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How to book shore excursions on celebrity cruises?

Looking to book a shore excursion on Celebrity Cruise? Find out how to book it and what are the things to consider.

Book Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises have designed a multi-faceted shore excursion. These shore excursions have been specially built on accessibility, multi-day basis to extended overnight stays. An excursion that is all-inclusive and exclusive too, created to suit the needs of everyone on board. You can enjoy all-alone private tours with your special tourist guide, or engage in similar interest group excursions.

Keep scrolling to know how to book the best-suited shore excursion for you on the Celebrity Cruises.

Booking a Celebrity Cruise

Here are some things that can help you book the best cruise tour on a Celebrity Cruise ship:

  • Celebrity Cruises offers three different types of shore excursions. To book a shore excursion , you can visit the official site of Celebrity Cruises. You will find the price lists and different itineraries of shore excursions on Celebrity Cruises.
  • The ship offers you a private excursion, which is a tour you can create on your own, and tailor to best suit your interests. Besides, there is an array of exclusive amenities for you to enjoy. Moreover, you will have the provision of a personal driver to drive you to the most happening places in the port destinations. 
  • Thereafter, the small group discoveries excursion is designed for a few individuals. These are unique in facilitating tours for people enjoying a similar interest. And, last but not the least, the destination highlights excursion promises by leading you to see iconic and must-visit landmarks of the destination .

Also Check:  What are the 4 perks on Celebrity Cruises?

What things to consider while booking shore excursions on Celebrity Cruise?

Follow the headers provided below, to avoid any hiccups in your cruise trip and to ensure a lifetime of an experience:

Check for the captain’s recommendation

  • Celebrity Cruises have opened up new and unique Captain-curated shore excursions.
  • The Captain-curated tours are a special shore excursion tour to cooking lessons in Olympia, a foot-food walking tour in Mykonos, pottery classes in Rhodes, the old town of Corfu, and more exciting ports. As a person of value who travels more and has more experience of the shores, excursions recommended by him are a must-to-follow.
  • Itineraries for captain-curated excursions are for smaller groups of people. These are highly custom-tailored tours made to offer you the best experience and the uniqueness of it all.
  • Book your tickets in advance It is recommended to book your excursion tickets before boarding the ship. Advance booking helps to keep your day organized. You can check out all the essentials that you may carry.

Know what interests you

  • Celebrity Cruise offers a plethora of mesmerising and unique shore excursions. These excursions are made of a diverse mix of different activities. These activities take into account — serving the interests of all passengers on board. 
  • A rainbow of activities are offered — from rejuvenating spas for your mind and body, sampling the finest culinary delights, experiencing local traditions and cultures, aquatic adventure sports, wildlife tours, panoramic views of forests and volcanoes, to sightseeing iconic sites of the destinations. 
  • Choose the perfect excursion that fits right for you, by discovering the different excursion trips offered by Celebrity Cruises. Knowing ahead of the kind of tours it offers and finding the ones that you consider worth visiting, will help make your trip a uniquely memorable one. 

Before venturing on any excursion tour, do take a close look at the reviews and testimonials of other visitors. This will help you carefully choose your option. Therefore, know what drives your interests and make the best choice of the multiple exciting shore excursion tours. Also,  check the itineraries of different tours. This will keep you aware and will let you know what’s coming your way at the destination ports.

For any other details, check the site of CruiseBooking.com .

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Seattle, Washington Shore Excursions

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Seattle Shore Excursions Offer a Chance to Discover the Emerald City’s Charms

Seattle shore excursions offer Alaska cruise passengers an opportunity to explore “the Emerald City” beyond its legendary Space Needle, and become captivated by its many charms. Seattle comes by its nickname naturally, as the city and its environs are perpetually green. It’s surrounded by parks, forests, and mountains, and is set picture-perfect between Puget Sound and Lake Washington.

The marine setting beckons visitors to enjoy activities on the water and throughout the lively waterfront and you can book shore excursions before or after your Alaska cruise from Seattle that offer everything from ferry rides across the Sound and sunset cruises aboard luxury yachts, to Aquarium visits to view marine mammal and Pacific coral reef exhibits. There are stretches of restaurants for every taste from picnic lunches to fine dining, with indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy the food and the view.

For an unparalleled view of the city that comes with the thrill you can only get from a ride on a Ferris wheel, the Seattle Big Wheel is not to be missed. The Wheel towers over the waterfront and is almost as famous as the Space Needle.

And without a doubt, Seattle shore excursions that include a trip to the Observation Deck of the Space Needle, with or without a meal or drink at the revolving restaurant, are a must. And, booking a combo tour that includes a visit to Chihuly Garden and Glass to revel in genius glassblower-artist Dale Chihuly’s fantastic and whimsical exhibits and lush gardens is your own kind of genius.

One of the most fascinating of Seattle cruise excursions combines a city tour with an opportunity to learn about the Northwest Coastal Native Tribe on a boating tour to Tillicum Village. The village, accessible only by boat, is located on Blake Island, where visitors are treated to a buffet feast of salmon roasted on cedar stakes; a native dance performance, film and storytelling follows.

Intrepid food explorers will love an opportunity to revel in the sights, smells, and sounds of the Pike Place Market, the oldest continuously operated public market in the U.S. Visitors flock to this extraordinary market as much for the incredible variety of its fresh-from-the-sea fish and seafood, as for the amazing sing-song banter and fish-throwing routines found at Flying Fish, one of the market’s oldest vendors. In addition to an amazing fruits and vegetables, breads and cheeses, you’ll find many ethnic food stands, and an array of artisan handicrafts.

Learn More About Celebrity Cruises® Shore Excursions

Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Erica Silverstein

The fun of a cruise is equal parts what you do on board and what you do on shore. Cruise lines offer a full schedule of shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in port. However, the process of choosing and booking tours can be overwhelming for new cruisers.

I've taken shore excursions around the world, both ship-run and independent, and spent many days in port wandering on my own. Allow me to take you through the basics of cruise shore excursions, so you can learn to have the most fun no matter what your budget is.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is a cruise shore excursion?

A shore excursion is a group tour or activity aimed at cruise travelers who can only spend a limited time in each port they're visiting on their itinerary.

A shore excursion could be a sightseeing bus tour, a guided visit to a museum or historic site, an athletic activity (like a hike, bike ride or snorkel outing), a day at the beach or a cooking or dance class. Shore excursions typically highlight the marquee attractions or culture of the destination you're visiting. Sometimes an excursion will take you to sites within walking distance of your cruise; on other occasions, they might take you on a day trip to a nearby city.

Some shore excursions are targeted at families or can easily accommodate children. Some can accommodate passengers with mobility issues or other disabilities . Others may require a minimum level of fitness and are not suitable for everyone.

Shore excursions may be sold by your cruise line and organized with a partner provider. They can also be purchased through independent operators or third-party tour sellers.

Do you have to buy shore excursions on a cruise?

celebrity cruises shore excursions

In most cases, you don't need to book a shore excursion to explore a port of call. You can simply walk off the ship and stroll into town or catch a cab to take you wherever you want to go.

However, in some destinations, a shore excursion, or independently operated guided tour, is highly encouraged. This could be in places where it's difficult to navigate as a foreigner who can't speak the language or understand street signs or where the tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed.

Can I book a shore excursion on my own instead of through my cruise line?

Yes. I use many factors to decide whether to take a ship's tour, book an independent excursion or explore on my own in port. However, if you're a novice traveler, you might want to book ship tours exclusively because they're the simplest, easiest and most convenient options.

The benefits to a cruise line's shore excursions are that they depart from and return to the ship; you don't need to figure out where to meet a guide in a port you've never visited. Better still, should an unexpected problem (traffic, a medical emergency) occur during your outing, the ship will not leave port until all of its own tours have returned.

Independent tours, on the other hand, can be cheaper than cruise ship tours. I once saved hundreds of dollars organizing a group to go on an overnight, independently operated excursion to see Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza from Port Said, Egypt; the ship's tours were incredibly marked up. Also, if you have a particular interest, the ship might not offer a tour for the activity or attraction you're excited about.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Some third-party operators will customize a tour for you or your group, so you can spend more time at the places you most want to see. Sometimes these tour groups are also smaller than the large cruise ship tours — which can carry 30 to 60 people in a bus — so you will spend less time waiting for everyone.

