celebrity cruise excursions in juneau

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Excursions & Tours

Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise

Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo

Helicopter Icefield Excursion

Helicopter Dog Sledding

Whale Watching Cruise

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Juneau Highlights

Helicopter Dog Sledding Extended Tour

Gold Panning and Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

Whale Watching and Lighthouse Exploration

Mendenhall Glacier Trek

Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure

Mendenhall Lake Kayak and Salmon Bake

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure

Prime Time Helicopter Icefield Excursion

Prime Time Helicopter Dog Sledding

Prime Time Helicopter Dog Sledding Extended Tour

Alaska Hike and Canoe Paddle

Juneau Culinary Delights Walk

Juneau Sights and Sips by Jeep with Lunch

Kayaking the Channel Islands and Whale Watching

Prohibition Progressive Dinner Party

Tongass National Rainforest Meditation Walk

Private Glacier Trek Hiking

Private Luxe Land and Sea in Juneau

Private Luxe Whale Watching

Juneau excursions.

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.

Beautiful, serene, breathtaking. These are just a few words to describe Alaska's capital city, Juneau. Nestled tightly between the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia, Juneau comes from a rich history deeply rooted in Native American tradition and features the most expansive and magnificent natural landscapes in the entire country. There's simply so much to see and do in and around the city that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Excursions of a Lifetime

Juneau offers a perfect blend of extreme and relaxing activities for any visitor. Get your adrenaline pumping by taking a helicopter tour, glacier trekking, dog sledding, kayaking, zip lining, and the like, or take in the sights by humpback whale watching, bear spotting, or rafting around Mendenhall Glacier and witnessing southeast Alaska's incredible beauty. Book a combo excursion, like our ever-so-popular Extended Helicopter Ride and Dog Sledding Tour. Get the best of both worlds, flightseeing over the Juneau Icefield by helicopter and then mushing powerful huskies over the ancient snowfields by sled dog.

Alaskan Wildlife Sightseeing

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. Board your authentic Alaskan native-style canoe and paddle around Mendenhall Lake with a small group. Just keep a lookout for wildlife such as arctic terns, bald eagles, goats, salmon, porpoises, bears, and more. Then, experience Nugget Falls, a 377-foot roaring waterfall fronting the Mendenhall Glacier.

Experience Downtown Juneau

Experiencing downtown Juneau is a must-do for anyone visiting Alaska's capital and real easy. Juneau's cruise ship port is located at the south end of the downtown area. You can also find an amazing food scene downtown where you can sample local specialties like fresh seafood, reindeer sausage, or wild berry jams. Walk around the historic district to see well-preserved buildings from the city's gold rush era, and stop by the Juneau Visitor Center to learn about the region's history. 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.

Popular Juneau Alaska Attractions

Not sure where to begin your Alaskan adventure? Look no further! Our must-see attractions include the breathtaking Juneau Glacier walks, historic downtown, majestic Mount Juneau, stunning Mendenhall Glacier, whale watching tour, and thrilling Taku Glacier. Each excursion we offer promises a personalized and unforgettable experience. Browse our exciting Juneau shore excursions, and start planning your dream Alaska cruise today! Experience a region beyond your wildest dreams yet well within reach.

Juneau Shore Tours & Excursions

The best excursions in juneau.

Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Helicopter & Dogsled Glacier Excursion

Icefield Helicopter Excursion

Mendenhall Glacier Paddle & Hike

Whale Watching Tour

Mendenhall Glacier Hike

Helicopter Dogsledding with Extra Landing

Taku Glacier Adventure by Air, Water & Ice

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17 Best Things to Do in Juneau Alaska Cruise Port – Complete Guide

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If you’re going to Juneau on a cruise, you’re in luck! Besides being the capital city of Alaska, Juneau is a bustling fishing town with magnificent mountain vistas and a stunning variety of wildlife.

Juneau, Alaska also has the unique distinction of being completely landlocked. You can only get to Juneau one of two ways…boat or airplane. There are no roads connecting it to any other city in North America.

If you are lucky enough to port in Juneau during your Alaska Cruise , there are a variety of excursions and activities that will give you a taste of Alaska’s capital city and its captivating history. 

In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Juneau, including shore excursions and inexpensive or free activities. I’ve also included the information you’ll need to know about visiting the Juneau cruise port for the day and answered some common questions.

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Juneau Cruise Port

The cruise port in Juneau places you directly downtown on Egan Drive, making this an extremely walkable port city. Most large cruise ships dock at the South Franklin Street Dock, and it’s not uncommon to have 3 to 4 cruise ships in port on a given day.

Cruise passengers can disembark and explore the city on foot, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and popular attractions that are clustered in the downtown area.

What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Juneau Cruise Port

Although it is less than 100 miles from the Canadian border, Juneau is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar).

Businesses in Juneau accept cash, credit, and debit cards.

The primary language in Juneau is English. However, Sourdoughs (longtime Alaskans) might use some unusual local slang, including “termination dust” (the first snowfall of the year in the mountains) and the “ALCAN” (Alaska/Canada Highway).

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. 

In Juneau, temperatures range from the upper 50s to the low 60s during cruising season. 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.

Getting Around Juneau

Juneau is the largest U.S. Capital city by land area, but don’t let that scare you. This Alaskan city is 3,255 square miles total, including 704 square miles of water and 928 square miles of ice cap in North America’s fifth largest ice field.

On foot, you can visit many tourist destinations, including the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, the Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tramway, the Cultural Arts Park, and the historic Red Dog Saloon.

Public Transit

Capital Transit has a four-stop “ride-free zone” that can get you to the capital building and the downtown transit center, where you can transfer to ride to other locations.

One-way general fare for ages 19+ is $2 (exact change), 18 and under is $1 and children 5 and under can ride Capital Transit for free.

Whether you need a lift ($15 for two) or want a guided tour ($200 for two), Alaska Pedicab Juneau is a relaxing way to get around town.

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• Juneau Alaska Cruise Port Guide

12 Best Juneau Shore Excursions

Juneau, Alaska, is an excellent place for various activities, including wildlife viewing, learning the history of Alaska Natives, hiking, glacier viewing, and whale watching.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the capital of Alaska.

