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Alaska Excursions

Ahoy,

Card Player Cruises is looking forward to another fantastic Alaska trip beginning on August 30, 2019. Fortunately, I have traveled this itinerary at least 40 times and have tried out many of the shore excursions offered in Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria. We have worked with local tour operators over the past 26 years to provide exceptional private excursions for our passengers at reduced rates.

Of course you are welcome to book through the cruise line’s excursion department if you prefer or if there are activities that they offer that we don’t offer. For example, our only private excursion offered in Juneau is a whale watching trip. However, if this is your first time in Alaska, I highly recommend that you book one of the ship’s excursions that includes a helicopter landing on a glacier…it is one of the most spectacular things you will ever do!

Below is a list of Card Player Cruises’ private excursions in each port. I have personally taken each of these trips so will give you the facts about the trip as well as my own personal thoughts about each one. Please be aware that some of these excursions are limited and they will sell out very quickly.

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Juneau: September 1: Whale watching trip (3 hours)

Our whale watching adventure begins when we board a bus that departs downtown Juneau from the Mt. Roberts Tram parking lot. A 25-minute journey through the picturesque landscape of Southeast Alaska will take you to Auke Bay Harbor. “All aboard!” and you’re off to Alaskan waters and the ultimate whale watching experience on our private 49-passenger catamaran.

In addition to whales, be on the lookout for bald eagles, seals, sea lions, black bear and more of Alaska’s wildlife. The star of the tour is the humpback whale, but you may get to see some playful orcas. Once a whale is spotted, the captain slows down and allows you to go out on the spacious viewing decks for great photo opportunities. The custom designed vessels provide unrestricted viewing from inside the cabin as well as outside. Although the cabin is enclosed and heated, you should dress in layers, after all it is Alaska! The experienced captains and onboard whale experts know how to spot whales! With Juneau being one of the best ports for whale watching in Alaska, this tour should be an unforgettable experience. A light snack will be provided.

The cost for this tour is $125 including transportation.

Linda Johnson’s personal take on this tour: I have been fortunate enough to take this tour many times and we have always seen LOTS of whales. In addition to seeing humpbacks, I got to see Orcas three out of the last four years. The people who work on the boat love their jobs and genuinely get excited when they see whales. They have a great deal of knowledge to share regarding whales and other sea animals. Bring your cameras for sure. There will be plenty of time to walk around the town, eat some crab legs, and shop after the whale watch tour!

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Skagway: September 2: SOLD OUT

It is a motor coach tour along the Klondike Highway, one of the top 5 most scenic highways in the world. Lunch will be provided at Caribou Crossing, where you will be able to see a working sled dog training camp and the Yukon's premier wildlife museum. Other highlights include Emerald Lake, the White Pass Summit, Carcross, Bove Island, and the World's Smallest Desert. The guides will keep you interested as they tell tales of the Gold Rush Days. A passport is required since you will be entering Canada.

This full-day tour is $135 and will probably fill up very quickly

Linda Johnson’s personal take on this tour:  I have taken this tour several times and love the scenic stops, playing with the sled dogs, and hearing the history of the area. This is one of my favorite excursions and the scenery on a clear day can’t be beaten. You should be fun-loving if you take this trip since the guides have great senses of humor! Note that reservation space is extremely limited on this tour

Victoria, B.C: September 14: No private tours scheduled at this time.

**Note: We regret that the buses for our private excursions are not equipped to carry electric scooters or wheelchairs. 

On rare occasions, there may be a need to alter the itinerary due to weather, traffic conditions, time restraints, etc.**

If you have any questions about any of the tours above, please feel free to contact me.  Remember, these tours are limited so sign up today to avoid getting shut out.

Regards,
Linda Johnson