Finally, some ports are simply wonderful to walk around, popping into shops and local restaurants or bars, going where you will. I've skipped tours in places like Key West, Florida; Tallinn, Estonia; Monaco; Nassau, Bahamas; Skagway, Alaska; Geiranger, Norway; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. A map and a guidebook got me where I wanted to go.

How much are shore excursions on a cruise?

celebrity cruises shore excursions

Cruise shore excursion prices vary widely depending on the cost of living in the cruise destination, what type of activity is involved and whether it's a full- or half-day tour. Young children often pay a reduced rate for tours.

Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs $125, while a 2.25-hour tour to take a helicopter ride to the top of the glacier, where you can walk around on the ice for half an hour, costs $420.

Some cruise lines, such as Viking and Regent Seven Seas Cruises , include the cost of basic shore excursions in their cruise fares. If you don't care to do any specialty tours, you might be able to get all your port activities for free. Other lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line , offer discounted tours or shore excursion credit as booking promotions .

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

What's the best way to book shore excursions?

If you plan to book shore excursions through your cruise line, you have a couple of options of how to book them.

You can book your tours online in advance, or have your travel agent do it for you. This is the best route if there's a ship's tour you absolutely want to take and you don't want to risk its selling out. Book your tours the minute they open for reservations. When my parents traveled on a luxury Regent Seven Seas cruise, they said that waiting until the next morning to book tours meant that some of their choices were sold out.

The downside to booking tours in advance is that some cruise lines require that you pay for the tours in full, rather than putting them on your final cruise bill. It means you're out the money in advance and it can be difficult to use onboard credit to cover the cost of excursions booked online.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Alternatively, you can wait until you're on the ship and book your excursion in person at the shore excursions desk. You'll be able to ask the staff questions about the tours, and the charges will be added to your final cruise bill. However, you do run the risk that a popular tour might be sold out by the time you're ready to book.

The same is true with independent tours. Most people organize these ahead of time through a tour operator or travel agent. However, in popular cruise ports, there are often representatives waiting at the port or at a tourist office who can book you on same-day tours if space is available.

Is it cheaper to book shore excursions on the ship?

No. Most cruise lines either charge the same prices for shore excursions booked online and on board or offer a discount for tours purchased in advance. For example, Royal Caribbean often advertises up to 30% off select tours reserved ahead of the sailing.

Do I need to tip on shore excursions?

Whether you're on a cruise line sponsored or independent shore excursion, a best practice is to tip your tour guides at the end of the tour. Exceptions are if tips are included in the price or if you're visiting a country with a non-tipping culture, where offering cash would be awkward.

Related: Ultimate guide to tipping on cruise ships

Tipping is a personal matter, and there are no hard and fast rules. I canvassed TPG's cruise team and we agreed that we give roughly $5 to $10 per person for half-day tours and $10 to $20 per person for full-day excursions, adjusted for service and quality. Tip non-guide drivers roughly $2 per person in your party.

You'll likely want to tip more for customized, private tours — consider 5 to 20% of the cost of the tour.

How do I get the most from my cruise shore excursion?

celebrity cruises shore excursions

The key to getting the most from your cruise shore excursion is to know what you want and make sure the tour description matches your expectations. I find that the more I cruise, the less I take ship-sponsored shore excursions because they don't offer exactly what I want.

For example, if you're considering a bus tour, make sure you understand how much time will be spent sitting on the bus and how much time will be at the destination or attraction, whether you will be looking at or going inside key attractions and whether there's free time to explore. If it's an activity, like snorkeling or a helicopter tour, read up on how much time is spent in transit and prep and how much time you will spend actually doing the activity.

Be sure to note the fitness level required and don't try to take on more than you're able to do. If you struggle with mobility, check to see if there's a lot of walking on uneven ground like cobblestones.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

If the tour takes place over lunchtime, check to see if a meal is included or if you have time to pick up something to eat.

Personally, I find that organized tours are best when the excursion is an activity I can't do on my own (such as kayaking, zip lining or a winery tour); when long distances are involved where I don't want to bother with public transportation or renting a car on a one-day visit; or when the culture is foreign enough that independent exploration would be tricky. Sometimes you also need an expert guide, such as in Pompeii, to know what you're seeing.

Bottom line

Shore excursions are a great way to make the most of your time in port, but you might get the most value out of a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Choose the best option based on your budget and interests, and remember to look at both ship-sponsored and independent tour and activity options. And if you feel like staying on board one day while your ship is docked in a port that doesn't interest you, that's okay, too.

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celebrity cruises shore excursions

Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

O ne of the reasons why we board cruise ships is to experience the world, whether that's island hopping in the Caribbean, animal watching in Alaska or stepping into fairy-tale towns across Europe. But is it better to do your in-port exploration on a ship-sponsored tour booked through the cruise line or independently, either by booking shore excursions on your own with a third-party company or exploring the port without a tour?

There's no right or wrong approach. When I think back to my two favorite tours, one was ship-sponsored (a plant-based cooking class with a Rastafarian in Jamaica through Princess Cruises) and the other (a walking and history tour with a lifelong resident in Havana) was independently booked online. On both, I found what I was looking for — a glimpse into local culture.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Consider the pros and cons of both types of shore excursions as you're sifting through the choices on a cruise line's website. And remember: This isn't an all-or-nothing game. You might choose a ship-sponsored tour in select ports or when traveling with certain people but opt to venture out on your own on other trips or in other destinations.

Ship-sponsored tours: Pros

You'll be back to the ship on time.

Because everyone on the tour is a passenger on your ship, there is no way the ship will leave without your group back on board. Communications between the shore excursion guide and your ship are tight, and if the tour runs late due to traffic or another reason, the ship will wait for your bus to return.

If the ship's itinerary changes, you won't miss the tour

On one visit to Grand Cayman, high winds forced the ship's tender boats to shuttle passengers to a different pier than originally planned. Thankfully, my plans were fluid — take a taxi to Seven Mile Beach — but had I booked an independent tour, I might have missed the scheduled pickup time due to the new arrival location. Guests who booked a ship's tour were simply picked up at the new arrival point.

The same principle holds true for any itinerary changes that cause you to miss a port or arrive later than planned. Ship-sponsored tours either will adjust to accommodate you or issue you a refund. With independent tours, you're at the mercy of that tour operator's cancellation policies.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Changes to the tour can be made while sailing

A ship's cruise shore excursions desk is for booking — and canceling — tours. If the weather looks bad for the day of your bicycling tour or you've had enough beach time and decided you want something different, you can usually cancel your tour within 48 hours for a refund. (Be sure to check the cruise line's policies.)

It's trickier to change your mind when you have to call or email a third-party provider, and that company may have different cancellation policies.

Bottom line: It's easier to cancel tours on board.

You'll optimize a short stay in port

Ship-sponsored tours usually focus on more than one activity. There's often a restaurant or boutique stop, as well as one or two other highlights. If you're a person who likes to check off lots of boxes, this is ideal.

I recently booked an Alaska shore excursion ("Best of Ketchikan: Totems, Wildlife Cruise & Alaska Appetizers") for a visit to Ketchikan through Princess Cruises that satisfies my love for fresh seafood, sailing and local art — all in the span of a few hours.

Tours are vetted by the cruise lines

Sure, you could pop off the ship and flag down a person holding a sign advertising a tour, but how will you have time to check review sites to make sure they're legit? When booking through the ship, you know the tour has been vetted and, more importantly, endorsed.

I would have been hesitant to hop into a small van and trek up a muddy mountain to a stranger's house in Dominica to learn cooking skills if I hadn't booked through Celebrity Cruises . That excursion was an amazing glimpse into local culture that was made possible by a ship-sponsored tour.

Ship-sponsored tours: Cons

Ship-sponsored tours might offer less physical activity.

Although hiking and kayaking outings have been added to ship-sponsored shore tour rosters in recent years, these active excursions cater to the average cruiser and not athletes. What's strenuous to you and what's strenuous to the average Holland America traveler might be completely different. If you're a fitness buff or an experienced hiker, biker and/or kayaker, you might be disappointed.