1. Tongass National Forest

A visit to Juneau means you’ll get the chance to see the nation’s largest national forest. The Tongass covers most of Southeast Alaska and offers an opportunity to view glaciers, wildlife, and stunning scenery.

To get to Tongass, you must either book a tour that includes the national park or take a shuttle service. Public transit does not travel to Tongass National Forest.

2. Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center 

13 miles from downtown Juneau, tucked into Tongass National Forest, you’ll find the gorgeous Mendenhall Glacier and an excellent visitor center.

The cost to enter the visitor center is well worth it, with passes priced at $5 per person ages 15 and over. Ages 15 and under are free.

The visitor center has a free educational movie, thoughtful and interesting displays, and panorama windows that showcase the Mendenhall Glacier.

Related: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)

3. Mendenhall Lake

You can experience the excitement of kayaking on a glacial lake at the Mendenhall Glacier’s terminus. Several tour companies provide round-trip transfers from the cruise ports.

They also provide everything you need for an adventure kayaking in gorgeous Mendenhall Lake. With the backdrop of Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll row past icebergs and check off a major bucket list item.

4. Mount Roberts Tramway

This excursion takes you from sea level to glorious views 1800 feet above Mount Roberts. The tram is pricey ($55 for an all-day pass for adults and $40 for kids ages 3-12). However, the panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel are stunning.

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.

5. Helicopter Tour

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to fly over a million-year-old glacial icefields! Juneau boasts 928 square miles of ice cap in the form of Juneau Icefield, the fifth largest icefield in North America.

This cruise shore excursion will give you a stunning birds-eye view of Juneau’s mountains and icefields. The pilot will then land atop a glacier, where you’ll get a guided walk and the chance to drink the freshest, tastiest ice water you’ll ever have.

Many local companies offer round-trip transportation from the cruise docks. Whether you book your helicopter excursion through the cruise line or with an independent tour company, be sure to book early. This popular activity tends to sell out.

Related: 10 Shore Excursion Mistakes Cruisers Almost Always Regret

6. Whale Watching

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.

You can find several whale watching excursions offered by your cruise line as well.

Chances are good that you’ll see bald eagles, seals, and sea lions. Humpback whales are the real star of the show, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch playful Orca whales as they jump and breach.

You can also choose a combo whale-watching cruise/Mendenhall glacier visit. After your whale-watching expedition, you’ll be bussed to Mendenhall, where you can spend 1.5 hours exploring.

7. Sealaska Heritage

A visit to Alaska isn’t complete without learning about the Indigenous tribes that have called Southeast Alaska home for more than ten thousand years.

For $7 per adult and $5 per child over age 7, you can walk through an adzed cedar clan house, view exhibits about Native Alaskans, and see and purchase your artwork or souvenirs in the gift shop.

Sealaska Heritage is in downtown Juneau, just a short walk from the cruise ship dock.

8. Dog Sledding Tour

There are a couple of different locations where you can check dog sledding off of your bucket list in Juneau: glacier or forest.

Forest excursions include a scenic drive to the Tongass National Forest dog camps. You’ll see a professional dog sled camp, interact with husky puppies, and even ride a “summer sled” (with wheels).

Some helicopter excursions include a dog sledding experience on top of Herbert Glacier. A team of 12-14 huskies will be waiting to pull you on a dogsled across the ice.

Dogsledding is a huge part of Juneau’s history, and although the excursions are pricey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

9. Ladd Macauley Visitor Center/Macaulay Salmon Hatchery 

If you are interested in learning more about salmon and other sea creatures, the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery located in the Ladd Macauley Visitor Center offers a very inexpensive aquarium-like experience.

For a $7 admission price for adults and $5 for children, you’ll get a unique view of how an outdoor fish hatchery operates. 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.

The visitor center is 3 miles from downtown Juneau. You can also catch a taxi or schedule a tour that includes the Hatchery

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10. Last Chance Mining Museum

Cruisers interested in Juneau’s mining history will enjoy this museum. Located about a 2-mile walk from the cruise ship docks, the museum has a collection of interesting photos, artifacts, and equipment.

For a $5 (cash only) entry fee, visitors will see the world’s largest air compressor and exhibits detailing Juneau’s history. The walk to the museum is also picturesque and relatively easy.

11. Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure 

Starting at the botanical garden and nursery, Glacier Gardens, a rainforest tour begins by boarding a covered “adventure vehicle” for a one-hour tour in an old-growth rainforest on Thunder Mountain.

After the tour, you can walk through their visitor center and grab a bite to eat at the Rainforest Cafe.

Glacier Gardens is a 7-mile trip from cruise ship docks. You can take a taxi, Lyft, or Uber or take a bus ride that will drop you off 500 feet from the entrance. Reservations are required for groups smaller than 10; the tour costs $30.40 for adults and $19.90 for children ages 6-12. Kids 5 and under can tour for free.

12. Tracy’s Crab Shack

You can’t miss the appealing red exterior of this Juneau Port staple. Bring your appetite to this popular restaurant that promises “The best [crab] legs in town.”

Grab a Large King Bucket, which feeds 2+ with Red King Crab, coleslaw, rolls, and “butta.” There are two locations within walking distance of the cruise port, so you’ll have ample opportunities to get a full belly and buttery hands.

Not only is Tracy’s Crab Shack popular with cruise travellers, but locals love it as well!

Related: 13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Cruise

5 Free Things to Do in the Juneau Cruise Port

1. Nugget Falls Trail

You’ll need to get to Mendenhall Visitors Center to take this hike, but you don’t have to pay to park or hike the Nuggets Falls trail.

The .8-mile trail takes you past rivers (sometimes filled with spawning salmon) and breathtaking views of Mendenhall Glacier and ends at a lovely waterfall. During the 15 minutes in each direction hike, you may spot wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and possibly bears.

2. Take a Tour of the Alaska State Capitol Building

Located within a short walk of the cruise ship dock, the Alaska State Capitol Building offers free 30-minute guided tours Tuesday-Friday.

The building has a replica of the Liberty Bell, historic photos, and art and murals honoring the 49th state’s history.

3. Window Shop in downtown Juneau

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.

While downtown, keep an eye out for the historic Red Dog Saloon. A staple of downtown Juneau since mining times, the saloon has been in several locations, including a tent on the ocean’s shore. Today’s Red Dog will give you a peek into the past and what a saloon experience was like for gold rush miners.

