Alaska cruise port excursions help.

Question

We (2 adults, one 10 yr old and one 7 yr old) will be cruising to Alaska in next 2 weeks and need help booking excursions for the port days.

Our ports and duration are these

Juneau, Alaska

From 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Skagway, Alaska

From 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Are there any excursions that we should definitely not skip or are there any that we could take a pass on?

Answer

For a family cruising to Alaska with two young children, planning your port excursions carefully can maximize your experience while keeping things manageable for the kids. Here’s a detailed guide for your Juneau and Skagway stops.

Juneau (1:00 PM – 10:00 PM):

With a shorter window in Juneau, it’s important to choose an activity that fits your timeframe while offering unique Alaskan experiences. Since your kids are 7 and 10, consider options that are engaging but not overly strenuous.

Mendenhall Glacier Visit: This is a must-see in Juneau. You can do a short walk to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and take easy trails to see the glacier up close. Some tours include a short hike or tram ride to viewpoints suitable for kids.
Whale Watching Cruise: If the weather is good, a 3–4 hour whale-watching tour can be unforgettable. Seeing humpbacks or orcas is thrilling for kids and adults alike. Afternoon timing works well for your schedule.
Mount Roberts Tramway: Offers a scenic tram ride up to panoramic views of Juneau and nearby mountains. There are short trails and observation decks at the top, ideal for families with kids.
Helicopter Glacier Tour: Optional if budget allows; shorter tours often include a landing on a glacier. Great for a “wow” factor, but may be overkill with limited time.

Activities you could skip in Juneau if pressed for time:

Long hiking trails – too time-consuming for a port day.
Shopping-only excursions – can be done back in town if desired.

Skagway (7:00 AM – 8:00 PM):

Skagway has a longer port window, giving you more flexibility. The town itself is charming, but the excursions really showcase Alaska’s history and scenery.

White Pass & Yukon Railroad: This scenic train ride through the mountains and historic gold rush territory is a highlight. It’s family-friendly and comfortable for kids, with breathtaking views and educational commentary.
Dog Sled / Glacier Experience: Some tours offer a summer glacier visit with sled dogs – a unique Alaska experience for kids to see sled dogs and glaciers without needing snow.
Hiking / Nature Tours: Easy trails near Skagway can provide a quick introduction to the area’s natural beauty. Consider short guided hikes if your family enjoys walking.
Historical Walking Tour: Learn about Skagway’s gold rush era. This can be fun and interactive, especially if your kids like stories and history.

Excursions you could skip in Skagway:

Very long, strenuous hikes – with limited energy for kids, it may not be worth the effort.
Deep-sea fishing excursions – fun if interested, but time and age may not be ideal.

Additional Tips:

Book excursions as soon as possible since your cruise is just two weeks away; popular tours fill up fast.
Consider booking shore excursions directly through the cruise line for convenience and guaranteed return to ship on time, especially important with children.
Bring layers, rain jackets, and comfortable walking shoes – Alaskan weather is unpredictable even in summer.

Overall, prioritize glacier views, wildlife experiences, and the historic charm of Skagway. These will give both adults and kids memorable highlights without feeling rushed or overly strenuous.

Alaska cruise port excursions help.

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