best cruise excursions in skagway alaska

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. The experience feels a lot like flying. After your sledding experience, you'll have a chance to play with sled dog puppies. Disney, Holland America, Princess, and Viking. Seattle, Wash., Feb. 8, 2023 Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska Cruisetours are open for booking, and travelers who want to head to Denali and the Yukon can start planning their vacation with the leader in Alaska exploration. Is Skagway accessible by car? Here are our favourite Alaska shore excursions among the numerous offerings. Who Offers This Shore Excursion in Skagway? It's now set within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park as the site of a dog musher's camp. Check out our list of the best Alaska cruise excursions, from Alaska helicopter tours to the White Pass Railway. 9 Best Alaska Cruise Tour Destinations - Cruise Critic Once you're geared up, it's onto 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. Its important to read the description for any Skagway excursions youre interested in, since they may actually occur in Haines but all of the ones on this list are actually in Skagway. The Best Alaska Excursions For Your Alaskan Cruise 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. Insider Tips Important Notes Travel along the White Pass & Yukon Route . It's important to note that while the route extends into Whitehorse, the train no longer runs there. 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. This tour gets you to key historical points as well as to a top local attraction -- the Alaska Raptor Center, where you get to view birds of prey that include bald eagles, close-up. Poles are still created here at the Village Carving Center, with expert craftsmen passing along their skills to apprentices. Those who book will ride along on Aleutian Ballad, a fishing boat featured in the second season of "Deadliest Catch.". Given how many cruise companies offer a number of interesting and unique shore excursions in Skagway, it was hard to choose which ones to recommend. Youll fall head over heels for the Skagway train if you enjoy learning about the history of Alaska while taking in breathtaking views. Skagway, Alaska - Disney Cruise Line Shore Excursions for Skagway, Alaska This full-day outing combines two of Seward's top attractions: a visit to the Alaska SeaLife Center, the state's leading aquarium and an ocean wildlife rehabilitation centre, along with a scenic cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips Alaska Shore Excursions and Cruise Tours Excursions sell out quickly so book now! 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. Lunch and snacks are provided on this excursion. Glacier Discovery Tour via Helicopter - Skagway, Alaska. The 10 Best Alaska Shore Excursions, Tours & Cruise Trips 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. How can I book? It is also critical for the entire cruise industry, which depends on the reliable operation of local attractions such as the White Pass & Yukon Route to provide unforgettable experiences for their guests. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is a comfortable way to take in some impressive scenery, hear the history and still have time to shop and dine downtown. 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. There, you'll be assigned to a special wheeled summertime sled, 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. 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. The strike could be another blow for Skagway residents, who have already seen visitor numbers dwindle due to rock slides at the port in 2022. Skagway Shore Excursion: White Pass Summit Rail and Bus Tour - Tripadvisor In addition, Sitka has worked hard to build an extensive network of hiking trails through the non profit Sitka Trail Works. Wannabe Alaskan chefs can spend 1.5 hours learning about Alaskan seafood, local fishing and cooking techniques on this interactive foodie outing. In 1994, it was designated an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark; it shares that title with the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. (That means each excursion gets its own number, no ties), I gave each excursion a boost or deduction for being a good value based on the. How do I spend a day in Skagway Alaska? (Pro tip: Use Alaska.org's exclusive Skagway Audio Guide !) Park ranger narration is included, as is a hot meal and a no-seasickness guarantee. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. An all-you-can-eat salmon and prime rib lunch buffet is also included. One of the best Skagway cruise excursions is a city tour that shows you the best parts of this small Alaskan community. 2) It's beautiful. The White Pass Railroad Summit is our most popular excursion in Skagway, one of the best Alaska train tours, and a trip highlight for many Alaskan cruisers. This 2.5-hour tour takes you to a native village just a short ride from Ketchikan where the Tlingits welcome guests and offer a taste of their culture. The White Pass and Yukon Route train was first established at the turn of the 20th century as a narrow gauge railroad. this is a perfect Skagway excursion for your whole group. I mean, theres like a whole generation of people who have transformed the restaurant industry with that preference. Sitka is noteworthy among Alaska towns for its strong Russian and Tlingit heritage. In Sitka, you'll also see St. Michael's, the first Russian Orthodox cathedral in America; 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); drive to Castle Hill, where the post-Alaska Purchase flag was first flown by the U.S. in 1867; and enjoy a performance of Tlingit stories and songs in a traditional-style clan house. Cruises to Skagway | Skagway Alaska Cruise - Holland America Line You'll be harnessed for your ride down the mountain in a seat attached to a thick cable. At the SeaLife Center, get up-close views of seals, walruses, sea otters and seabirds. