Alaskan Cruise

I did the one in Ketchikan, I believe that was the stop, where we took motorized canoes out to this glacier and walked around. In Juneau we took a helicopter out to the glacier and did a full hike and scaled this small ice wall. That one was amazing.

In Skagway we took the long, all day train ride /bus tour to the Yukon Territory. The train was the White Pass Railroad. The scenery was spectacular. In Juneau we went on a whale watching expedition that circled Shelter Island. The scenery was beautiful and we saw plenty whales. Other things in Juneau (I have been there twice): Mendenhall Glacier, State Capitol, Russian Orthodox Church, and some old historic bars around town. I have been to Ketkhican twice and both times we just strolled around town. Quaint little place but there is not a lot to do there.

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In Juneau do Above and Beyond Alaska- Glacier canoe paddle and trek, awesome ice caves and Walk on glacier, moderate work with paddling and hiking.

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Highly recommend.

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Are only cruise ships and the Gustavis National parks tour boats allowed in Glacier bay? I can't figure out why there aren't more day tours out of some of the relatively close ports. When we come back to Alaska I think we are going to spend a few days at the different ports and fly from place to place. A little frustrating when you would like to have more than 6-8 hours at a place you would like to do more than 1 excursion.

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The park only allows so many large ships a day. Private boats can get in there with little trouble. Its expensive as hell to take the day boat to GB though.

The State ferry runs between Juneau and Gustavus twice weekly, and Alaska Airlines actually flies there once a week. You can get packages from JNU to Glacier bay and back.

If you want to do a day boat trip and don't want to pay almost $300 per person, just do the Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm day tour from Juneau. I like both better than Glacier Bay for a variety of reasons.

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In Skagway we took the long, all day train ride /bus tour to the Yukon Territory. The train was the White Pass Railroad. The scenery was spectacular

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Whatever you do, don't take the train only.

the train goes a few miles inland and comes back, it's a total of 2 or 3 hours.

there's a van/bus tour that goes much deeper into Canada, and the trip is about 8 hours. I took the train only, while my wife went on the van tour (i didnt want to spend 8 hours on a van). I loved my train-ride, the scenery was great. But my wife showed me the pictures she took on her tour, and i instantly regretted not going.