Skagway Alaska, Cruise stop

[Miramar2]

I was wondering if anyone doing an Alaska cruise that goes to Skagway has had that stop changed?  I am on a cruise on the Celebrity Solstice in September, but noticed that Skagway is showing as a Sea Day but my excursion is still showing as reserved.  Since this is the reason I booked this cruise I really want to know if anyone has heard anything about skipping Skagway?

[kefthecruiser]

I'm not sure this is the final answer, but I checked the Celebrity website. They show the Sept 1, 8, and 15, 2023 Solstice cruises all stopping at Skagway. The ship then heads to Hawaii. Where are you seeing the stop was removed?

[Cruising Caribbean]

@Miramar2 That's definitely strange. If it's still showing on the Celebrity Cruises website, then that's pretty good news for now. You also have your excursion reservation still confirmed for Skagway. That's also promising. I would think that the cruise line would just add another port of call rather than cancel completely! Were you able to contact Celebrity Cruises to get any sort of answers? 

[septemo470]

Celebrity docking location is good . RCI has canceled several stops to Skagway because their docking location was closed due  to a rock slide in the area and repairs have not yet been completed. I hope the Skagway stop stays put ,Wouldn't want you to miss the Train ride. Have Fun !  

[Cruising Caribbean]

@septemo470 Thanks for shedding some light here! Based on this information, I'm glad that Royal Caribbean canceled these stops for the safety of all guests. Rock slides are extremely unpredictable and dangerous! I hope the dock is repaired quickly so guests likely myself who haven't been yet, get to opportunity to visit. Could you expand on the train ride? Is this an unbeatable excursion? Since I haven't been, I would love to know more to ensure I don't miss it when I do make it over there. 

[septemo470]

Hi Cruising Caribbean >>the Skagway train excursion to me is a very good experience , you can get some views and opinions from varies cruise sites including this one. Depending on the time of your cruise suggest you book early as it could sell out. Are you departing from the U.S. or Canada . Have a great cruise !  

 

[3Sisters]

@septemo470 The train ride in Skagway sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing the tip about booking early because it sells out! If I'm ever cruising out that way, I definitely want to experience this excursion. I happen to love train rides that require minimal effort, especially for those with disabilities or younger children. You can get the same fantastic views and experiences all in the comfort of a train seat! 

[New to Cruising]

We did the White Pass train ride this past May and it was awesome, one of the highlights of the entire cruise. The scenery and commentary along the way was fantastic, so much history, the incredible stories of struggles of the people back in the late 19th century who walked the route while carrying their loads and other fun facts. I would say if you miss it you will regret it. 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@New to Cruising Thanks for sharing about your White Pass train ride experience! This train ride sounds very rich in history and pretty accessible to all ages and abilities. I like when excursions are accepting of all guests, especially since I'm usually cruising with my family of different ages and interests. If anything at all, this train ride can serve as a time to sit down and enjoy the local scenery. I'm not sure if anyone would oppose it! When you booked this experience did you book through a cruise line or an alternative source?

Edited June 29, 2023 by Kendall James-Vargas

[euroguy]

I just returned from alaska cruise on Carnival and we stopped at skagway without issue. Skagway was by far my favorite stop. 

We were docked for 13 hours so had a lot of time. I rented a car for $150. The Canadian boarder is on 15 miles away. Drove 70 miles into Canada and saw so much increadible scenery. For me I was able to see and experience so much more by driving for the same or less than listed shore excursions. I saw stopped at so many places that I ended up taking lo ger than I expected but was worth it by far.

Skagway overlook, waterfalls, yukon suspension bridge, bison chili, beautiful lakes, world's smallest desert (1mile square) carcross and  Emerald lake.

[3Sisters]

@euroguy I'm glad you are back! Your experience in Skagway looks absolutely breathtaking. I love all of these photos of waterfalls, lakes, and nature. You really got to experience so much in such a short amount of time! The last photo you posted even has a mini rainbow caught in the waterfall. I would imagine not many people adventure to drive 70 miles into Canada during a cruise stop, but after seeing all of these photos, I'm not sure I could miss it! Were you able to get into any of the bodies of water? They may have been a bit chilly. How was the weather in Skagway? It looked so lush and green with no snow in sight.  

[euroguy]

@3Sisters no I didnt get into any of the water, but im sure it was chilly. Weather was a nice warm 65 degrees with no rain. A few of the peaks still had some snow which was cool to see.  I'm glad you appreciated the pics even though only a few added here. The pics I added came from my cell phone, but also had digital camera and took over 1200 pictures with it. I haven't had a chance to review them yet. 

Please note...if anyone plans to drive or cross into Canada you will need a passport. Sadly they don't stamp it.

Edited September 13, 2023 by euroguy

[LukeJ]

What stunning photos. They capture the place fantastic. Those are the type of places I would love to go, breathtaking scenery.

