Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Victoria is the gateway to the Puget Sound, Gulf Islands, and San Juan Islands, and is home to three resident pods of Orca Whales. This tour is designed to take you as up close and personal as permitted with the whales and sea life as they explore their natural feeding grounds along the shores British Columbia’s rugged coastline. You’ll board a motorcoach for a short transfer over to the whale watching vessel departure point. The vessels are equipped with restrooms, and offer covered as well as open viewing locations. As you travel to the viewing location, be sure to enjoy the majesty of the coastline and mountains surrounding you. This area is a playground for many of the world’s wealthiest yacht owners, and multi-million dollar yachts can often be seen cruising through the waters. Note: Orcas are regularly seen, but not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems. less

Don't miss this "golden" opportunity to experience the Klondike's rich past on this historical railway and dredge tour. Board a motor coach and journey up the west side of the White Pass Canyon to Fraser, British Columbia. Your driver/guide will regale you with tales of stampeders who traveled the pass in search of gold. A stop at Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls provide picturesque valley views. At Fraser board the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and from the comfort of your old fashioned parlor car, you'll retrace the original route through rugged terrain beyond the summit of White Pass and Fraser, British Columbia. In Skagway board a motorcoach and get ready to search for gold.

This guided tour complete with colorful characters, provides a unique opportunity to explore a massive gold dredge formerly used in the Klondike Gold Fields. This amazing 350 ton machine is one of over 120 that operated in the north, and today stands as a great monument to the gold rush seekers of the past century. After viewing a gold panning exhibition, you'll have a chance to try your hand at gold panning, with gold guaranteed in every pan! The Gold Shack staff will weigh your gold and fashion a memorable keepsake for purchase. On your return to Skagway, you may either stop for shopping or return directly to the ship.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both U.S. and Canadian borders.

Explore Misty Fjords - one of nature’s most spectacular creations - while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. Enjoy the service and narrative provided by your crew, and watch for wildlife as the water jet-powered catamaran "flies" at sea level past rugged coastlines. Voyage into Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. Stop to view a bald eagle’s nest, and a Tlingit pictograph. Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the sea. You’ll explore Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs. Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces. Enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here. En route to Ketchikan, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation. Note: Be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck, as this tour operates in all weather conditions. Wildlife sightings are frequent, but not guaranteed. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

As you venture into the Sierra Madre Mountains of Chiapas, your professional guides will provide in-depth information about the history of the area and its people. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a complimentary drink along with a briefing on safety rules, the different places to visit and photo opportunities along the way. Next, follow your photography expert while he guides you through the coffee estate and the beautiful surrounding grounds, exploring and discovering photo subjects. Your guide will provide tips and feedback for you to practice as well as improve your photo skills, taking back memorable images from this trip. Lastly, enjoy a snack, taste some coffee or shop at the local stores before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Guest should wear a hat, light jacket and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. Guest must be able to walk on their own and be in good health. Guests do not need a professional camera or previous photo experience to take this tour. less

Experience Ketchikan’s rich maritime history, Native culture and breathtaking wilderness surroundings, by land and sea. Your driver/guide will fill you in on historic Creek Street, where homes and shops are perched over the water on wooden pilings. At Saxman Village, you’ll stop to view one of the world’s largest gatherings of totem poles, as your guide interprets the meanings of these giant sentries, which border the park and entrance to the Beaver Clan House. Continue to George Inlet, where a relaxing stroll through the rainforest brings you to the historic Libby Cannery. Beginning with a short video, this fascinating tour will take you back to the days when rugged men and women toiled day and night to harvest and process the abundant Alaska salmon. From the cannery dock, you’ll board a water jet-powered vessel to explore the coastline of glacier-carved George Inlet, while the onboard naturalist explains the natural history of southeast Alaska. Eagles, seals, porpoises, and other species of wildlife are often sighted; the Captain will maneuver the boat to give the best possible views. Entering Tongass Narrows you'll pass by a fascinating variety of working vessels. A mariner’s view of Alaska’s busiest port, and your cruise ship, will provide this tour’s final backdrop for learning how Ketchikan earned its title as “Salmon Capital of the World”. Note: Order of tour may vary. This excursion is not recommended for passengers who have difficulty walking, due to the number of stops requiring embarkation of transfer equipment and walking on inclined gravel pathways. less