ALASKA SHORE INFORMATIONAL BLOG

The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is in June, July, and August to experience the best weather and the best excursions. The best time to take a cruise and save money is in May and September, though the weather will be cooler and not every excurs... READ MORE...

A typical Alaska Cruise can cost between $600 and $5,000 per person, depending on the length of your cruise, the type of cruise you choose, and your room choice. We recommend budgeting an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursion... READ MORE...

The most visited grave in Skagway, Alaska is not that of a well-loved philanthropist or entertainer, but that of Alaska’s most infamous criminal -- “Soapy” Smith. Born Jefferson Randolph Smith, Soapy was to Alaska what Al Capone was... READ MORE...

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a hub for exploring Juneau’s wildlife and nature via scenic walking trails, endless information from knowledgeable U.S. Forest Service Rangers, and stunning views of the Mendenhall Glacier itself. Locate... READ MORE...

We get asked all of the time by guests how early they should book their shore excursions. The simplest answer? As soon as you know you're going on a cruise! Every year we see guests wanting to book their shore excursions with us earlier and earlier. ... READ MORE...

A highlight for many travelers visiting Alaska, a helicopter tour offers a unique opportunity for guests in search of that “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. However, once the decision has been made to take a helicopter tour, a few more con... READ MORE...

Though weather can be hard to predict, especially in Alaska, there are trends that’ll help you know what to expect during your summer cruise. So, check the weather before you pack, but these will give you a guesstimate. The best time for an ... READ MORE...

Congratulations! You’re going on an Alaskan cruise, hooray! Glaciers, rainforests, and wildlife galore await you -  but what to pack? After all, this isn’t your average bikini and flip-flops cruise... 1. Layered Clothing  ... READ MORE...

Both brown (grizzly) and black bears live in Alaska, but, despite their names - color isn’t a good indicator of which is which. Black bears in southeast Alaska are indeed usually black, or black-ish, but in other parts of the state they can be ... READ MORE...

With Skagway and Haines both being chock-full of adventures to discover, it can be tough to decide what to do and where to spend your time while you are in port. The good news is; you don’t have to choose! You can do both with the con... READ MORE...

Experiencing the majesty and splendor of an Alaskan glacier is a must-do activity in Juneau and surrounding ports. Rugged crevasses, azure blue ice, and the sheer expanse are humbling and awe-inspiring, giving you glimpses of what the Ice Age was lik... READ MORE...

In the late 1890’s and early 1900’s the Gold Rush brought many settlers to Alaska. They traveled by boat to the coastal towns of Seward and Knik, and from there travelled by land to the gold fields. The trail that they used was named The ... READ MORE...

Alaska’s seafood-rich waters are the summer home of many different kinds of whales. Though endangered worldwide, the most commonly seen whale in Alaska is the humpback. These gentle giants are around 49 feet in length and can wei... READ MORE...

The most well-known of Alaskan fish is the salmon. There are actually 5 different types of salmon that are abundant in Alaska, all of whom share an exciting (for fish, anyway) anadromous life cycle that takes them from their birthplace in a freshwate... READ MORE...

Alaska boasts many treasures, but one of the most beloved are our breathtaking glaciers. These massive sheets of ice are large enough that their pasts are carved into the towering mountains that often surround them; these glacier-made features are ca... READ MORE...

We here at Alaska Shore Excursions receive a lot of the same questions from our guests and we wanted to make sure that these answers have an easy place to live. Below are some of the most common questions we are asked: How early should I book my t... READ MORE...

Your cruise ship likely offers excursions as additions to your cruise package, so you may be wondering what the difference is when you book directly with an excursion company, like Alaska Shore Excursions. You may be told that booking independently i... READ MORE...