Exploring Alaskan Ports WITHOUT Breaking The Bank!

[@savannah115]

Hello, I'm a ranger at the Mendenhall and I'm so glad you mentioned the city bus (Capital Transit). It's exponentially cheaper, and it gives you control over how much time you spend with us. We hate how little time folks get at the glacier when they take excursions, so we love folks taking the city bus. Also, can I recommend the Alaska State Museum in Juneau? I am a historian and it's the best state museum I've ever seen.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Hi! Thanks for watching and adding your expert knowledge. Much appreciated!

[@Richard2003]

I took that bus a few years ago while my friends wasted $600 flying in a helicopter over the glacier.

[@deniseb5516]

Do you just catch the city bus at the pier to go see the glacier? I don't see any comments about whale watching in Juneau. Is it worth it?

[@marik2665]

I live in Juneau. It’s my understanding it’s a $5.00 fee to access the Mendenhall Glacier recreation area whether you go in the visitor center or not.

[@marik2665]

@@deniseb5516 there is a transit center downtown where you can catch the bus.

[@heathershaw4897]

Juneau is my home town. I have a few additions to the budget Juneau excursions list. I would add the DIPAC hatchery with indoor aquatics exhibits and salmon in the fish ladder from late June through October ($5 admission and you can get pretty close with the city bus system, it's a few miles north of downtown). The Last Chance Mining Museum (check open hours, admission has been $5) is a fun stop for anyone interested in Gold Rush history. It is a couple of miles walk from the cruise ship docks to the museum in Perseverance Basin, which also has nice hiking trails and mining "artifacts" strewn around. Plus you pass the Mt Robert's trailhead on the way, so if you would like to hike to the Tram that would be doable on the way back from the museum. A few other fun options well north of downtown that require a car are the Shrine of St Therese (no admission fee) and the Arboretum (check hours) (no admission fee), and Eagle Beach ( it's part of an Alaska State Park) (no admission fee). Beautiful views and they are all reasonably near one another, so doable in an afternoon with a rental car.

[@halpen]

We did a cheap tour with a local guide in Sitka and saw the raptor center, Fortress of the Bear, and the totem park. The tour guide had lots of local stories and a lunch recommendation away from the tourist spots. It ended up being one of our favorite stops, and we had absolutely nothing planned when we disembarked the ship. We did the glacier bus in Juneau, and I agree that the walk to Nugget Falls is an absolute must-do. We only had two "excursions" planned on the whole trip, and canceled both of them in favor of several things on your list. Dolly's museum on Creek Street is a hoot, and after walking that area we went back to the ship early. As a result we were some of the only people onboard to watch a small pod of orcas swim by!!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for this update. Great to hear you found things helpful and good to know about Sitka and the local guide tip!

[@carolynsteele9929]

It is so very generous of you to collect and compile this information for us. I truly appreciate it very much! Love your channel and watch every single video.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 please keep watching !

[@jonbourgeois8390]

We just got back from a cruise on the Westerdam. In Sitka, look for a very nice lady, Lauren, when you get off the ship. She will take you around in her Shuttle (The Sitka Shuttle) to sites for $25 a person. We went to the Raptor Center, the Totem Pole Park, the Science Center (Salmon Hatchery), the Cathedral, and we ate a fantastic Burger at the Burger & Crab Shack. We also went to the top of Castle Hill. All we had to do was call Lauren, and she picked us up and gave us some nice information about the area and dropped us off anywhere we wanted to go on her route. She also goes out to Fortress of the Bear. Fantastic!!!

[@wise.owl33]

Great information, I tried to find Lauren on the web and did not see her. What is the name of her website?

[@d_mosimann]

Probably the best hint video I've ever seen, thank you Garry.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks so much!!!

