Why Excursions Matter on an Alaska Cruise
We love helping our clients plan what they are actually going to do in Alaska. Picking the right ship and itinerary is important. However, the excursions are where the memories are made.
Alaska isn’t just a place to look at; it’s a place to explore. Whether it’s glaciers, wildlife, native culture, or epic landscapes, your excursions are how you experience America’s Last Frontier firsthand.
But with so many options for Alaska cruise excursions, how do you choose the best way to book them – through the cruise line, or on your own?
Alaska Cruise Excursions: Book Through the Ship
Pros:
- Guaranteed return to the ship – If a cruise-sponsored tour runs late, the ship will wait for you.
- Simplified logistics – You book everything through one source.
- Trusted vendors – Cruise lines typically vet their tour operators.
- Priority disembarkation – Helpful especially in tender ports (they make sure you get to where you need to be on time – both off and back on the ship).
- Shore Excursion Staff – Most ships have an onboard desk with knowledgeable staff to assist with questions and issues (or to help book last minute excursions).
Cons:
- Usually more expensive – You pay a premium for convenience.
- Larger groups – Often involve bus tours with less flexibility.
- Limited variety – Not all tours or experiences are available.
- Less customization – You’re on their schedule, not yours.
Alaska Cruise Excursions: Book Independently
Pros:
- Lower cost – Local operators often offer better rates.
- Smaller groups / Private tours – More personalized experiences.
- Wider variety – Unique or niche excursions not offered by the cruise.
- Flexibility – You control the schedule.
Cons:
- Risk of missing the ship – The ship won’t wait if you’re late.
- More research required – You need to vet operators (but we help our clients with this!).
- Transportation concerns – Some excursions may not pick up directly at the port.
- No onboard support – If there’s a problem, the cruise staff won’t assist (but we will!)
How to Choose What’s Best for You
This decision often comes down to travel style:
- Families & multigenerational groups: Cruise line options can simplify logistics.
- Mobility concerns: Cruise excursions often accommodate accessibility needs a bit more conveniently than trying to find private vendors who offer accessible tours; keep in mind that these slots are limited and fill up fast! The earlier you can book, the better.
- First-time cruisers: Booking through the cruise can ease anxiety.
- Experienced cruisers: Independent excursions offer more adventure and customization.
For many travelers, the best solution is a mix: some excursions through the cruise line, and some independently.
Our Take: When We Recommend Booking Independently
We usually recommend booking independently, when it makes sense. Not only can you find more exclusive, private experiences, but you often save money too.
We’ve curated our favorite small-group and private excursions for every Alaska port. Many of them we’ve personally done, or they come with glowing reviews from past clients. We give our clients our list of those excursions when they book with us. We know what’s worth it.
Pro Tips for Booking the Best Alaska Cruise Excursions
- Book early — Popular tours like the White Pass Railroad sell out fast.
- Check refund policies — Know your options if plans change.
- Watch port times — Build buffer time before and after independent excursions. Alaska port schedules can have non-standard times. For example, you can be in Juneau from 1:30 PM until 8:00 PM.
- Pay attention to tender ports — We do, generally, recommend booking with the ship when using tenders to ensure timely transfers.
- Understand port logistics — Some ports require shuttles or transfers (like Sitka). Know where your tour departs from.
Our Favorite Excursion in Each Major Alaska Port
Just one? That’s tough! But if we had to choose a single best experience in each top Alaska cruise port, here’s what we’d pick:
- Juneau – Mendenhall Glacier & Mount Roberts Tramway (do the tram only on clear days!)
- Skagway – White Pass and Yukon Territory Tour via Small Group Van or Private Tour
- Ketchikan – Zodiac Wildlife Tour (adventurous and suitable for most)
- Icy Strait Point – Whale Watching (our favorite in all of Alaska! Owned and operated by a fantastic local family, small group tours, and always 5/5 stars)
- Sitka – Sitka National Historical Park (easy hike, cultural insights, and stunning totems)
Need Help Choosing the Right Excursions?
We’ve planned tons of Alaska cruises. Whether you want to explore on your own or play it safe with the ship, we’ll help you make the right call.
Let’s chat.
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Written by: DeWayne Tudor
Photo credit: DeWayne Tudor