Celebrity Cruises Alaska Shore Excursions 2026

Celebrity Cruises brings a distinctly modern luxury sensibility to Alaska's Inside Passage, and for the 2026 season, the line is deploying three ships across 116 total departures from May through September. Where other cruise lines emphasize tradition or family fun, Celebrity has carved out a niche as the premium choice for discerning travelers who want elevated dining, sophisticated design, and destination-focused itineraries without the formality of ultra-luxury lines. It's a sweet spot that resonates with well-traveled guests who appreciate the difference between good and exceptional.

What makes a Celebrity Alaska cruise special starts with the ships themselves. The Celebrity Edge — one of the most innovative cruise ships ever built — sails Alaska from Seattle, bringing its revolutionary outward-facing design and Magic Carpet cantilever platform to glacier country. The Celebrity Solstice, the ship that launched Celebrity's Solstice class and redefined onboard spaces with its real grass lawn and hot glass-blowing shows, operates weekly from Vancouver. And the Celebrity Summit runs the coveted one-way Gulf of Alaska route between Vancouver and Seward, giving guests the rare opportunity to cruise past Hubbard Glacier and through scenery that roundtrip itineraries simply cannot reach.

Celebrity is also renowned for its culinary programming — partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs, craft cocktail bars helmed by award-winning mixologists, and specialty dining venues that rival the best restaurants ashore. But the most memorable meals on an Alaska cruise aren't always onboard. They happen when you step off the ship and into the hands of local Alaskan guides who'll take you fishing for your dinner, grill reindeer sausage at a remote rainforest campsite, or serve fresh salmon chowder on a catamaran in a glacial fjord.

That's where independent shore excursions through Alaska Shore Tours transform a Celebrity cruise from a great vacation into an extraordinary one. Rather than booking through the ship's excursion desk — with its larger group sizes and cruise line markups — you can reserve directly with the same local operators, enjoy smaller groups, more personal attention, and often better prices. Reserve your spot with just a 5% deposit, cancel up to 24 hours before most tours, and experience Alaska the way the locals know it.

This guide covers every Alaska port that Celebrity Cruises visits in 2026, with our top-rated shore excursion picks for each stop, real schedule data from all three ships, and practical tips for making the most of your time ashore. Whether you're on the Edge sailing from Seattle, the Solstice out of Vancouver, or the Summit's one-way voyage to Seward, every recommendation here is one you can confidently book knowing it works with your ship's schedule and your expectations as a Celebrity guest.

Insider tips and recommendations throughout this guide come from Colleen and Danielle on our shore excursion team, who've helped thousands of Celebrity guests navigate Alaska's ports and plan excursions that match the elevated experience Celebrity is known for.

Celebrity Ships Sailing Alaska in 2026

Celebrity Cruises deploys three ships to Alaska for the 2026 season, sailing from two embarkation ports — Seattle and Vancouver — with one ship operating the scenic one-way Gulf of Alaska route to Seward. Together, these three ships offer 116 departures spanning late April through late September, covering every major port in Southeast Alaska plus the bonus of Icy Strait Point, Sitka, and Endicott Arm scenic cruising.

Ship	Embarkation	Typical Route	Departures	Season
Celebrity Edge	Seattle	Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway (+ Victoria)	38	May–Sep
Celebrity Solstice	Vancouver	Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan (alternating)	42	May–Sep
Celebrity Summit	Vancouver / Seward	Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Skagway (one-way)	36	May–Sep

Celebrity Edge is the headliner — Celebrity's revolutionary Edge-class ship featuring the outward-facing design philosophy that replaced traditional interior promenades with open, light-filled spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. The Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that moves between decks and extends over the water — becomes a premium whale-watching perch during Alaska's scenic cruising days. The Edge sails 7-night roundtrip itineraries from Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway with a morning scenic cruise through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Many sailings also include a late-evening stop in Victoria, British Columbia on the return.

Celebrity Solstice is the workhorse of Celebrity's Alaska fleet, offering the most departures (42) on 7-night roundtrip voyages from Vancouver. The Solstice alternates between two route patterns: one visiting Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Ketchikan, and another adding Skagway and Endicott Arm scenic cruising to the mix. The Solstice-class ship is known for its real grass Lawn Club on the top deck, hot glass-blowing shows in partnership with the Corning Museum of Glass, and a warm, contemporary atmosphere that Celebrity guests love. Every Solstice sailing visits Icy Strait Point — a unique port experience that the Edge itineraries don't include.

Celebrity Summit runs the premium one-way Gulf of Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward (the port for Anchorage and Denali). This 7-night route alternates direction — southbound from Vancouver or northbound from Seward — and visits the most ports of any Celebrity Alaska itinerary: Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway (port order varies by direction). The Summit is the only Celebrity ship calling on Sitka in 2026, making it the choice for guests who want to experience Alaska's Russian heritage and outer-coast wildlife. One-way voyages also offer more scenic cruising days and the opportunity to combine with a pre- or post-cruise land tour through Denali National Park.