[@amysharp2473]

Just have to thank you for this video. I share it frequently with friends and strangers. I think a fair number of people don’t book because of excursion sticker shock and miss out on a wonderful adventure together. Thanks for taking the time to show that a wonderful Alaska adventure doesn’t have to break the bank. Kids grow up so fast; make memories with the budget you have 🚢

[@barbaracoleburr]

Just back from a 10 day cruise/Yukon Land Tour that began August 5th. In Juneau: Sealaska Heritage Institute was amazing. Juneau City Library was a great place for library lovers with a tremendous view. In Skagway: Note that the Klondike NPS rangers were NOT leading tours/talks right now. After wandering around in the rain with the crowds while waiting for the White Pass Yukon Railway train, we found a pleasant respite in the Skagway public library. Our train ride was at 12:40 and the skies cleared up as if on cue for us to see the grand views 😊. Thank you, Gary, for all your vital information!

[@lexa_power]

Thank you so much for this, Gary! I am doing my first Alaska cruise in October and plan to do the expensive helicopter ride weather permitting- and then I know I might not really have a lot of other room to splurge! I have to admit that at first I thought your channel was just about luxury cruising, but I’m so glad I stuck around and watched more of your videos. You give the most excellent advice about all types of cruising, from super shoestring budget to luxury and everything in between! I genuinely find myself taking notes during most of your videos and have saved so much money from your tips and I am a budget cruiser! Your videos really provide so much value for everyone regardless of your budget. I know I’ll be studying this video and will be watching all of your Alaska content between now and my cruise! Thank you again for always spreading awareness about these money savings tips. All these activities truly look fun.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. I do cover more premium end but make sure I have a wide range as much as possible especially on saving money as everyone wants to do that!!

[@lexa_power]

@@tipsfortravellers it’s so much appreciated! The luxury content gives me bucket list ideas so I like watching everything ☺️

[@halucca22]

Ditto to everything Lexa said! One of your videos advised monitoring cruise fares after I booked a cruise, and asking for reductions if the fare went down. Thanks to your advice, last year I reduced my Panama cruise fare by $1300 before I paid in full, got a credit for $1100 that I’m using for an Alaska cruise this October, and got a cabin upgrade before I even asked 🤯😍🚢🥳. Thank you for your superb advice and insight!

[@sidneybrown9695]

The Totem Heritage Center and museum in Ketchikan was amazing. My husband is a Veteran and we got in for free. We did leave a donation.

[@joanevans3872]

my thanks Garry, Am doing an alska cruise fo mucor firsth time in september 2024, amd the prices of tours floored me, I just thought I'd sta on the ship, but you have given me so many alternatives, THANK YOU so much

[@hellotoyou7201]

Thank you Gary for all of your informative videos and your generosity with this compilation.

[@enigmatist666]

A massive thank you for this, Gary. We've never cruised and are still uncertain about it. So we've been binge-watching cruising videos - mostly yours and Ben & David's channel. Invaluable! Being UK-based means visiting European cities is relatively easy by train - and we love train travel. Alaska, however, is not so easy! We have family in Vancouver and now think a round-trip Alaskan cruise could be a great way to start - get over the jet lag for a few days with the relatives and then head to the ship. I was alarmed at the cost of excursions, though, and so was absolutely delighted to find this and the brilliant guide that I've downloaded. Thank you for all your excellent videos. :)

[@martinlahm7638]

Gary, your Alaska cruise videos are absolute “gold”. Just packed with solid useful info.

[@realtorjimchu]

Hello Gary. I just got back from my Alaskan Cruise with Holland America and I took some of your advice. The tour or "blue bus" in Juneau for Mendenhall is now $75 per person and you only get 1.5hours to explore once you arrive at Mendenhall. The City bus is much cheaper at only $2 per adult and $1 per child. The ride takes about 45 minutes and it's about a 30 minute walk to the falls with the chance to see black bears and a panoramic view of the glacier before you enter the park. Another option that you didn't mention was taking a cab and that was only $45 each way. As for the Tram, it's $50 for the pass and if you walk up, you can take the Tram down for $20. The White Pass Train in Skagway was fun but some people took the cheaper option of going on the bus. Lots of great hiking trails in Skagway. In Ketchikan, we used the Walking Tour Map and had a great walk around town. We also took advantage of the free local bus that runs every 20 minutes and does a loop of the downtown. Thank you again for the advice.

