Alaska Cruise Excursions Come with High Price Tags

Alaska cruise excursions can be expensive due to high wages and insurance costs in the state.

A helicopter ride to a glacier for a dogsled experience can cost upwards of $700 per person, while an authentic Alaska fishing tour starts at over $400 per person.

Additionally, scenic train rides on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad begin at more than $150 per traveler for a nearly three-hour journey.

These costs are partly due to the specialized equipment required in Alaska's rugged terrain, such as seaplanes, helicopters, and boats.

However, for those who want to balance their budget or can't afford expensive excursions every day, there are affordable alternatives available.

Many cruise passengers have successfully explored Alaska's ports independently, discovering hidden gems without breaking the bank.

To help travelers plan their trip, we've compiled a list of free and cheap activities in each port, based on insider knowledge from Alaska tourism representatives.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway offers four free museums for visitors to explore. The park features an array of interactive exhibits at its Visitor Center Museum, giving tourists a glimpse into the region's rich history. Another notable museum is the Moore House Museum, which showcases two restored Victorian-era rooms that once belonged to the first family to live in Skagway.

The Jeff Smiths Parlour Museum and the Mascot Saloon Museum are also part of the park's offerings. The former bar has a shady past, while the latter is a restored gold rush saloon. These museums provide insight into the lives of those who lived during the Klondike Gold Rush era.

For those seeking an immersive experience, the Red Onion Saloon in Skagway offers a unique atmosphere. This historic venue was once a bordello but now serves as a popular spot for sipping Alaska-brewed beers and snacking on appetizers named after former 'ladies of the night'. Visitors can even take part in a $20 Quickie Tour, which explores the supposedly haunted brothel museum.

One of the most enjoyable activities in Skagway is hiking. Several trailheads are conveniently located near cruise ships, providing easy access to scenic trails like Upper and Lower Dewey Lake, Reid Falls, and Gold Rush Cemetery. The National Park Service has categorized these hikes based on their proximity to Skagway's Historic District as well as their level of difficulty.

The best part about hiking in Skagway is that no guide is required, and admission is free. Visitors can explore the trails at their own pace without worrying about additional costs. This makes it an ideal activity for those looking to stretch their legs during a cruise stopover.

In Juneau, window shopping along the main streets near the cruise docks can be a fun way to pass the time. However, visitors may find themselves tempted to spend more than they intended on souvenirs. An alternative option is to take the free hike from the ship to the top of the Mount Roberts Trail.

While it's not necessary to pay for an all-day tram pass, which typically costs $60, a more adventurous approach is to hike up the mountain. This trail offers stunning views but can be steep and muddy after rainstorms.

The scenic trails surrounding Juneau offer a range of hiking options for cruise passengers. One such trail is the Perseverance Trail, which provides stunning views but can be steep and muddy after rainstorms.

Visitors can also explore the Gold Creek Flume Trail, another hike accessible from their ship. While some trails may require physical effort, others are more leisurely, allowing passengers to take in the sights at a relaxed pace.

For those who prefer not to hike, Juneau's downtown area offers self-guided tours that are free of charge. The city is also home to the Juneau Voices project, featuring audio installations at 11 locations where visitors can learn about the city through the stories of Native Alaskans.

A walking tour map can be obtained from a tourist welcome center, guiding passengers to the city's main attractions. Alternatively, visitors can download a PDF guide to Juneau's totem poles online, providing insight into the region's rich cultural heritage.

In addition to outdoor activities and self-guided tours, Juneau also boasts several museums that offer a glimpse into the area's history and art. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum features a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, with admission priced at $7.

Passengers can also visit the Alaska State Museum, located just 20 minutes from the port by foot or cab. Admission is set at $14, providing access to exhibits on the cultures of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples.

For a deeper understanding of Native Alaskan cultures, visitors may want to stop by the Sealaska Heritage Institute's Walter Soboleff Building. With an admission price of $10, this attraction features local art and craftsmanship, as well as a signature totem pole and handcrafted clan house on display.

A scenic uphill walk awaits those eager to explore Ketchikan's history at the Last Chance Mining Museum, located on Basin Road. For a modest fee of $5, visitors can delve into the region's gold rush era within a historic mining building.

