5 Money Saving Tips for Alaska Excursions
Posted: Thursday, July 15, 2010
by Chuck Clayton
http://www.inexpensive-vacation-ideas.com
On a recent Alaska Inside Passage Cruise we discovered some simple ways of saving money while still having a great time and enjoying the ports.
Before the cruise I downloaded all the excursion packages from the cruise line. Many of the excursions looked fun, but expensive. Like most people I am on a budget. Since I would only be in Alaska a short time I still wanted to have a great time and experience Alaska .
1. Take a walking tour. Walking around a city can be as much fun as taking a guided tour. In Victoria BC we walked from the ship to a place called Fisherman's Wharf and then into town. We probably walked about 2 miles or so. When we were ready to come back we took a taxi back to the port. It cost us less the $15 for 4 people!
2. Design your own excursions. You can have just as much fun (if not more) by creating your own tours. Benefits are:
You will save what the cruise line tacks on to the standard tour price. I would estimate that the cruise line tacks on about 10-20% (or more) on many of the tours.
You can customize the tour to your liking.
You will not have to deal with the crowds of big tours.
In Ketchikan we did a walking tour, saw the city, watched seaplanes take off and land, did some shopping and more. Later in the day we met some people who had rented an electric car for $40/hour. They were kind enough to take us to the rental place and we rented the car. It was a blast and we got a great ride around the city and see the sites. The Rental place is called the Rain Barrel and is near to the port. (907) 225-2277.
Note: The cruise lines guarantee you will be back in time before the ship leaves port if you take their tours. Although crucial that you do return in time (the ship will leave without you if you are late!) you just have to manage your own time and you will be fine.
3. Negotiate prices with local business owners. Once you get into port, many local excursions are right there in kiosks.By booking with them you will save the cruise charge for some of the same excursions. Just make sure they are clear that you have to be back in plenty of time to get on the ship before it leaves.
In Juneau we wanted to go to the Mendenhall Glacier. The guided excursion that the cruise line had would cost $44.00 each. A vendor at a Kiosk at the port sold us round way bus tickets to the glacier for $14 each. The trip was about 30 minutes there and back, and their buses left every 30 minutes. We had a great time and took some excellent pictures.
A walk to the town of Juneau the town was long, but the cruise line had chartered busses that were $3 for a one way trip to Juneau . When you were done touring you could take the bus ride back for the same price. Not bad! It makes sense that many of the cruises will setup services like this where there is a long walk to town. Check with the Purser's office before you arrive in port to find your options.
4. Talk to the local business owners about fun things to see and do. They can frequently guide you away from the tourist traps (and bad deals) and help you have a great time for less money.
While in Skagway we asked local vendors about things to do and they recommended a hike on the Dewey Lakes Trail System.
The hike was medium grade about a half mile long up a hill overlooking the city. We passed by a train, and then went up the mountain passing a babbling brook, and saw a beautiful lake at the top. The trip was a blast and cost us nothing.
5. Everything is negotiable. Frequently, vendors will offer you great deals if you just ask.
In Ketchikan a sea plane pilot offered us 30% off of the standard price for a sea plane ride. We didn't take him up on the offer, but it shows that everything is negotiable. Don't be afraid to ask for the best price.
Bonus: Money Saving Tips in Port: Go further in town for the best prices. Businesses right next to ports frequently charge high prices. Goods and services both are less expensive the further you travel into a city.
The shops next to the port know they can get away with higher prices because people may not know any better. The farther in town you go, the more prices are what regular citizen's pay. We have heard stories of many businesses in ports raising their prices whenever cruise ships come in to port. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the case.
Final Thoughts: Saving money is important, however so is enjoying your cruise to the max.If you find an excursion that you really want to take, but it is expensive, consider taking it! You may not pass this way again
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)You sound like a seasoned traveler, Chuck, these are great suggestions.
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