[@brandoline94]

Thanks for sharing the updated info!

[@TS-pq8km]

A marvellous contribution to cruise information. Cruise excursions are not cheap and to have information like this delivers on so many levels Thanks Gary

[@larry4111]

Exactly what I need, Gary, thank you! After 19 cruises to warm sunny shores I'm finally going on my first Alaska cruise this fall.

[@nikkibolls5437]

This video was great! My husband and I loved our Alaska cruise last October and will probably be going back this year. We took the time while in Juneau to donate blood. We took the city bus down and back. We made appointments before we left home. It was wonderful! They were so friendly and we learned a lot about the area and where to go for the best food. Giving back to the people of Alaska made us feel wonderful in exchange for sharing their breathtaking state! It was a highlight of our trip.

[@ellie7633]

Thank you Gary! Perfect timing. We’re going on our 4th Alaska cruise in June and have done most of the excursions. My Mom uses a wheelchair and I’m looking for easy local things to do. Love your vlogs!

[@stuartb3609]

While not bargains, 2 things we did added value. First, hire a car in Skagway and basically follow the train route. For 2 of us it was cheaper and for 4 it would be a bargain. We also had time to drive to the start of the Chilkoot Trail and generally stopped when and where we wanted. Second, as it’s unlikely we will be in Anchorage ever again we hired a car there and spent 3 days a few hours further north. We went to the Matanuska Glacier however there are plenty of other areas to explore and stay outside of Anchorage. Much better value than just getting off the ship and going straight to the airport.

[@HeatherTravels]

Thanks Gary! Your tips were very detailed and really helped us to know what is available in each port and how to better prioritize.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for the challenge! I enjoyed doing it. Though my Alaska series was costly as it made me want to go again and booked for 2024…

[@HeatherTravels]

Ha ha! Occupational hazard ;)

[@lesleywaghorn1627]

Thanks, Gary😊 Brilliant resource for those on a budget, and anyone just wanting to self-explore some of these places. Learnt a lot!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear! If this proves popular I will look at other guides to go with videos where makes sense!

[@Cat-stros]

Love your channel! The content is always very helpful 👍🏼😊

[@BTimmer]

Gary, your tips are spot on. We've visited the ports a number of times plus I grew up in Juneau. We're headed back in late July.

[@azrich2463]

I'm just back from an April-May cruise to Alaska and find your information complete and timely. The only points I may add are unrelated to exploring, namely, getting around (for those of us unable to walk much) and where and how to make the most of limited time ashore. To-wit: Once off the ship look immediately for scheduled free local transportation. Ask the locals. You can find inexpensive shops for almost anything away from tourist areas, even a shopping mall in Ketchikan. Use your phone nearly everywhere without having to pay exorbitant Wi-Fi fees on board. There are major bank branches as well in most stops. I even found a shop in Juneau that repaired my damaged shoe free of charge. Planning ahead using the internet for mundane needs anticipated or not will save a great deal of unnecessary expense.

[@emylu538]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Finally doing our Alaska cruise after having to reschedule twice and of course we're also traveling on a budget. Took your advise and already got tickets for the Lumberjack show in Ketchican for my husband's birthday and it was a good savings from the cruise excursions cost.. Traveling at the end of August.. Again Gary thank you for your great information..