2026 Celebrity Cruises Alaska Sailing Schedule

Celebrity runs weekly sailings on all three ships throughout the Alaska season. Click each ship below to see the full schedule with direct booking links. Schedules repeat on a weekly cycle from early May through mid-September.

Typical time in port by city: Knowing how long your ship spends at each port is essential for choosing the right excursions. Here's what Celebrity Cruises guests can typically expect:

• Juneau: 7–14.5 hours (varies significantly by ship — Edge: 8.5 hrs afternoon, Solstice: 7–11.5 hrs, Summit: up to 14.5 hrs)
• Skagway: 11–13 hours (Edge: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, Solstice: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM, Summit: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM)
• Ketchikan: 6.5–9 hours (Edge: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM, Solstice: 1:30 PM–8:00 PM, Summit: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM)
• Icy Strait Point: 7–10 hours (Solstice & Summit only)
• Sitka: ~8.5 hours (Summit only, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM)

These times can vary by a few hours depending on your specific sailing date, so always check your Celebrity cruise itinerary for exact port times. We recommend selecting excursions that end at least 60 to 90 minutes before your ship's departure to give yourself a comfortable buffer for transportation back to the dock.

Celebrity Edge — 2026 Alaska Schedule (18 departures, click to expand)

Departure Date	Ports of Call	Check Availability
May 15, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
May 22, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
May 29, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jun 5, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jun 12, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jun 19, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jun 26, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jul 3, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jul 10, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jul 17, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jul 24, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Jul 31, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Aug 7, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Aug 14, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Aug 21, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Aug 28, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Sep 4, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →
Sep 11, 2026	Ketchikan → Juneau → Skagway	Check Tours →

Celebrity Solstice — 2026 Alaska Schedule (20 departures, click to expand)

Departure Date	Ports of Call	Check Availability
May 3, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
May 10, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
May 17, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
May 24, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
May 31, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 7, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 14, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 21, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 28, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 5, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 12, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 19, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 26, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 2, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 9, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 16, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 23, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 30, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Sep 6, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Sep 13, 2026	Icy Strait Point → Skagway → Juneau → Ketchikan	Check Tours →

Celebrity Summit — 2026 Alaska Schedule (18 departures, click to expand)

Departure Date	Ports of Call	Check Availability
May 8, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
May 15, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
May 22, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
May 29, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 5, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Jun 12, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jun 19, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Jun 26, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 3, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Jul 10, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 17, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Jul 24, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Jul 31, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Aug 7, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 14, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Aug 21, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →
Aug 28, 2026	Ketchikan → Sitka → Juneau → Icy Strait Point	Check Tours →
Sep 4, 2026	Juneau → Skagway → Icy Strait Point → Ketchikan	Check Tours →

For the most current schedule and to check tour availability for your specific Celebrity cruise departure, visit our port pages: Juneau Tours, Skagway Tours, Ketchikan Tours, Sitka Tours, and Icy Strait Point Tours.

Juneau Shore Excursions

Alaska's capital city is the anchor port on every Celebrity Cruises Alaska itinerary — all three ships visit Juneau on every sailing. Depending on your ship, you'll have between 8.5 and 14.5 hours in port. Celebrity Edge guests typically get 8.5 hours (arriving around 1:30 PM after morning Endicott Arm scenic cruising, departing at 10:00 PM), while Solstice guests enjoy 7 to 11.5 hours depending on the route. Summit guests on the one-way itinerary get the most generous window — up to 14.5 hours in Juneau, arriving at 7:00 AM and departing as late as 9:30 PM.

Juneau is surrounded by the massive Juneau Icefield, home to over 100 glaciers, and sits at the edge of rich marine waters where humpback whales feed all summer long. The combination of glaciers, wildlife, and temperate rainforest makes Juneau the most excursion-rich port in Alaska. Celebrity ships dock at the Egan Drive cruise ship terminal or the AJ Dock downtown — both are within easy reach of tour meeting points. If your ship docks at Egan Drive, a free shuttle runs to downtown Juneau throughout the day.

