Alaska question

[Nic in KC]

Hi all,

My amazing pastor has recently been diagnosed with kidney cancer. It is not curable and they are just managing symptoms. He is a young guys with 3 teenagers. He and his wife are taking a cruise to Alaska. His dream is to see polar bears but I don't think that's possible on this trip.

So, I'm trying to get ideas of anyone that has done an amazing shore excursion from an alaskan cruise. They are stopping in Skagway, ketchikan and Victoria B.C.

If you have any input, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks,
Nicolle

[lprof]

I am so sorry to hear of another good one fighting the hard battle.

The Alaska trip is still in my bucket, but I found several previous threads that may give insight to others experiences.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... e1cb77e85e

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... c5f9131df9

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... a48bd9de3a

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... p?p=224048

Those go back to the old forum site so they cannot be continued at this time, but the links work and they are readable. I hope you can find some great suggestions for your friends.

[mbw1024]

Nicolle, they won't be in Juneau at all? I would say a helicopter tour there for sure. It was a fantastic experience.

[Steph]

There are other places glacier landings leave from. Denali is one, and I think Anchorage. Juneau was the least expensive. We used the Toursaver book for b1g1. The coupon was for Denali but was accepted for Juneau. Google Toursaver Alaska, this coupon book can be a huge savings. Cost last year was $99 if I remember correctly. I bought mine used on EBay, the coupons I wanted had not been used. Coupons can be viewed online. Our prayers are with your pastor.
This was by far our favorite excursion.

[lprof]

We spent about a week in Victoria a few years ago; it was in November (cold). Some of the things I remember liking are described in this website.
http://www.explorevancouverisland.com/V ... Canada.htm

Thunder Bird Totem Park
The BC Parliament Building grounds... I am not sure if you can tour inside now.
(beautifully lighted at night!)
Walking along the inner harbor near the Empress Hotel (where we stayed)
Royal BC Museum
Tea at the Empress
Nanaino Bars
Rogers' Chocolates

We went to Butchart Gardens one day and that might be offered by the cruise. It was lovely.

[Coden]

Captain Larry out of Juneau does a wonderful Whale watching tour.

First, take the local bus to Mendenhall Glacier and walk around. Then go back to town and meet up with Capt. Larry for a chance to see whales bubble net feeding. Awesome!

I am sorry for your pastors illness.

[EagleRayLover]

We did that cruise for our 15 year anniversary and planned some wonderful excursions separate off the ship. The whale watching was absolutely spectacular!!!
We were supposed to take a helicopter to the dog sledding but the weather was too bad to go that high up the glacier so instead we just went up the glacier and again spectacular!!!
We kayaked and were surrounded by bald eagles above and had otters in the waters ( no whales although we had hoped) , but then we were picked up by a sea plane that took us thru the Fjord! Again Nature at it"s best
Now this is from someone who HATES the cold and really planned this trip just for hubby, but I would do it again for sure!!! Hope this helps!!