[@LoveBoatCruising]

Thanks Gary! I just got back from Alaska cruise and saved a lot by being my own tour guide and taking zero excursions. I did take blue bus to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau; visited museums in Skagway and Ketchikan; and enjoyed watching Bald Eagles and harbor seals in Prince Rubert Canada. Using my binoculars, I saw birds, otters, whales, seals and glaciers. Most of the time, excursions don’t live up to the price. 😊

[@LoveBoatCruising]

Your video was exactly what I would have said and included. I’ll try to interpret Alaska 2023 and build my channel subscribers ❤️

[@j.m.7056]

Heather will now have a super lower cost trip. Great ideas -- I appreciate how specific you are in the suggestions.

[@sandrahightower3674]

We hiked to the top of Mt Roberts, bought something and took the free ride down. Great way to see Juneau!

[@akshaysonawane9885]

Watched this video 1 hour before boarding our NCL bliss on our 7 day cruise to Alaska. Very helpful video full of great tips !! Thank you! Lost of Love

[@heathrusty]

Fantastic guide! We did many of these on our last Alaska cruise, but you mentioned some I didn't know about. Looking forward to my next visit! Thanks!

[@ifredpr]

I have seen all your videos about Alaska which have helped so much to plan my first trip. I’m very grateful to you.

[@DennisMatheson]

One thing to add in Sitka is Baranof Castle. It's a low hill in the center of town (basically across the street from where the tenders let off). It is a historical site dealing with when Russia sold Alaska to the US.

[@Mr2blue2]

My wife and I live in Oregon so an Alaska Cruise out of Seattle is just a 4hr car ride away. Can't wait to go. Your videos are AWESOME !!!!

[@irenegryziec8052]

Brilliant! Thank you for the helpful advice and maps!! Love your channel!!

[@irenegryziec8052]

So very helpful to make the most out of each port! Love your channel Gary & I link it on FB very often when I see questions.

[@kimber4350]

Great tips as always, Gary! Sitka is my favorite port on Alaska cruises. The tour at the Russian Bishop's House is an absolute must!

[@persauds34]

We are a larger group and opted to rent a minivan and drive to Whitepass and to Emerald Lake vs taking the train. Renting the van was $200 vs $150pp for the train ride. This was a huge savings as we are a group of 6. Great video!!!

[@rickcudmore8156]

This is a great video on the Alaska cruise ports. If we ever go back (been twice), I will refer to your page.

[@terrifromm5085]

Excellent video. I will use these tips on my next Alaska cruise.

[@CookandBakewithSamer]

These are great tips. These excursions get pricy. The Juneau one looks great to do for sure. Thank you.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you like them!

[@littlequeenie1963]

Thanks so much for all of your insight. We will be traveling to AK in September. So glad to have found your channel.

[@rpzieg]

Thank you so much!! We went on an Alaskan cruise this past June (2023) and did some of the excursions the cruise line advertised. We had fun BUT while we saw Endicott Arms, we did not go to Glacier Bay. I have booked another cruise for June 2024 that goes to Glacier Bay and will need some less costly excursions. Again, thank you for this video. I have printed the maps, written down your suggestions, and am going to enjoy another trip to Alaska!!

[@jenniferj5976]

I’m really enjoying your PDF. Thank you so much for providing it. Can’t wait for my trip in a few weeks.

[@reginaobrien8983]

An incredibly helpful video! Thanks for all the information.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching, great to hear!

[@Robert-ur7zk]

Thanks Gary for another excellent video and suggestions. Just one thought: we hiked up Mt Roberts in Juneau early last June and there were large patches of ice/compacted snow towards the top of the trail (the lady at tourist information in the town did warn us that there was ice on the trail, so it's worth checking, particularly early in the season, that it's easily passable before setting off). We are both experienced hikers, but my wife slipped on a patch of ice and dislocated her shoulder. We continued up to the tram station over more ice (it was shorter than the return trip), where the staff were brilliant and made sure we got on the next tram down (no charge!) and the ship's doctor sorted out Elizabeth's shoulder very quickly, although she spent the rest of the cruise with her arm in a sling. So it's worth bearing in mind that it might not be a straightforward hike. Also another good reason to have travel insurance! We went back to Alaska again this year, so weren't discouraged!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for that, really good watch out and point. But more importantly so sorry to hear about your wife's accident and good to hear it got sorted on the ship without having to head off to hospital etc..... Yikes !

