Best Alaska Cruise Excursions
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Known for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and rich culture, Alaska is one of the most captivating cruise destinations in the world. A cruise to Alaska offers you the unique opportunity to explore the last frontier and create memories your family will treasure for a lifetime. From the bustling ports of Ketchikan and Juneau to the Inside Passage’s serene wilderness, an Alaska cruise is your ticket to exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.
With just a moment's research into the best shore excursions on an Alaskan cruise, you can enhance this bucket-list experience, allowing you to dive head-first into Alaska's beauty and heritage. Discover how you can soar over glaciers, glimpse rare wildlife, or step back in time to make the most of your journey.
Which ports and routes align best with top Alaska cruise excursions?
For Alaska cruises solely navigating the Inside Passage – a 500-mile system of channels located along the coast of southeastern Alaska – you will stop at the ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, along with a stop at either Sitka, or Haines. These ports offer some of the best shore excursions in Alaska, and are included in most Alaska itineraries.
Cross Gulf of Alaska Cruises will likely visit the same cities offered within the Inside Passage, alongside additional ports like Icy Strait Point and Anchorage.
While most major cruise lines operate along either route, you can visit Cruisebound’s comprehensive overview of the Best Cruise Lines to Alaska for more details. Voyages with these cruises typically last from 7 to 14 days, and usually operate between May and September. For more information on Alaska itineraries, visit Cruisebound’s website for the Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary.
On This Page:
- Ketchikan Shore Excursions
- Juneau Shore Excursions
- Skagway Shore Excursions
- Sitka Excursions
- Icy Strait Shore Excursions
- Anchorage Shore Excursions
- Getaway to Alaska
Ketchikan Shore Excursions
Exclusive Flightseeing and Taste of Alaska
Looking for a gentle-on-the-body thrill? Book a spot at one of the best Alaska excursions Ketchikan has to offer – the Exclusive Flightseeing and Taste of Alaska tour. Princess Cruises provides this great excursion on their inside passage route, so make your life easier and book in advance to secure your spot.
To begin your journey, you will hop aboard an authentic Alaska bush plane from Ketchikan Harbor. Then, you will ascend 1,000 feet to reveal panoramic views of Revillagigedo Island and the Tongass National Forest.
Following 20 minutes of stunning scenery, your plane will make a water landing at Salmon Falls Resort. At this 5-star dining lodge, you can enjoy exquisite local delicacies like salmon lox crostini, and halibut with lemon-garlic butter.
Your day will conclude with a picturesque coastal drive back to the pier, where you can reflect on this beautiful journey.
Saxman Native Village, Dance Performance and Totem Park
At Ketchikan’s Saxman Native Village, you and your family can enjoy the rich culture of the native peoples of Ketchikan.
Your day will start with a short motorcycle ride to Saxman village, where you will witness traditional songs and dances at the village's own Beaver Clan House.
Next, celebrate Indigenous Alaskan culture by witnessing the live carving of totem poles, and learn about their symbolism at one of the world's largest collections of totem poles.
Your adventure will end with a scenic motorcoach ride back to the cruise ship, passing Alaska's busiest waterfront, the historic Creek Street, and the turn-of-the-century style downtown area. 1000s of Alaska shore excursion reviews cite Saxman Native Village as a must-see cultural experience. To take advantage of this beautiful opportunity, consider booking this Alaska shore excursion with Holland America.
Tatoosh Island Wilderness Kayak Adventure
Enjoy active exploration through the Tatoosh Island Kayaking excursion, one of the best Ketchikan shore excursions. Here you can appreciate Alaska’s stunning waters and plentiful wildlife.
This 2-hour journey starts with a motor-operated inflatable boat trip from Ketchikan to a secluded beach in the Tatoosh Islands. You'll then enjoy a quiet and serene atmosphere, taking dual sea kayaks along the coast of the Tongass National Forest.
With the help of your guide, you will safely witness a plentitude of wildlife, including bald eagles, sea lions, land otters, whales, and seals.
Royal Caribbean offers this exciting adventure on their inside passage.
Juneau Shore Excursions
Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching
Without question, the Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching tour stands out as one of the best Juneau, Alaska shore excursions. On this guided trek, you can appreciate Juneau’s stunning landscape, view diverse wildlife, and discover the history of Mendenhall Glacier at the Visitor Center.
As you reach Auke Bay, hop on a water-jet-powered boat for whale watching. Observing humpbacks and killer whales is thrilling at Stephens Passage, and you might also spot other animals, such as sea lions, porpoises, seals, deer, or eagles.
Interested? Book this exciting journey through Viking to secure your reservation.
Juneau Goldenbelt Tram On Your Own
For a relaxed trip in Juneau, consider riding the Goldenbelt Tram, Southeast Alaska's sole tramway. This journey from downtown Juneau to Mount Roberts' summit will give you stunning perspectives of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island, and the Chilkat Mountains. To avoid ticketing lines associated with the Goldenbelt Tram, try booking with Holland America Line.
