive manner. Everyone in our small group were felt to have been included personally and were comfortable with being in an environment that was foreign to some.

We were picked up at ship by ariel and Kevin who took us to the venue they were both very noligable about the area and told us lots of things on the way. Then ariel took us up to the musher camp where we were met by loads of barking dogs all waiting to take us on our ride it was quite funny because as soon as we rode of they were silent . Our musher told us all about his dogs and we met them all 16 were pulling our sledge . After the ride we were taken back down from the camp to where the puppies were kept we were able to hold them and to finish it off we could help ourselves to hot drinks . It was a great experience especially if you like dogs

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Royal Caribbean Cruisetour Train Information

• Alaska Cruises

You'll Have Plenty of Chances to Rough It. This Isn't One of Them.

Traveling by train through the pristine mountains and lush foliage of the Alaskan interior is an experience you'll never forget. It is, perhaps, the most scenic ride in the world. The Wilderness Express glass-domed traincars of Royal Caribbean combine the grand tradition and style of railway travel with modern technology and innovation to create one of the most amazing journeys you'll ever take.

The Wilderness Express features glass-domed seating that allows you to take advantage of the 360-degree vistas in luxurious comfort. The seats are extra-wide so you can stretch out and relax; they even rotate in pairs so you can sit and talk with a group of friends and family. If you prefer, slip on a pair of headphones and select your favorite music. A full-service bar is available as well as complimentary coffee and tea. Head to the Observation Platform for some fresh Alaska air or to get a closer view of a moose in the wild. The Wilderness Express also has a wheelchair lift from the lower level to the dome level so everyone is able to experience Alaska's amazing scenery and wildlife together. It's all part of the ultimate land vacation.

Wilderness Express Traincar Features

The Wilderness Express Traincars were designed with your comfort in mind. Each features:

• Extra-wide seats that recline and rotate in pair to form seating groups
• Glass-domed seating on the second level offering 360-degree views, and accessible to guests with mobility impairments.
• Outdoor viewing platform for close-up views of Alaska's amazing scenery
• Bistro-style restaurant specializing in regional Alaskan cuisine
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Premium baggage service included throughout your cruisetour
• Multiple music selections available with individual headsets at each seat

Photos and Virtual Tours

Here are a few photos of the Wilderness Express Traincar.

More about the Wilderness Express

The Wilderness Express travels between Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna, and Anchorage. Meals and drinks during the portion of your trip that is on the Wilderness Express are not included.

How to Book the Wilderness Express

The Wilderness Express is only available to guests who purchase a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour.

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