Gene Sloan: Alaska Excursions Can Rival Cabin Costs

Prioritising Alaska's Natural Attractions

Gene Sloan, a cruise editor and author with nearly three decades of experience covering destinations including Alaska, emphasises the importance of booking shore excursions for cruises in the region. Unlike cities such as Barcelona or Sydney, where major attractions are often accessible directly from the ship, Alaska's primary draws lie beyond its port towns.

Sloan, who co-authored multiple editions of Frommer’s "Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call" guide, states that to fully appreciate Alaska's vast outdoor settings—including mountain ranges, glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like whales and bears—travellers must venture into the backcountry.

Staying solely within the port communities would mean missing a significant aspect of the Alaskan cruise experience. This guidance suggests a different approach to trip planning compared to urban cruise itineraries.

Investing in Aerial and Wildlife Tours

Sloan's top recommendations for Alaska shore excursions often involve higher costs due to their immersive nature. Aerial tours, such as helicopter or floatplane trips, are suggested for unparalleled views of the Alaskan grandeur, including the expansive Juneau Icefield. These flights, some of which offer glacier landings, typically start at US$250 or more per person.

Another essential experience is whale watching, particularly for humpback whales, with tours departing from Juneau and Icy Strait Point. Additionally, a boat or floatplane excursion to Misty Fjords National Monument, known for its icy lakes, waterfalls, and glacial valleys near Ketchikan, is highly recommended, usually costing upwards of US$200 per person.

Sloan cautions that these spectacular outings are expensive, but views them as crucial investments for a comprehensive Alaskan visit.

Balancing Costs and Local Exploration

While many premier excursions carry a significant price tag, Sloan notes that travellers do not need to splurge at every port. For instance, Juneau offers a more moderately priced outdoor activity at Mendenhall Glacier, located approximately 13 miles from the cruise docks.

Round-trip shuttle services are available from Juneau Tours and M&M Tours for US$65 to US$79 per person, though Sloan suggests a taxi for groups, costing around US$40 to US$50 each way, as a more economical option. The glacier area provides hiking trails, a visitor centre, and opportunities to observe salmon runs and wildlife.

Beyond wilderness activities, the port towns themselves offer attractions: Juneau features popular food tours and the Alaska State Museum; Skagway presents a gold rush-era main street; and Ketchikan's Creek Street is noted for salmon viewing.

Implications for Asian Cruise Markets

The emphasis on substantial budgeting for off-ship excursions in Alaska holds particular relevance for Asian cruise travellers, where value-oriented package tours are often preferred.

As the cruise industry expands its footprint across Asia, with new ships and itineraries in markets like Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, operators may need to manage expectations regarding the true cost of immersive destination experiences.

While Alaska’s unique wilderness offerings necessitate these higher tour expenditures, Asian cruise lines and travel agencies could consider transparently integrating these costs into premium packages or offering tiered excursion options.

This approach would ensure that travellers from Asia, accustomed to diverse cruise offerings from Singapore to Shanghai, are fully prepared for the financial commitment required to engage with Alaska’s natural environment beyond the ship's immediate vicinity.