4. Visit the Governor’s Mansion

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.

Built in 1913 for $40,000 (the equivalent of $1.2 million today), it is the home of current Alaska governor Mike Dunleavy. A totem pole outside gives the mansion an Alaskan touch, and you’ll catch some gorgeous bay views from the top of the hill

5. Admire the Shrine of St. Therese

30 minutes from downtown Juneau lies a shrine to the Patron Saint of Alaska, St. Therese of the child Jesus and the Holy Face.

You can contemplate quietly while viewing the lovely chapel, which was built in the 1940s. To get to the Shrine, you must rent a car, take a taxi, or book a tour with a company.

Juneau Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit juneau .

Warm winds from the Pacific Ocean make Juneau’s summer temperatures mild and enjoyable. The average temperature during Alaska cruise season is in the upper 50s to the low 60s. The best time of year to visit is in June or early July, as precipitation continues to increase throughout the summer months.

Is Juneau a walkable city?

The Juneau cruise port town is incredibly walkable, with cruise ships docking downtown. There are many museums, shops, and attractions that you can walk to within minutes of disembarking your cruise ship.

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Final Thoughts On Things to do in Juneau Cruise Port

Nestled between Gastineau Passage and Mount Juneau, the picturesque capital city of Juneau will be a memorable stop on your Alaskan Cruise.

Whether you use your time to see wildlife or stunning glaciers, delve into mining history, or admire Indigenous artwork, you’ll treasure the time you spent in Juneau.

Have you been to Juneau, Alaska on a cruise? Please let me know what you enjoyed in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio:

Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,  www.TheGiftyGirl.com . 

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Accessible only by air or sea, Alaska's capital city entices travelers with its beauty, tranquility and outdoor activities. The Mendenhall Glacier, the jewel of the Juneau Icefield, can be discovered on scenic drives, hikes, boat rides, rafting trips, kayaking excursions and helicopter tours. Thrill-seekers get their adrenaline fix while ziplining above alpine forests, and culture lovers learn about landmarks such as the governor's mansion and St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church during explorations of downtown. A prospector-led panning adventure to Last Chance Basin allows you to strike gold, just as folks did in the late 19th century. Juneau's waters are a hot spot for humpback whales, and daily cruises afford the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures-a truly unforgettable experience. Brush up on local history with a visit to the Alaska State Museum, and cap off the day's adventures with a sampling of freshly caught salmon and locally sourced beer.

• Order Status
• Juneau Tours
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe
• Dog Sledding
• Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Musher's Camp
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
• Taku Lodge Flight & Feast
• Things to Do in Juneau
• Skagway Tours
• White Pass Railroad
• Bennett Scenic Railroad
• Yukon Discovery
• White Pass Summit & Beyond
• Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing
• Grizzly Falls Ziplining
• Things to Do in Skagway
• Ketchikan Tours
• Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument
• Mahoney Falls Extended Tour
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
• Mahoney Lake UTV Safari
• Ebike and Hike Tour
• Fishing & Wilderness Dining
• Lumberjack Show & Saxman Native Village
• Mountain Point Snorkeling
• Neets Bay Bear Encounter
• Things to Do in Ketchikan
• Icy Strait Point Tours
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife & Bear Search
• Stream Fishing
• Wilderness Island Tour
• River Fishing & Bear Search
• Things to Do in Icy Strait
• Sitka Tours
• Premium Scenic Tour
• Whale Watching Tour
• Sitka Kayaking Adventure
• Tongass Rainforest Hike
• Simply Amazing Sitka Tour
• Things to Do in Sitka
• Things to Do

JUNEAU TOURS & SHORE EXCURSIONS

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Bear & Wildlife (2)

Fishing (3)

Dog Sledding (6)

Glacier (23)

Glacier Hiking (8)

Kayaking and Canoe (9)

Whale Watching (5)

Salmon Bakes (6)

Mendenhall Glacier (13)

Kid-Friendly (17)

Helicopter (10)

Food & Drink (7)

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• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

$359 / person

Join the ultimate Alaskan adventure that takes you up close and personal with the Mendenhall Glacier. Our extended Alaska glacier tour gives you ample time for pictures and exploration while trekking with your guides next to READ MORE...

• Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

$239 / person

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! Pad READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

From: $661 / person

Experience this exciting dog sledding adventure on the Herbert Glacier. Your tour with start with a helicopter ride up to our beloved dog sled camp situated on a glacier. The flight itself will leave you in awe as you take in READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter

From: $787 / person

This tour is the same as our regular Dogsled Excursion via Helicopter but it includes an additional glacier landing! Take in the landscape surrounding Juneau as you travel by helicopter up to the first glacier where you'll ju READ MORE...

Juneau Dog Sled World & Glacier Helicopter Adventure

$689 / person

Experience the life of an Alaskan Dog Musher! During this hands-on interactive tour, you will help prepare your dogsled team for the day of mushing that awaits you. In addition to glacier flightseeing and dogsledding, enjoy e READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

$659 / person

This tour is the same as our Juneau Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour except that it will take you on a thrilling mushing ride across the Mendenhall Glacier. After your transfer to the helicopter base, you'll take off on READ MORE...

From: $395 / person

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. Once you land on the glac READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

$379 / person

Featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA -- travel back to the Ice Ages with Alaska's original glacier helicopter tour! Board a modern turbine-powered helicopter for a flight to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier! Soar through the READ MORE...

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

$465 / person

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...

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Trek

$515 / person

This 2-hour glacier trekking adventure, led by knowledgeable interpretive guides, offers an amazing blend of scientific discovery, ice trekking and exploration, and stunning views of the Juneau Icefield's most breathtaking fe READ MORE...

Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

$688 / person

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. On the water, READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in Juneau! 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...

• Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

$169 / person

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...

• Juneau Dog Sled Summer Camp

$159 / person

Join our team of mushers on an adventure you won't soon forget! Learn about Alaska's official state sport and experience a thrilling ride through the forest. Your excursion begins with a scenic drive along the Gastineau Chann READ MORE...

Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

$174 / person

Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget! 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! At the e READ MORE...

Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast

$475 / person

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...