With so much time in port — especially for Summit guests — many Celebrity passengers book two shorter excursions in Juneau. A morning whale watching tour paired with an afternoon helicopter excursion is the classic Juneau combination, and Celebrity's generous port windows make it possible on all three ships. Or invest in a single signature experience like the Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Whale Watching Tour

From $164/person · 3.5 hours · ★ 4.87 (1,121 reviews)

Juneau's most popular excursion and a must-do for Celebrity cruise guests — especially those arriving in the afternoon after Endicott Arm scenic cruising on the Edge. Board a custom whale watching vessel at Auke Bay and cruise into the rich feeding grounds where humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles are regularly spotted. Your captain and naturalist guide share insights into whale behavior and marine ecology while you watch from spacious outdoor viewing decks — the kind of intimate wildlife encounter that complements Celebrity's own destination programming beautifully. Whale sightings are guaranteed from May 15 through September 15, and round-trip transportation from the cruise ship dock is included. At 3.5 hours total, this tour fits perfectly into any Celebrity Juneau port schedule, including the shorter Edge afternoon window.

Icefield Helicopter Excursion

From $429/person · 2.5 hours · ★ 4.82 (896 reviews)

The crown jewel of Juneau excursions and an experience that matches the premium expectations of Celebrity guests. Lift off from the helicopter base for a breathtaking flight over the Juneau Icefield — a vast expanse of glaciers, mountain peaks, and deep blue icefalls that stretches across 1,500 square miles — before landing on the remote Herbert Glacier. Step out onto ancient ice for a guided walk, take in 360-degree views of pristine wilderness, and capture photographs that no amount of scenic cruising from the ship's deck can replicate. Your pilot doubles as your expert guide, offering narration throughout the flight and glacier landing. At just 2.5 hours including round-trip transportation from the cruise dock, this tour is ideal for Celebrity Edge guests who arrive in the afternoon and want a premium bucket-list experience that still leaves time for dinner reservations at Fine Cut or Le Petit Chef.

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

From $379/person · 5.5 hours · ★ 4.97 (1,299 reviews)

With a near-perfect 4.97 rating from over 1,200 guests, this is Juneau's highest-rated glacier adventure and the kind of expedition-caliber experience that Celebrity travelers seek out. Paddle a canoe across Mendenhall Lake through floating icebergs, then trek along the glacier's rocky moraines for an up-close encounter with Alaska's most accessible glacier. Limited permits keep group sizes small — just 8 guests per guide — creating an intimate, expedition-style outing that feels worlds away from the ship-organized bus tours. The 5.5-hour duration works perfectly for Celebrity Solstice and Summit guests with a full day in Juneau. All paddling gear, glacier equipment, rain gear, and hearty snacks are provided. This is the excursion you book when you want to come back from Alaska with a story, not just a selfie.

Taku Glacier Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery

⭐ 4.91/5 (195 reviews) | 💲From $480/person | ⏱️ 3 hours

A quintessential Celebrity-caliber experience that pairs aerial grandeur with culinary artistry. Board a classic Alaskan floatplane from downtown Juneau and soar over five glaciers on the Juneau Icefield — Norris, Hole-in-the-Wall, East Tower, West Tower, and the mighty Taku — with every passenger guaranteed a window seat. Then touch down at the legendary Taku Lodge, accessible only by air or water, for a made-from-scratch feast of wild-caught salmon, sourdough bread, and baked beans served against a backdrop of the only advancing glacier on the Icefield. Black bears often wander the property, drawn by the aroma. This is the kind of elevated wilderness dining that Celebrity guests dream about — think of it as Alaska's answer to a Michelin-starred destination restaurant, except the journey there is half the experience.

Private Whale Watching Tour

⭐ 5.00/5 (43 reviews) | 💲From $1,400/boat (up to 6 guests) | ⏱️ 4 hours

For Celebrity guests who value exclusivity above all else, this private charter delivers Juneau's longest whale watching experience — three full hours on the water aboard a 32-foot catamaran with your own captain and naturalist. The intimate vessel carries a maximum of 6 guests, meaning unobstructed viewing from both outdoor decks as you search for humpbacks, orcas, and porpoises in the Inside Passage. A highlight unique to this tour: a remote beach landing on an uninhabited island for shoreline exploration and intertidal discovery with your guide. With a perfect 5-star rating, this is whale watching elevated to the private-charter standard that Celebrity's most discerning travelers expect.

Skagway Shore Excursions

Skagway is where Celebrity guests get some of the most generous time ashore of any Alaska port. Celebrity Edge guests enjoy 11 hours in port (arriving at 7:00 AM, departing at 6:00 PM), while Solstice guests on the Skagway-inclusive route get up to 13 hours (7:00 AM to 8:00 PM). Celebrity Summit guests on the one-way itinerary get the most time of all — up to 13 hours in Skagway with departures as late as 8:00 PM. These long port windows give you an entire day to explore this historic Gold Rush town and the surrounding wilderness.

This small town of about 1,000 year-round residents sits at the head of the Lynn Canal, the deepest fjord in North America. During the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, Skagway was the gateway to the Yukon goldfields, and that frontier history is still palpable in the preserved downtown buildings, the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, and the legendary Chilkoot Trail. Celebrity ships dock at the Railroad Dock or the Broadway Dock, both just steps from the start of historic Broadway Street.

