Best Juneau excursions that I did Princess cruise + book Juneau tours on your own Alaska cruise travel blog

Table Of Content

• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour
• Private Luxe Land and Sea in Juneau
• Active Adventures
• Adventure Karts Expedition
• Mendenhall Glacier, Hatchery & Gardens

Explore the Juneau Icefield's most stunning glaciers by authent READ MORE... Come cruise with us in a fully enclosed and heated cabin onboard our mammal friendly boat on your way to the whales' playgrounds. Here you can experience a close encounter with these beautiful marine mammals for the ultimate READ MORE... While out on the water, there is no doubt that you'll see humpback whales - this is the time of year they travel to Alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of k READ MORE... This multifaceted tour is a unique and compelling opportunity to see the exquisite beauty of Southeast Alaska from the Taku River! From the air, enjoy breathtaking views of our Nation's largest National Forest.

Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

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8 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall.

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Inaccessible by any manmade road, Juneau is truly a haven for wildlife. Home to 280 different species of birds, five species of salmon, black and brown bears, and awe-inspiring humpback and orca whales, the city is undoubtedly a pinnacle of America's natural wonder. Excursions, like our Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure, offer peak sightseeing opportunities.

Private Luxe Land and Sea in Juneau

Then you’ll transfer on to Auke Bay, board a small vessel, and set out in search of humpbacks and orcas; both can be found in the waterways near Juneau! You might also spot eagles, sea otters, and seals if you’re keen-eyed. Whale Watching is also very popular and among the best Alaska tours, because of the extreme abundance of whales in the area. Humpback whales spend their summers in Alaska to feed before heading back to Mexico or Hawaii to live and give birth to offspring in the winter months.

Active Adventures

The Mendenhall Glacier is a retreating glacier, which means it looks like it keeps getting back and back from the visitor center. The popular way to do Mendenhall Glacier on your own is a bit of a distant view, and so are the cheapest Mendenhall Glacier excursions, which are basically the ones that provide transportation. Nugget Falls is located about 1 mile from the Visitor Center and can be seen from the parking lot and various walking trails and view points around the Visitor Center building. Sightings are guaranteed or you'll receive a full refund for the whale watching portion of your tour. Warm winds from the Pacific Ocean make Juneau’s summer temperatures mild and enjoyable.

The Walkabout offers a personalized experience and the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with glacier's most stunning features. This non-strenuous, hour-long interpretive hike led by our team of professional gui READ MORE... There are whale watching tours with different types of boats, and I chose a whale watching tour that had less people. Went to Juneau on Princess cruise ships, so my experience is looking for excursions for Princess cruises… and booking on my own. A staple of downtown Juneau since mining times, the saloon has been in several locations, including a tent on the ocean’s shore.

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Take an adventure from behind the handlebars of a Segway as you zoom through the surrounding trails of Juneau. You'll start with familiarizing yourself with the Segway with your knowledgeable guide before you take off for a p READ MORE... Hop on as a team of huskies whisks you through the forest on a custom-built sled. You'll pass by gigantic spruce and hemlock trees, many of which are hundreds of years old!

Adventure Karts Expedition

For two hours, navigate the waters with your professional guide as you take in the natural beauty and learn about the history and ecology of t READ MORE... Adventure along the captivating coast of Auke Bay on a sea kayaking experience with a short hike along Mendenhall Lake. A stopover on the West Glacier Trail allows for distant views of the Mendenhall Glacier, beautiful Nugge READ MORE...

Wind your way through the forest where you'll emerge and find panoramic views of the beautiful Mendenhal READ MORE... Voted a top ten tour in the US, this small group whale and kayak tour takes guests to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! Your experienced captain and guide will take you to the Channel Islands State Marine P READ MORE... Soar with us through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on a unique Alaskan adventure! Land in treehouse platforms where you can enjoy the views and take in the scenery. Featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA -- travel back to the Ice Ages with Alaska's original glacier helicopter tour!

