Sorry it took so long to get back to you, Joanna.

Threw more than I realized, but found credit card statements indicating $199.pp for Island Wings Misty Fjords flightseeing, 50% deposit charged 3/24/05 for flight 7/22/05. Haven't checked so don't know what RSSC charges for similar.

Let me know if I can furnish any other info. I'm looking forward to all the MUSH reports!

Not sure how many planes Michele (Island Wings) has for Ketchikan, because we have filled all the Bearwatching spots already deposited via Maskai's group.

In 2001, The Wings of Alaska Booth on the pier, next to the Dock did the excursions to the Taku Glacier Lodge for RSSC. Some people booked with RSSC, as we did, but there were several ships in Juneau and some people were able to walk up and buy tickets then and there.

When we've just walked off the ship with nothing planned, we have not done more than hire a taxi for a taxi tour. We had the most wonderful driver in Bermuda, but usually if we haven't used a private guide that someone we trust has recommended, then we book through RSSC. They fairly price their excursions and you have the extra benefit of making sure that they wait for your return if you were late due to traffic etc.

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.

I will be on the June 7 north sailing and I found that many of the independent excursions (floatplanes,fishing with "recommended" companies were pretty well filled by about a month ago. Taku Lodge floatplane said they didn't have much available and told me that Regent had the tour and I should book thru them.
I did not find much difference between Regent prices and the Independent prices. We reserved
Tracy Arm Excursion
Wilderness Fishing-Ketchikan
Taku Lodge/Glacier Floatplane-Juneau
Renting a car in Skagway because wanted to go into Yukon, Emerald Lake, Caribou Crossing (Dogs) and any tours with WP RR and vehicles left at wrong times and cut time to leave too close. With the small difference in price I felt more comfortable with regent excursions, especially with floatplanes. I would be nervous with flying with an unknown at pier.