7 nights Alaskan cruise in August 22nd - excursion ideas

Question

We are cruising with Celebrity ( family of 4 with 24 yrs old son and 21 yrs old daughter) this late August. We will be visiting these ports: Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait and Ketchikan. We are into natures and wildlife. Would like some advise on excursions on each port and where we should book them ( I heard we can save money by getting similar activities from external website other than the ship itself ) . We are on a budget travel but would like to maximum the fun of the trip! Thank you all in advance.

Answer

A 7-night Alaskan cruise in late August offers amazing wildlife, scenery, and adventure opportunities. Since your family enjoys nature and wildlife, you’ll want to focus on excursions that maximize these experiences while being budget-conscious. Booking outside the ship can save money, but it’s important to ensure reputable operators with good reviews. Below is a port-by-port guide with recommended excursions and tips.

Hubbard Glacier

At Hubbard Glacier, the cruise usually sails alongside the glacier for the day, so no formal port stop is required. Most of the experience is on the ship itself, so make sure to:

Grab a good viewing spot on deck early for photos as the ship approaches.
Bring binoculars to watch for calving ice and possible wildlife (seals, sea birds, occasionally whales).
Dress in layers, as it can be chilly and windy near the glacier.

Juneau

Juneau is famous for Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching, and lush forests. Recommended excursions:

Whale watching tour: Offers a chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions. Independent operators often offer slightly cheaper rates than ship excursions.
Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls hike: Easy to moderate trail with incredible views. Shuttle tours can be cheaper than ship excursions, and you can do a self-guided visit.
Wildlife & rainforest adventure: Optional kayak or small boat tours to see eagles, seals, and salmon streams. Check TripAdvisor or local operators for deals.

Skagway

Skagway is known for the historic Gold Rush and scenic train rides. Options for nature and adventure:

White Pass & Yukon Route train: Stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife. Booking tickets independently is usually less expensive than through the cruise line.
Hiking or biking excursions: Some operators offer guided hikes in the mountains or self-guided bike rentals along trails. Moderate hikes in the area can be done on your own if you plan carefully.
Gold Rush history plus wildlife combo tours: Smaller companies often offer these at reasonable rates.

Icy Strait Point

This port is excellent for nature and wildlife excursions, especially for a more remote Alaskan experience.

Bear viewing: Helicopter or boat trips to see brown bears catching salmon. Expensive but amazing; independent companies sometimes offer smaller tours at lower cost.
Ziplining: The world’s largest zipline is here, a thrilling option if your family likes adventure.
Kayaking or whale watching: Local outfitters provide guided tours in the bay for a more intimate wildlife experience, often cheaper than the ship’s excursions.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known for its salmon fishing, wildlife, and rich native culture.

Wildlife kayaking or floatplane tours: Explore nearby islands, spot eagles, seals, and bears. Independent operators often offer packages for similar experiences at lower prices.
Totem Bight State Park: Easy hike to see historic totem poles and nature trails; no cruise booking required.
Salmon fishing trips: Half-day charters can be booked independently at reasonable rates if your family wants to try fishing.

Tips for booking excursions

Check TripAdvisor, Viator, or local Alaskan tour websites for independently operated excursions.
Book early for popular tours like whale watching or bear viewing, especially in late August, as these fill quickly.
Read recent reviews carefully to ensure safety and reliability.
Consider transportation logistics—some tours include pickup at the cruise port, which is convenient.
Plan a mix of free/self-guided activities (short hikes, viewing glaciers from decks) and one or two guided excursions for a balance of cost and experience.

With careful planning, your family can enjoy the stunning Alaskan wilderness, see abundant wildlife, and have thrilling adventures while keeping costs reasonable by booking some excursions independently. Prioritize the must-see experiences per port and mix in self-guided options for flexibility and savings.

7 nights Alaskan cruise in August 22nd - excursion ideas

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