This tour is not just educational; it's an interactive experience that brings history to life. While there used to be several food-related tours that made my list each year, there are very few good ones to recommend this year. Instead, I recommend striking out on your own to book Juneau Food Tours directly – owner Midgi Moore can absolutely accommodate your ship schedule to make this work for when you’re in port. Go with Wings Air­ways and you’ll take off from Juneau in a 10-pas­sen­ger DeHav­il­land Otter float­plane and get a lush view of the city as well as the sur­round­ing moun­tains and ice fields.

Well, just to be clear, that awesomely beautiful scenery will be part of every excursion you care to book, and that’s a very good start, indeed. Welcome to a guide where adventure meets the serene beauty of the north! Juneau, Alaska, is not just a destination; it's a gateway to some of the most breathtaking experiences offered by nature. Whether you're cruising along the Alaskan coast or seeking an unforgettable shore excursion, Juneau presents an array of activities that cater to all types of adventurers. From glacier treks to wildlife encounters, this guide highlights the top 5 cruise shore excursions in Juneau, ensuring your visit is nothing short of extraordinary. All of our Juneau excursions provide roundtrip transportation at or close to the cruise ship dock.

I did the Mendenhall Glacier lake canoe tour that included a short hike on shore. The most popular Juneau excursions are whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier. The tour guides for the boat were so enthusiastic even though this is something they see several times a day. All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement.

After a beau­ti­ful 20- or 25-minute float­plane ride, you’ll land on a remote beach. Take a short walk to the bear-view­ing area, where you can watch these mag­nif­i­cent crea­tures for hours in their nat­ur­al environment. A tour aboard a TEM­SCO heli­copter offers beau­ti­ful views of Alaska’s Cap­i­tal City, and up-close explo­ration of Menden­hall, one of the state’s most acces­si­ble glac­i­ers. Look out on alpine lakes, moraines, and crevass­es before you land and check out the Juneau Ice­field for yourself.

You'll traverse through a temperate rainforest, encounter stunning ice formations, and stand on the glacier itself. The trek is guided by knowledgeable experts who ensure a safe and informative journey. This experience combines physical activity with the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska's landscapes, making it a must-do for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, self-guided walking tours are an excellent option. Juneau offers several self-guided tour maps that lead you through its historic sites, landmarks, and natural beauty. This flexible option allows you to delve into Juneau's rich history and culture on your own schedule, making every discovery all the more personal.

Another whale watching tour company I’ve seen recommended a lot is Harv and Marv. Some excursions may not be offered if you are on an early season cruise or a late season cruise. It’s better to look at excursions directly from your account though, so that way you know that you’re looking at excursions that are offered during your cruise. And then, another popular Mendenhall Glacier excursion is a Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion where you actually get to walk on the glacier.

This tour to the infamous Taku Glacier Lodge is the ultimate Alaskan experience. Your journey begins with a narrated flight in one of our seaplanes to the remote Lodge. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a delicious Alaskan meal and READ MORE... Beautiful Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is surrounded by a maze of bays, islands, and waterways.

The 5 Best Juneau Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise 2024

Table Of Content

• What Kind of Experiences Can you Find in Juneau?
• Whales & Wildlife
• Bennett Lake Scenic Journey
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Dogsled
• Final Thoughts On Things to do in Juneau Cruise Port
• Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter
• Why Juneau is THE Alaska Whale Watching Destination

Shops and restaurants in downtown are all within walking distance of the docks. Juneau does have a taxi service as well as a public bus system – Capital Transit. Stopping at the Downtown Transit Center, busses 3 and 4 will take you to the Mendenhall Valley, and busses 1 and 11 shuttle to Douglas Island. The Alaska waters of the Inside Passage have excellent opportunities for whale watching. Several local companies offer transportation from downtown Juneau to the Auke Bay harbor, where you’ll board a boat for a 2.5-hour whale-watching cruise.

What Kind of Experiences Can you Find in Juneau?

This breathtaking helicopter flight will take you on an adventure to explore the beauty of Juneau glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled during the flight as you may see some wildlife on the mountain peaks. Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service so book early for this unique experience! Juneau is the Capital city of Alaska and is surrounded by ocean, glaciers, ice fields, and mountains. With a pick-up for the excursion from Juneau cruise port, we took a shuttle to Auk Bay to get on a boat to go see whales.