With all that time in port, many Celebrity guests book a longer morning excursion and still have the afternoon free to explore Skagway on foot. Walk the six-block National Historic District, grab a locally brewed beer at Skagway Brewing Company, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center, or simply stroll the charming downtown and soak in the Gold Rush atmosphere. The town is compact and entirely walkable — a pleasant contrast to the larger ports.

Yukon Discovery

From $169/person · 6.5 hours · ★ 4.87 (1,095 reviews)

Skagway's most popular excursion takes you on a full-day journey along the Klondike Highway into Canada's Yukon Territory — the same route stampeders traveled during the Gold Rush. Cross the White Pass Summit at 3,290 feet, then continue into Canada to visit historic Carcross, the stunning turquoise waters of Emerald Lake, and Wild Adventure Yukon for a barbecue lunch included in the price. Wildlife sightings are common, with mountain goats, marmots, moose, and even bears spotted along the route. Passports required for the Canadian border crossing. With Celebrity's generous 11 to 13 hours in Skagway, you'll return with plenty of time to explore town, shop the Broadway storefronts, or enjoy a beer at the Skagway Brewing Company before heading back to the ship for your evening dining reservation.

Chilkoot Trail Hike & Float

From $144/person · 4 hours · ★ 4.88 (623 reviews)

One of Skagway's best-value excursions combines a guided 2-mile hike along the historic Chilkoot Trail — the infamous route thousands of Gold Rush stampeders trudged to reach the Klondike — with a peaceful raft float down the Taiya River through the lush Dyea Valley. The hike is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, and the no-rapids float is relaxing rather than adrenaline-fueled, making it ideal for Celebrity guests of all ages. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles, moose, and bears along the riverbanks. At just $144 and 4 hours, this is an excellent budget-friendly option that still delivers an authentic Alaska wilderness experience — and leaves half the day free for a second activity or exploring Skagway on foot.

Glacier Point Wilderness Safari

From $374/person · 6 hours · ★ 4.73 (338 reviews)

Skagway's premier full-day adventure combines three experiences in one: a catamaran cruise through the Lynn Canal (North America's deepest fjord), a guided rainforest hike, and a canoe paddle to the face of Davidson Glacier. A picnic lunch on Glacier Point Beach rounds out the day with fresh air and stunning scenery. Marine wildlife sightings are common — keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea lions, and porpoises during the boat ride. At 6 hours, this tour makes excellent use of Celebrity's long Skagway port call and delivers a complete Alaska wilderness experience in a single excursion. It's the kind of immersive, multi-activity adventure that Celebrity guests gravitate toward — active without being extreme, scenic without being passive.

Private Emerald Lake Tour

⭐ 4.98/5 (51 reviews) | 💲From $984/vehicle (up to 5 guests) | ⏱️ 7 hours

The ultimate private Yukon experience for Celebrity guests who want to set their own pace through some of the world's most stunning scenery. Your dedicated guide and vehicle take you along the entire 67-mile White Pass route into Canada, stopping wherever you want for photos of snow-capped peaks, turquoise Emerald Lake, and the charming frontier town of Carcross. A leisurely lunch at a historic lakeside station is included in the journey. With a near-perfect 4.98 rating and groups capped at 11, this is the curated, unhurried alternative to the standard Yukon bus tour — designed for travelers who appreciate the difference between a group excursion and a bespoke experience. Passports required for Canadian border crossing.

Skagway Glacier Discovery Helicopter Tour

⭐ 4.95/5 (74 reviews) | 💲From $439/person | ⏱️ 2 hours

Skagway's premier flightseeing experience delivers 40 minutes of helicopter time over the dramatic Chilkat Range before landing on one of three glaciers — Ferebee, Chilkat, or Meade — for a 40-minute guided walk on ancient ice. Your pilot selects the glacier based on conditions, ensuring the best possible experience each day. At just 2 hours total, this pairs beautifully with a morning Yukon drive for the ultimate Skagway day — a combination that Celebrity guests with 11-13 hours in port are perfectly positioned to enjoy. The intimate small-group format and bucket-list glacier landing make this exactly the kind of elevated adventure that sets an independent shore excursion apart from what the ship offers.

Ketchikan Shore Excursions

Ketchikan is typically the first or last Alaska port on Celebrity itineraries, depending on your ship's route and direction. Celebrity Edge guests arrive early in the morning (7:00 AM) and have about 9 hours in port before departing at 4:00 PM. Solstice guests on the Ketchikan-visiting route typically get 6.5 hours in the afternoon (1:30 PM to 8:00 PM). Summit guests have varying windows depending on the sailing direction, generally ranging from 7 to 8 hours.

