Do I Really Need an Excursion in Every Alaska Port

During your planning process for your trip to Alaska, you might find yourself wondering: Do I really need an excursion in every port?

The short answer is no. 

Most Alaska cruises stop in three or four Alaska destinations, and each one has something different to offer.  When we get this question from our customers, we like to dig a little deeper.  Who are you traveling with?  Is it a multigenerational trip?  Are you looking for something active, interested in photography, or hoping to see as much wildlife as possible?

There are a lot of ways to experience Alaska, and the right mix of excursions and free time will be different for everyone.  

We also look at the ports themselves.  The good news is that excursions don't have to feel repetitive.  You might explore a rainforest in one port, get up close to a glacier in another, and head into a remote valley, island, or fjord somewhere else. 

So, do you need an excursion in every port? Not necessarily.  But depending on who you're traveling with and what you want to experience, there may be a few ports where an excursion is especially worthwhile. 

Our best advice?  Don't feel like you need to fill every port day with an excursion.  Pick the experiences that are most important to you, and leave yourself some time to explore, wander, or simply enjoy the port at your own pace.