Luxury Lorrie Curated by Cruise Planners

Are you planning the adventure of a lifetime to the Last Frontier but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tour options? Do you want to ensure every minute of your time on land is as spectacular as your time on the ship? We know that choosing the right excursions can make or break your vacation, and that’s why we’ve curated this list of the absolute best, top-rated Alaska cruise excursions!

Alaska isn’t just a destination; it’s a sensory experience. From the thunderous crack of a calving glacier to the misty breath of a humpback whale, the real magic happens when you step off the ship. Whether you are sailing with a luxury line like Regent Seven Seas Cruises® or exploring the rugged coastline with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), these excursions are the ones our clients rave about year after year.

1. Helicopter Glacier Trekking & Dog Sledding (Juneau)

If you only choose one “big” excursion, let this be it! There is nothing quite like the thrill of soaring over the massive Juneau Icefield in a helicopter. You’ll look down at deep blue crevasses and jagged ice peaks that look like another planet.

But the real magic happens when you land. Many of these tours take you to a high-altitude dog sledding camp on a glacier. You’ll meet professional mushers and their incredible canine athletes, then hop on a sled for a fast-paced run across the snow, even in the middle of summer!

• Why it’s a must-do: It combines three iconic Alaska experiences: flightseeing, glacier landings, and dog sledding.
• Pro Tip: These tours are the most likely to sell out or be canceled due to weather, so book them early and have a backup plan in mind.

2. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (Skagway)

Are you a fan of history mixed with jaw-dropping scenery? Known as the “Railway Built of Gold,” this narrow-gauge railroad climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles. You’ll sit in vintage railcars and follow the original path that gold seekers took during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

As you wind along steep cliffs and cross towering trestles, you’ll see waterfalls, tunnels, and historic sites. It’s a relaxing and breathtaking way to see the interior of the Alaskan wilderness without a strenuous hike.

• Tangible Benefit: You get a comfortable, narrated journey that is perfect for all ages and mobility levels!
• The Luxury Touch: Consider booking a private car or a tour that combines the train with a luxury motorcoach return to see the “Tormented Valley” from a different perspective.

3. Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau)

Juneau is arguably the best place in the world for guaranteed whale sightings. Most tours use custom-built vessels with large windows and outdoor viewing decks. You’re likely to see humpback whales “bubble-net feeding”, a fascinating group hunting behavior, and maybe even some playful orcas.

Many travelers choose to pair their whale watching with a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier. You can walk the photo-friendly trails, visit the Nugget Falls, or explore the visitor center to see how much the ice has receded over the decades.

• Our Advice: Look for small-group whale watching tours to avoid the crowds and get a more intimate experience with the naturalists on board.
• Plan Ahead: Start your planning today by filling out our Travel Planning Questionnaire so we can match you with the best local operators.

4. Taku Lodge Feast & Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery (Juneau)

Do you love fine dining and remote wilderness? This is a “Luxury Lorrie” favorite! You’ll board a classic de Havilland seaplane for a flight over five different glaciers before landing on the water in front of the historic Taku Lodge.

The lodge is located directly across from the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier. While you enjoy a fresh-caught wild Alaskan salmon bake, you can watch for black bears that frequently visit the lodge grounds (don’t worry, the staff keeps everyone safe!). After dinner, take a guided nature walk through the old-growth forest.

• Benefit: This is one of the few excursions that offers a truly remote, “off-the-beaten-path” feel with total comfort!
• Book Early: This is a small-capacity tour and is highly coveted by guests on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises®.

5. Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour (Ketchikan)

Ever watched “Deadliest Catch” and wondered what it’s really like? In Ketchikan, you can board the Aleutian Ballad, a storied crab boat, and head out into the calm waters of the Inside Passage.

The crew shares harrowing stories of life at sea while hauling up massive crab pots filled with King Crab, Box Crab, and various sea creatures. You stay dry and comfortable in heated, sheltered seating while the action happens right in front of you on the deck.

• Experience: It’s an educational and high-energy look at Alaska’s most famous industry.
• Fun Fact: You’ll often see dozens of bald eagles circling the boat, hoping for a snack!

6. Wilderness Sea Kayaking (Sitka or Ketchikan)

For those who want to get closer to the water, literally, kayaking is the way to go. Paddling through the serene, kelp-fringed islands of Sitka Sound or the Tongass National Forest allows you to see the ecosystem from a different vantage point.

You’ll glide over colorful sea stars, watch harbor seals pop their heads up to say hello, and listen to the quiet sounds of the rainforest. It’s a peaceful, eco-friendly adventure that recharges the soul.

• Why we love it: It’s one of the best ways to experience the “quiet” of Alaska away from the bustling cruise ports.
• Perfect For: Active travelers sailing on expedition-style ships like Lindblad Expeditions.

7. Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise (Seward)

If your cruise begins or ends in Seward, you absolutely cannot miss a full-day cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. While your big cruise ship is amazing, these smaller catamarans can get much closer to the tidewater glaciers and the rocky outcroppings where Steller sea lions and puffins congregate.

• What you’ll see: Massive glaciers “calving” (breaking off) into the sea with a sound like a cannon shot!
• Value: Most of these tours include a delicious lunch and expert narration from a National Park Ranger.

8. Anan Creek Bear Observatory (Wrangell/Ketchikan)

Are bears at the top of your list? The Anan Creek Bear Observatory is a world-class site where both brown and black bears coexist to feast on the massive salmon run. Because access is strictly limited by the Forest Service, this is an exclusive, high-demand excursion.

You’ll take a boat or seaplane to the site, followed by a hike through the forest to a covered viewing platform overlooking a cascading waterfall. Watching a mother bear teach her cubs to fish is a memory you will cherish forever!

How to Choose the Right Excursion for You

With so many incredible options, how do you decide? Here are a few things we always tell our clients:

• Consider your activity level: Don’t book a strenuous hike if you’d prefer a scenic train ride.
• Check the weather: Alaska weather is unpredictable. Layers are your best friend!
• Think about your ship’s schedule: We help you coordinate the timing so you never have to worry about “missing the boat.”
• Ask about private options: If you are traveling with a group, we can often arrange private vans or boats for a more personalized experience.

Ready to Book Your Alaska Adventure?

Alaska is a destination that requires careful planning to get the most out of every port. Whether you are looking for the refined elegance of Oceania Cruises or the all-inclusive luxury of a World Cruise segment, we are here to handle every detail.

We don’t just book cruises; we curate experiences. From securing those hard-to-get helicopter slots to recommending the best local spots for a reindeer sausage, we’ve got you covered!

Contact us today to start planning!

• Call us: 210-370-7721
• Email us: lorrie.ortega@cruiseplanners.com
• Visit our website: www.gobooktrips.com

Don’t wait until you’re on the ship to realize the best tours are sold out. Let’s get your Alaska excursions on the books today so you can relax and look forward to the journey! 🚢🏔️🐻