Juneau Glacier Flightseeing via Seaplane Tour

$325 / person

The grandeur of Alaska will thrill and delight you beyond expectation on this unforgettable multi-glacier flightseeing tour, where everyone enjoys a window seat. Explore the Juneau Icefield's most stunning glaciers by authent READ MORE...

• Juneau Alpine Zipline Adventure

$245 / person

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. Our knowledgeable guides will be with you every s READ MORE...

Juneau Rainforest eBike Adventure

$160 / person

Discover natural, beautiful Alaska as you set out on an exhilarating 3-hour active adventure for any and all fitness levels. Breathtaking views of the Mendenhall Glacier, old-growth forest, and the world's most northern rain READ MORE...

Norris Glacier Fly In, Hike & Packraft Outing

From: $829 / person

Embark on an exhilarating multi-sport tour to one of Juneau's impressive glaciers. Take flight on a float plane to the Norris Glacier and enjoy a glacier lake landing. Join your guide on a hike over glacially carved terrain READ MORE...

Juneau Segway Coastal Rainforest Adventure

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...

Juneau Segway Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure

$175 / person

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 Float Trip

$199 / person

Get ready for a true outdoor experience - you're going on an exhilarating river rafting adventure down the beautiful Mendenhall River. There is something for everyone; whether this is your first time or you're experienced! Yo READ MORE...

Auke Bay Paddle and Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $209 / person

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...

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

From: $459 / person

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...

Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure

$269 / person

If you want to be the lucky few who can face the majestic Mendenhall Glacier under a very limited U.S. Forest Service permit, this is the right tour for you! Your guide will teach you kayaking techniques, then board the two-p READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier View Sea Kayaking

$154 / person

You'll be off to the north side of Douglas Island for panoramic views of the Mendenhall Glacier and Auke Bay, where you'll board a two-person kayak sailing as the Aleut Indians did! As you view the Mendenhall Glacier from the READ MORE...

Juneau Guided Mendenhall Glacier Hike

Just outside of Juneau, take a short drive and begin an invigorating 6-7 mile hike through the Tongass National Forest. Wind your way through the forest where you'll emerge and find panoramic views of the beautiful Mendenhal READ MORE...

Juneau Privately Guided Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $265 / person

One of the most popular glaciers in Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier can be visited on this privately guided tour. Hike through the Tongass National Forest and around the majestic Mendenhall Glacier on foot. Exploring the uniqu READ MORE...

Juneau Waterfall Creek Bear Viewing

$999 / person

Waterfall Creek is all about the feast of salmon! The gorgeous Waterfall Creek on Chichagof Island plays host to brown bears for the annual salmon spawning season. Safely watch bears fish from the river on a world-class bear READ MORE...

Juneau Pack Creek Bear Viewing

Pack Creek Bear Viewing on Admiralty Island is the once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan activity you've been searching for. This small group adventure starts with a 25 minute scenic flight from Juneau to Admiralty Island, home to an e READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake

$279 / person

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. You'll have plenty of time to take in the majestic READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching Tour & Salmon Bake Combo

Humpback and orca whales are actively feeding while they are in southeast Alaska waters, so chances are you see whales breach, play, and maybe bubble net feed! You will savor wild Alaska salmon amidst amazing scenery at the G READ MORE...

Juneau Mendenhall Lake Kayak & Salmon Bake

$309 / person

Experience tandem kayaking on the pristine glacial waters of the Mendenhall Lake. 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...

Juneau Halibut Fishing Tour

An unparalleled halibut fishing experience on the waters just outside Juneau, Alaska. Take a swift trip to Auke Bay for an epic half-day of fishing and fun on the water. Bait, tackle, and gear are provided by your local fis READ MORE...

Juneau Salmon Fishing Tour

$275 / person

Make lasting memories on a salmon fishing expedition along the waters of Juneau, Alaska. Your local guides are ready to show you the best salmon fishing spots and wildlife sightings along the way. Never fished before? No e READ MORE...

Juneau Halibut and Salmon Fishing Combo

$390 / person

The local waters around Juneau are teeming with life. Try your hand at fishing on the perfect half-day halibut and salmon fishing excursion. Your experienced crew can't wait to take your small group charter on a quest for t READ MORE...

Juneau Guided Mindfulness Meditation Tour

$198 / person

Southeast Alaska provides the perfect, tranquil setting for a mindfulness journey. Delight in a scenic drive on your way to a breathtaking spot for meditation amongst the ocean, mountains and forests. End your experience wi READ MORE...

Juneau Eat, Sip & Explore

$345 / person

Come explore Juneau with a local guide on an exclusive Jeep journey through historic Juneau. Be amazed by the wonders of the salmon hatchery and catch a glimpse of the adorable harbor seals. Get away from the crowds to exp READ MORE...

Juneau Food Tasting Tour

$129 / person

Prepare your tastebuds for the ultimate Alaskan tasting experience. We'll visit several local eateries like Tracy's King Crab Shack, Taku Smokeries, Hangar on the Wharf, Crystal Saloon, and a few others to delight your senses READ MORE...

Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour

$79 / person

The Juneau Salmon Bake has been grilling up perfection since 1978! Enjoy this all-you-can-eat feast, in the majestic setting of the Tongass Rainforest. This mouth-watering Alaskan buffet includes signature Alderwood-grilled w READ MORE...

Juneau Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake Tour

$139 / person

Experience the history of Alaska - and try your hand at panning for gold! This tour includes a brief narrated city tour as you make your way to the gold mining site that was made famous by Joe Juneau and Rich Harris. After a READ MORE...

Juneau Historic Gold Panning Adventure

$99 / person

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. You will have plenty of time READ MORE...

Juneau Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek

$615 / person

**THIS TOUR IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 2024 SEASON**This is the most in-depth glacier trekking tour includes a hike on the glacier and ice climbing. Expert guides will equip you with state-of-the-art trekking and climbing equip READ MORE...

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About Juneau

Best Juneau Tours & Excursions:

These experiences are our most popular tours in Juneau:

1. Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour

2. mendenhall glacier dog sledding & helicopter tour, 3. whale watching & mendenhall glacier tour, 4. whale watching, mendenhall glacier & salmon bake combo, 5. musher's camp & sled dog discovery, 6. whale watching adventure tour, 7. mendenhall glacier guided walk via helicopter tour, 8. historic gold panning & salmon bake tour, 9. whale watching tour & salmon bake combo, 10. icefield helicopter tour, juneau shore excursions by locals.