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is also famous for its rich Tlingit heritage, world-class totem pole collections, and the colorful Creek Street boardwalk perched above Ketchikan Creek. The town sits on Revillagigedo Island, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest — the largest temperate rainforest in the world — which means lush green scenery, dramatic waterfalls, and incredible outdoor recreation opportunities in every direction. Ketchikan is a true rainforest environment, and it's important to know: there are no glaciers nearby, and no helicopter or flightseeing tours will take you to one from here. Save your glacier adventures for Juneau and enjoy Ketchikan for what it does best — fishing, wildlife, cultural heritage, and hands-on adventure.

Celebrity typically docks at Berth 1, 2, 3, or 4 along the Ketchikan waterfront, all within walking distance of downtown and tour meeting points. Ketchikan's excursions tend to emphasize hands-on adventure, from off-road UTVs and fishing charters to ziplines through the forest canopy. For Celebrity Solstice guests arriving in the afternoon with a shorter window, focus on the 3-hour tours. Edge and Summit guests with morning arrivals and longer port times can comfortably enjoy the premium 4- and 5-hour experiences. After your tour, walk Creek Street, visit the Totem Heritage Center, or grab fresh fish and chips at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

From $229/person · 3 hours · ★ 4.87 (862 reviews)

Step aboard the Aleutian Ballad — the actual fishing vessel featured on Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch — for a cruise through the Inside Passage that's part wildlife tour, part commercial fishing experience. Watch the crew haul crab pots from the deep, get up close with king crab, Dungeness crab, and other marine life, and hear gripping stories from seasoned Bering Sea fishermen. Bald eagles, sea lions, and harbor seals are regular sightings along the route. This tour is wheelchair accessible and fits comfortably within any Celebrity Ketchikan port schedule, including the shorter Solstice afternoon window. It's also one of the few excursions suitable for guests with limited mobility who still want an authentic Alaska maritime experience. Light refreshments are served on board, and the crew's engaging storytelling makes the three hours fly by.

Alaska Fishing: Cook Your Catch

From $414/person · 5 hours · ★ 4.99 (213 reviews)

The highest-rated tour in Ketchikan with a near-perfect 4.99 stars — and the kind of culinary-meets-adventure experience that Celebrity guests in particular tend to love. Fish for halibut, lingcod, and rockfish aboard a 6-guest skiff in Ketchikan's prolific waters, then head to a remote rainforest campsite where the crew prepares a gourmet campfire meal from your fresh catch — bouillabaisse with sourdough bread and blueberry bread pudding. Full Helly Hansen rain gear is provided. Think of it as the Alaska version of a farm-to-table dining experience, except the "farm" is the deep waters of the Inside Passage and the "table" is a campfire on a pristine rainforest beach. This premium experience is best suited for Celebrity Edge and Summit guests arriving early in Ketchikan with 7+ hours in port. It's a splurge that guests consistently describe as the highlight of their entire Alaska cruise — rivaling even your best dinner aboard the ship. A heads-up on timing: salmon fishing doesn't begin until late June, and halibut fishing is completely shut down on Thursdays in 2026 — so plan your Ketchikan fishing day accordingly.

Misty Fjords Flightseeing

⭐ 4.41/5 (253 reviews) | 💲From $349/person | ⏱️ 1 hour 45 min

Board a classic DeHavilland Beaver or Otter floatplane and soar over one of Alaska's most breathtaking landscapes — the 2.3-million-acre Misty Fjords National Monument, a protected wilderness of sheer granite cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, plunging waterfalls, and ancient forests. Your seasoned bush pilot narrates through noise-canceling headsets as you fly low enough to spot mountain goats, bears, and bald eagles. Every guest gets a guaranteed window seat. At under two hours, this fits neatly into any Celebrity Ketchikan port window and delivers a perspective on Alaska that you simply cannot get from sea level — the kind of dramatic visual storytelling that pairs perfectly with the photography-worthy views from the Edge's Magic Carpet.

Taste of Ketchikan: Wild Alaskan Salmon Cooking Class

💲From $179/person | ⏱️ 2 hours | New for 2026

Celebrity is renowned for its culinary programming — and this hands-on cooking class is the shore-side complement to the ship's gastronomic excellence. Step into a local Ketchikan kitchen for a 2-hour experience where you'll prepare Wild Alaskan salmon and traditional Southeast Alaskan dishes alongside your group. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate, more like cooking with friends than a formal demonstration, with your instructor sharing local food traditions and sourcing stories as you chop, season, and cook. You'll sit down to enjoy the full meal you've prepared before walking back to your ship. At just $179 and steps from the cruise berths, this is the perfect culinary immersion for Celebrity guests who want to bring a taste of Alaska home with them — in skill, not just souvenirs.

Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure

⭐ 4.98/5 (301 reviews) | 💲From $194/person | ⏱️ 3 hours

For the Celebrity guest who has done whale watching, helicopter tours, and fishing charters — here's something genuinely unexpected. Suit up in a full 7mm wetsuit and dive into Alaska's cold, crystal-clear waters at Mountain Point to explore a vibrant underwater world of rockfish, sea stars, jellyfish, and colorful marine life that most visitors never see. PADI-certified guides ensure complete confidence for first-timers, and the near-perfect 4.98 rating speaks to how consistently this tour surprises and delights. Post-snorkel hot drinks and snacks round out the experience. This is the shore excursion that generates the best dinner conversation on the ship — the one nobody expected, and everyone envies.

Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions

Icy Strait Point is a unique port experience that only Celebrity Solstice and Summit guests get to enjoy — the Edge itinerary from Seattle does not include this stop. The Solstice visits Icy Strait Point on every sailing, typically providing 7 to 8.5 hours in port (arriving around 1:30 PM, departing by 9:00 or 10:00 PM). Summit guests on the one-way route get 8 to 10 hours, depending on the direction of travel.

This privately owned destination near the small Tlingit village of Hoonah sits on Chichagof Island directly across from Glacier Bay National Park. Unlike the busier ports, Icy Strait Point feels genuinely remote and intimate — it's the smallest and quietest port on any Celebrity Alaska itinerary, with limited shopping and dining ashore. The town of Hoonah itself is a distance from the cruise port, so plan to spend your time on guided excursions and at the port's Huna Tlingit heritage exhibits rather than browsing shops. The waters around Icy Strait are some of the richest whale-feeding grounds in Southeast Alaska, where humpback whales congregate in large numbers to feast on herring and krill throughout the summer months.

Guaranteed Whale Watching Adventure

From $189/person · 3 hours · ★ 4.75 (330 reviews)

Icy Strait is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales, and this tour puts you right in the middle of it. Board a custom 43-foot vessel with Hoonah Tlingit native guides for 2.5 hours on the water in search of humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles. The local Tlingit captains have been navigating these waters for generations and know exactly where the whales congregate near Glacier Bay National Park. Whale sightings are guaranteed, and the intimate small-group format ensures everyone gets prime viewing positions.

What makes this whale watching experience different from Juneau's is the indigenous Tlingit perspective. Your captain shares traditional knowledge about the marine ecosystem that's been passed down through generations — a cultural dimension that resonates particularly well with Celebrity guests who value enrichment and learning alongside adventure. This is a shore excursion you simply cannot replicate from the ship, and for many Celebrity Solstice and Summit guests who stop at Icy Strait Point, it becomes the surprise highlight of the entire cruise. At 3 hours, it fits easily within your port window and leaves time to explore the Huna Tlingit heritage exhibits at the port.

Sitka Shore Excursions

Sitka is the westernmost port on Celebrity's Alaska itineraries, visited exclusively by the Celebrity Summit on its one-way voyages between Vancouver and Seward. With around 8.5 hours in port (typically 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM), you have a solid window to explore this charming island town rich in Russian, Tlingit, and natural history. Sitka sits on the outer coast of Baranof Island facing the open Pacific Ocean — not the protected Inside Passage like other Alaska ports — giving it rougher water, saltier air, and a completely different atmosphere. Wildlife variety is exceptional here, including puffin-viewing tours that you won't find at any other port on the Celebrity itinerary.

The fact that only the Summit calls on Sitka makes it something of a hidden gem in the Celebrity Alaska portfolio. Fewer ships overall visit Sitka compared to Juneau, Skagway, or Ketchikan, which means smaller crowds and a more relaxed port experience — qualities that Celebrity guests tend to appreciate. Be aware that Sitka has two possible docking locations: the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal (where most ships dock) and a tender dock near Centennial Hall. Most tours depart from near Centennial Hall, so if your ship docks at the cruise terminal, you'll need to take the shuttle — and only a couple of operators (Adventure Sitka and Sitka Expeditions) pick up directly at the terminal.

Simply Amazing Sitka Tour

From $129/person · 2.5 hours · ★ 4.56 (354 reviews)

The best way to see Sitka's top highlights in a single outing. This guided tour hits three iconic stops: Fortress of the Bear (a rescue center where you'll see brown and black bears up close from secure viewing platforms), the Alaska Raptor Center (home to rescued bald eagles, owls, and hawks), and Sitka National Historical Park (featuring towering totem poles, coastal rainforest trails, and exhibits about the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit and Russian forces). At $129 and just 2.5 hours, this is an excellent budget-friendly introduction to Sitka that leaves plenty of time for a second activity or exploring town on your own. The cultural and historical richness of this tour aligns perfectly with Celebrity's destination-focused philosophy.