Multiple tours are offered on the Goldenbelt Tram, including, but not limited to, the Alaska Native Tour and the Trails and Ale Tour. If you are interested in learning about Indigenous culture, choose the Alaska Native tour. Alternatively, the Trails and Ale Tour is an excellent choice if exploring local breweries is more your speed.
During your outing, take advantage of the numerous opportunities to buy souvenirs for yourself and your family.
Pack Creek Bear Viewing
Go on a unique wildlife adventure with Pack Creek Bear Viewing, where you can conveniently observe Alaskan brown bears in their natural environment without the need to secure individual wildlife viewing permits.
A reservation with Princess Cruises is a great option to streamline this process. Once you’ve left the ship, you will board a shuttle to Juneau airport, where you will enter a floatplane that takes you to Admiralty Island.
Your 5-hour tour will let you venture deep into Tongass National Forest. You stand a great chance of witnessing these fascinating animals stroll, feast, and care for their offspring.
For those seeking the best excursions for an Alaska cruise, Pack Creek Bear Viewing is a top choice.
Skagway Shore Excursions
White Pass Train and Bike Tour
If you’re seeking an equally relaxing and exhilarating excursion, then the White Pass Train and Bike Tour is hard to pass up.
You’ll begin your tour on the famous White Pass and Yukon Route, a 1.5-hour train ride that traverses the coastal mountains to British Columbia, Canada. Here, you’ll catch radiant views of ever-expanding greenery sprinkled with vibrant collections of flowers.
After the ride, you will meet your guide for a short van ride to the White Pass summit. Upon arrival, you will continue a thrilling 15-mile bike ride down the Klondike Highway. On your descent, you will see stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountains before returning to downtown Skagway.
If this excursion appeals to you, a booking through Carnival is a hassle-free option.
Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Flightseeing
If you're passionate about dogs and enjoy helicopter flights, then the Dog Sledding and Glacier Helicopter Flight-seeing excursion is an experience you can’t miss. After amazing sights from 1000s of feet in the air, your helicopter will land at a dog camp atop a glacier.
Here, you'll get to know professional mushers and their lively sled dogs. Whether you decide to help with mushing or simply want to relax and observe the environment, this trip will nevertheless create lifetime memories.
Take advantage of this Inside Passage excursion by journeying with Princess Cruises.
Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake
On the salmon bake and gold rush camp trip, devour a limitless feast featuring wild Alaskan salmon grilled slowly over aromatic alder wood in an attractive forest background.
After your meal, travel to the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. Here, you can appreciate a lovely waterfall, visit genuine exhibits, and enjoy exciting activities. Finish your journey by learning to search for gold, and keep all your treasures.
Book this incredible adventure with Royal Caribbean to ensure a seamless and memorable experience on your next Alaskan cruise.
Sitka Shore Excursions
Dry Suit Snorkel
Dive into the captivating beauty of the underwater world in Southeast Alaska through an unparalleled snorkeling experience in Sitka Sound.
Dress in a comfy and safe dry suit over your regular clothes and venture into these nourishing waters. Start your journey with a dockside pickup that leads you to a protected area to change, securing your belongings.
Proceed to Magic Island, found at Halibut Point Recreation State Park. Feel the exhilaration of snorkeling through Alaska's cold waters, where you can observe various sea life, such as sea, crabs, fish, sea anemones, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers near an exuberant kelp forest. With a dive time stretching between 30-45 minutes up to an hour, this trip offers a distinct impression of Alaska's marine splendor.
To experience this captivating underwater escapade, ride with Carnival for easy booking.
Best of Sitka Tour
Visiting Sitka, the old "Russian" capital city, provides an unparalleled fusion of history and nature. For convenient booking of this Sitka shore excursion, ride with Norwegian.
Kick off your adventure at the Alaska Raptor Center, where you'll embark on a wildlife tour and learn about bird rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. You'll also attend a live bird educational demo and see various center sections, such as the flight area, clinic window, habitat areas, and a small gift shop.
From here, Sitka National Historical Park lets you step back in time with tales from the 1804 "Alaskan Battle."
Walk along trails adorned with totems, see cultural showcases, and observe native Alaskan craftsmen working on detailed totem carvings. Your trip ends at Fortress of the Bears, where you can get within 25 feet of black and brown bears in a pure setting.
4x4 wilderness adventure
Start your memorable journey in Sitka and enjoy its spectacular natural scenery on land and at sea. Your initial stage involves a beautiful boat trip on Sitka Sound, highlighting beautiful islands and potential whale sightings.
Your destination is Kruzof Island, where you will prepare for an exciting ride in a 4x4 vehicle. Operate under the guidance of an experienced local guide through the trails of Tongass National Forest, which is overflowing with tall, age-old trees and flourishing plants.
While traversing the lovely Iris Meadows Estuary, stay alert for the presence of brown bears and blacktail deer. After some time, relax with a tasty treat of homemade popcorn mixed with pretzels before returning to Sitka via another peaceful boat ride on Sitka Sound. Book this remarkable journey by setting sail with Celebrity Cruises.