We are a local Alaska company that aims to bring you the best tours and experiences that Juneau has to offer. When you buy Juneau shore excursions on your own, instead of through a cruise ship, we can offer you wholesale, local Alaska prices. Our goal is to make your Alaskan cruise the trip of a lifetime!

What are the best tours in Juneau?

The best tours in Juneau are:

• Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

Can I go whale watching in Juneau?

Yes! Whale watching is one of the top things to do in Juneau and you are 100% guaranteed to see whales. Our top whale watching excursions are:

• Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo
• Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake

Which Juneau excursions are best for kids and families?

Juneau is a great destination for children. Here are our top picks for kids and families:

• Juneau Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

Is Mendenhall Glacier worth visiting?

The majestic Mendenhall Glacier is one of the top destinations in the Juneau area and is very easily accessible. The top tours are:

• Mendenhall Glacier Guided Walk Helicopter Tour

Visiting Juneau:

Juneau, originally named Harrisburg after one of its co-founders, was the first town established in Alaska after it’s purchase from Russia in 1867. In 1880, the first rush of miners came in search of gold. With the help of Tlingit Chief Kowee, seekers found gold and by the end of 1916, there were three successful mines producing millions of dollars worth of gold. Once word of Juneau’s natural beauty and prospecting triumph’s spread, more visitors began flocking to the town and haven’t stopped since! Nowadays Juneau sees nearly 1 million visitors every year - will you be one of them?

Come visit, check out our list of the best  things to do in Juneau , and take in some of the natural highlights like the Juneau helicopter tours over the ice fields, the arrival of the humpback whales every summer with one of our Juneau whale watching tours, go dog sledding, go ziplining through  Tongass National Forest , or take a flightseeing trip up to the historic Taku Lodge where you’ll fly over the Taku Glacier, the only glacier unaffected by glacial melting!

The most popular Juneau shore excursions are tours involving glaciers or wildlife sightseeing. The Mendenhall Glacier  is the only glacier that can be accessed by land via the road system, whereas many other glaciers can be experienced through helicopter and seaplane sightseeing. Juneau helicopter tours give you an opportunity to land and walk on various glaciers in the area that could otherwise not be seen or visited. As you prepare for your trip, you can check out the current Mendenhall Glacier weather .

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. The nutrient-rich waters create the ideal feeding grounds in Juneau for humpback whales including the spectacular bubble-net feeding technique in which whales work together to consume large amounts of krill, their main food source.  If you're feeling hungry, you can pair your  whale watching tour with an outdoor salmon bake .

• Copyright 2024 Alaska Shore Excursions

12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Juneau (While on an Alaska Cruise)

By: Author Caroline Ikeji

Categories Alaska , USA

Looking for some cool things to do in Juneau from your cruise ship? Here are some of the top Juneau attractions and excursions so you can have an epic stay in Alaska’s unique capital city.

Juneau is a popular port city on many Alaska Inside Passage cruises . With endless natural beauty and a bounty of unforgettable experiences, it’s easy to see why. 

Even though it’s the capital of Alaska, it is a relatively chill and laid-back city, which almost has a charming small-town feel. Still, there are many amazing things to do in Juneau, and it was one of my favorite stops on my one-week Alaska cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium . 

You’ll find plenty of unique Juneau attractions and excursions, including those quintessential Alaska experiences that can’t be found anywhere else. Some of these include getting up close to a glacier, going whale watching, eating fresh seafood, meeting adorable Alaskan sled dogs – and much more.

While I only had one day in Juneau, it definitely made me want to come back in the future. There were so many cool Juneau excursions and activities, and I feel like I barely scratched the surface.

Here are all the best things to do in Juneau while on your Alaska cruise – from the best excursions, top attractions, and epic experiences. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.   Pictures & Words is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you.

About Juneau, Alaska

Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, although it is often mistaken as Anchorage (which is the largest Alaskan city by population). 

It is the largest US state capital by area, at 3255 square miles. With only 32,000 residents, that means there are only 12 residents per square mile!

Once inhabited by the native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes, Juneau eventually attracted settlers looking for gold in 1880. It then became an incorporated city in 1900 (one day after Skagway), and the capital of Alaska in 1906.

Juneau also has a unique geography, surrounded by tall mountains, protected waterways, and the Juneau Icefield. This not only creates some dramatic scenery, it also is the only US state capital that is inaccessible by car. The only way to reach Juneau is by air or sea, which makes it a popular stop on Alaska cruises.

Quick Tips for Visiting Juneau

• Wear layers : Southeast Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so I suggest wearing layers. Visiting in late July, I found that Juneau was the warmest out of our 3 port cities, but it got chilly as the day went on so be sure to bring a warm jacket (I love my Patagonia puffer because it’s warm, lightweight, and compact!.
• Watch the time : You don’t want to miss your cruise ship departure, to be sure to keep an eye on the time! If you want extra peace of mind, you may also consider booking your excursions through the cruise line so they don’t leave without you (they are a bit more expensive though).
• Book excursions early : Some of the bucket list-worthy excursions, such as helicopter tours or dog sledding, book up super quickly. In addition, the Juneau tourism board has advised that there is limited tour and commercial transportation capacity for the Mendenhall Glacier, so be sure to book those excursions early as well.
• There’s plenty to do : If you miss out on your desired excursions, don’t worry! There are still plenty of things to do around town on your own, so you’ll still have a wonderful time in port. 

Unforgettable Things to Do in Juneau (From Your Cruise Ship)

Admire the Mendenhall Glacier

The Mendenhall Glacier is known as one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. This was one of the things I was most excited about when visiting Juneau, since this was my first time seeing a glacier and it was so cool!

Located just 13 miles from downtown Juneau, the Mendenhall Glacier is part of the vast Juneau Ice Field and is a half mile wide and 1800 feet deep. Because of its accessibility, it’s one of the top Juneau attractions and there are plenty of unique excursions to choose from.

We took a combination Mendenhall Glacier and wildlife whale watching excursion , and it was convenient to have all the details planned out for us. If all you want to do is just  see the glacier, you don’t necessarily need to book a tour and can take a shuttle bus . You can take a taxi as well, but getting back can sometimes be tricky.