When choosing tours, consult the activity level for terms like "moderate" or "strenuous," and also look for the number of miles walked, kayaked or biked. That said, I brought up the rear on a Scenic Cruises vineyard bicycling tour in Bordeaux, France, due to the ship's surprisingly active seniors. To go at your own pace, rather than the group's, you're better off on your own.

Related: Do cruise ships have gyms? Here's how to stay fit on a cruise

Groups tend to be large

Instead of a more personalized experience, passengers on some ship-sponsored tours are packed onto motorcoaches with little or no opportunity to engage the guide if they aren't sitting in the first few rows. If possible, look for a tour with a limited number of spots, especially if you'll be walking, so you can interact. A tour guide speaking through a microphone to a completely full catamaran or through a VoxBox headset isn't necessarily intimate.

There's a chance they'll sell out

There's a reason you're advised to pick tours early: They book up. Even if you log into your cruise line's website to book tours the second they open up (which could be at midnight), shipmates in more expensive suites or with higher loyalty program status might have snatched up all the spots on the hottest tours.

Independent options can also book up in advance, but you usually have more choices of operators and flexibility on when to book, so you can find something you like.

Cruise ship tours don't venture off the beaten path

A 5,000-passenger ship can hardly offer three tours with 15 people on each, especially when partnering with the island's most eccentric artist or chef. They have to offer tours en masse to attractions used to handling thousands of travelers each day.

When I dock in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, I hail a taxi to Grand Case on the French side and opt out of ship-sponsored tours. That means I'm not one of 50 people still in line for a pain au chocolat at a bakery while the motorcoach driver tells me I have "five more minutes."

Look to the smaller cruise lines for more options for small-group tours, and know that those excursions are likely to be expensive and sell out quickly.

You're likely to pay more for ship-sponsored tours

Speaking of price, ship-sponsored tours are often more expensive than the same tour offered directly through the operator. That's because the cruise line serves as the middleman and inflates the fees so it can take a cut before it pays the tour company.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

Independent tours: Pros

Independent tours take smaller groups.

When you sign on to an existing third-party tour, instead of filling up a motorcoach, you will probably be one of fewer than 20 people hopping in a van or spreading out on a bus. Book a private tour for your travel party, and it might be just you and your group.

This small setting allows you to ask a lot of questions and even customize the day's schedule with activities for antsy kids or photo stops at sights of interest. You can slow or quicken the pace and potentially choose what you see.

They're more physically active

A rock-climbing tour probably isn't going to partner with a large cruise ship. People who wish to scale boulders are a small niche of travelers. Even that hike or bike ride offered through the cruise line will be fairly easy. If exerting adrenaline is a must, go off on your own or find a local guide. You can tailor the day's activities to your fitness level and skill and go at your preferred pace.

Independent tours can go to less touristy places

Tour buses stick to the tourist hot spots to accommodate the general interests of first-time visitors. If you've already visited a cruise port before or prefer less-crowded or gimmicky options, you might need to ditch the ship-sponsored tour for a private guide or explore on your own.

Get recommendations from a co-worker, a friend or online travel forums ahead of time. Don't be shy about asking crew members or shop, gallery or restaurant workers for the best conch salad in Nassau in the Bahamas or a locals' beach. You might find yourself gazing out to sea at a family-owned shack by the side of the road while having an amazing local meal or enjoying a quiet strip of sand while your shipmates are herded around in tour buses.

Private cruise excursions cost less or offer more value

As I mentioned earlier, going straight to the tour provider can snag you the same tour your ship is offering for a lower price. Small-group or private tours, on the other hand, tend to be pricier than large-group cruise ship excursions.

However, you'll get better value for your money when you can customize the tour to your preferences or spend more time sightseeing and less time waiting around for other people in your group. If you can get together a group of eight or 10 people, you can split the costs to make a private tour more affordable per person.

Sometimes you don't need a tour

For ports close to a downtown area or the beach, you don't need a tour to enjoy your day. Take a cab to the beach, window shop in town or grab lunch at a local eatery. All you need is a map and some cash.

After lunch on the beach in Bridgetown, Barbados, I took a short taxi downtown, stopped in the locals' version of a dime store and strolled through a farmer's market. I didn't need a guide for that, and I was happy to get away from the tour bus hordes for a few hours.

Independent tours: Cons

You might be out of luck if your itinerary changes.

Ship tours will accommodate schedule changes, but that's not always the case with private excursions.

The tour operator might not know that your ship had to head back to its departure port due to a medical emergency or that it changed its docking location or time. It might deem you a no-show and charge your credit card for the tour you missed. Even if you do manage to get in touch, your guide's cancellation policy might not allow last-minute refunds.

Most tour operators catering to cruisers understand that weather patterns can change your ship's itinerary, causing you to arrive on a different day or skip the port completely. Often, their cancellation policies cover these itinerary changes — especially if it's a group tour, rather than a private guide. However, there might not be room to accommodate you on a popular tour on the revised date or arrival.

Bottom line: Ship tours will always accommodate itinerary changes; independent tours don't always.

Related: What happens if my cruise line changes my itinerary or ship?

Unexpected problems can make you miss the ship

Most tour guides catering to cruise passengers are conscientious about getting passengers back to the ship on time, but a traffic jam, bad weather or a medical emergency can derail even the best-laid plans. If a private tour takes longer than projected, the ship likely won't wait, and you could be faced with making your own arrangements to meet back up with the ship or return home.

Independent travel can stress you out

While I love straying from the port and getting away from the hustle and bustle, independent travel can stress me out. On my own, I constantly check the time or fret that the taxi will get a flat tire and I'll miss the ship.

Some people worry when navigating a foreign language without a guide to help translate. Others are concerned about getting lost in an unfamiliar city or fear they're missing out on the cultural and historical context if they can't read signs in another language.

If independent exploration makes you anxious, by all means, sign up for that guided tour. Even if you see less, you'll be happier about the sites you do experience.

You need to do your research

If you walk off the ship and sign up for a tour with the first company you see, you could end up on a dud of a tour because you don't know a thing about the provider or, worse, find yourself in an unsafe situation. Whether you book your guide in advance or make a last-minute game plan on the pier, you are on the hook to do your homework, look up reviews and make sure the provider is legit.

My independent cruise excursion in Havana was memorable because I did the research and booked a guide who earned top ratings on TripAdvisor. But some folks end up disappointed because they book with an unknown company only for the excursion to not live up to their expectations.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Travel | Travel: Alaska is ready for another…

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Travel | travel: alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season.

celebrity cruises shore excursions

Alaska is home to more than 30,000 grizzlies, but the state’s cruise industry is experiencing anything but a bear market as momentum of last year’s record-breaking season is expected to continue in 2024.

Looking at the most-visited Alaskan port as a proxy for the ship-shape southeastern side of the state, Juneau set a new mark a year ago with 1.65 million passengers descending on the capital city during cruise season, which generally runs from early April to late October. That figure from the Juneau Chamber of Commerce is a Danali-sized jump of 30% compared to the previous mark set in pre-pandemic 2019.

Coinciding with Alaska’s 65th anniversary of statehood, the upcoming cruise season appears to be just as robust with 19 cruise lines sending 43 ships to the Last Frontier. Kicking things off for the second straight year is the 4,008-passenger Norwegian Bliss, which is scheduled to dock in rustic Skagway on April 8. With four mainstream-category ships homeported in either Seattle or Vancouver, Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ) has nearly 100 more after that. Impressive, but two competing companies have staked out larger claims in this modern-day, maritime Alaskan gold rush; Holland America Line ( hollandamerica.com ) is sending seven premium-class ships for 141 total cruises, and at the top of the totem pole is Princess Cruises ( princess.com ), which is celebrating its 55th year in these waters with seven premium ships sharing 158 departures.

Rafting alongside Mendenhall Glacier is a chance-of-a-lifetime adventure for many. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Not counting grand voyages with itineraries so rich that they make a visit to Alaska seem more like a pitstop, this cruise season will see more than 800 trips of mostly seven to 10 days starting or ending on this side of the Pacific. Where they’re all going is a destination rich in unparallel wilderness, wildlife and native culture. In other words, bucket list stuff.

