Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers! A short drive brings you to the heliport where, following a safety video, you’ll be outfitted with boots and vests. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers. Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you’ll encounter.

Upon arrival at glacial destination you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels. Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work.

Note: Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily based on the weather forecast to ensure that you will see the best sights that the area has to offer. Tour includes approximately 40 minutes of helicopter time and 40 minutes on the glacier. Glacier boots, trekking pole and safety vest are provided. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled and can’t be made online, please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations.

Experience a true Alaskan adventure while supporting the official state sport! Take an exhilarating sled ride and play with our husky puppies, all in the heart of the lush Alaskan rainforest. When you arrive at our authentic summer training camp for mushers and their sled dogs, you'll participate in a sled dog summer training run on our custom designed, wheeled summertime sled. Discover the power in a team of Alaskan huskies as they whisk your sled down a mile long trail through the depths of the Tongass National Rainforest! Then join one of our dog handlers and sled dogs for interactive demonstrations on mushing equipment and the impeccable care the dogs receive. Your dog handler will also entertain you with knowledge about the training, history, races, and inspiring efforts required by this sport. Marvel at the untamed beauty that has lured you to Alaska when you walk across our suspension bridge overlooking Fish Creek. Our Musher’s Camp is surrounded by moss-covered forest with huge spruce and hemlock trees. The views are simply awe-inspiring. Finally, cuddle up with our husky puppies, and take your picture with these adorable future athletes! This excursion is the perfect mix of Alaska’s culture, history, adventure, ruggedly gorgeous wilderness, and of course sled dogs and puppies! Note: All ages welcome, and most special needs may be accommodated. Complimentary refreshments are provided. less

Estimated at over 5 million years old, the Green Grotto Caves is the first historic cave worldwide to receive the Green Globe 21 certification, a global affiliation working with travel and tourism companies and communities to develop and maintain good environmental practices. The caves are characterized by coastal limestone and feature a series of interconnected passageways and chambers, light holes, stalactites and stalagmites, as well as two lakes. Their most striking features are rock formations and the small 'grotto' lake at the innermost cavern. Take a 3/4-mile guided stroll through a maze of exquisite dripstone formations and learn about the sensitive eco-system found within and around the caves. See limestone formations that have been christened after the individuals they resemble, including Abraham Lincoln, Freddie Krueger and the cartoon character, Scooby Doo among others. Your guide will demonstrate the cave’s musical stones and be sure to toss a coin in the wishing well before your departure. A refreshing beverage is provided at the end of the tour. On the return drive to Ocho Rios, you’ll visit Dunn’s River Falls. Climb the spectacular 600-foot waterfall at Dunn’s River Falls and then shop for souvenirs in the center of town before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age and be at least 3 feet tall to climb the falls. This is a walking tour and visitors will be guided through areas that are paved, with uneven surfaces, gravel and rocks. Visitors need to be sure footed and must be able to bend to negotiate small access ways. Slippery when wet caution signs are posted through the caves as a reminder to visitors. There are 62 steps throughout the tour. All visitors are fitted with a sanitary helmet liner and hard helmet and offered a spray of mosquito repellent prior to the start of the tour. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less

Feel the excitement as you board your helicopter for an unforgettable scenic flight of the Taiya Inlet, the longest and deepest glacial fjord in North America. Majestic waterfalls, towering mountain peaks, and views of the area's dramatic glacial landscape are just some of the wonders you may experience on your flight. As you return to town, be ready for a not-to-be-missed view of historic Skagway and your ship.

Note: Participants must be able to enter and exit the helicopter with limited assistance. Flight time is approximately 12 to 15 minutes with no glacier landing. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled so you will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations.

The grandeur of Alaska’s epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau’s only 5 glacier flightseeing tour. Seeing glaciers from the air is an Alaskan must do, and doing so by authentic Alaskan bush plane is the quintessential Alaskan experience! Your seaplane exploration begins as your aircraft gently takes off from the historic downtown waterfront carrying you over Juneau’s mining past. En route you will soar over lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest until your first glimpse of five distinctly different majestic glaciers making up the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Glide over the deep crevasses and azure blue melt water pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, plus the famous five mile wide Taku Glacier. Of the 36 named glaciers comprising the Juneau Icefield the Taku Glacier is the only glacier that is actually advancing, not retreating - one of only a few in the world. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the magical memories this trip is sure to provide. Note: Flight time is approximately 40 minutes. All participants enjoy a window seat for enhanced viewing and a headset for continuous narration. Weight surcharge does not apply. This tour is non-refundable. For more details about this tour please visit: www.alaskaglacierflightseeing.com
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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