Salty Sitkan Metal Workshop Tour

⭐ 5.00/5 (60 reviews) | 💲From $229/person | ⏱️ 2.5 hours

Celebrity guests appreciate artisanal craftsmanship — and this hands-on metalworking workshop lets you create it yourself. Under expert instruction, you'll transform a piece of steel into a custom keepsake — a salmon, whale, halibut, or puffin — using hammers, torches, and finishing techniques that reveal stunning bronze, purple, and blue patinas. No experience needed; your instructor guides every step while small groups of 12 or fewer ensure personal attention. With a perfect 5-star rating and round-trip transportation from both Sitka docks, this is the kind of curated, artisan experience that Celebrity's design-conscious travelers gravitate toward — and you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece of Alaska that is far more meaningful than anything from a gift shop.

War Bunkers and Wildlife Kayak Tour

⭐ 5.00/5 (9 reviews) | 💲From $225/person | ⏱️ 4 hours

History meets adventure on this unique kayak tour that explores WWII's hidden legacy in Alaska. Paddle from a historic naval air station through Sitka's stunning waterways to Fort Rousseau Causeway State Historic Park, where you'll step ashore to explore up to 10 concrete WWII bunkers built to defend Alaska's coast. Between paddling and hiking, you'll spot sea otters, harbor seals, and eagles, pick wild berries along the shoreline, and discover sea glass on pristine beaches. For Celebrity Summit guests — the only passengers who visit Sitka — this perfectly blends the enrichment, history, and destination immersion that define the Celebrity experience. No prior kayaking experience required; tandem kayaks and full instruction included.

Sitka excursion tip: Since Sitka is only on the Celebrity Summit's one-way itinerary, it gets fewer cruise ships overall than Juneau, Skagway, or Ketchikan. This means smaller crowds and a more relaxed port experience. If you finish your excursion early, don't miss St. Michael's Cathedral in the center of town — the ornate Russian Orthodox church is a stunning reminder of Sitka's years as the capital of Russian America. The Russian Bishop's House and the Sheldon Jackson Museum are also worth a visit for Celebrity guests who enjoy cultural exploration. Also note: if you're on a late-season Summit sailing (late August or September) and were hoping for a helicopter dog sled experience in Juneau, those tours end by mid-August when glacier conditions deteriorate. The Juneau Sled Dog Discovery — a ground-based experience — runs through September and is a wonderful alternative.

Tips for Booking Independent Shore Excursions

Booking your Alaska shore excursions independently through Alaska Shore Tours — rather than through Celebrity's onboard excursion desk — offers several key advantages that experienced cruisers swear by. Celebrity guests in particular tend to appreciate these benefits, given the line's emphasis on elevated, personalized experiences.

Smaller groups, better experience. Celebrity's ship-organized excursions often fill large buses and boats to capacity. Independent tours through Alaska Shore Tours feature smaller group sizes — sometimes as few as 6 to 12 guests — meaning more personal attention from your guide, better wildlife viewing positions, and the kind of intimate experience that aligns with what drew you to Celebrity in the first place.

Local guides who live here. Our tour operators are Alaskans who live and work in these communities year-round. They know the back roads, the hidden whale-watching spots, and the stories behind every mountain and glacier. That local knowledge translates into a richer, more authentic experience than a ship-organized tour can provide — the kind of destination enrichment that complements Celebrity's own EXC programming and destination insights.

Flexible booking terms. Reserve your tours with just a 5% deposit through our Book Now, Pay Later option — the remainder isn't due until two weeks before the tour. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours (some up to 7 days) before departure. If your ship's schedule changes or your port call is canceled, you'll receive a refund. This flexibility is especially valuable for Celebrity Summit guests on the one-way itinerary, where weather-related schedule adjustments are more common than on roundtrip voyages.

Often better prices. Without the cruise line's markup, independent excursions frequently offer more competitive pricing for comparable or superior experiences. For example, the Whale Watching Tour in Juneau starts at just $164 per person with guaranteed whale sightings — compare that to what's offered on the Celebrity excursion desk. The savings add up quickly when you're booking excursions at four or five ports, and you're often getting a better product for less money. Many of the tour operators you'll find through Alaska Shore Tours are the same companies that Celebrity contracts with — but without the middleman markup.

When to book. Alaska's cruise season runs May through September, with peak demand in June and July. Popular tours like the helicopter excursions and glacier hikes sell out weeks in advance, especially for mid-summer sailings. We recommend booking as soon as your Celebrity cruise dates are confirmed — but last-minute seats are sometimes available on select tours, particularly during the early May and late September shoulder seasons when the crowds thin out.