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Kayaker in Alaska (Photo: Holland America), Sitka (Photo:Ramunas Bruzas/Shutterstock). There, you'll be assigned to a special wheeled summertime sled, 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. For each excursion, I list which cruise companies offer that one so you can see whether your cruise is on the list. Like Whittier, Seward is most often used as an embarkation and debarkation port. 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). The Taste of Alaska Food Science Tour will take you into the kitchen with the chef and owner of the Historic Skagway Inn. #1 Cruise Line in Alaska* Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Have it All Early Booking Bonus for Alaska Cruisetours offers crew appreciation and upgraded beverage package and Wi-Fi. End by enjoying a champagne toast in the Red Onion Saloon, whether youve seen a ghost or not! Sitka is noteworthy among Alaska towns for its strong Russian and Tlingit heritage. Frequently Asked. Like Whittier, Seward is most often used as an embarkation and debarkation port. Your trip begins with a narrated bus tour through the indigenous Tlingit village of Hoonah and then up a mountainside, where it's a short walk to the launching area. Visit the Yukon Territory Skagway is the closest Alaska cruise port to Canada, with the border between Alaska and Canada's Yukon territory just 14 miles away. You can also seasonally fish Freshwater or Saltwater via a guide, charter, or self-guided DIY fishing. Read over 1,111 detailed Skagway cruise port reviews and find great tips to enjoy Skagway including shore excursions, local activities and must see attractions. Taking a ride on the Skagway train is a stress-free way to experience more of Alaska without breaking a sweat. 4.9 (76) On this Skagway helicopter tour, you'll leave all traces of civilization behind and experience the infinite beauty of Alaska's remote glaciers. Newsletter Write a Review At some point during your trip, souvenirs will be for sale, but no food is served. You'll go from sea level in Skagway to 2,888 feet at White Pass Summit, the route's highest point. The stations located above Fraser are reserved for cruise passengers who take a pre- or post-cruise Yukon extension and are heading down to Skagway to join their ship (or vice versa). The looming strike could lead to significant financial and logistical challenges for cruise lines. After a tribal ceremonial greeting and short video program, you enter the Beaver Clan House for a song, dance and storytelling presentation. The excursion takes you to the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Historic District where youll learn from historic actors about life in a stampede town during the gold rush era. To help, Ive reviewed all of the excursions offered by Alaska cruise companies, and have ranked the best 10. That tour is still available, but I realized it just wasnt as compelling as others you could now enjoy, and if youre going to explore the Chilkoot Trail, riding it on horseback is definitely a more unique experience! But the real action begins when you learn to climb up and rappel down glaciers using special equipment. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, The Scenic Alaskan Train Ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad From Skagway: Shore Excursion Review, International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Many cruise lines offer a similar excursion. Traveling to approximately 2865 feet above sea level, passengers aboard vintage rail cars will witness breath-taking scenes, including the 1898 Original Klondike Trail, Inspiration Point, Bridal Veil Falls, and Dead Horse Gulch. On this 6.5-hour tour, youll have three incredible experiences and three that are totally unique to Skagway. For those seeking a more active way to see the White Pass, we highly recommend you book the White Pass Train & Bike Tour. On this adventure, you'll check out the local terrain from above with a helicopter flightseeing experience. Outlined below are 10 of our favorite Alaska adventures, perfect for tourists and cruisers ready for an excursion. It's not easy, but the experience is otherworldly. (And Im working on a list of Haines excursions coming soon.). Planning an Alaska cruise with a port stop in Skagway? The Best of Skagway tour does exactly that, and is offered by many of the cruise companies that make port stops in Skagway. Check out the views if you dare to open your eyes as you literally zip a mile down the mountain at speeds of roughly 60 miles per hour. The Best Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska: Top Skagway Excursions for Get an adrenaline rush on one of the largest zipline rides in the world, at 5,330 feet long and with a vertical drop of 1,330 feet. Unlike the first rush, when the wealth left town with the miners, Skagway has reinvested in itself in recent decades, adding improvements like parks . Start here. The seaplane will