Cruise Guide to Juneau, Alaska
Taking a cruise may always sound like a good idea, but when you cruise Alaska, you can get to travel along one of the most amazing snow-covered areas of the world and see the iridescent snowy banks for yourself. With trips that are offered from May to September, you can take a ride on one of the comfortable cruise liners and head to Juneau, Alaska to see the capital.
With many excursions offered while docking in this city, you can choose from one of the best options and have a full-day of adventure that you can’t get anywhere else.
Mendenhall Glacier
About 12 miles away from Juneau, this glacier is over 13 miles in length and stretches across the Mendenhall Valley. With a long stretch of ice that still has a layer of snow cover well into the warmer time of the year, you can see the sun reflecting off the pristine white powder making one gorgeous view.
From an Alaskan cruise ship, you will be able to take in the view and see the rainbows reflected off the water and snow for a picture-perfect moment.
Outdoor Adventures
If you want to see what it is like to pick up speed on the water and no just coast like the Alaska cruise ships, you can get your heart racing with a ride on the Thrillseeker Jet Boat. This ride is not for the weak at heart, and with the 270-degree twist and turns on the water, you will need to get to your seat and hang on for the wild ride.
This tour will take you along the water to see the major sights of the surrounding area for a full 45 minutes, but will pick up speed and get you hopping off your seat for a crazy and unique way to see the local gold miner’s district and the sculpture of a breaching whale!
Whale Watching
There are a number of tour operators offering Whale Watching tours out of Juneau. If your Alaskan cruise itinerary offers you the opportunity, and for an unforgettable experience, be sure to book early as these tours often sell out quickly.
Juneau Whale Watching Tours
If you’re in the mood to see some big beautiful creatures while docked in this Alaskan city, you will love to catch a ride on a Juneau Whale Watching Tour. These boats will take you around the waters to spot any movement from whales in the area and then stop so visitors on board can take a look and see these sea creatures up close. You will pay for two full hours, so take your time and look for dolphins, eagles, and sea lions too!
Ales and Whales 21+
For the 21 and over crowd, if you would like to get some whale watching in and end the trip at the Alaskan Brewery with four beer tastings included, then this option is for you. You will get a 2-hour narrated boat ride with a captain that will slow down and alert you when they have sighted any whales in the water. Come out to check it out, then head back into the specially-designed, heated cabin area.
At the end of the tour, you will end up at the Alaskan Brewery tasting room where you will get to sample four different beer tastings to top off the trip.
Glacier Flightseeing
Getting to see glaciers is one of the biggest reasons to go an Alaskan cruise, but having the chance to see them by helicopter is even better. With flights that take off from land and fly over all the biggest glaciers of the area, you will get a front-row seat for a perfect aerial view of each one you pass over. Experienced helicopter pilots will fly in between mountains and over the cool waters and glaciers for a day you won’t forget.
Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
This unique excursion tour will not only be an interesting learning experience for you and your other travelers, but it will also give you some insight into the important salmon hatchery is to Alaska. With tours and visitor hours for walk-ins from the month of June until the end of October, you can see the inside of the hatchery and watch salmon swim up tall fish ladders.
This trip offers year-round viewing of baby salmon from their observation decks if you would like to check it out during the offseason.
Glacier Gardens
Want to be guided through luscious green gardens with lots of flowers and have a laid-back afternoon strolling through the rainforest? Then the Glacier Gardens tour will be a good fit for you. You will get to see the greenery and flora up close and have an informed guide tell you all about the forestry of Alaska and the different plants and animals that can be found in the rainforest there.
Dog Sledding
One of the most unique things about being on an Alaskan cruise is getting to see the amazing animals that not only survive in but thrive in the colder climate. Taking a tour of the dog sledding in Juneau is a great way to see how well these dogs do in the snowy weather. With a helicopter transport to the dog sledding tour, you will feel like you’re getting two excursions in one!
With options in the summer to ride on a cart pulled by sled dogs, or the ability to drive your own sled with dogs leading the way, you can experience something that you can’t go anywhere else.
Mount Roberts Tramway
Want to spend some time shopping, eating, and moseying around the city? Then, take the Mount Roberts Tramway up to the top of Mount Roberts. This six-minute trip will take you from the docks to the top of the mountain where you will find restaurants, movie theaters, and a shopping center.
Interesting Facts About Juneau, Alaska
You might know that Alaska is home to the aurora borealis, or more commonly known as the northern lights. Well, in Juneau, you can get a clear view of these lights above Mount Juneau between the months of August and the month of April.
This sight is really something to see and many visitors come from all over the world to try to capture it on film or video while on an Alaskan cruise ship!
Author: Sophie Anderson
Post Date: 18th January 2020
Categories: Ports