the Best Alaska
Cruise Excursions
You may only cruise Alaska once. Don't miss the magic.
See Alaska like a local, not a tourist. An insider's guide to the truly unforgettable excursions in every port — from a 30-year travel industry veteran.
Guide
2026
What's Waiting for You
The Alaska most cruisers
never see
Glaciers, breaching whales, dog sleds on ice, floatplanes to nowhere.
This is what you came for.
Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau
Flightseeing in Juneau.
Sunset in Anchorage
Humpback Whale Watching
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
Bear Viewing
Why This Guide
Why you need this
before you sail
Most port stops give you six to eight hours. Glaciers, bears, dog sleds, kayaks, helicopters — this guide tells you what's actually worth your time.
Every Port Covered
Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Victoria, Anchorage, Seward and more.
Insider Excursion Picks
Not just "good enough" tours — the truly memorable ones locals actually recommend.
Realistic Timing
Know exactly how long each excursion takes so you're never late back to the ship.
Written by an Alaska Expert
30 years in the travel industry — hands-on local experience living in Juneau working in the cruise industry. Mastered Alaska from every angle, land and sea.
Bonus Packing List
A full Alaska cruise packing checklist included — nothing forgotten, nothing overpacked.
Seattle & Vancouver Extras
Pre and post-cruise city guides so your whole trip is dialed in end-to-end.
Inside the Guide
Flip through the ports
Tap a port to preview what's inside. Every chapter is packed with insider excursion picks, timing, and Charlee's honest take.
Glacier dayPick
Juneau
Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
Skip the crowded bus tour. Charlee's insider route to the glacier face, the ice caves, and the 377-foot waterfall most cruisers walk right past — plus the exact timing to be back on the ship stress-free.
- Charlee's hand-picked operators (and who to avoid)
- Realistic timing so you're never late back to the ship
- What to wear, bring, and book before you leave home
Sample Pages
A polished, real guide —
not a listicle
Juneau
Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls
Flightseeing
The Juneau Icefield from above
Anchorage & Whittier
Portage Glacier & Turnagain Arm
Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Charlee.
I'm a 30-year travel industry veteran and your go-to Alaska expert. I've cruised Alaska on land and on sea, and this guide is everything I wish I'd known on my first trip.
My philosophy is simple: this is likely your one time to visit Alaska — so make it count.
Traveler Reviews
Cruisers who did it right
"Charlee's picks made our Juneau day. We skipped the tourist trap and did the flightseeing tour — hands down the best day of our cruise."
Melissa R.
7-day Inside Passage
"Charlee's firsthand advice led us to a dream seaplane fly-in to Taku Lodge that made our Alaska trip unforgettable. Her real-life experience and honest recommendations are absolutely priceless!"
Dianne & Dr. Dennis Cirone
Juneau — Taku Lodge fly-in
"From scenic train rides and breathtaking flightseeing over Mt. McKinley, to seeing a mama grizzly and her cub up close in Denali, our week in Alaska was absolute perfection. Charlee's planning made it an incredible adventure filled with memories we will cherish forever!"
Karyn T.
Denali & Interior Alaska
"The timing tips alone were worth it. We never once worried about being late back to the ship, and the packing list saved us so much stress."
David & Susan K.
Vancouver → Seward
"TravelCharlee knows Alaska inside and out! Her years of experience bring complete comfort and ease, packed with expert tips and tricks to give you a fun, authentic experience off the beaten path."
Jane Ann E.
Off-the-beaten-path Alaska
"This was my first time in Alaska, and I was so amazed at the majestic beauty. I am so glad I picked up Charlee's Alaska guide, though. I felt like we had the traveler's advantage over the rest of our group. Everyone kept asking what we were using for all our insights!"
Tom G.
Juneau
"Reads like a friend who's actually been there. Booked three excursions from her recommendations and every single one was unforgettable."
Jenna P.
Round-trip Seattle
"Charlee's picks made our Juneau day. We skipped the tourist trap and did the flightseeing tour — hands down the best day of our cruise."
Melissa R.
7-day Inside Passage
"Charlee's firsthand advice led us to a dream seaplane fly-in to Taku Lodge that made our Alaska trip unforgettable. Her real-life experience and honest recommendations are absolutely priceless!"
Dianne & Dr. Dennis Cirone
Juneau — Taku Lodge fly-in
"From scenic train rides and breathtaking flightseeing over Mt. McKinley, to seeing a mama grizzly and her cub up close in Denali, our week in Alaska was absolute perfection. Charlee's planning made it an incredible adventure filled with memories we will cherish forever!"
Karyn T.
Denali & Interior Alaska
"The timing tips alone were worth it. We never once worried about being late back to the ship, and the packing list saved us so much stress."
David & Susan K.
Vancouver → Seward
"TravelCharlee knows Alaska inside and out! Her years of experience bring complete comfort and ease, packed with expert tips and tricks to give you a fun, authentic experience off the beaten path."
Jane Ann E.
Off-the-beaten-path Alaska
"This was my first time in Alaska, and I was so amazed at the majestic beauty. I am so glad I picked up Charlee's Alaska guide, though. I felt like we had the traveler's advantage over the rest of our group. Everyone kept asking what we were using for all our insights!"
Tom G.
Juneau
"Reads like a friend who's actually been there. Booked three excursions from her recommendations and every single one was unforgettable."
Jenna P.
Round-trip Seattle
The secret sauce to the perfect Alaska cruise.
Stop guessing and start exploring. A 44-page digital guide covering every port, hidden excursion, and budget-saving tip from 30 years of sailing the Last Frontier.