Cruise excursions / itinerary - reality check / suggestions

Question

We (2 parents + 18 and 21 year old kids) will be on a northbound cruise in mid-May. We are active and enjoy hiking, outdoors time, and local history. We have three port days in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. This is not NEARLY enough time in Alaska, but it's the best we can do right now.

I'd love thoughts on what we're thinking for excursions to get the most "Alaska" experience with our very limited time.

Ketchikan - In port 6:30 am - 3:00 pm. I'm leaning toward booking directly with Baranof for the fishing / cook your catch trip. The two kids enjoy fishing, and this seems like a good idea for a smaller group tour.

Juneau - In port 10:00 am - 9: 00 pm. Considering renting a car here so we can do some of the following: Mendenhall Glacier, Nugget Falls, Shrine of St Terese, Echo Cove, Eagle Beach, Douglas Island, Treadwell Trail, Savikko Park.

Skagway - We are in port from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm. Again, thinking of renting a car to visit some of these: Dyea and some of Chilkoot Trail, Upper or Lower Dewey Lakes, Upper or Lower Reid Falls, Drive to Emerald Lake and/or Whitehorse, visit Tutshi Sleddogs.

I mostly like this idea, but we miss out on some things that we wouldn't be able to do on our own - wildlife cruise, kayaking, whale watching, etc. Should we trade one of our DIY rental car days for a tour that allows some of these activities? Help!

Answer

With only three port days, maximizing your Alaska experience requires balancing unique local activities with the logistical constraints of cruise timing. Your plan to mix DIY excursions with guided activities is a solid approach, especially since you have active teenagers who enjoy outdoors adventures.

For Ketchikan, your idea to book directly with Baranof for a "fish and cook your catch" excursion is excellent. It gives a hands-on, local experience in a small-group setting and is perfect for your kids’ interests. This option also allows you to avoid the larger, crowded cruise line tours while still enjoying a quintessential Alaska activity.

Book Baranof Fishing directly for smaller group, hands-on experience.
Consider a short scenic walk around Creek Street or Totem Bight State Park if time permits after fishing.
Pack snacks and plan transport back to the ship carefully to avoid missing departure.

In Juneau, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore multiple sites at your own pace. The Mendenhall Glacier area is a highlight, and visiting Nugget Falls, Echo Cove, and other nearby natural attractions can be efficiently done with your own vehicle. However, if you want to add a wildlife or whale-watching experience, you may need to swap one DIY day for a guided cruise, as seeing whales or sea lions independently is more challenging.

Consider combining Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls into a morning drive.
Book a shorter whale-watching or wildlife cruise for early afternoon; many depart from downtown Juneau and last 3-4 hours.
Use the flexibility of a rental car to visit lesser-known areas like Treadwell Trail or Douglas Island in late afternoon.

For Skagway, your plan to rent a car and explore Dyea, the Chilkoot Trail, and nearby lakes is feasible given your long port hours. Keep in mind that driving to Whitehorse is not realistic in a day due to distance. If you want to include sled dogs or historic tours, it’s often worth booking one organized excursion, such as Tutshi Sled Dogs, because they provide context and access that’s hard to achieve independently. Consider prioritizing activities that are unique to Skagway and cannot be replicated on your own, like the historic White Pass Railway experience or guided dog sled interactions.

Focus on short hikes near Dyea, Chilkoot Trail, or Reid Falls.
Book a Tutshi Sled Dogs excursion to experience Alaskan sled dog culture.
Skip the Whitehorse drive for this day; save for a future land trip if possible.

In summary, a hybrid approach seems optimal: stick with your DIY car excursions where flexibility and local exploration are key, but consider trading one day in Juneau or Skagway for a guided wildlife or water-based activity. This ensures you hit both land-based hikes and iconic Alaskan wildlife experiences within your limited time.

Ketchikan: Baranof fishing + light sightseeing.
Juneau: DIY glacier and trail day + optional afternoon whale/wildlife tour.
Skagway: Short DIY hikes + guided dog sled or historic tour; avoid long drives.

Finally, plan your time carefully to avoid being rushed back to the ship, especially in Juneau and Skagway where distances and ferry timing can affect your schedule.

Cruise excursions / itinerary - reality check / suggestions

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