Whales & Wildlife

If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. The tour is advertised as a Juneau icefield seaplane tour, so you will be flying over and seeing part of the massive Juneau icefield with lots of glaciers. You can also look directly at the Juneau shore excursions with Princess without logging in if you just want to browse. Although this is not as “wild” as a glacier helicopter tour since there is a dock for the seaplane, the location feels wild and remote. Juneau is one of the best cruise ports to do dog sledding in Alaska.

Bennett Lake Scenic Journey

With multiple ziplines and suspension bridges, you'll get a bird's-eye view of the forest's unique ecosystem, all while learning about the area's flora and fauna from expert guides. It's an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Juneau. The Juneau-Douglas City Museum plays a significant role in preserving and sharing the city's history. It sponsors a variety of walking tours that cater to different interests. These guided walks offer insightful narratives about Juneau's past and present, enriching your understanding of the area. The tour starts with time to visit Mendenhall Glacier; there is a guided option or you can strike out to try and visit the lake shoreline on your own with the allotted time.

The weather here is comparatively mild compared to other ports in Alaska because of the influence of the Pacific Ocean. However, Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest, so expect rain about half of the days of each month. If you want to be the lucky few who can face the majestic Mendenhall Glacier under a very limited U.S. Your guide will teach you kayaking techniques, then board the two-p READ MORE... Looking for a green way to experience Alaska, join the Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure for a small group excursion amongst Alaska's natural beauty. Explore by Segway, far from the crowds and surrounded by Alaskan natire an READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter & Dogsled

Alas­ka Tales’ boats are inti­mate (49 pas­sen­gers max), and they’re super-fast, so you’ll get out to see the whales in no time. You also have the option of adding a stop at the Menden­hall Glac­i­er Vis­i­tor Cen­ter pri­or to your whale watch­ing tour. Take a scenic cruise and kayak through gor­geous sur­round­ings as mag­nif­i­cent whales pierce the sur­face of the water on this six-hour expe­di­tion from Juneau.

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Ascending 1,800 feet up in a tramcar, you’re treated to breathtaking views of Juneau, including Gastineau Channel, Stephens Passage, and the Silver Bow Basin, where gold was discovered in 1880. These, in turn, afford visitors a wealth of opportunities to delve into, discover, and delight in the natural world that is the heart of Juneau. Soar through the treetops and experience Alaska's lush rainforests from above on the Rainforest Canopy and Zipline Expedition. This tour takes you on an adventure through the canopy layer of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States.

Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter

On the first Friday of every month, downtown Juneau transforms into a lively hub of activity. Businesses and art galleries open their doors to the public, hosting an array of events, receptions, and new exhibits. It's a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the local art scene, meet artists, and enjoy the community's creative spirit. One of the better-known Inside Passage ports in Alaska and the second largest city in the United States by sheer size, Juneau is a destination bursting with excitement. Shore Excursions Group makes it our pleasure to open your eyes to the city's history and culture with a wide variety of cruise excursions and tours. Embark on an exhilarating multi-sport tour to one of Juneau's impressive glaciers.

Opt for a 40-minute flight see­ing tour, or book the ​“Flight and Feast Tour,” which takes you to dine at a 1920’s lodge. These are just a few words to describe Alaska's capital city, Juneau. There's simply so much to see and do in and around the city that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Pan for real gold and enjoy the thrill that sparked the Gold Rush days! Visit Gold Creek and "Last Chance Basin" to learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice from your guide. Experience tandem kayaking on the pristine glacial waters of the Mendenhall Lake.

This was one of my favorite tours that I did during my 2 Alaska cruises. You can’t actually walk on the glacier (it seems you used to be able to), but I thought this experience was so great. Most people will go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to get a distant view of the glacier. The thing about wildlife watching tours is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed! But of course, most of the excursions can apply no matter what cruise line you are on.

