Make sure you get a flight in early enough to get on your ship even if there is a delay. Our airline overbooked by 13 seats and 8 of us subsequently did not make the ship in Vancouver. We were allowed on at the first port in Ketchikan for a $300 per person penalty.

Ketchikan may bill itself as a fishing, mining and timber town, but the first few blocks are pure tourism and not very attractive at that. One of the duck operators joked that there were 60 jewelry stores in this town of 32 miles and I'm not sure he was far off. They receive under 30 days of sunshine so plan on rain here. Duck tour was okay. Flightseeing was awesome according to several people. You will see bald eagles as frequently as we in the Midwest see robins.

Juneau was more to our liking. Mt. Roberts tram is great including the native gift shop and show. Wildlife plentiful along the nature trail. They also have a injured eagle that will not be able to be released due to extensive wing damage. She is absolutely stunning. Everyone enjoyed their excursions here. Whale watchers found humpbacks within the first ten minutes of tour. Read more