Rhonda, the owner of Sitka Wildlife Tours, met us as we got off the port's shuttle bus and introduced us to our guide, Lindsay. I paid extra to have a private tour for the six of us (grandparents, parents & 2 teenagers) and extended the tour for another hour. It was worth the added cost. The admission fees to the bear sanctuary, Sitka Science Center and Raptor Center were pre-paid. Lindsay was smart, funny and welcoming. I was amazed at how much she knew about everything (the fishing industry, boats, the town’s logging history, the plants, trees, salmon, bears, totems in Totem Park, schools, etc.) but was even more impressed how she shared her expertise with our teenage grandchildren, who were enthralled. When our tour was finished and she dropped us off at the port, we didn’t want to leave Sitka and our new friend. Without a doubt, our visit to Sitka was the highlight of our fourteen day cruise.