Top 10 Alaska Cruise Excursions

Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

When choosing excursions for your Alaska cruise, it’s only natural to want experiences that truly stand out. Based on real guest reviews and feedback, here are our Top 10 Alaska Cruise Experiences—handpicked favorites that consistently deliver unforgettable adventures that are sure to make lasting memories.

1. Dog Sledding on a Glacier - Juneau

Dog sledding is Alaska’s favorite pastime, and a bucket list activity for many cruisers. On your way to glacier dog sledding, you’ll take a helicopter ride with jaw-dropping views of the Juneau Icefield to a remote musher’s camp. Then, let 10 Alaskan Huskies pull you across the snow-covered glacier. For many cruisers, this is the most memorable moment from their trip.

Tour to Try: Juneau Dog Sledding Tour, Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter, Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour, Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

Port: Juneau

Time Needed: 3 hours

2. Misty Fjords Flightseeing - Ketchikan

The Misty Fjords National Monument spans over 2 million acres of nationally protected and pristine wilderness. In our experience, the Misty Fjords are best experienced by air, and flightseeing provides the best views of granite cliffs, lush forests, lakes, and more. During this narrated flight, you’ll see cascading waterfalls, glacier-carved fjords, and abundant wildlife.

Tour to Try: Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument Tour, Ketchikan Misty Fjords Flightseeing Tour, Misty Fjords Flightseeing via Seaplane Tour

Port: Ketchikan

Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

3. Mendenhall Glacier Tour - Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau’s top attraction, and can be easily seen by foot, canoe, kayak, or helicopter. Many cruisers rave about the convenience of the Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus, which offers 2 hours to explore the trails and interpretive center at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. If you’re seeking more adventure, consider one of our canoe or kayak tours that travel across Mendenhall Lake to get an up-close view of the glacier.

Tour to Try: Juneau Mendenhall Glacier Express Bus, Mendenhall Ice Adventure Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk , Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

Port: Juneau

Time Needed: 2.5 - 5 hours

4. White Pass Railroad Ride - Skagway

Alaska’s most popular excursion is the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway. Popular with cruisers of all types, this train ride from sea level to the mountain summit, with sweeping canyon views, waterfalls, and rivers, is sure to be a hit for all ages. This fully narrated journey follows the original Klondike Gold Rush route, offering a relaxed, scenic ride through iconic landmarks and unforgettable Alaskan landscapes. For a full-day experience, consider the Bennett Lake Scenic Railroad Journey Train Tour.

Tour to Try: Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion, Bennett Lake Scenic Railroad Journey Train Tour

Port: Skagway

Time Needed: 3 hours

5. Crab Feast in Ketchikan

If you like crab, then Ketchikan is the place for you. Ketchikan is famous for its all-you-can-eat crab and seafood feasts. Many cruisers prefer to combine a crab feast with a scenic cruise of the waters surrounding Ketchikan, often with an opportunity to pull up a crab pot and handle live crab (with some expert supervision). We especially enjoy the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour aboard the Aleutian Ballad, a crab fishing vessel featured in Season 2 of The Deadliest Catch. On board, you’ll hear first-hand stories from veteran crab fishermen and touch some of the fascinating sea creatures found at the bottom of the harbor.

Tour to Try: Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, Ketchikan Silverking Lodge Adventure & Seafeast, World Famous George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast

Port: Ketchikan

Time Needed: 2 to 4 hours

6. White Pass & Yukon Land Tour - Skagway

For those who want to take in the scenic beauty of Skagway’s White Pass and the Yukon Territory, but prefer a more personal small-group experience than a train tour, land tours are a fantastic alternative. Traveling along the Klondike Highway, these narrated tours include frequent photo stops at the Welcome to Alaska sign, waterfalls, and scenic outlooks. Cruisers rave about their guides' knowledge and passion, as well as the variety of sites seen on the tour. Select tours include a visit to the Yukon Suspension Bridge, while others include a visit to a summer dog-mushing camp. This tour entrs Canada, so passports are required.

Tours to Try: Skagway Step Into the Yukon with Sled Dog Tour, Skagway White Pass Summit and Beyond Tour, Yukon Suspension Bridge & Summit Tour, Skagway Summit, Tormented Valley, and Suspension Bridge Tour

Port: Skagway

Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours

7. Whale Watching Cruise - Juneau

For an adventure on the water, cruise along Juneau’s Auke Bay in search of humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, and more. Many guests praise the onboard naturalists' knowledge and enthusiasm, who share information about the wildlife and your surroundings. Whales are so plentiful in the waters surrounding Juneau that we 100% guarantee that you will see whales, or we will refund the cost of your tour.

Tour to Try: Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour, Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Port: Juneau

Time Needed: 3 to 4.5 hours

8. Musher’s Camp and Sled Dog Adventure - Skagway

Hop on for a fun and authentic Alaskan dog mushing adventure as a team of energetic Alaskan huskies pulls you along forested Gold Rush trails just outside Skagway, with scenic views along the way. After the ride, kick back and cuddle some adorable sled dog puppies while hearing stories about life as a musher on this easy, family-friendly excursion.

Tour to Try: Skagway Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure

Port: Skagway

Time Needed: 3.25 hours

9. Search for Bears - Icy Strait

Chichagof Island, where Icy Strait is situated, has a high concentration of bears thanks to its salmon-filled streams, rivers, and bay. Cruisers can pick from an easy-paced van-based tour or an off-the-beaten-path, backwoods guided hike. Knowledgeable local guides take guests along treelined gravel roads, streams, and forest trails in search of black bears.

Tour to Try: Icy Strait Wilderness Island Tour, Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour, Icy Strait River Fishing and Bear Search Tour, Icy Strait Private Bear Search Tour

Port: Icy Strait

Time Needed: 4 hours

10. See the Taku Glacier by Seaplane - Juneau

Get a bird’s eye view of the vast and dynamic Juneau Icefield by seaplane and enjoy one of the best meals that you’ll have on your Alaska vacation. This tour conveniently departs from near the cruise ship docks, where waiting 10-seat seaplanes await to carry you away from the crowds, over the Juneau Icefield, landing at the quaint and remote Taku Lodge, across the river from the Taku Glacier. While at the lodge, you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, take in the scenery, and then enjoy a hearty grilled salmon dinner. This is the perfect tour for cruisers looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy an easy, peaceful day.

Tour to Try: Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast

Port: Juneau

Time Needed: 3 hours

Want more to do? Check out our list of the 10 best Alaska Excursions.

Alaska Excursion FAQ

1. What are the best Alaska shore excursions?

The best Alaska shore excursions are:

2. What is the best port for whale watching?

Juneau is the best port for whale watching, because seeing whales is 100% guaranteed. Icy Strait is also a good choice for whale watching, because whales are abundant (though not guaranteed).

3. What is the best port for dog sledding?

There are dog sledding options in many ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Anchorage. Each excursion typically includes a helicopter ride and dog sledding on a glacier. It's a must-do in Alaska, but which port you try it in is up to you.