[euroguy]

@LukeJ yes it was so amazing and when i travel these are the types of things i really want to see and experience...the real place not some overly commercialized town which juneau and Ketchikan are. Skagway made the trip worthwhile and memories i will never forget. These are a few of the pics i took with my cell phone. I had my digital camera with me as well and took over 1200 pics. 

Skagway makes me to see other "real" parts of Alaska. I'm glad you enjoyed the pics.

[LukeJ]

That's a good point you've made there. A lot of people don't like the commercialised town when they go in vacations, and rather go to more of the real towns of the countries as you've mentioned. I happen to be one of them with you. I would like to see and feel, and taste their foods. And the good thing now about digital is that you can keep snapping and take thousands of images, even though I really prefer film quality over digital any day.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@LukeJ I am definitely that person! I want an off-the-grid experience. Tourist trap towns don't excite me. The colors on @euroguy don't even seem real! The air quality must have been so nice. Were you able to picnic out in these forests or were you concerned about wildlife? One of my favorite things to do is take a sac lunch and munch as I explore the great outdoors. 

[euroguy]

@LukeJ yep I skip the tourist traps big time..usually lol always an exception to every rule. I have cruised the Mexico from Ensenada to Acapulco  and everything in-between. I would hire private drivers to go to places far inland upto 100 miles away from ship.  I have met some of the nicest people, been invited to break bread and share meal with them. Been to town with 100 to 500 people. Visited banana and coconut plantations, hseen hand made tile being done, released 2 baby sea turtles to the ocean that local where protecting from human preditors, swam/snorkelers in waters that tourist would die for and played with tiger cubs and so much more. Yes I will skip the tourist traps any day of the week and telwice on sunday. On the west caribbean side I have climbed myan pyramids that are off the beaten path and was left speechless when standing on the top and hearing the howler monkeys in the jungle surrounding it. I love the road less traveled.  But some times I do get drawn into some commercialized things like the cliff divers in Acapulco...but I had too lmao

@Cruising Caribbean no picnics one must be cautious about wild life and not becoming a meal for some lol the air was crisp clean and amazing

 

Edited September 16, 2023 by euroguy

[euroguy]

In the Philippines I have rode a mule to the top rim of a semi dormant volcano, the center was bubbling and steam coming out of some vents as you went up the side (noone else was there). Also took a ferry to a remote island that is known for its crystal blue waters and amazing beaches with only a couple thousand residents... I was the only American and treated like royalty and it was stunning.

I have been truly blessed to see so many great and amazing things in the world.

Edited September 16, 2023 by euroguy

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@euroguy You are an adventurous person! These are things many would need to build up the courage to do, myself included. I have been intrigued to visit the Philippines. What was the remote island that you ended up visiting? The way you describe it makes me want to book a trip over there! I'm so glad you truly enjoyed your recent Alaskan cruise. I'm excited to hear about your next cruise plans. From what I'm gathering, you will be cruising with CCL for a while. It must be hard to book with any other cruise line. Your personal cruise assistant has really been hooking you up lately! 

[PaulB]

There should be a rule where city slickers should spend time off grid to appreciate what it would be like to harmonise more with nature and try another side of life.

[euroguy]

@PaulB im certainly don't fall under that category. Grew up on a real farm with livestock and cash crops had my 1st gun at 7. Then went to college and went to the big city. You can take the country boy out of the country but can't take the country out of the boy. 🤣

I certainly agree people should experience the country and all the glory it offers, learn about what it actually takes to put the food on one's plate. It puts a lot in perspective.

[euroguy]

@Kendall James-Vargas to be frank it was 20 years a go and I would need to dig through photo albums to try and figure out what island it was and the which town on the island. I can say that back then had to take an 8 hour ferry boat ride that was straight out of Indiana Jones. You had 1st class and zero class. Zero class was people sleeping on the outside decks with their chickens, goats, ducks and whatever else they bought. It was almost comical, but certainly 3rd world and an eye opener. The people were genuinely nice and welcoming as well really liked Americans, well at leat this American. I remember when I reached the town/village all the roads were dirt lined with painted rocks.. most didn't have much but they appreciated and had pride in what they did have. When I started walking down the dirt road a group of about 10-15 young children approx 5-10 years old saw me and came running up to me sayaying hello Americano with great big smiles and excitement trying to speak English. It truly warmed my heart and I melted inside. I have experienced similar in Mexico in very remote villages. The Philippines has about 7000 islands and it can be a very special place to visit, but you have to remember that it is truly a 3rd world country still to this day and poverty is ramped and certain regions are not advised for Americans to visit and even in the better parts it's always best to have local guides to watch over you.

Japanese investors have built a ton of different resorts that are right on the ocean on different islands which are very nice and safe for the unfamiliar traveler, which I mich recommend for you and your family.

[PaulB]

@euroguy nothing wrong with that, my family and friends had farms and I would help them out throughout. I prefer that to the hustle of the busy day in the city. I think everyone should have the opportunity to see what it's like in the country.