Experience three of Juneau's most popular attractions with this three-in-one excursion! This tour begins with a narrated transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center. Just outside of Juneau, take a short drive and begin an invigorating 6-7 mile hike through the Tongass National Forest.

You can also explore the surrounding art galleries and souvenir shops or enjoy the scenic views of the harbor and mountainscapes. Juneau is an enriching and enjoyable home base for weary travelers. Take a quick hour-long flightseeing trip to fly over glaciers, and even land on one! Board a small boat to spy migrating humpback whales, most companies from Juneau even guarantee sightings. Or, fly to Pack Creek to view bears up close in their natural habitat. Active excursions include bicycle tours (with a brewery pitstop), glacier treks, canoeing or kayaking.

The Hatchery also has saltwater aquariums with 150 different species of marine life and a tide pool touch tank filled with sea animals local to Juneau. After a quick ride up in a tram car, you have several activities to choose from. You can watch an 18-minute award-winning film on the Tlingit people, eat at the Timberline Bar and Grill, visit a nature center, or hike through subalpine forests. This excursion takes you from sea level to glorious views 1800 feet above Mount Roberts.

If you're feeling hungry, you can pair your whale watching tour with an outdoor salmon bake. Although they don’t offer tours, if you’re walking around downtown Juneau, a short, mostly uphill walk will give you a view of this beautiful and historic building. We strive to provide only the best experiences and at the best price for your shore excursions. We’re here to ensure you have a smooth & secure booking process, and that you leave for Alaska with all the knowledge you need to have an amazing time.

To get to the Shrine, you must rent a car, take a taxi, or book a tour with a company. You can easily spend a few hours wandering through the quaint shops downtown. The shops sell everything from jewelry to furs, Native Alaskan art, t-shirts, and other fun keepsakes. If laid back and leisurely are more your style, Mendenhall Gardens is an oasis of colorful beauty, and for food lovers there are restaurant excursions that seek out Juneau’s tastiest tidbits. Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips.

There are a few different types of Mendenhall Glacier excursions you can do, and you can even do Mendenhall Glacier on your own. 30 minutes from downtown Juneau lies a shrine to the Patron Saint of Alaska, St. Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy Face. The building has a replica of the Liberty Bell, historic photos, and art and murals honoring the 49th state’s history. Juneau, along with 90% of Alaska, keeps time within the Alaska Standard Time Zone (AKST). Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone.

The 9 Best Cruise Ship Suites

Table Of Content

• Search
• Best "Large Balcony" cabins
• The Best Cruise Cabin for Every Type of Need
• Family cabins
• Inside Look: Cabin Service

This level of accommodation includes an immersive sliding glass door ocean experience. A common sentiment among cruisers is that once you sail in a stateroom with a balcony, it’s hard to ever go back to staying in a stateroom without one. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and remember that while the cabin is important, you’ll also want to budget for on-board activities, excursions, beverages, and other expenses. Perhaps more so than the accommodation grade, the cabin location can significantly impact your cruise experience. If you like big balconies, the best cabin for you is at the back of the ship. Cruise fans go nuts for wake views, even though technically you are looking backwards at where you have been, rather than where you are headed.

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While the room types may differ across ships, the front of a cruise often features standard balcony staterooms or oceanview cabins. When booking a balcony room, keep in mind that availability may be limited, especially on popular cruise ships or during peak travel seasons. It’s advisable to make your reservation well in advance to secure this coveted room location for your cruise vacation. It’s important to note that balcony rooms are often more expensive than interior or ocean-view cabins. However, for many passengers, the unique experience and the added value justify the cost. For those who appreciate breathtaking views, privacy, and the ability to enjoy the outdoors in a private setting, a balcony room is the perfect choice.

Best "Large Balcony" cabins

Remember, while these room locations are often sought after, they may come at a higher cost or limited availability. It’s essential to weigh your preferences and budget when making a decision. Now, let’s take a closer look at the factors to consider when choosing a room location on a cruise ship. Interior rooms will offer the least amount of space at usually the lowest price. Balcony rooms and suites offer the most space and amenities with also the highest price tag.