[@fluffytail6355]

Do you recommend lightweight hiking shoes or blundstone boots for walking around? I’m not a hiker but also don’t want to slip and hurt myself (sorry to hear about your loved one’s injury).

[@ranellmueller2972]

Very helpful, Gary. We now live within driving distance of both Vancouver and Seattle and are going on our first Alaskan cruise late May/early June 2024. We plan on cruising to Alaska a lot from now on since we don't pay for airfare. Your videos are informative, thank you.

[@minnesotamiki]

One my the vest videos you’ve posted and appreciate the helpful guide as well! My very first cruise was Star Princess to Alaska back in 2003, and I’m looking forward to returning next year. This information is right on time!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nichtsistkostenlos6565]

Excellent video as always. Next May our family is doing a back to back 7 day cruises to Alaska. We're not nearly as budget constrained, but this just gives us a lot more great options to make the most of our port visits since we'll be visiting multiple ports twice.

[@AndreiStrukov]

Gary, your video is awesome - thank you!! And very special Thanks to you for the downloadable guide - very helpful to have at hand!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it all so helpful !

[@tomsunday]

Thanks for all of the tips Gary! I am planning to go on an Alaska cruise next year. It will be my first time in Alaska and I am very excited. I heard the excursions are expensive but worth the money. I took notes on all of your great budget options, thank you for sharing. My question is, do you think some of the more expensive options are worth the money? I need to binge watch all of your Alaska content to absord everything. Super excited. Thanks for the video!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes some are. There is another video I refer to at the end of this one that has not been released yet but is unlisted so will play clicking on the link. I talk about ones I think are worth it despite the $$$

[@tomsunday]

@Tips For Travellers thank you very much Gary. I'm watching it now!

[@CruisingWithDee]

Very helpful video! I always buy some excursions when I cruise, buy I don’t. like to buy them for every port. Alaska is definitely a little harder to plan for yourself. Ketchikan is especially great to explore on your own; love that port!

[@denizalgazi]

Fantastic, Gary! And a reminder that most of the workers you will meet at these small port villages are imported for the cruise season and not actual Alaskans. There's also McDonald's LOL! Thank you for sharing this comprehensive selection of Alaskan cruise port ideas and itineraries! 👍

[@davidfarmer7397]

Great information Gary. My wife and I went last September and did just walk around all the towns. We have been numerous times and just wanted to relax. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate this time. Skagway was the only decent weather of the entire trip. Still was a great trip. Also while in Skagway you can take the ferry to Haines to go to the Chilkat Eagle Preserve.

[@fluffytail6355]

How far is the eagle preserve and what is the cost for entrance as well as transportation to get there?

[@BUYBLUESHOPPER]

U rock!!! These excursion priced are nuts, I'm going to do these suggest.

[@cathyspicer6375]

Thank you so much for the download, and for all the links and tips!! We are taking our adult kids to Alaska for a family vacation in August and budget is tight as excursions for four people add up quickly!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Pleasure 👍🏻I hope you have a great trip

[@jenniferpandrews]

We visited 6 ports in SE Alaska, and did free activities in most of the ports. We especially liked the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center in Juneau near and the NPS Historical Walking Tour in Skagway. Love your suggestions!

[@riverrick15]

You have the most informative travel videos I'll be taking an Alaska cruise in August and I've written down your advice.

[@ronfletcher8969]

Thank you so much for the tips on sight seeing on our own .We have a Cruise in Sept on Holland America, and we will use a lot of tips.😊

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear this is helpful! Have a great trip !!!

[@squishyshelli]

Thank you for this video!! Not only do I not need to stress about booking expensive excursions as much as I was, I need to make sure to find a cruise that has a port in Sitka because the birds and bears will be a must for us! Incredible info, thank you so much!

