So you can't dive like a tourist diver. So what? Dive like an Alaskan:
Walk into any dive shop at one of your cruise ship's ports of calls, gear in hand, and be committed to diving. Have your crap together, look like you know what you're doing and that you can handle yourself in cold water, then ask them for a couple tanks and a site recommendation. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you out. I imagine you'll even be able to get them to give you detailed directions to a favorite dive site, and a hand sketched underwater map so that you'll be more comfy without a guide.
If you're friendly, relaxed and act like a visitor (not a tourist, big difference), they might even "know a guy" who's going diving today, or would for a 6-pack. You're just trying to be too formal, relax, it's Alaska =)
Good luck!
-Brandon.
Walk into any dive shop at one of your cruise ship's ports of calls, gear in hand, and be committed to diving. Have your crap together, look like you know what you're doing and that you can handle yourself in cold water, then ask them for a couple tanks and a site recommendation. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help you out. I imagine you'll even be able to get them to give you detailed directions to a favorite dive site, and a hand sketched underwater map so that you'll be more comfy without a guide.
If you're friendly, relaxed and act like a visitor (not a tourist, big difference), they might even "know a guy" who's going diving today, or would for a 6-pack. You're just trying to be too formal, relax, it's Alaska =)
Good luck!
-Brandon.