alaska shore excursion...bargain shopping

[Ravina]

Hi does anyone know if you can get a better price on shore excursions if they are booked at the port or if you book from tour providers listed on the visitor's bureau website for Juneau and Ketchikan? Wondering if I should wait to book. Also has anyone got a good deal on whale watching excursion in Juneau...seems to be very expensive? If you have....could you please share the love ($$$$)
thanks

[Karen Knowlton]

Whale watching excursions are likely to be somewhat expensive, as they are usually 4-6 hours on small boats, and of course fuel for those boats costs bigtime, just as gas for your car does. You may end up paying somewhat less for an excursion booked separately from the cruise line, but be aware that - especially if the timing is such that you may be cutting it close to get back to the ship on time - the ship will not wait for you if you get back late for the sailing and have not booked your excursion through the cruise line. There are a lot of choices of excursions in Alaska - be sure to shop carefully!

[EnjoyLife]

Since Alaska's weather conditions are always so unpredictable, if you book through the visitor's bureau or another source online - make sure you don't have to pre-pay (or can cancel doe to weather).

[Oggy Boy]

I totally agree with EnjoyLife. Weather is such a factor that I would wait until I arrived at the port to book. The float planes and helicopters will fly in weather that may be questionable to you and riding around with limited visbility can detract from the experience.

Most of the providers of services to the cruise line sign an agreement that will not allow them to discount directly to the public in competition with the cruise lines.

Also, you will find the best shopping in Alaska during the end of the season in September when merchants practically give their merchandise away. Count of discounts of 50% and more. It is actually a reason to take an end-of-the-season cruise.

Have a great cruise.

Tom