Port logistics. All of our tours include round-trip transportation from the cruise ship dock or a meeting point within easy walking distance. Your tour confirmation will include specific meeting instructions, and our local teams are familiar with every Celebrity Cruises docking location at each port. If your ship is late arriving, contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you on a later departure.

What to wear. Southeast Alaska is a temperate rainforest — rain is common even in summer. We recommend layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a small daypack for water and a camera. Most tour operators provide any specialized gear (glacier boots, rain suits, life jackets, etc.) as part of the tour. Temperatures typically range from 50–65°F in summer, so a light fleece under a rain jacket is usually perfect. Celebrity guests often ask about dress code for returning to the ship — you'll have time to change before dinner, so don't worry about getting your rain gear dirty on a morning excursion.

Will I miss the ship? This is the number one concern for cruise passengers booking independent excursions, and the answer is straightforward: our tour operators are experienced with cruise ship schedules and design their tours to return you to the dock well before your ship's departure time. However, we always recommend choosing tours whose total duration fits comfortably within your ship's port window. For tours running close to departure time, keep your tour confirmation handy and communicate directly with your guide — they'll prioritize getting you back safely. In the unlikely event of a delay, they'll assist with contacting the ship. Celebrity's app also provides real-time ship departure updates.

Combining tours. With Celebrity's generous time in port — especially in Skagway (11–13 hours) and Juneau (up to 14.5 hours on the Summit) — many guests book two tours on the same day. A shorter morning tour (like the 2.5-hour helicopter excursion in Juneau or the 2.5-hour Simply Amazing Sitka Tour) pairs well with an afternoon activity, or vice versa. Our booking system shows real-time availability, so you can easily find departure times that work back-to-back without overlap. Celebrity Edge guests arriving in Juneau in the afternoon should note that scheduling two tours there is tighter, but a quick helicopter excursion plus dinner ashore at Tracy's King Crab Shack is a very popular combination.

Seasonal planning. Not every excursion is available all season long. Helicopter dog sled tours on the glacier operate from mid-May through mid-August only — the ice gets too warm and slushy later in summer, and the sled dog teams begin preparing for competition season. Salmon fishing doesn't start until late June, and halibut fishing is closed entirely on Thursdays in 2026. If dedicated bear-viewing excursions are a priority, the best odds are from late July onward when the salmon run brings bears to the rivers — though you always have a chance of spotting bears on wilderness tours throughout the season.

Accessibility. We want to be upfront: guests using electric wheelchairs or motorized scooters will find very limited tour options across Alaska's ports. The infrastructure — docks, trails, and smaller vessels — creates challenges that are bigger than any single tour operator. That said, our team can help identify which tours accommodate different mobility levels, and some experiences like the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour in Ketchikan are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is a concern, contact us before you book and we'll work through the options together.

Want help planning your Celebrity shore excursions? Our team specializes in curating shore excursion itineraries that match Celebrity's standard for elevated, destination-focused experiences. We know every ship's port times, docking locations, and which tour combinations work best for each Celebrity sailing. Whether you need help choosing between a helicopter glacier landing and the Mendenhall Ice Adventure in Juneau, or want to know if your Sitka port window is long enough for two excursions — contact us and we'll build a personalized recommendation for your voyage.

Explore More Alaska Cruise Excursion Guides

Planning your excursions for a different cruise line? Check out our other Alaska shore excursion guides:

• Holland America Alaska Shore Excursions 2026
• Princess Cruises Alaska Shore Excursions 2026
• Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Shore Excursions 2026
• Royal Caribbean Alaska Shore Excursions 2026
• Last Minute Alaska Cruise Excursions

You can also browse all available tours by port to see the full selection beyond our top picks in this guide:

• All Juneau Shore Excursions — 40+ tours including whale watching, glaciers, helicopters, kayaking, and more
• All Skagway Shore Excursions — 30+ tours including Yukon drives, dog sledding, hiking, biking, and ziplining
• All Ketchikan Shore Excursions — 40+ tours including fishing, wildlife, off-road adventures, and cultural experiences
• All Sitka Shore Excursions — 18 tours including wildlife cruises, kayaking, and cultural walks
• All Icy Strait Point Shore Excursions — Whale watching in one of Alaska's richest marine habitats

Have questions about which excursions work best for your Celebrity sailing? Our team has years of experience matching cruise passengers with the perfect tours for their time in port. Contact us and we'll help you plan your ideal Alaska shore excursion itinerary. Whether you're on the Celebrity Edge's 7-night Seattle roundtrip, the Solstice's Vancouver voyage, or the Summit's one-way Gulf of Alaska journey to Seward, we'll make sure your time in port is as exceptional as your time aboard. With over a decade of experience serving Celebrity Cruises passengers in every Alaska port, we know exactly which tours pair best with your ship's schedule and how to maximize your time ashore.