When we took our Alaska trip back in 96 we used the Alaska Marine Highway to get from Juneau up to Skagway. We left the Juneau rental car at the ferry dock and enjoyed a leisurely trip along the inside passage up to Skagway. We spent a couple of days up in Skagway and then hopped on a small plane to get back to Juneau to return home. I don't think that I would have liked the Cruise ship option. We also spent time on the Alaska Railway from Anchorage to Seward and Anchorage to Denali. I have fond memories on the rear platform heading to Seward along the waters edge and then through the tunnels. The Denali trip highlights were riding in the dining car and up in the dome car. It was a great trip and would like to do it again once the kids are out of the house
Dave