Selecting shore excursions for an Alaska cruise is always a difficult process. There are so many exciting options from which to choose. Late last year, Princess Cruises released the winners of its 2008 C.R.U.I.S.E Service Awards. These awards honor the best tours and guides in Alaska based on passenger survey responses and feedback.

If you’re wondering what shore excursions to take on your next Alaska cruise, take a look at this list.

Juneau:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails, Gastineau Guiding Company
Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour, TEMSCO Helicopters
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Co-Tour Guides:
Jami Likins, Gastineau Guiding Company
Matt Failor, Gold Rush Tours/TEMSCO Helicopters

Ketchikan:
Co-Shore Excursions:
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Snorkel Alaska
Rainforest Canopy & Zipline Expedition, Alaska Canopy Adventures
Co-Tour Guides:
"Kiwi" Allan Brann, Commercial Fishing Adventures
Rob Holston, Lighthouse Excursions

Kodiak:
Shore Excursion:
Near Island Sea Kayak Adventure, Orcas Unlimited Charters of Kodiak
Tour Guide:
Sue Rohrer, First Group

Seattle:
Shore Excursion:
Best of Seattle, Gray Line of Seattle

Seward:
Shore Excursion:
Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, Kenai Fjords Tours
Tour Guide:
Whitey Van Deusen, Trails North

Sitka:
Co-Shore Excursions:
4x4 Wilderness Adventure, Greenling Enterprises
Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest, Allen Marine Tours
Tour Guide:
Justin Horn, Sitka Tours

Skagway:
Co- Shore Excursions:
Dog Sledding & Glacier Flightseeing, TEMSCO Helicopters
Klondike Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Alaska Mountain Guides
Takshanuk Mountain Trail by 4x4, Takshanuk Mountain Trail
Co- Tour Guides:
Mike Fortney, Chilkat Guides
Nicki Bunting, Skagway Street Car Co.

Valdez:
Shore Excursion:
Columbia Glacier Cruise, Stan Stephens Cruises
Tour Guide:
Chris Arrate, Keystone Outfitters

Vancouver:
Shore Excursion:
Capilano Canyon's Natural Beauty, Rockwood Adventures

Victoria:
Shore Excursion:
Enchanting Butchart Gardens, Gray Line West
Tour Guide:
Norman Archer, D'Costa Ports of Call

Whittier:
Shore Excursion:
Blackstone Glacier Adventure Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruise & Tours

If you’re planning an Alaska cruise, make sure to book your shore excursions early – particularly for those “must have” experiences. Many cruise passengers are now booking shore excursions online and popular tours sell out in advance.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.