Top Alaska cruise shore excursions include heli-hiking and whale watching

The Points Guy reported on the best shore excursions for Alaska cruises, emphasizing that many of the state's top attractions are related to its natural environment, such as mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, whales, and bears. According to cruise editor Gene Sloan, these experiences are often found outside the towns where cruise ships dock, so visitors who only explore the towns may miss much of what Alaska offers.

Sloan, who has nearly 30 years of experience writing about Alaska cruises and co-authored Frommer's 'Alaska Cruises & Ports of Call' guide, shared his perspective based on extensive exploration of major cruise ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. He recommends considering specific excursions to fully experience the region's outdoor beauty.

He also noted that many of the most spectacular excursions in Alaska tend to be expensive, advising travelers to budget for shore excursions almost as much as for their cruise cabins. However, Sloan pointed out that not every outing requires a large expense. For example, in Juneau, visitors can take a relatively affordable trip to Mendenhall Glacier, located 13 miles from the cruise docks and accessible by shuttle bus or taxi.

The shuttle bus services to Mendenhall Glacier, offered by Juneau Tours and M&M Tours, cost between $65 and $79 per person round-trip, which Sloan described as overpriced. He suggested that groups might find taxis to be a more cost-effective option for this excursion.