also briefly land on water within the park to give you a taste of the serenity down below. The ride takes only 1.5 minutes before your gentle, brake-activated touchdown on the beach at Icy Strait Point. The 10 Best Skagway Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023 Witness everything from wood-carving and ceramic work to jewelry-making and glass-blowing, before trying your hand at the ancient art of Venetian glass-blowing yourself. Sightseeing. Sitka is also where Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds fell in love in the "Proposal". Get harnessed and fly over the tops of the spruce trees on 11 separate lines, with breathtaking views of the falls below. Best cruise excursions in Skagway Alaska - Gangwaze Given that today is July 7, if the cooling-off period were to start immediately, the earliest a strike could start would be early August. 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 -- all in their natural habitat. Carnival, Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. On Carnival Cruise Line, it starts at $125.99 per adult and $99.99 per child. Note: You need to buy a one-day fishing license from the captain of the small boat for $25 cash, as required by Alaska law. The bike ride includes a 1 mile trail through the rainforest and visit to Mendenhall Glacier. Here are the best skagway shore excursions, ranked to help you choose the best one! Elissa Garay Contributor Alaska shore excursions are a blend of soft adventure, cultural explorations and tours focusing on stunning scenery and wildlife. Who Offers This Skagway Shore Excursion? Most, if not all, cruise lines offer the White Pass & Yukon route as part of their tour offerings while in Skagway. (While Disney offers this excursion, I would imagine its better for older children than younger ones.). This 2.5-hour tour takes you to a native village just a short ride from Ketchikan where the Tlingits welcome guests and offer a taste of their culture. The stand-off between WPYR and SMART-TD has created an unfortunate scenario that threatens to tarnish what is typically a peak period for Alaskan tourism. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the bestSkagway cruise excursions. With the possibility of the iconic WPYR railroad journey being unavailable, cruise lines may find themselves forced to reimburse thousands of guests who have pre-booked this popular excursion as part of their cruise package. Sweet Tooth Cafe is right on Broadway and offers "home cooking" in the form of hamburgers and sandwiches on homemade bread, doughnuts, milkshakes and more. Yukon Territory Jeep Adventure - Alaskan Disney Cruise 2013. I'm sailing the 7-Night Alaska itinerary on the Disney Wonder soon, and need advice on excursions. The ride takes only 1.5 minutes before your gentle, brake-activated touchdown on the beach at Icy Strait Point. This is a must-do tour, especially on a clear day. Ive visited Skagway several times during my various adventures living in and traveling to Alaska, including during my Windstar cruise in 2022. Take a round trip ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a historic narrow gauge railway built into amazingly rugged and beautiful terrain some 120 years ago. Next, most tours disembark at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake for a bawdy historic reenactment about Skagways history and a meal of fresh Alaska salmon. We learned all about the dogs that run the Iditarod, toured the camp, visited a replica Iditarod race checkpoint, and then got to go for a ride on a wheeled sled pulled by actual Iditarod sled dogs. 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. Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Blog Railroad workers at the White Pass & Yukon route could be going on strike, causing disruptions for thousands of cruise ship guests. It's true: You really can snorkel in Alaska. The Best Alaska Cruise Ports and Choosing the Right Itinerary for You This tour gets you to key historical points as well as to a top local attraction -- the Alaska Raptor Center, where you get to view birds of prey that include bald eagles, close-up. Icy Strait Point/Hoonah - most unique port in Alaska. Join a Skagway madam for an alleyway tour of Skagways saucy former tourism industry then tour the citys brothel museum. Consider this excursion if you'd like to see a glacier up close without spending the money on a helicopter tour. Your nearly three-hour Skagway train excursion might begin right in port at the train depot, a 10-minute walk from where your ship is docked. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. The best Skagway shore excursions reflect that, too! Your understanding of Alaska should include native culture. The best hike near Sitka's cruise ship dock. Small open-air viewing platforms are located at either end of the train car for better views of the passing scenery, though the inside of the cars are heated against the drafty Alaskan weather. A Ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: This sightseeing train excursion was created as a result of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, though it wasn't completed before the rush ended. For those seeking a more active way to see the White Pass, we highly recommend you book the White Pass Train & Bike Tour. It's now set within the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park as the site of a dog musher's camp.

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best cruise excursions in skagway alaska