With the new Cruise Terminal 91 in Seattle - boarding is easy and went quickly. I arranged for a cab to take the 4 of us out to the Glacier and they picked us up at the pier - even when we came in an hour early -just gave them a call. Beat the crowd from the tour buses and with 4 of us the cost was probably a little less than taking the bus to the Glacier. I took my Dad up to the Glacier in 80's - couldn't believe how far the ice has receded. We used Dyea Dave tour in Skagway - he is great! Our son and his wife accompanied us and only the 4 of us took the train back on the return. We saw a Cinnamon Bear and a Black Bear - and other wildlife. Princess tours had large 40 passengers buses and went zipping by the bear. Dyea Dave stopped and about 21 passengers all got a photo opportunites. The lunch place was very good - awesome pies. Very scenic coming back on the railroad. Dyea Dave is more personal and less expensive then the cruise ship package.
Our son & his wife took the tour with the ship out of Ketichan - the one that is on TV - dangerous fishing. They showed them crabs which arn't allowed to be caught in the Alaskan Waters, but a Fishing area for the Indians allows them bring up the Crabs in their territory. They thought it was great.
A 2nd son also went two weeks later and did the same tour and thought it was great. One of the men has been on the TV show 2003-2004. Doesn't give you much time in Ketichan, but they felt well worth it. We have gone before so didn't do some of the other tours like looking at the totem poles, etc.
Love the closet space on the Princess cabins.
Holds the luggage better.