“Alaska is one of those places that draws you in and sets the hook right away,” said Kristi Switzer, destination marketing manager for Travel Juneau ( traveljuneau.com ). “Visitors come for the otherworldly experience of being in the presence of glaciers and fjords, seeing whales and bears, and finding the balance of Alaska Native cultural heritage with the rustic sophistication found in the capital city and other places within this magnificent state.”

Sometimes just seeing a whale's tail is a win when on an Alaskan tour. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Although Switzer recommends visits lasting several days instead of several hours, the city’s destination evangelist hopes that a partial day in Juneau and each major Alaskan cruise port has over 1.5 million passengers wanting more.

“This magical corner of the world has so much to offer beyond being a checkmark on people’s bucket lists,” she said. “Make time to enjoy the fascinating culture, spectacular outdoor recreation, unique shopping, amazing restaurants and artist galleries that Juneau and all of Southeast Alaska have to offer.”

Walking on a glacier is one of the more exciting shore excursions Alaska has to offer. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Alaska is a checkmark for about three-quarters of all passengers headed there, according to the Alaska Tourism Industry Association, and the same can be said for two ships this season.

Starting with a six-day sail out of Vancouver on May 11, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises’ ( celebritycruises.com ) popular Edge class will make her Alaskan debut with weeklong roundtrips from Seattle through Sept. 13. The 2,918-passenger vessel features a unique “outside-in” architecture that provides more floor-to-ceiling glass on the exterior and expanded outdoor spaces to soak up the Alaskan coastlines.

Skagway, a popular cruise port, is the northernmost point in Alaska's Inside Passage. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Edge will be joined by a pair of fleet mates for the season, albeit Summit’s seven-day roundtrips are turnarounds out of Anchorage or Vancouver and Solstice’s weeklong jaunts are solely based in the British Columbian seaport. Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line, meaning it’s between the economical mainstream class and pricy luxury level, has 57 departures to Alaska scheduled this year.

The other new recruit is Silver Nova, the youngest Silversea Cruises ( silversea.com ) ship in the luxury fleet to ever service Alaska. Capped at 728 guests, Silver Nova was launched last year and has the goods to do justice to a dreamlike place that captures the imagination of wilderness lovers and history buffs.

“Silver Nova is the ideal ship for Alaska cruising,” said company spokesman Brad Ball. “Her innovative design, which prizes openness over symmetry and incorporates an unprecedented use of approximately 4,000 square meters of glass, immerses guests into the incredible scenery of Alaska from virtually all venues and suites, with far-reaching views at every turn.”

While in Skagway, let happy and hard-working sled dogs take you on a spin around Musher's Camp. (Photo by David Dickstein)

The ship’s reimagined pool deck, which overlooks the water on her starboard side, and all-new outdoor venues — the Dusk Bar and the Marquee — allows unique openness to view spectacular Alaskan glaciers and wildlife. Those who want to experience an older and smaller Evolution-class Silversea vessel can book the Silver Muse, which also will sail mostly seven- to 14-day trips between Anchorage and Vancouver.

Because nearly every Alaskan cruise includes the staples — Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, and Denali with a land add-on — some cruise lines like to shake things up with unique itineraries.

Holland America has a roundtrip that makes it easy to visit the 49th and 50th states without a long flight. A new “Glaciers & Volcanos: Alaska to Hawaii” cruise, part of the premium line’s Legendary Voyages collection of journeys from 25 to 59 days, departs on Aug. 31 from Seattle or Sept. 1 from Vancouver aboard the 1,916-passenger Westerdam. The near-four-week-long itinerary includes seldomly visited Kodiak and Dutch Harbor before heading down to the tropics to make four calls to three Hawaiian islands.

Seabourn ( seabourn.com ) strives to offer a more tasteful Alaskan cruise and not only because it’s an ultra-luxury cruise line. “Caviar on the Ice” is a savory and swanky soiree on every Alaskan voyage, and when the 450-passenger Odyssey is in Sitka, a town originally built by Russian traders in the early 1800s, Seabourn guests can enjoy a culinary adventure that includes a scenic drive to a taproom for a sampling of local brews and a few eateries to try Siberian-rooted pelmeni dumplings and a hot dog made with caribou that the locals call “reindeer dawgs.” Sorry, vegetarians and friends of Santa, but Blitzen on a bun is da bomb.

Red Onion Saloon, a former bordello built in 1898, is a top attraction in historic Skagway. (Photo by David Dickstein)

Carnival Cruise Line ( carnival.com ) is staying with a three-ship deployment in Alaska this season. Sharing the workload of 55 roundtrips generally lasting seven to 11 days are Carnival Spirit (2,610 passengers) and Carnival Luminosa (2,260) out of Seattle, and Carnival Miracle (2,667) from San Francisco. Another mainstream cruise line, Royal Caribbean ( royalcaribbean.com ), has four ships making 85 runs to Alaska from Seattle, Vancouver and Anchorage: Ovation of the Seas, (4,905) and older sister Quantum of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (2,543) and Radiance of the Seas (2,466).

Disney Cruise Line ( disneycruise.com ) is sending its 2,700-passenger Disney Wonder out of Vancouver for 15 week-long roundtrips, one five-day spin leaving on July 24 and an extended nine-day voyage on July 15.

Other cruise lines showing passengers a whale of a time in Alaska include Crystal, Cunard, Hurtigruten, Lindblad/National Geographic, Oceania, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas and Viking.

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How much does an alaska cruise cost in 2024.

Compare the prices of these eight voyages before booking your Alaska cruise.

Alaska Cruise Cost

The Holland American Line Noordam ship in Skagway, Alaska.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

If you're planning a cruise to Alaska this year, you may be enticed by low prices (in the hundreds) for a weeklong cruise. However, it's important to know that those fares are just the beginning of the cost for the entire trip.

Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions , Wi-Fi access, gratuities and other expenses. On top of that, bargain fares usually refer to inside cabins with no windows. In a picturesque, bucket list destination like Alaska, you will realistically want a room with a private balcony so you can take in the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your room.

When to cruise to Alaska depends on what you're interested in seeing and doing during your vacation , but summer is typically the best time to visit The Great Land. Between mid-May and mid-July, you can experience 24 hours of daylight. This period is also an optimal time for wildlife viewing; you can see bears feasting on salmon, humpback whales and orcas, furry baby moose and thousands of nesting bald eagles. Cruise lines often reserve their lowest prices for sailings early or late in the Alaska cruising season , but it's still possible to find deals in the middle of the summer.

With all of this in mind, we've listed both the lowest interior cabin fares and the average total costs for a balcony stateroom across eight popular cruise lines for weeklong itineraries in June 2024. (Note: All fares quoted are per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices were accurate at the time of writing.)

Find your perfect cruise

Holland America Line

The Holland America Line Noordam in Yakutat Bay.

Holland America Line's 2024 Alaska season extends from April to September; in 2024, there are more than 60 cruise-only voyages and cruisetours (combined land and sea packages). With the exception of one 28-day journey, itineraries range from seven to 18 days.

Average starting price (per person)

This June, Holland America 's lowest-priced itinerary is the 7-Day Glacier Discovery Southbound voyage departing from Whittier, Alaska, on June 23, 2024, aboard Nieuw Amsterdam . The voyage features scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve and the Inside Passage. You'll also stop in the Alaska towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia . The starting price is $409 per person for an inside cabin, and veranda staterooms start at $2,114 per person (cruise-only fare).

Starting price (per person)

For this sailing, there is a $291 charge per person for taxes, fees and port expenses. Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks (and many nonalcoholic beverages, such as bottled water and specialty coffees), excursions, Wi-Fi access, gratuities and some other amenities cost extra.

Instead of paying for these extras individually, you can book Holland America's "Have It All" package. It covers one dinner at a specialty restaurant; one shore excursion (up to $100 per guest); a signature beverage package (for drinks up to $11 each) and a Wi-Fi package. For a limited time, you can also receive a $200 onboard credit per stateroom. A veranda stateroom plus the package starts at $2,569 per person.

If you purchase the "Have It All" package with the veranda stateroom, select the location of your cabin yourself (an additional $90), add in the port taxes and fees ($291) and include crew gratuities at $17 per guest, per day for non-suite staterooms ($119), the total cost is about $3,000 per person. You'll still need to budget for drinks that cost more than $11 each; bottles of wine with dinner; additional evenings of specialty dining; other shore excursions and miscellaneous expenses.

