> > I am looking forward to our next cruise. I had been dreaming of tropical islands, trade winds, and surf, but the best deal that popped up was Alaska, so...... Well a cruise is a cruise.
> >
> > The most spectacular scenery I have ever seen is in Alaska. I've been to the Tetons, Hawaii* the Great Smoky Mountains, Cape Cod, and the Outer Banks. I've also seen the bluegrass region of Kentucky, St. John U.S.V.I., the Olympic Peninsula, and the English countryside, but Alaska beats it all. And there is so much of it!
> >
> > Of course I'm looking forward to the food, the entertainment and the hydrospa, too.
> > Howard
> >
> > * I'm referring to the island, but the whole state is rather scenic.
>
> Is anything a "must-see" for a first-time visitor to Alaska such as myself? We're still planning our shore days.
>
> ^v^:)^v^
> FB

Everything in Alaska is "must see." Unlike the Caribbean cruises, you are within sight of land almost all the time. You see villages with totem poles, whales, eagles, glaciers, waterfalls and all kinds of mountains. Most cruises stop in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka. Some stop at Valdez and Seward. All of these town are good walking around towns, but be prepared for rain. Juneau is almost always wet. They are almost all very small towns, but I guess Skagway is the smallest and my favorite.

There are tours you can book, but they are very expensive. We book on the ship only if it is for something we absolutely can't miss. Otherwise, the best tour prices are on the dock.
Howard