Joanna - I wouldn't feel bad at all. Your responsibility was to get them on the ship (as a friend, not as a TA!) - after that, we're all adults and can figure out our own plans. As others have mentioned, people can book what they like. Yes, you'll be able to book many excursions on the dock - the 2 times we've been to Alaska, we were shocked at the number of companies at the dock advertising their tours, especially Juneau. Don't know about float planes in particular but suspect that it'd be the same thing. Will you be getting the most popular tour operator? No ... but you'll also be getting a lot of freedom to pick and choose at the last minute, I think. Both ways have their attractions.

If there's something in particular, something special, that you want to do though, it seems sensible to make reservations beforehand. I know I'd be disappointed if something I really wanted to do wasn't available because it was sold out (Amanda can attest that I kick myself all the time for this sort of thing)

Masaki

PS: the Island Wings Misty Fjords sightseeing tour is listed on the website as $209 - so not much price difference from Another Kathy's price last year. Our bearwatching tour costs more because it's longer and we're going farther, I think.