Alaska Land vs Cruise

Alaska cruising is big business. Cruises of Alaska's Inside Passage brought almost 1 million visitors to the state in 2007. What happens when you try to move that many people through remote and rustic communities of 2,000 residents? The face of the community is changed. What once was a quaint fishing village or native community has been commercially developed to the tastes of the driving economic factor. Most cruisers probably don't know that there are over 50 jewelry stores in the town of Ketchikan. Any guess as to who owns them? Most cruisers probably don't know that recent legislation in Alaska requires Cruise compaines to publish commissions on shore excursions they sell. Do we think those prices might have been unreasonably high?
Consider what it is exactly you are looking for from your vacation to Alaska. Do you want a floating hotel, with dining, gambling, shows and day excursions? Sounds a bit like Vegas, but hey that's the energy some people are comfortable with. Or, would you prefer something more in touch with the place itself like discovering some nature away from the crowds of 2,000 passenger cruise ships? Maybe meeting some of the locals and learning from their experience and stories is more appealing?
Traveling by land presents the most options, with access to both coastal and interior Alaska sights and activities. The Anchorage airport is the point of entry and departure for most. Land travel is the most economical, although the cost of an Alaska vacation can add up quickly depending on how many activities and which ones are on your list of "must do". Some of the high end activities such as bearviewing, flightseeing and fishing are $150 to $450 per person. Then add in your meals, lodging and transportation for the day and you're there.
You can travel by budget with a car, but plan to spend some time searching the net and planning your way. Use the Convention and Visitor Bureau sites for Anchorage, Seward, Homer, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Denali and Fairbanks. They each provide general information as well as links to members who will provide the services you need. When in doubt, ask for a reference.
Motorcoach tours are little more than a land"cruise". They are owned by the same cruise companies. You spend more time in the bus with less included activities. Too much wait time is involved. Remember there are at least 49 other people to use the restroom or eat lunch.
A better option is to join a small group tour or if you have a family group of your own, arrange a custom tour exclusively for your group. It's best to find a company that is headquartered in Alaska and hires Alaskan guides. There's no better way to explore a place then with those who live there. Find a company with itineraries that include places that the motorcoach tours can't reach. There are several out there like the one I work for at http://www.alaskantour.com These Alaskan owned companies work with other Alaskan suppliers so visitors can be engaged in their activity, so they can learn from people who take part in Alaska life everyday, and so the economic benefit stays with the residents of Alaska.
If you really want to see the coastline of the Inside Passage, I strongly urge you to spend a little more and go with a smaller ship experience like Cruise West offers. Shore excursions are included and led by naturalist guides. Smaller vessels can travel closer to land allowing more wildlife viewing opportunities.