Total cost: From $3,069 per person

Princess Cruises

The Crown Princess in Haines, Alaska.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Princess is offering 14 unique itineraries and 68 cruisetours during the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September. Itineraries range from a seven-day cruise to a 17-day escorted cruisetour.

Princess's lowest-priced cruise in June is the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers with Glacier Bay (Northbound) from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska , on Grand Princess. Embarking on June 5, 2024, the sailing includes scenic cruising in College Fjord and Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, a day at sea and stops in the coastal towns of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway in Alaska. Interior cabins start at $448 per person, while staterooms with a balcony start at $1,698 per person. If you select your own balcony stateroom (instead of letting the cruise line place you), the cost is $1,791 per person.

Additional fees (taxes, gratuities, etc.)

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise will run you $284 per person. At the $1,791 rate, you will be in the Princess Standard fare class, which includes the ships' complimentary dining venues, entertainment and the MedallionClass experience.

You can upgrade to Princess Plus (starting at $2,211 for a balcony room) to add Wi-Fi access (one device per guest); gratuities; a beverage package (covering drinks up to $15 each); two fitness classes per cruise; two premium desserts per day; two casual dining meals and more. For additional amenities, such as Wi-Fi access for up to four devices per guest; a higher-level beverage package (for drinks up to $20 each); two specialty dining meals per guest; unlimited exercise classes and more, opt for the Princess Premier package. Balcony rooms under this category start at $2,351 per guest.

If you purchase the Princess Premier package with the balcony room, the total cost with port taxes and fees is a little more than $2,600 per person – and the pricing is nearly all-inclusive. This package may also include free cruise fare for third and fourth guests traveling in the same stateroom. You will still need to budget for shore excursions; note that over-the-top experiences like flightseeing, helicopter and dog sledding tours, and scenic rides on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway can get pricey.

Total cost: From $2,635 per person

Norwegian Cruise Line

The Norwegian Bliss in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line offers one of the longest Alaska cruising seasons. In 2024, there are 44 scheduled cruise and cruisetour itineraries between April and October, ranging from seven to 18 days.

The June 3, 2024, sailing on Norwegian Jewel is Norwegian Cruise Line 's least expensive Alaska cruise that month, starting at $449 per person for an inside cabin. In comparison, a balcony cabin starts at $1,879 per person. The itinerary – Alaska: Hubbard Glacier & Skagway – embarks from Seward, Alaska, and includes scenic sea days cruising Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage, plus stops in the ports of Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan (Ward Cove) in Alaska, before disembarking in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The line's ongoing "Free At Sea" deal is included in the price and features an unlimited open bar, free specialty dining (up to $180 for the first two guests in the stateroom), a discount of $50 per excursion and complimentary Wi-Fi access (a savings of up to $200).

Open bar and specialty dining gratuities in the package are approximately $175 per person. Taxes, fees and port expenses are about $302 per person. You'll also need to include the additional $20 per person, per day service charge ($140 for the seven-day voyage).

If you book the balcony stateroom at $1,879 per person, which includes the "Free At Sea" package, and add in the taxes and port fees, dining and beverage gratuities and the daily service charge for the crew, the total cost for the cruise is around $2,500 per person. Remaining costs for shore excursions, specialty dining over $180, additional Wi-Fi usage, gratuities and other miscellaneous costs are not included in the "Free At Sea" package.

Total cost: From $2,496 per person

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas in Seattle.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International's 2024 Alaska cruise season extends from April to September; there are 50 scheduled cruise-only and land-and-sea tours. Combined pre- and post-cruise tours last up to 13 nights, and cruise-only itineraries last between six to eight nights.

For the lowest fare in June, sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, on a seven-night cruise aboard Radiance of the Seas on June 7, 2024. The inside cabin fare starts at $438 per person. A balcony stateroom starts at $2,877 per person (to select your own room). This voyage cruises around Alaska's Hubbard Glacier, sails the Inside Passage in Canada and stops in Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan in Alaska.

The guaranteed balcony price at $2,877 is for a smaller stateroom; you can select a larger cabin for a higher cost. Taxes, fees and port expenses for the cruise are $389 per person.

The total cost for the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, and gratuities ($18 per person, per day) for this Royal Caribbean cruise is about $3,400 per person. This price does not include extras like specialty dining, shore excursions, beverage packages or Wi-Fi access, so you will need to budget extra to cover those expenses.

Total cost: From $3,392 per person

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Disney Cruise Line

Disney cruise ship in the Alaska fjords.

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line has 19 five- to nine-night itineraries for the 2024 Alaska season, which runs from May to September.

The lowest price for a seven-night Alaska cruise in June with Disney Cruise Line is the June 3, 2024, voyage on Disney Wonder . The price for an inside cabin starts at approximately $3,472 for two guests, which includes taxes, fees and port expenses. In contrast, the fare for a guaranteed veranda stateroom starts at about $6,482 for two guests (including the additional fees); at this rate, Disney will select your specific cabin.

This round-trip sailing embarks from Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll begin your journey with a day at sea, then glacier viewing at Stikine Icecap in Alaska. Guests will stop in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska before another sea day and disembarkation in Vancouver.

Guests staying in regular stateroom accommodations will have gratuities of about $15 per person, per night. Once you add that in, you're looking at a cost of close to $6,600 per room (based on double occupancy) – or around $3,300 per person, if you split it. This price covers the cruise fare, taxes and port fees, the complimentary dining venues, onboard entertainment and gratuities for the crew.

You will need to budget extra for port adventures, beverages, and meals at adults-only venues like the Cadillac Lounge and Italian-themed Palo. The line offers Wi-Fi packages for an additional fee, which you can select once on board. You will also need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages, and there is an 18% gratuity added to bar and beverage services.

Total cost: From $6,587 per room (double occupancy)

Carnival Cruise Line

The Carnival Miracle in Alaska.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's 2024 Alaska season runs from April through September, and there are 16 itineraries that range from seven to 14 days.

The lowest Alaska fare in June is $814 per person for the June 4, 2024, voyage aboard Carnival Spirit . The seven-day round-trip itinerary departing from Seattle, Washington , includes one day at sea, cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord and stops in the Alaska port towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus Victoria, British Columbia. A guaranteed balcony room without an obstructed view starts at $1,579 per person.

Taxes, fees and port expenses for this cruise are about $313 per person. If you'd like Wi-Fi access, you can purchase the Social Wi-Fi Plan starting at approximately $15 per person, per day. The higher level Value Wi-Fi Plan costs about $20 per person, per day, while the Premium Wi-Fi Plan comes in at around $21 per person, per day.

A nonalcoholic beverage package, Bottomless Bubbles, starts at around $10 per adult and around $7 per child each day. For nonalcoholic beverages and select alcoholic drinks (up to $20 each), purchase the Cheers package. It starts at about $60 per person, per day, but you can save 10% if you purchase the package before you sail. With Cheers, you'll also receive a discount on bottles of wine (plus other perks). Gratuities cost $16 per person, per day, in a regular stateroom. Restaurants like the Mexican-inspired BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint are complimentary.

When you add up the price of the balcony stateroom, port taxes and fees, the Value package for Wi-Fi access, the Cheers beverage package and gratuities, you're looking at around $2,600 per person for this Carnival Cruise Line itinerary. In addition to those expenses, you'll have to budget extra funds for shore excursions, specialty dining and some other amenities.

Total cost: From $2,564 per person

Silversea Cruises

The Silver Nova lit up at night.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises is offering 35 Alaska voyages between May and September 2024. The shortest itinerary is seven days and the longest itinerary is 16 days.

The lowest-priced Alaska cruise with Silversea in June is the June 27, 2024, seven-day sailing aboard Silver Muse from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. The intimate 596-guest ship will visit Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Valdez in Alaska – and complete two days of scenic cruising – before disembarking in Seward.

The all-inclusive port-to-port fare starts at $4,350 per person for a Classic Veranda Suite (the most affordable suite category with a balcony). For a room with a window instead of a balcony, book a Vista Suite starting at $3,350 per person.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include luxurious suite accommodations, Champagne upon arrival, butler service and other perks. The pricing covers port taxes and fees; complimentary gourmet dining; all beverages, including Champagne, wine, beer and premium spirits; and gratuities. You'll also receive personalized, attentive service with a nearly one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, and at least one included shore excursion in every port. Complimentary excursions in Skagway include a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway, a visit to a sled dog and musher's camp and the Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float Adventure. Many of the included excursions with Silversea are quite costly on other lines.