However, there are some unique experiences at the glacier that are only accessible via guided tour.

If you do book a tour or shuttle, be sure to do it ASAP as Travel Juneau has advised that there is limited tour and commercial transportation capacity and fill up quickly. They suggest booking well in advance of your visit to Juneau, as day-of bookings may not be available.

Here are some of the ways you can experience the Mendenhall Glacier:

• Visitors Center : We only stopped at the Visitors Center, but the view from there was still pretty cool! You can see all the shades of blue in the glacier, and sadly, you can see how it has recessed in recent years. We also walked around the shore of the lake a bit for even more views.
• Nugget Falls : A short 2 mile hike from the visitors center will bring you to the base of Nugget Falls, a 370 foot waterfall neighboring the glacier. We intended to do the hike but got too distracted taking tons of photos near the visitors center and ran out of time, whoops!
• Canoe or Kayak in Mendenhall Lake : I’m hopeless at all rowing activities so I passed on this, but I really wish I sucked it up because it allows you to get even closer to the glacier! My friends did this canoe adventure tour and got some awesome photos!
• Glacier Ice Adventure Tour : Next time I go to Juneau, I am definitely going to book this tour. You’ll paddle your way towards the glacier and then actually hike *ON* the glacier, allowing you to see the ice field up close. What an epic experience!  

Take an Epic Helicopter Flight Over the Juneau Ice Fields

For a one-in-a-lifetime experience, consider booking a helicopter flight and guided ice walk over the Juneau Ice Fields. This was actually by #1 choice for my excursion, but it sold out so quickly!

Yes, this is one of the priciest Juneau excursions, but you’ll get the incredible experience of flying over million year old glacial icefields – truly epic. You’ll then land on the remote Hebert Glacier, which you will explore on foot.

You can even combine it with a dogsledding experience and even an additional glacier landing for a truly unforgettable day!

Enjoy a Whale Watching Cruise

Juneau is known as one of the best places for whale watching in Alaska, thanks to the nutrient rich waters that are found here. Every year, over 600 humpback whales migrate here each year after spending the winter in Hawaii. You can sometimes see orcas and other whales as well.

The whale watching season runs from April through November, which is perfectly in line with the Alaska cruise season. Therefore, whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Juneau while on an Alaska cruise. 

We took a whale watching + Mendenhall Glacier combination tour (here is the whale watching tour on its own), and saw sooooo many whales! They definitely put on a show for us and it was so fun to see. 

While you can often spot whales right off your cruise ship, I enjoyed my whale watching tour since we were able to get so much closer to them since we were in a smaller boat.

The tour operators here are so confident that you’ll see whales that many also offer a 100% guarantee that you’ll see them. It was so nice to see so many whales, especially since I was still salty after we saw exactly 0 whales in the San Juan Islands a few months earlier.

Experience Alaskan Dog Sledding

Another experience unique to Alaska is dog sledding, and visiting a sled dog camp is one of the highlights for many. While I didn’t have a chance to do this excursion, some friends in our group got to go on it and said it was such a cool experience – and the dogs were adorable!

You’ll get to meet and pet the dogs, and learn more about them and their mushers, some of whom have raced in the famous Iditarod race. You’ll then go on a short one-mile ride on a sled with the dogs and an expert musher – and yes, you can even do it in the summer! 

This is an excursion that is perfect for those of all ages, and one of the best things to do in Juneau with kids.

For a truly memorable experience, you can also combine dog sledding with a helicopter flight to the Hebert Glacier. For an epic day, you can combine it with two glacier landings .

Feast at Tracy’s Crab Shack

If you love seafood, then you won’t want to miss eating at Tracy’s Crab Shack . I still have dreams about the crab here!

We got the Crab Shack Combo, which comes with 14 oz of crab, crab cakes, and bisque. The king crab legs here are some of the best that I’ve ever had, and were just soooo meaty and juicy. The crab cakes were delicious as well!

As Tracy’s Crab Shack is one of the most well-known restaurants in Juneau, you may encounter a long line, but trust me, it’s worth it! We were actually so excited to eat here that we literally ran here off our ship to be one of the first ones here, haha. 

Sample Juneau’s Best Eats on a Food Tour

One of the best Juneau activities for foodies is to go on a walking food tour with Juneau Food Tours . 

Their most popular tour is the daytime A Tour With Taste, which includes eight tastings at some of the famous eateries in Juneau. You’ll get to taste fresh seafood, tasty local treats, and sample locally crafted drinks.

If your ship doesn’t leave until late, you can also book the evening Prohibition Progressive Party tour. In this 2 hour tour, you’ll learn about the Prohibition era in Alaska and its bootleggers, all while tasting delicious food and boozy drinks.

Take in the Views from the Goldbelt Tramway

For a panoramic view of the Juneau area, hop on the Goldbelt Tramway, another one of the top Juneau attractions. From downtown Juneau, you’ll climb up 1800 feet to the top of Mount Roberts in 6 minutes.

From nearly 4000 feet high, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Juneau, as well as the majestic mountains, rainforests, and ocean that surround it. You can even see if you can spot your cruise ship below. The view is especially gorgeous around sunset.

There are also a number of activities at the top as well. You can check out the interactive displays at the Nature Center or watch the award-winning movie about the Tlingit people that once called Southeast Alaska home. There’s a restaurant and gift shop here as well.

In addition, there are a number of hiking trails that start from here. Some of these include the Mount Roberts Trail, The Perseverance Trail, and the Granite Creek Trail.

It costs $55 ($40 for children) to go on the tram, but your ticket is valid for unlimited rides all day. If you wish, you can go up once during the daytime and again around sunset.

Drink a Cocktail With Glacial Ice at the Narrows Bar

I always love enjoying a well-made craft cocktail when I travel, so I was excited to hear about the Narrows Bar .

You’ll find a menu full of unique cocktails that showcase fine spirits and seasonal ingredients. It’s not the kind of place I expected to find in Juneau, but I was so glad I did because the cocktails were so creative and well-made. 

Our bartender was also awesome, and so helpful with answering questions and giving recommendations, even though it was busy and she was the only one there. 