Goldbelt tram is currently closed due to unforeseen circumstances, but it is expected to reopen soon. Before planning your visit, be sure to check the availability and prices of this attraction.

In addition to exploring Ketchikan from the vantage point of Basin Road, visitors can stroll along the city's Creek Street Historic District, situated above the salmon-filled Ketchikan Creek on a wooden boardwalk. This historic area is free to explore, offering a glimpse into the region's past through its preserved buildings, shops, and restaurants.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the city's former red-light district, Dolly's House offers guided tours for $10. Alternatively, visitors can simply browse the historic establishments without paying admission fees.

Just a short distance from Creek Street lies the Tongass Historical Museum and Totem Heritage Center. For a modest fee of $6 per adult (children and military personnel are admitted free), these attractions provide an immersive experience into the region's rich history. The museum features exhibits on local arts and crafts, while the totem poles offer insight into the cultural heritage of the area.

One of the most unique experiences available in Ketchikan is the self-guided Salmon Walk, which spans 1 1/2 miles and offers a glimpse into the fish's impact on the town. This walk takes visitors past the Totem Heritage Center, where they can view an impressive collection of 19th-century totem poles rescued from nearby islands.

Visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace may choose to head out to Saxman Native Village without joining a guided tour. Located approximately 2 miles south of Ketchikan, this village is accessible on foot or via public transportation for a few dollars. Those who opt to walk will find a tranquil atmosphere amidst the park's 25 replica totem poles and ongoing traditional carvings.

For an additional $5 fee, visitors can gain entry into Saxman Native Village, where they can observe skilled craftsmen at work using ancient techniques to create intricate totem poles.

Icy Strait Point offers more free or low-cost activities for visitors beyond its beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities.

A convenient way to get around the port is by taking advantage of its free gondola ride, which connects two cruise pier areas. However, if you're not fond of heights or prefer a leisurely stroll, you can walk along nature trails instead.

As you explore the area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. The surroundings are teeming with marine life and other creatures that call this region home.

Visitors can also enjoy the numerous beaches at Icy Strait Point, which offer scenic views and opportunities to spot marine life without incurring any costs.

The Hoonah Cannery building is another attraction worth visiting, where you'll find a mix of shops and exhibits showcasing local culture. Admission to these exhibits is free, although you may want to consider purchasing tickets for the Native dance show that takes place on-site.

If you're looking to explore further afield, it's possible to walk from Icy Strait Point to Hoonah, the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. The journey covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes to complete.

Alternatively, you can opt for an affordable $10 shuttle service that will take you into town. Here, you'll have the chance to admire the impressive collection of totem poles on display and sample a local beer at Icy Strait Brewing.

The Sitka Russian Cemetery is a historic site that offers a glimpse into Alaska's past, featuring gravestones made from the ballast of Russian ships dating back over two centuries.

Located in the heart of Sitka, the cemetery provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the area's rich cultural heritage. The nearby Sitka National Historical Park is another must-visit destination, with its visitor center and grounds offering free admission to all. Here, you can walk along scenic trails and admire the impressive collection of totem poles on display.

For nature enthusiasts, the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka is a great place to visit, showcasing eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons up close. Admission is relatively affordable at $16, although it does require a short walk from downtown. The center's forested grounds offer a peaceful stroll, while the opportunity to watch injured birds relearn how to fly provides an unforgettable experience.

In addition to exploring Alaska's natural beauty, visitors can also immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage through various dance performances at affordable ticket prices. The Alaska Storytellers dance show is one such event, celebrating traditional and modern Russian dance for just $15. Alternatively, you could step into a Tlingit clan house to enjoy the music, costumes, and choreography of the Naa Kahidi Tlingit Dancers.

While there are plenty of free things to do in port on an Alaska cruise, it's worth budgeting for a few tours to experience the state's wilderness firsthand. Whether you choose dog sledding, kayaking, fishing, or whale or bear watching, these activities offer unforgettable memories and experiences that will make your trip truly special.

By prioritizing free attractions and budgeting for a select few tours, visitors can enjoy an affordable yet immersive Alaska cruise experience, taking in the state's stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage without breaking the bank.