points for your question. Likely, you've made the trip, but perhaps I can help someone else.

DO NOT come in MAY or SEPT. unless you like LOTS of Rain. We are in a rain forest here- the country's largest National forest- the Tongass. The shops won't all be open either. Tour season is starting up in May, Ending in Sept- so everything is not in full swing then.

On the other hand, YES, you'll save $ on the whole --booking the trip, WAY less crowded, more deals all the way around to be had- especially in Sept. The tour shops getting rid of inventory- [but less to pick from]. May, everyone is fresh- not burned out on tour season yet, but the outsiders they hire are not experienced enough to really 'know their stuff' either. Best weather is June, July, and Aug, best deals is May & Sept.

LAST piece of advice: booking the big companies late gives you better deals, less choices.

Take the advice of the person who recommended the ferry! A friend and I drove to Prince Rupert and took the 4 1/2 day milk run ferry to Haines. Wow, it stopped at every whistle stop and dock, as well as the larger towns, to deliver food, mail, supplies, and people. We left about July 30 and the weather was gorgeous. I believe we were the only tourists on the ship. The crew was fantastic, and opened the bar for us whenever we wanted a beer. We saw places you wouldn't see on a cruise ship, and it cost next to nothing. Definitely take the ferry if you want an adventure to remember.

If you can book it, take the Alaska Ferry. They have a few state rooms and you can spend more time in each of the places it stops and even catch the next ferry or later if you wish. On a cruise you can only spend an hour or two in most of the places you stop which are the same ones the ferry stops at.

Book early, and travel in the "shoulder season" May and September are the lowest months for Alaska Cruises

The Ferry is fine. But you won't go to Glacier Bay. Try booking a cruise at the last minute. Fares tend to drop. And even after you book, monitor the situation. If the price drops for your category, call the cruise line and ask for a refund of the difference. Right now, it is the end of the season, so prices should be cheaper.