Also ask to see if you can get your drink made with glacial ice! They don’t always have it (they didn’t when we were there), but you might get lucky.

Visit the Historic Red Dog Saloon

One of Juneau’s most iconic establishments, the Red Dog Saloon dates back to the city’s gold rush era and makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

The Western-style saloon has swinging doors that lead into a pub and restaurant with a lively atmosphere and kitschy decor. They sometimes have live music here as well.

The drink to order here is the Duck Fart, which is to Alaska what a mai tai is to Hawaii. It’s a shot made out of Kahlua, Bailey’s and whiskey and I thought they were quite tasty!

Wander Through Historic Downtown Juneau

Juneau has a charming and quaint downtown area, filled with well-preserved 19th century buildings. These house a wide array of local businesses from restaurants, bars, shops, art galleries, and museums.

Downtown Juneau is relatively compact, so you should set aside at least a little bit of time to wander through the area and see what it has to offer. 

If you’re looking to pick up unique local souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of gems in downtown Juneau. The shops here sell everything from Native American handicrafts, handcrafted jewelry, local art, and more.

Learn Something New at a Museum

Juneau has a number of museums where you can learn more about the history of the city and Alaska, as well as its gold rush past. If there’s inclement weather, visiting a museum is a fantastic indoor activity.

Here are some museums to consider checking out:

• Alaska State Museum : Just a short walk from downtown, this is the official museum for the state of Alaska. The museum has permanent and rotating exhibits on Alaska’s native cultures, history, and art. You’ll learn more about Alaska’s history from prehistoric times through the modern era.
• Juneau-Douglas City Museum : This museum in downtown Juneau focuses on the city’s history. You’ll find artifacts and interactive exhibits about Juneau’s mining history as well as the Tlingit people who once lived in the area.

Visit the Alaska State Capitol

Alaska’s state capitol building may not be as grand as some others, but it still has marble columns and houses a replica of the Liberty Bell, as well as numerous artifacts on display pertaining to the history of Alaska.

You can take a self-guided tour of the capitol year-round – simply pick up a brochure in the lobby and make your way through the building. There are also free guided tours available from May through September.

Things to Know Before Visiting Juneau on Your Alaska Cruise

About the Juneau cruise port

Juneau’s main cruise port is located just next to its downtown area. You can walk from your berth to downtown Juneau in as little as 5 minutes, and the furthest point in downtown is less than 30 minutes away.

However, depending on your cruise line, you may dock at a different port about a mile away, as ours did. In this case, a shuttle will bring you downtown and all the top Juneau attractions are easily accessible from there.

It can get quite busy in Juneau, especially considering the fact that its population is only about 32,000 people. However, as of 2024, only 5 ships will be allowed to dock here at a time, which should ease the crowding a bit.

Weather in Juneau

Like the rest of southeast Alaska, the weather in Juneau can be quite variable. 

Here are the average highs and lows in Juneau during the Alaska cruise season:

• April – 48° / 35°
• May – 56° / 42°
• June – 62° / 48°
• July – 63° / 51°
• August – 63° / 50°
• September – 57° / 45°
• October – 49° / 39°

Generally speaking, June through August sees the warmest temperatures. These are also the most popular months to cruise through Alaska. 

My Alaska cruise was in late July, and Juneau was our warmest port. It was in the low 60s when we visited, which I found to be perfect! However, I’ve also heard that sometimes the highs reach the 80s and people end up wearing shorts and tank tops. 

May and September are considered to be the shoulder season, and still see relatively mild temperatures in the mid to upper 50s. April and October are the low season, and also see the chilliest temperatures of the cruising season.

Juneau does average around 90 inches of precipitation each year (which is not as much as in Ketchikan). Do note that the city can see up to 19 days of precipitation even in the summer, so be prepared with some waterproof layers. However, most of the rain occurs in the fall and winter months. 

Be sure to check the weather forecast before departing on your Alaska cruise, and even then, be prepared. I’ve got an Alaska cruise packing list to help you figure out what to pack and what to wear.

Getting Around in Juneau

Downtown Juneau is relatively compact and you can get from one end to another in less than 30 minutes. Therefore, you can easily get around on foot.

If you can’t or don’t feel like walking, there are taxis relatively available, as well as Uber/Lyft services.

For those Juneau excursions that are not located in the downtown area, you’ll want to book a tour either through the cruise line or third party. These tours all include transportation from the downtown area, making it easy to access from your cruise ship.

Otherwise, you can rent a vehicle, take a shuttle, or hire a taxi, or rideshare service.

More Alaska content you may enjoy: Essential Alaska Cruise Tips for First Timers The Ultimate Packing List for Alaska Cruises Amazing Things to Do in Ketchikan Celebrity Millennium: A Complete Review

Liked this post? Save these things to do in Juneau to Pinterest for later!

Caroline is a Southern California based traveler, writer, and photographer. She travels all around California, the US, and the world in search of the most colorful places, the most delicious food, and bucket-list adventures. Her aim is to inspire other travelers discover how to add more adventure and joy to their lives. On Pictures & Words, you’ll find detailed guides + itineraries, along with vibrant photos to help you plan the the most epic trips. When she’s not traveling, Caroline also runs half marathons.

• Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Excursions

By waverleycruiser , January 29, 2015 in Celebrity Cruises

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waverleycruiser

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to view the excursions on a Celebrity trip? We're finding that viewing them online through 'my celebrity' very labourious. Every time we select an excursion, then expand it to read the full details, when we then go back to the original listing we have to re-query the whole thing again! Is there a separate booklet perhaps or a spreadsheet?

Maybe we're being dim but any help would be appreciated!

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Share on other sites.

cruisestitch

You can download a pdf of all available excursions, can even print them off at home if you want to use that much paper and ink.

Your right, its a pain.

On some of my upcoming cruises I am coming in with a lot of OBC so last weekend I was checking out some shore excursion options. It seemed every time I selected a new port to check-out the tours, it took me back to Alaska. :confused:

We thought that might be the case but can you tell us how we find our way to the PDF option?

Your right, its a pain.   On some of my upcoming cruises I am coming in with a lot of OBC so last weekend I was checking out some shore excursion options. It seemed every time I selected a new port to check-out the tours, it took me back to Alaska. :confused:

Lets hope" Cruisestitch" can help us both!

