[784caroline]

You received aot of good advice for Vancouver..it is a great place to visit for 2 days prior to sailing. Not knowing if you are adventuresome, but at many ports of call you can book your own tours and save on the outrageous cost of booking through the cruise line. In Juneau for example, if you can afford it the helicopter tour of the glaciers is outstanding but booking on ship will cost you close to $300 per person (not certain of the rates for 2009) while booking once on land will cost at least 20-25% LESS and they all use the same companies. I would be careful and NOT PREBOOK a Helicopter tour... the weather is unpredictible and if it is raining or foggy, the ship tours will most likely still go...but you have to ask yourself will you really see what you expected to see for the cost you paid never mind the potentially dangerouos situation you are putting yourself and family in by flying in not the best of weather. Granted once on-land the availability of helicopter tours may be limited but at least you can see if the weather is cooperating..and from all I have seen and read availabilty should not be a problem this year. OF course if you cannot get on a helicopter you can always take a local bus or TAXI to the Mendenhall glacier which is just outside the city of Juneau. Again do this on your own and DONOT book on board the ship simpy for price and convience reasons. This is an easy one to do on your own.

In Skagway, the National Park Service have great museums that are Free showing how the gold miners rushed to Skagway and used this city as a base of operatins to get into the hills where the gld mines were. There is also a great story told by the NPS of the role of Women during this time period...not to be missed. NOw many have mention the narrow guague rail that takes you up the mountain. This train meets you right at he ships docking location. The Ride is good but not without faults. UNless hey changed things the windows donot open so people try and cram onto the open areas between cars to take pictures. It is narrated and all the good points are noted. Another option and better in my mind would be to take a land operated tour arranged at the port, using a AIRPORTER bus that carries 12-15 people with a center aisle. You actually travel the highway directly across from where the train goes up the mountain but now you are travelling in airconditioning and some comfort, its cheaper, you travel deeper into the Youkon territory and still have a tour guide directing you, YOu can stop and get out of the van, to have your passport Stamped with a Youkon Territory stamp, to take pictures of the water falls and other scenery, AND most of these operators throw in a City tour that takes you to an old Cemetery and other highlights...This is HIGHLY recommended over the Train. Another option in Skagway is to simply rent a car or a van if there is more than 4-6 passengers...AVIS will route the roadway again across from the train route..Much cheaper for a group but his has its downside of no travel guide...you are on your own. There are also some great Honk-tonk bars with piano entertainment and ladies in "era" dress in town...well worth a visit and a quick drink.

In Ketchikan, expect rain, but I would highly recommend Salmon fishing especially if the Kings are running...an experience you will never forget....but be aware the processing and shiping your catch home can be costly. A party in our group did the float plane ride to the Misty Fiords and they said it was disappointing for the cost...again that is truely dependent on weather and the wildlife agreeing to be seen. Otherwise Ketchikan has Eagle preserves or just a nice city to walk around, You can even fish from the local docks and rent equipment locally.

Have a great trip we have done it a number of times and look forward to our returun