[@gaillthompson]

Thank you soooo much. We are headed to Alaska next month and this is invaluable!

[@K9Equine23]

Geocaching is free and takes you to wonderful places!

[@dianawiggins3791]

Terrific video. I love all these ideas.

[@dahuffy]

We're taking our first trip May 10, 2024 on the Princess Discovery. We're celebrating our 45th anniversary early.

[@janetelli4946]

Wow that’s a excellent video we’ve never taken the tram so that was exciting to see from your eyes. Thank you.

[@dellnichols4625]

Hey Gary! Went on the White Pass railroad last week and, WOW! You are right to say don’t miss it! But also just walked around and did the visitor’s bureau including free video.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Fantastic! Great to hear!

[@Philippa-]

Great video. I am never likely to go to Alaska as only cruise from Southampton. Great advice and is amazing what a fabulous time could be had for such minimal spend.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching anyway!

[@ifredpr]

This is a great and much needed video. Thanks so much. I’m traveling to Alaska on the Grand Princess for 14 days. I’m not able to afford a balcony or excursions. Since we are twice in these cities, we will be able to visit these places you suggested. My regards to Marc.

[@ifredpr]

I’m thinking of staying in Cairo a couple of days and go to a local very good travel agency. Want to cruise to Abu Siimbel temples. I would like a 5 days cruise on the Nile as I want to spend time in the archeological sites. What do you recommend?

[@fluffytail6355]

No balcony is better than no cruise! One of my colleagues had an inside cabin (she travels solo) and is never in her room as she’s always on deck when she travels to Alaska. She said she never missed not having a balcony. As a solo traveller, I concur. However, I will be traveling this time with my husband - our first cruise together and first trip to Alaska - we splurged for a balcony so we can enjoy some alone time as well be celebrating my birthday and wedding anniversary. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on your ship as the Grand is the same one we booked!

[@heatherr296]

Perfect, thank you! We have some excursions booked, but nothing for most of the ports.

[@bdeluca03]

Gary - There's no thumbnail for the next video. BTW, would love to see Victoria picks besides Buchart Gardens as well.

[@neolithic3]

Thanks for this! What a great bunch of suggestions for people on a budget. Much appreciated ❤

[@totomlam8949]

I just downloaded your ebook. Thanks a lot for providing all the info!! I am planning to take the NCL Jewel this Sept. Also, I have been watching all your videos. They are so informative. 👍👍

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great. I hope it helps. And thanks for watching. It is much appreciated

[@Dingdong3696oyvey]

Take the public bus. I did this and talked to the locals both ways. One woman worked on the tramway and let me up for free. I think you miss a lot buy sequestering yourself on tourist busses.

[@MTOAdventures]

Would love a version of this for Norway😊

[@robertn5591]

Terrific & timely! We leave this Friday for a Princess Cruise Tour.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great! Have a brilliant time!

[@katherinepace7369]

Thanks so much, this was very helpful as we are planning our first trip to Alaska!

[@e-scott8326]

Absolutely brilliant video. Thank you so much.

[@CelestialLites]

Juneau, if at the base you can't see the top tram station due to cloud/fog, you won't have great view from top!🤣 Near the Mendenhall glacier parking lot there is a small path where we saw a bear. Worth asking a ranger if there are any sightings.

[@TEWAdventures]

Hi Gary, the download map is Sitka only. Where can we get the other maps you suggested? Aaand thanks for the valuable info you alwats share .

[@chrisf8489]

I only see Sitka as well. Hoping Gary will answer

[@tipsfortravellers]

Hi, yes sorry! The link will now have the full booklet! www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes! Sorry all is fixed now and you should find the full booklet www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts

[@tofo6916]

@@tipsfortravellers Hi there-I keep getting that the item was deleted. Thank you for all if your fantastic tips!