There are no additional fees with the all-inclusive fare. However, you might incur additional personal expenses if you choose to order a fancy bottle of wine with dinner or book an extreme shore excursion adventure, like flightseeing over the glaciers.

Total cost: $4,550 per person (all-inclusive)

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

A suite balcony on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas' 22 Alaska cruises in 2024 sail between May and September and last seven to 14 nights.

The seven-night voyage on June 5, 2024, is the line's lowest-priced June sailing in Alaska, starting at $6,599 per person. Guests on Seven Seas Explorer will sail from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, with stops in Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, plus two days of scenic cruising at the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier.

The 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include a luxury veranda suite with a welcome bottle of Champagne and a fresh fruit arrangement. You'll also have an in-suite minibar, free valet laundry service and other upscale amenities. In addition, the fare includes a selection of free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages with fine wines and spirits; prepaid gratuities; complimentary specialty restaurants; unlimited Wi-Fi access and more.

There are no additional expenses on this Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage – unless you choose a shore excursion that comes with an added cost or purchase a special bottle of wine at dinner.

Total cost: $6,599 per person (all-inclusive)

Bottom line

The low base fares for Alaska cruises on larger cruise lines may grab your attention, but as you click through to see what's included and make your booking, you'll find additional costs on nearly every page.

Before making a reservation, be sure to read the fine print and find out exactly what's included (and not included) in your cruise fare. You may find that booking an all-inclusive rate with a luxury line offers a better value – an option that you may never have considered unless you compared the total price of each cruise.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica . She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. She used her knowledge of Alaska cruises and extensive research to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises
  • The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
  • The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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Caribbean Shore Excursions

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Caribbean Shore Excursions Let You Feel the Island Vibe

It’s a fact: There’s nothing like a Caribbean cruise for chilling out, kicking back, and leaving real life behind for a bit, and it’s also a fact that booking Caribbean shore excursions is the perfect way to exponentially increase the chill factor.

On every port of call in the Caribbean , cruise excursions offer luxury options for amazing experiences: Choose beach breaks at private resorts on Punta Cana, Costa Maya, St. Croix , or Barbados to name a few, offering pristine beaches, pure pampering, and plenty of drinks; book a day of sailing from St. Thomas, Grenada , and other islands, aboard beautifully appointed yachts or catamarans, viewing the islands water-side as you glide across calm seas and bays with stops for swimming right off the boat, exploring remote beaches, and feasting on champagne and seafood; when docked at Philipsburg, St. Maarten , day-trip-it to St. Bart’s, often said to be one of the most elite islands in the Caribbean, with its 14 gleaming, white-sand beaches, chic restaurants, and designer boutiques that rival New York’s Madison Avenue.

Book Caribbean shore excursions to experience the most extraordinary watersports on each island port of call: Find your snorkel paradise in the calm, shallow, crystal-clear waters off Grand Cayman, St. John ,or Klein, Bonaire, as you swim around protected coral reefs and colorful tropical fish; scuba dive at amazing sites around Curaçao, Dominica, and Bonaire ; swim with stingrays at Grand Cayman , Curaçao, and Antigua, swim with dolphins at Punta Cana or with green sea turtles at Basseterre, St. Kitts, or Barbados ; cruise on a specially outfitted boat to spot dolphins and whales at St. Lucia .

When you schedule Caribbean shore excursions expect to be captivated by an island’s natural beauty: the raw power of Punta Cana ’s Blue Lagoon; the sheer limestone cliff and the spectacular view from the Cueva Ventana (Window Cave) in San Juan, Puerto Rico ; the Mountain Top on St. Thomas , with its breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands; the three-in-one Concord Waterfalls at Grand Etang Lake on Grenada.

As you cruise the Caribbean, get to know the islands’ distinguishing cultures and exciting cuisines through tours like “Mojitos and Mofongo” at San Juan; “Mount Gay Rum Experience” in Barbados; “Around the Island of Spice” on Grenada; “At Home Cooking with Chef Nicole” on Antigua; “Caribbean Cooks” on St. Kitts; and “Island Roots and Chocolate Traditions” in Cozumel . Experience tours and tastings of the Caribbean’s favorite spirit, rum in San Juan, Barbados, Martinique, and St. Croix.

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024

By Janice Wald Henderson

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The best Alaska cruise excursions can range from the thrilling to the serene. Passengers can fly on sleds led by huskies , ogle bald eagles and salmon-gobbling grizzlies , and soar over towering glaciers in a helicopter. And the best part? All these activities are planned for you as part of the cruise itinerary—as a way for travelers to sample the diverse wonders of The Last Frontier in one fell swoop.

Wildlife sightings may be the more popular Alaska cruise shore excursions, but travelers shouldn't overlook incredible opportunities to learn about the state’s Indigenous cultures , as well as culinary experiences centered around local delicacies such as fresh salmon, halibut, berries, and craft beer.

Just know that the real Alaska , teeming with natural beauty and wildlife, primarily lies away from crowded touristy ports. (Pro tip: for fewer people and more animals, the best time to cruise Alaska is in the spring.) Know, too, that different cruise lines can offer similar excursions, so first choose a ship that speaks to you, then immediately book excursions (popular ones sell fast). Here, an array of Alaska-bound ships with the best cruise excursions, sure to resonate long past your vacay.

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Take in Alaska's glaciers and ice fields from above during this Princess Cruises excursion.

Princess Cruises: Dogsledding and Glacier Adventures by Helicopter

Family-friendly Princess Cruises, in its 55 th season plying Alaskan waters, delivers exemplary excursions that include learning about gold rush history and gold-panning, as well as fishing trips on which one of the ship's chefs cooks your catch. The Dog Sledding and Glacier Adventure by Helicopter, created by an Iditarod musher (they lead huskies on annual 1,000-mile races over Alaska’s roughest terrain), combines two top-notch thrills. Don glacier overboots, board a helicopter, and fly over the Alaskan ice field as the pilot points out icefalls and rock formations. After landing on Norris Glacier, meet top Iditarod race veteran mushers and their dogs. Soon you’ll be whisked on a sled pulled by a team of exuberant huskies for the ride of a lifetime.

Ships and sailings to know: From May to September 2024, Princess offers Alaskan cruises ranging between 7 and 17-days on seven ships, including the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess .

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Assist crew in pulling in crab pots and indulge in fresh Dungeness crab during this popular Celebrity Cruises excursion.

Celebrity Cruises: Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feasts

Adventurous couples relish Celebrity’s adult-oriented amusements, including inviting bars and lounges, fine restaurants, and relaxing spas. Big spenders book the Retreat, a luxurious private enclave—its Luminae restaurant showcases dishes by famed French chef Daniel Boulud. In Ketchikan , a four-hour Wilderness Exploration and Crab Feast in Tongass National Forest (America’s largest national forest) scores big buzz. Drive past jaw-dropping sights, like Native Alaskan totem poles, snowcapped mountains, and thunderous waterfalls. Relish a sightseeing vessel ride, assist crew pulling in crab pots (if you like), before tearing into unlimited fresh Dungeness crab with warm clarified butter, and cheesecake drenched in Alaskan blueberries.

Ships and sailings to know: Three premium ships, Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Edge , cruise in Alaska from May until September 2024. The newest and most glam, 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge, on its maiden Alaska season, offers eight-day voyages between Vancouver and Seattle .

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Several cruise lines operating in Alaska offer whale watching excursions.

Holland America Line: Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest

Holland America Line serves sustainable wild Alaskan seafood, with park rangers and local Indigenous tribe members often boarding for presentations. In Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Quest rocks everyone’s boat. Gawk at one of North America’s most spectacular glaciers and learn about glaciers’ remarkable force in a compelling visitor center. Ride to Auke Bay and board a water-jet-powered expedition vessel designed for superior wildlife viewing. When sailing Stephens Passage—renowned as a summer breeding ground for humpback whales—you may well get close enough to hear these giants breathe.

