Interesting to see the different opinions and great to see all of them. Found it interesting after the cruise ships left how these towns change. For me the drive into Skagway and the scenery in the Haines/Skagway areas was pretty spectacular. The short drive from Skagway to the head of the Chilkoot Trail was interesting and one can actually enjoy a nice dinner in the evening after the cruise ships depart with local entertainment as a nice surprise. Valdez and the drive into Valdez was unexpected, just wow. Did the Denali Hwy #8 and found the views of the Alaska Range were mostly unobstructed by trees, with the potholes one must take your time but then why not. Alaska is an alluring place.