[@tipsfortravellers]

It’s weird as seems to do that on Safari but not other browsers. I added the direct Dropbox link now to the description: www.tipsfortravellers.com/AlaskaPorts or www.dropbox.com/s/pqesif229a5ycdw/Alaska%20on%20Budget%20PDF%20May-23.pdf?dl=0

[@ifredpr]

I’m thinking of a Mediterranean cruise for summer 2025. Leaving from Barcelona, visiting south France, Italy, Greece and Istanbul. It seems that Princess has a very good itinerary.

[@traceymollet5063]

Thank you Gary. As always your VLOG is packed with great information. We’re super excited to do our first Alaska cruise next year. (We’ve only been on 1 other cruise) I love your videos. I’ve learned so much! Thank you so much. 🙏🏻😁

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching, and great to hear! I hope you love Alaska! I love t and have booked to go again next year too!

[@donb.puryearjr.8699]

Wow, i could imagine you as a specialized personal travel guide....

[@louisedasilva6046]

Those were wonderful suggestions!! Thank you 😊

[@HenriettaFoster]

This is an excellent resource! We are planning aa Alaska trip and are very interested in historical and cultural things to see.

[@robertsurface6030]

Awesome download and information, thank you so much!

[@ivancox5056]

Hey great video, I'm actually a tour guide at Totem Bight in Ketchikan and I noticed that all your information was correct but all the pictures and videos you shared were actually of saxman native village.

[@temmietaft2552]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@jeanettestolle6706]

Great Video 😊

[@kiwiskiwi]

Thank you so much for this! This will be my second time doing an Alaskan cruise, I saw the mark ups the cruise ships do on some excursions and absolutely will be taking the city bus and hiking and enjoying nature at lower cost- as well as buying local food of course!

[@chriswilliams6568]

Be very careful then to be back on the ship in time. As it will sail on time. Take care.

[@paulinemenorozoa3808]

We also didn’t have rain on our trip - our first cruise and first visit to Alaska!

[@markvidmar907]

Gary, my wife and I want to take an Alaska Cruise and we have not cruised before. Two very simple questions from complete novices. 1) Does deck height make a difference when getting a balcony? Is it worth paying more to be on deck 12 rather than Deck 4? 2) If we are taking a cruise from Vancouver to Seward does being on the port or starboard side on an Inside Passage cruise make a great deal of difference? Thank you so much for all of your cruise videos, they are extremely helpful to us. - MV

[@MadeNCda]

Thank you! This was very helpful, Gary. I'm going on an inside passage cruise May of 2024 and appreciate your thoughtful suggestions.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching !

[@Barberik]

Ketchikan: do note that there is a new cruise ship terminal North of downtown at Ward's Cove. This has helped with more docking space, but if your cruise ties up at Ward's Cove you will not be right downtown when you get off the ship!

[@conniebruinsma5681]

I usually don't take cruise excursions unless the stop is in a country that is difficult to navigate for different reasons. I am splurging on a helicopter flight to the glacier out of Skagway but it is pretty pricey. Two weeks to go!!

[@conniebruinsma5681]

I cancelled my flight after reading more of your tips describing all of the other options beside the cruise line choices. Thank you for your expertise:)

[@nadineriley2709]

Extremely helpful information!

[@angelas9467]

This is perfect.We are making our 2nd trip to Alaska next year and are looking for budget type things.What I'm unclear about is how you get from the eagle place to the bear place.

[@fluffytail6355]

I want to see eagles and bears!

[@andrescaliskam]

Thank you so much for the book

[@loeschzone6876]

Love these last few videos on Alaska. We are just starting to look into booking ours for next summer and it’s so expensive and overwhelming. I just want to get it right. No pressure for me….😮😊

[@martyptx]

Absolutely love this video-!great ideas!😎

[@lynnfranklin5098]

In Juneau just pass the governor house is an historic Greek Orthodox Church that much of the interior was carried across the Bering Strait escaping Russian oppression. Donations were accepted.