Ships and sailings to know: This cruise line has plied Alaskan waters for more than 75 years, with seven ships sailing 6-19 day itineraries from May to September 2024.

The Alaskan Highway Yukon

The Klondike Highway runs from the Alaska Panhandle to Yukon, Canada.

Crystal: Klondike Highway and White Pass

Formerly Crystal Cruises, the ultra-luxury two-ship Crystal, now owned by global travel leader Abercrombie & Kent, has been beautifully remodeled while maintaining its primary lures: beyond-attentive crew and superb dining. Note this sensational Skagway outing offered on Crystal Serenity Alaskan cruises: Motor along on iconic Klondike Highway to White Pass, reaching its 2,865-foot majestic summit and the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Take an exhilarating walk on this iconic bridge, suspended some 57 feet above Tutshi River’s churning rapids below, if you dare. (Make sure somebody gets a pic.) Even if you beg out, you still get the astonishing view and a hearty bison chili lunch.

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Ships and sailings to know: The 740-passenger Crystal Serenity offers eight-and-nine-day Alaska voyages in July and August 2024.

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Several cruise lines offer bear viewing and photography excursions.

Seabourn: Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography

The outings on this adventure-minded Alaskan cruise exceed typical cruise ships, featuring Ventures by Seabourn excursions with Zodiac explorations, kayaking, and hiking led by expedition experts. In Wrangell, sign up for Anan Creek Bear Viewing and Photography, joining the expedition team bear expert and a photography specialist for this rousing small-group bear-viewing experience. Travel by boat to the Anan Estuary and Wildlife Observatory in the Tongass National Forest (Anan Creek has Southeast Alaska’s largest pink salmon run) and climb to the observation deck overlooking cascading waterfalls. Expect an electrifying view of salmon jumping and black and brown bears snatching their next meal.

Ships and sailings to know: The ultra-luxury 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey offers seven-day sailings between Vancouver and Juneau, as well as 10- and 11-day roundtrip Vancouver cruises from May to September 2024. Seabourn fares include all-suite accommodations, dining, alcohol, WiFi, gratuities, and 24-hour in-suite service.

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Several Alaska cruises stop in Icy Strait Point, a remote area ideal for observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Spasski River Valley and Wildlife

Looking to cruise Alaska with your family in tow? Consider Norwegian Cruise Line. On offer are children and teenage clubs, plus families can come together to play video arcade games, laser tag, and race cars. During a Glacier Bay passage, a park ranger hops aboard to narrate scenic sights. Explore majestic Icy Strait Point—one of the world’s few places where wildlife outnumbers humans—with family-minded excursions like the Spasski River Valley and Wildlife tour. Motor to an elevated observation area in a postcard-perfect remote valley to safely observe bears, deer, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. Learn, too, about Tlingit Indigenous Alaskans who reside in nearby Hoonah, Alaska’s largest such settlement.

Ships and sailings to know: NCL primarily offers seven-to-10-day voyages, April through October 2024, on multiple ships.

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Passengers on Seven Seas Explorer Alaska cruises can enjoy fresh-caught salmon at the Taku Glacier Lodge.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Taku Lodge Feast and Seaplane Discovery

The Alaska-sailing 746-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is mega glam, with a museum-worthy art collection. This writer gives a shoutout to the Taku Lodge Feast and Five-Glacier Seaplane Discovery excursions. Soar by floatplane over the majestic Juneau Icefield, land in a river near Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, and feast on fresh-caught wild salmon by a roaring fire at a 100-year-old lodge. On this outing, I inhaled two salmon filets that slid down my throat like silk. Spoiler alert: After this culinary escapade, I couldn’t eat salmon for two years anywhere else.

Ships and sailings to know: Regent's Seven Seas Explorer mostly offers eight-day cruises running between Seward and Vancouver, from May to September 2024. On this ultra-luxury line, fares include airfare, unlimited shore excursions (other than select tours), alcohol, dining, WiFi, valet laundry, and gratuities.

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The Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, Alaska is home to orphaned and rescued animals.

Royal Caribbean International: Kroschel Wildlife Refuge

Animal lovers of every age relish visiting the Kroschel Wildlife Refuge in Haines, a popular excursion among Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise passengers. Steven Kroschel, a wildlife expert who devoted decades to training wild animals for TV and films, owns the center that is home to orphaned and rescued animals, like lynx, Kodiac bears, arctic fox, porcupines, and wolverines. It’s also interactive; get close for photos and learn how the refuge protects these animals.

Ships and sailings to know: Royal Caribbean's nearly 4,000-passenger megaships, Quantum of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas , thrill families via free-fall skydiving, outdoor movies, and escape room games. Their Alaska cruises run from 8-14 days, April to September 2024.

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The Alaska Railroad is one of the most scenic train journeys in the US.

Viking: Scenic Train and Rafting

The Scenic Train and Rafting excursion delivers an inspired eight-hour shore tour, beginning with a train ride on the Alaskan Railroad through the vast wilderness. Gaze out windows, eying otherworldly views of the Placer River Valley and soaring peaks of Spencer Glacier, while enjoying a box lunch. Then meet guides to go rafting, paddling between dramatic icebergs and down the serene and scenic Placer River.

Ships and sailings to know: Viking’s adults-only 930-passenger Viking Orion sails 11 days May to September 2024, between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver. Viking ocean-liner fares include amenities like king-bed accommodations with spacious baths equipped with heated floors and anti-fog mirrors, dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and spa access.

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Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program highlights Alaskan ingredients and recipes.

Silversea: Sitka Culinary Adventure

Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program features Alaskan ingredients and recipes on all its S.A.L.T. Kitchen menus, S.A.L.T. Lab culinary classes, and S.A.L.T Bar mixology offerings. Soon-to-be-scheduled S.A.L.T excursions will showcase regional chefs and ingredients. Meanwhile, foodie fun unfolds with Sitka’s Culinary Adventure shore excursion. Visit a tap room, tasting beers made with filtered glacial water. Then graze about town, tasting pelmeni (popular dumplings evoking Sitka’s Russian heritage), and other local goodies like chowders, shrimp, black cod tips, and “reindeer dogs.”

Ships and sailings to know: Three ultra-luxury Silversea ships offer 7-16 day sails from May to September, but only the 728-passenger Silver Nova presents Silversea’s lauded S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program. Fares include all-suite accommodations, butler service, most dining, alcohol, a shore excursion in each port, caviar, WiFi, and gratuities.

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Through this UnCruise excursion, passengers can explore one of the most remote national parks in the US.

UnCruise Adventures: Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback

Attracting high-energy explorers drawn to less conventional shore excursions, this expedition-driven small-ship line visits bays and coves inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Traditional ships just cruise UNESCO World Heritage Site Glacier Bay; on Wilderness Discoverer , the captain drops anchor in Fern Harbor, Sawmill Bay, and Dundas Bay during the Explore Glacier Bay National Park’s Rarely Visited Outback excursion. Count on a full day of activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff expeditions, and beach strolls. Expert-led hikes take you deep into the breathtaking beauty of the backcountry of one of Alaska's most remote national parks . Few Alaskan cruisers can ever claim this experience.

Ships and sailings to know: The 76-passenger Wilderness Discoverer offers eight-day voyages from April to August 2024.

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* Cruise must be booked Dec. 06, 2023 through Apr. 01, 2024 (the “Offer Period”) and applies to select sailings 3-nights and longer departing Dec. 06, 2023 – Apr. 30, 2026 (the “Offer Cruise”). Promo code not required.

Full deposit must be paid by deposit payment required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if booking is cancelled within final payment period; see CEL’s cancellation policy for details. Non-Refundable Deposit Bookings (“NRDB”): To qualify for the lowest available cruise fare, guest must choose a non-refundable deposit. All deposit payments for NRDB made after 02/03/23 are non-refundable from the time of booking. NRDB are applicable to groups at prevailing rates. Not applicable to incentive, contract, or charter groups. Nonrefundable deposit offers are applicable to sailings within final payment, however full deposit is due at time of booking.

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BOGO 75% Off 2nd Guest Offer is for Non-Refundable Fares only, applies to new, individual bookings at standard rates during the Offer Period, and provides up to 75% off nonrefundable cruise fares on the 2nd guest only in the same stateroom as the first full fare guest on an Offer Cruise, excluding Galapagos and Alaska Cruisetours. All other charges are additional and apply to all guests.