The Best Cruise Cabin for Every Type of Need

Will you want to be a quick elevator ride or walk away from your fellow travelers? These are all questions to consider when you’re choosing what deck is best for you. Many passengers plan on spending the majority of their cruise outside of their room, whether they’re pumping iron at the gym, relaxing in the spa, or suntanning out on the pool deck.

Family cabins

You’ll also get unlimited access to the Persian Garden and the exclusive onboard specialty restaurant, Blu, which serves spa-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, healthy ingredients. This will likely result in you being allocated a cabin at the front or back of the ship, but it will save you money. Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A.

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8 best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to book for your next vacation.

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The master bathroom has marble throughout, a double vanity, a shower, a separate full-sized whirlpool tub, and Bulgari bath amenities. A perfect night's sleep is guaranteed in the separate bedroom, where you will be ensconced by sumptuous sheets, plush duvets and a pillow menu with nine choices. Be the envy of all your friends when you stay in the largest accommodation of the entire Celebrity fleet. Available on Celebrity Edge, Apex and Beyond, the 2,581-square-foot Iconic Suite is truly a residence at sea that takes luxury to a whole new level. For starters, you’ll enjoy endless views that rival the Captain’s, as your suite is directly above the shio's navigation bridge. With this in mind, cruise lines have been introducing larger and more elaborate suites on every new ship they launch.

The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Some love balconies, others enjoy the peacefulness of a darkened interior room. For starters, there is nowhere on a ship more prone to movement than the front of a ship. Forward-facing cabins also often lack balconies, for reasons I will explain in a moment. You won't feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel. On a typical cruise ship, cabins are spread out all over the place — high and low, and to the front, middle and back. Before making a decision, consider your priorities and assess what aspects of a cruise matter the most to you.

Inside Cabins or Interior Rooms: The Cheapest, Most Comapct Rooms on a Cruise Ship

Cruises aren't free, so every dollar you can save on your vacation is a dollar you can spend on another cruise. For many cruisers, finding the cheapest cabin available for a good deal is the right choice for them. On many Royal Caribbean ships, the size of an aft balcony can be gargantuan compared to a balcony on the side of the ship. The more I cruised, the more I started hearing from veteran cruisers about the virtues of booking a balcony on the back of the ship.

If you are going to play poker every night until 2 a.m., choose a cabin that is a quick walk from the casino. A balcony (veranda) cabin will cost you from 25 percent more to almost double the price of an inside cabin. Some cruisers would prefer to go twice as often and stay in an inside cabin. Others with more limited time might prefer to splurge on a balcony or a suite.

If you want some sunlight as well as a glimpse of the ocean, this is a great option that costs less than rooms with a balcony but still provides you with a wonderful cruising experience. Keep reading to discover the best rooms on a cruise ship to help you find the room that will make your cruise an enjoyable experience all around. You can brag to your friends that you stayed inside a cruise ship funnel!

For starters, suites are the most spacious shipboard accommodation, with some as large as apartments and houses. Suites also come with an array of perks such as priority embarkation & disembarkation, concierge or butler service, and VIP access to a private lounge, restaurant, and sundeck. In short, choosing a suite that offers elevated experiences and self-contained living quarters is fast becoming a trend.

The sensation of movement due to the ocean is perceived differently by everyone, but it is worth noting. It’s important to note that midship rooms are highly sought after, and availability may be limited. If you have a specific midship room in mind, it’s recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred location.

In summary, the sailing experience on the front and back of a cruise ship varies by day and personal preferences. When booking a cabin at the back of the ship, you’ll find a variety of room types and pricing to fit your preferences and budget. By understanding the layout of your ship and the pros and cons of different cabin choices, you’ll be well-prepared to select the ideal location for your unforgettable cruise experience.

You can study your ship’s deck plans to understand how everything is organized before making your choice. Remember—prime locations for specific stateroom categories are reserved fast, which is why it’s ideal to book early if the deck your stateroom is on matters to you. The Galapagos Islands meet you in your Penthouse Suite thanks to incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. The Penthouse comes with a separate bedroom with its own private veranda, a spacious living room, and a sitting area with two sofa beds.