Icy Strait Shore Excursions
Halibut Fishing
Enjoy halibut fishing on your Alaska cruise trip at Icy Strait Point, a place flourishing with marine life.
After just 30 minutes of traveling from the shore, you'll be in a perfect setting for recreational fishing. Your boat leader, provided with all the necessary equipment and know-how, will ensure you have a smooth fishing journey. By riding with Carnival, you can make this experience even smoother by purchasing this excursion with your next cruise booking.
So, while expecting your catch, simply relax and appreciate the colorful marine life around you. Watch for whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises; they’ll produce extra excitement while fishing. Among Sitka shore excursions, this is perhaps one of the most enjoyable and relaxing. Explore Alaska's best marine sights with this halibut fishing trip.
Scenic Mountain Ascent and World’s Largest Ziprider
Discover one of the best shore excursions in Sitka, Alaska, with the riveting Sitka Zipline adventure. This thrilling ride takes you over the lush Sitka rainforest, providing stunning scenes and exciting movement.
Start your trip with broad views of Sitka Sound as you climb Mount Rainer Gondola. Once on the zipline course, prepare for a memorable trip because you’ll soon be speeding through canopies, jumping from platform to platform, and enjoying the Alaskan scenery as you glide through the treetops.
This Zipline escapade guarantees a memorable experience on your visit to Sitka, Alaska. Don’t miss out—book one of the best Alaska shore excursions with Norwegian.
Whales, Wildlife and Brown Bear Search
Go on one of Sitka's top cruise excursions for a memorable tour through the habitats of whales, animals, and brown bears at Icy Strait Point, Alaska.
Take a fast catamaran and travel the beautiful coastline to observe humpback whales in their usual feeding locations, taking impressive pictures of these elegant creatures in their activities.
On land, head into the dense bush country of the Spasski River Valley, guided by experts who share knowledge about the region's diverse plant and animal species and the lively history of the Native Tlingit community.
As you explore, look for brown and black-tailed deer and flying bald eagles. This tour offers an enthralling exposure to Alaska's wildlife and cultural background, making your Sitka cruise excursion unforgettable.
Secure your spot on this excursion with Celebrity Cruises for a seamless adventure on one of the best Alaskan cruise excursions.
Anchorage Shore Excursions
Debarkation Scenic Cruisetrain
Appreciate stunning views on this scenic train excursion from Seward to Anchorage. Seamlessly connecting your pre-arranged excursion with Norwegian, you’ll board an Alaska Railroad railcar at Seward cruise ship terminal, going toward the Anchorage Hospitality Center.
This 4 1/2 hour picturesque journey along the Coastal Classic Route offers a feast for the eyes as the train skirts the edge of Kenai Lake, ascends a waterfall-laced mountain valley with views of Trail Glacier, and winds through mountain tunnels.
You'll pass by the impressive Bartlett and Spencer Glaciers before emerging along the dramatic coastline of Turnagain Arm, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of sharp mountains descending into the ocean. Now that you have arrived at Anchorage Hospitality Center, you can relax and enjoy prime eateries and local stores.
Denali: Mountain and National Park Flightseeing
Take a three-hour flightseeing adventure on one of the most memorable Denali excursions from Anchorage. This intimate journey with an experienced Alaska bush pilot provides unparalleled views of Alaska's most remote and wild settings.
Departing from Lake Hood, Anchorage's bustling floatplane base, you'll fly across Cook Inlet, with chances to spot moose and beluga whales. You'll continue along the rugged Alaska Range, admiring its impressive rock and ice formations.
The main attraction is Denali, which reaches up to 20,320 feet in altitude and acts as the focal point of Denali National Park. Enjoy watching climbers attempt to conquer its grand south face while being enchanted by Ruth Glacier, a 40-mile-long ice river that winds through the Great Gorge, the deepest granite-lined canyon in the world.
For a convenient booking of this marvelous anchorage excursion, consider riding with Holland America.
ATV Wilderness Excursion In The Knik Valley
Explore the hidden gem of the Knik Valley on this incredible Anchorage shore excursion.
Offering thrilling ATV (all-terrain vehicle) rides amidst Alaska's stunning natural beauty, this Alaska excursion will take you from Knik River, over Jim Creek, and down to the dry riverbeds, where you’ll find Friday Creek's lookout. Here, you’ll get to observe breathtaking views of Knik Glacier.
This bumpy trail includes river fords and innate barriers, fitting for every offroading ability level. If you're an adrenaline junkie or on a family trip, this broad network of trails promises an incomparable quest in Alaska's wild lands.
For a not-so-bumpy booking experience, consider reserving your next ATV wilderness excursion with Holland America.
Getaway to Alaska
Alaska's stunning natural scenery and rich culture draw visitors from all over the world. Start an adventure by visiting untouched regions and the celebrated ports of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, and Anchorage. Experience Alaska's beauty firsthand with memorable land trips ranging from helicopter trips over glaciers to wildlife viewings.
Plan your upcoming trip with us at Cruisebound, and discover why Alaska remains an unparalleled destination for cruise travelers seeking awe-inspiring experiences.