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COMMENTS

  1. Cruise Shore Excursions

    Choose from three ways to explore the stunning destinations of Celebrity Cruises: private journeys, small group discoveries or destination highlights. Customize your tours with expert local guides, sustainable options, multi-day stays and more.

  2. SHORE & CRUISE EXCURSIONS

    Explore the best of various destinations with shore excursions and spa treatments on Celebrity Cruises. Choose from a variety of packages that combine adventure and relaxation, and enjoy discounts up to 10% on past voyages.

  3. Caribbean Shore Excursions & Cruise Excursions

    It's a fact: There's nothing like a Caribbean cruise for chilling out, kicking back, and leaving real life behind for a bit, and it's also a fact that booking Caribbean shore excursions is the perfect way to exponentially increase the chill factor.. On every port of call in the Caribbean, cruise excursions offer luxury options for amazing experiences: Choose beach breaks at private ...

  4. Featured Shore Excursions

    Explore the best cruise port sightseeing tours and excursions with Celebrity Cruises, from Alaska's whale watching and salmon bake to Barcelona's Gaudi's architecture and Kyoto's temples. Discover the destination highlights and enjoy the best cruise port experience with Celebrity Cruises.

  5. Ocean Crossing Shore Excursions

    Shore Excursions. While one of the joys of an ocean crossing is long, blissful days at sea, there's no shortage of thrilling shore excursions on offer along the way. Transatlantic crossings often call at the Canary Islands, a verdant, volcanic archipelago packed with natural beauty and cultural interest. On Tenerife, take a tour up snow ...

  6. North America Shore Excursions

    North American shore excursions embrace everything from gourmet food tasting to winery visits, clifftop hikes, boat trips, guided walks, and kayaking. Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site . 1-888-751-7804 CONTACT 1-888-751-7804. Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804; Let Us ...

  7. Shore Excursions for Celebrity Cruises sailings

    Be confident in your choice with 24/7 support for travelers, a full refund if you miss your shore excursion due to itinerary changes or weather, and guaranteed return to your cruise ship! Select your ship below to see shore excursions for that ship, or call: 1-866-578-7508 or 1-954-449-6309 between 9-5 Eastern time for expert advice to help ...

  8. Everything You Need to Know About Shore Excursions

    10 min read. Shore excursions are cruise activities that take place while your cruise ship is in port. Think: snorkeling through coral reefs, exploring ancient Roman ruins, hiking on glaciers and ...

  9. Celebrity Cruises Shore Excursions Overview

    Discover the variety of Celebrity's Shore Excursions offered worldwide.Book now -- http://www.celebritycruises.com/shorex-----Official Celebrity Cruises...

  10. How to book shore excursions on celebrity cruises?

    Celebrity Cruises offers three different types of shore excursions. To book a shore excursion, you can visit the official site of Celebrity Cruises. You will find the price lists and different itineraries of shore excursions on Celebrity Cruises. The ship offers you a private excursion, which is a tour you can create on your own, and tailor to ...

  11. Cruise Shore Excursions

    Celebrity Cruises Inc. responsibility does not extend beyond the vessel and all arrangements made for or by the passenger for shore side excursions, transportation or activities are at the passenger's risk. ©2021 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships' registry: Malta and Ecuador.

  12. Best Seattle Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours

    Create unforgettable memories in Seattle with a shore excursion before or after your cruise. See our Seattle shore excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site. Favorites. 1-888-751-7804 CONTACT 1-888-751-7804. Need help ... Flights by Celebrity℠

  13. 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

    A hike on a cruise full of retirees is possibly a 20-minute walk on a boardwalk or paved surface. If the excursion truly is demanding, the tour description will make sure that's abundantly clear in order to scare off anyone who isn't up to the challenge. Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions. Compare costs

  14. PDF SHORE EXCURSIONS

    SHORE EXCURSIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ©2023 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships' registry: Malta and Ecuador. Page 1 of 2 Q. What is the Shore Excursions Cancellation Policy? A. Regular Shore Excursions can be cancelled or modified up to 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival time in port for a full refund on their onboard account.

  15. SHORE & CRUISE EXCURSIONS

    Save up to 10% on excursion packages curated by our destination concierges. Priority ship departure, worry-free travel, and no hidden fees included. Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site . 1-888-751-7804 ... Shore Excursions Manage Reservation Upgrade with MoveUp

  16. Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

    Looking at Princess Cruises ' shore excursions in Grand Cayman, a 2.5-hour stingray swim costs $70 per person, a 5-hour scenic island drive costs $100, and a 4-hour, two-tank scuba dive costs $180. In Juneau, Alaska, a 3-hour tour to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center costs $50 per person. A 3-hour gold panning activity and salmon bake costs ...

  17. Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which ...

    A ship's cruise shore excursions desk is for booking — and canceling — tours. ... skills if I hadn't booked through Celebrity Cruises. That excursion was an amazing glimpse into local culture ...

  18. Shore Excursions for Celebrity Apex sailings

    Celebrity Apex shore excursions that are higher quality than cruise line offerings--at substantially lower pricess. Enjoy a more intimate cruise tour experience away.. ... Select your itinerary below to see shore excursions for that cruise sailing, or call: 1-866-578-7508 or 1-954-449-6309 between 9-5 Eastern time for expert advice to help ...

  19. Accessible Shore Excursions

    Got a question about our shore excursions? You may find exactly what you're looking for on our FAQs page. Need further assistance? Call (844) 418-6824 ... Celebrity Cruises; Silversea; ALL INCLUDED. Get our most popular amenities—drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips—prepackaged when you book All Included and save $200-$800.

  20. Celebrity Cruises: Bucket list shore excursions 2023

    Choose Celebrity Cruises and Make Unforgettable Memories That Will Last A Lifetime - Journey WonderFull Time to ignite a sense of wonder, inspiration, and adventure by going above and beyond on a shore excursion with luxury cruise line, Celebrity Cruises.Connect to the world in ways never imagined before and choose an excursion perfectly tailored to your interests.

  21. Best Cruise Port Sightseeing Tours

    Experience Kyoto's rich cultural history on a journey to some of its most notable sites, including Toji Temple, Kyoto Tower, and the Old Imperial Palace Outer Wall. Walk under the red torii tunnel gates to the top of Mt. Inari. Visit Ryoanji Temple, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 15th century. See the beautiful red tunnel gates of Fushimi ...

  22. Shore Excursions for Celebrity Ascent sailings

    Celebrity Ascent shore excursions that are higher quality than cruise line offerings--at substantially lower pricess. Enjoy a more intimate cruise tour experience away.. ... Select your itinerary below to see shore excursions for that cruise sailing, or call: 1-866-578-7508 or 1-954-449-6309 between 9-5 Eastern time for expert advice to help ...

  23. Travel: Alaska is ready for another record-breaking cruise season

    Walking on a glacier is one of the more exciting shore excursions Alaska has to offer. (Photo by David Dickstein) ... Celebrity, a premier-category cruise line, meaning it's between the ...

  24. How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost in 2024?

    Typically, the lowest advertised prices with mainstream cruise lines don't include taxes and port fees, specialty dining costs, alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, shore excursions, Wi-Fi access ...

  25. Caribbean Shore Excursions & Cruise Excursions

    From luxury experiences to outdoor adventures, there is a shore excursion for everyone in the Caribbean. Learn about Caribbean cruise excursions on CelebrityCruises.com . Visiting from {country-flag} {country-name}? Go to site . 1-888-751-7804 CONTACT 1-888-751-7804. Need help? 1-888-751 ...

  26. The 11 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions in 2024

    Princess Cruises: Dogsledding and Glacier Adventures by Helicopter. Family-friendly Princess Cruises, in its 55 th season plying Alaskan waters, delivers exemplary excursions that include learning ...

  27. Click Frenzy Travel Deals

    Click Frenzy Savings Promotion: Up to $200 additional savings offer applies to new, individual bookings at standard and prevailing or closed group rates booked between 19 March 2024 and 23 March 2024 on participating sailings: 12 nights Best of Japan - Nebuta Festival departing 26 July 2024 onboard Celebrity Millenium and 10 night Rome to ...