Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Past and present thrive side by side in Seattle, and you'll see it all on this tour of the best that Seattle has to offer. View Seattle's sports stadiums, and then discover the historic flavor of Pioneer Square, Seattle's birthplace dating back to 1852. Pass the International District and tour through the downtown core and shopping district and circle the Seattle Center campus on your way to the Space Needle, where you'll soar to the top by elevator for an unforgettable vista of the Emerald City.

From here, you'll head over through newly renovated Belltown to the Pike Place Market, the West Coast's largest and oldest open-air farmers market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to browse the hundreds of curio shops and local artisan stalls. Don't forget to check out the 'Flying Fish', one of the more famous vendors at the Market.

Note: This tour is only available for guests with flights after 3:00 pm for domestic and 4:00 pm for international departures. Guests are responsible for ensuring their debarkation tours are compatible with their flight departure times. Guests have the option to book their flights through our Premium Air Department to ensure that flight departure times do not interfere with debark tours. less

Experience Skagway with Alaska’s original city historical tour for an informative fun filled 90 minutes. Skagway character Martin Itjen came here looking for gold in 1898 and became the town’s most celebrated storyteller. He gave Alaska’s first motorized sightseeing tour on his “Skagway Street Car” for U.S. President Warren G. Harding in 1923 and delighted visitors for decades. Today, Martin’s tour lives on! Aboard your yellow 1927 sightseeing bus, your costumed “conductor” passes on a century of history, behind-the-scenes tales, and stories.

Explore the waterfront and National Park Historic District, enjoy the panoramic views from the scenic overlook and have your camera ready for the recounting of the Soapy Smith gunfight at the Gold Rush Cemetery. Highlighting the history of this gold rush town and the pioneer families that built it, you’ll motor through the residential neighborhoods of Skagway, famous for its flower gardens. A stop is made in town for those who want to get off to shop or explore before the tour continues back to the ship.

Note: For foreign language translation this tour utilizes a GPS activated audio narration. Guests wear comfortable headphones that deliver the complete tour narration in their chosen language. In addition to German, French and Spanish, the audio narration is also available in Dutch, Japanese, Mandarin and English.

less

Your professional driver/guide will provide you with lively narration and share the unique history of Ketchikan as you drive along the scenic Tongass Narrows en route to Totem Bight State Park, home to one of the world's largest stand of totems. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Tongass National Rainforest under the canopy of majestic hemlock and cedar trees. At the end of the trail you’ll be impressed by the large collection of totem poles that your driver/guide will bring to life for you. Through entertaining stories and narrative you’ll learn about the culture and lifestyles practiced by the northwest coastal Natives and have a chance to enter into an authentic Native clan house. During your brief stop at the quaint Alaska Totem Trading store, you’ll have an opportunity to shop and view beautifully carved totems along with a collection of vintage automobiles. Returning to town, catch a glimpse of Ketchikan's colorful past as you drive past Creek Street, the historic red light district. Finally, it’s time to enjoy the 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show'! Hardy lumberjacks gather in this partially covered and heated outdoor arena, to compete in various logging events for you. Crowd favorites like log rolling, ax-throws and speed-climbing events will bring the audience alive as you cheer your lumberjack on. Many World Champion athletes, as seen on ESPN and the Travel Channel, spend their summers in Ketchikan and will be performing in this great show. Note: Please note that there may be a short wait prior to the Lumberjack Show. Time can be spent on your own or in the rustic company store located at the Lumberjack Show. Tour may operate in reverse. less

A feast as grand as Alaska itself! The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor an all-you-can-eat adventure, in a unique outdoor environment you’ll find nowhere else. Arrive at a beautiful setting, in a lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from grilled salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild Rice Pilaf, Gold Rush Potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Vegetarians, take note that there’s plenty to tempt your palate! Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you’ve had enough — bring on the blueberry cake for dessert! After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through the forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. View the remains of the Wagner Mine and try your hand at panning for gold. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir gold pan or other memento. There’s plenty to do, and shuttle buses run regularly, so your visit can last as long as you like. Don’t return until your tastes have been satisfied and you’re filled with great memories! less

Explore Alaska’s wilderness by boat and savor Dungeness crab amid the hospitality of a historic Alaska lodge. At George Inlet Lodge, board your vessel and cruise the Inside Passage waterway on a journey that explores the region’s history and natural beauty. On your journey up the fjord, you’ll pass the old George Inlet Cannery, and Mahoney River Valley, home to bears, eagles, and salmon that return to spawn annually. Cross the fjord and view the Tongass National Forest in its entire splendor. A remote cove is home to Dungeness crab. Volunteers help pull crab pots, and while these crab are set free, you’ll have the opportunity to see them up close and learn about their anatomy and life cycle. Once the pots are reset, return to the lodge for a well-deserved meal that includes a beverage, oriental salad, steamed baby red potatoes, one full serving of Dungeness crab, and a slice of cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries! For more details about this tour please visit: http://alaskacrabtours.com/crabbing.html
less

Start your adventure with a stop at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. Here, hardy lumberjacks bring to life Alaska’s colorful forest history with an action packed competition in the partially covered and heated outdoor arena. Cheer on your team of World Champion lumberjacks in events such as chopping, sawing, tree climbing and much more. Next, board your coach and enjoy a narrated scenic drive to rustic Herring Cove. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a naturalist who will guide you along improved trails into the dense forest, for a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary borders the Tongass National Forest. Stroll through tall stands of hemlock, spruce and Alaska cedar, stopping at viewing areas to photograph this natural wonderland. See old-growth trees and a multitude of plants in this lush rainforest. The forest trail leads to an elevated boardwalk overlooking Eagle Creek where, during spawning season, salmon runs attract eagles, bears, seals and shorebirds. Bears and seals feed on the salmon while eagles and other birds wait for the scraps. Mink, marten and wolves also frequent the area. Seasonal changes in the ecosystem result in varying levels of animal sightings. Watch and listen to nature’s symphony in this spectacular setting. Next, meet and feed Alaska reindeer and take pictures with these gentle creatures. Watch a master Native carver at work on totem poles, walk through the historic Herring Bay Lumber Company sawmill, and photograph bald eagles up close at the Alaska Wildlife Foundation exhibit. Browse through the General Store and enjoy a snack at the end of the hike before returning to your cruise ship pier. Note: Wheelchair access may be limited – for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and are more frequent in midsummer. Please note that there may be a short wait prior to the Lumberjack Show. Time can be spent on your own or in the rustic company store located at the Lumberjack Show. Tour may operate in reverse. less