Go to the Celebrity Home Page

Go to On board Experiences

Go to Shore Excursions

You should see a box saying "Need more information about our excursions?" and then a clickable box saying "download Shore and Land Excursion Brochure"

Then there should come a pop up box asking you to select your ship and sail date and instruction for how to download your brochure

Go to the Celebrity Home Page Go to On board Experiences Go to Shore Excursions   You should see a box saying "Need more information about our excursions?" and then a clickable box saying "download Shore and Land Excursion Brochure"   Then there should come a pop up box asking you to select your ship and sail date and instruction for how to download your brochure

Brilliant - thanks for your help. Your instructions didn't quite match what I was seeing on the Celebrity web page here in the UK, but once I'd gone to the .com URL all made sense! Taking a long time to load though!

Depending on your cruise, the .pdf might be many pages long, and of course there are such variables as the speed of your internet connection, etc.

Glad to have been of help.

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to view the excursions on a Celebrity trip? We're finding that viewing them online through 'my celebrity' very labourious. Every time we select an excursion, then expand it to read the full details, when we then go back to the original listing we have to re-query the whole thing again! Is there a separate booklet perhaps or a spreadsheet?   Maybe we're being dim but any help would be appreciated!

If you don't want to print everything out or do the PDF, I have found that opening the excursion's information in a new browser tab prevents it from resetting the main page. :o

For example, let's say I am looking at the page that lists all the excursions for Juneau, Alaska.

If I wanted to look at the detailed information for

Discover the Mendenhall Glacier JU72

I would right click on the link for that particular excursion and open it in a new tab.

That way I still have my entire original list of all the Juneau excursions accessible as well, and can switch back and forth between them.

This is an easy way to compare the detailed descriptions for 3 or 4 excursions you are considering, by opening each one in a separate tab.

Then if you want to save, or print out any of the individual excursions, that is easy to do as well, without having to download or print the entire brochure.

I can tell you Celebrity Excursions have stepped it up in a great way. We were in Australia/New Zealand and were so pleased on the quality and depth of the on board excursion.

We are one to go on our way and were blown away and amazed with Celebrity on the quality and depth on their ship board excursions.

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to view the excursions on a Celebrity trip?

But if you have a large screen and want to compare 2 or more excursions, you can also open them in separate windows and view them side by side.

scifimonkey

I can tell you Celebrity Excursions have stepped it up in a great way. We were in Australia/New Zealand and were so pleased on the quality and depth of the on board excursion.   We are one to go on our way and were blown away and amazed with Celebrity on the quality and depth on their ship board excursions.

In October last we finally had a tour with the sticker people that had a decent lunch ( Syracuse from Catania) so you may be right. It still seems difficult though to marry the quality for cost of many of celebrities tours to those that are available independently. I think that they still have some way to go before the roll calls are not full of people arranging their own tours.

I found it very difficult, switching back and forth. So I printed out the pdf, haha 126 pages later it finished printing.

:confused: What did you find difficult about switching?

It only takes a click of the mouse (or touch pad) each time.

Or just print out the excursions that look interesting to you, instead of the entire pdf file.

Well, at least you have them all printed out now.

If you plan to keep on doing it that way for future cruises, do let us know what kind of paper and ink you use so we can buy stock in those companies. :D

:confused: What did you find difficult about switching? It only takes a click of the mouse (or touch pad) each time.   Or just print out the excursions that look interesting to you, instead of the entire pdf file.   Well, at least you have them all printed out now.   If you plan to keep on doing it that way for future cruises, do let us know what kind of paper and ink you use so we can buy stock in those companies. :D    

I am sight impaired.

We usually try to do private tours, but on our cruise last month we found it easier and more convenient to use Celebrity. Could not have been more pleased. And in November there was no way I was going to make the trip

to Marrakech except on the Celebrity tour.

Thing is, what if you want to buy an excursion and it will not let you?:rolleyes:

I want to see if it works.....nope. Have tried several times. Clicking on

the tour I want to do and you are supposed to be able to move it into

your cart:rolleyes:.......impossible.

Actually, I have a large OBC so will book after I board the ship. I didn't

realize the site is still a PITA:rolleyes:

• 2 weeks later...

Is there anyway to book excursions before cruise and use OBC's?

Nope, there is not.......that is why they are called OBC.....on board

credits....they need to be used while you are on board;):)

When I went on my celebrity page and manage reservations, it allowed me to look at and book excursions on line. Until then, I always had problems. It is under your booked cruise page..not book excursion page.. Wierd i:eek:

That is the way I like to do it also.   For example, let's say I am looking at the page that lists all the excursions for Juneau, Alaska.   If I wanted to look at the detailed information for   Discover the Mendenhall Glacier JU72   I would right click on the link for that particular excursion and open it in a new tab.   That way I still have my entire original list of all the Juneau excursions accessible as well, and can switch back and forth between them.   This is an easy way to compare the detailed descriptions for 3 or 4 excursions you are considering, by opening each one in a separate tab.   Then if you want to save, or print out any of the individual excursions, that is easy to do as well, without having to download or print the entire brochure.  

Now why didn't I think of that - thanks!

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Juneau, Alaska Shore Excursions

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Amazing Adventures Await on Alaska Shore Excursions

As your ship docks at the Juneau cruise port and excitement builds at your first glimpse of those magnificent glaciers, you may wonder what kind of Juneau shore excursions are offered that will capture the awesomely beautiful scenery. 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.

Juneau’s unique positioning at the midpoint of the Inside Passage gives Alaska’s capital city an unparalleled array of vistas that include mountains, glaciers, rainforests, fjords, waterfalls, and sea. 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.

For a scenic overview of the area, make the first of your Juneau shore excursions the Mount Roberts Tramway, located right at the port. 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.

And if gold is your game, there are tours to pan for gold, alone or in combination with other family-fun activities like an authentic salmon bake, a flightseeing tour of glaciers, or a whale-watching cruise . Whale-watching rates five-stars for fun and fascinating Juneau cruise excursions. It’s simply thrilling to see a humpback or orca make that leaping arc out of the water and come splashing down before your eyes. Guided excursions range from day to evening, from combo tours that include other activities like wildlife hikes or glacier walks, and from multi-passenger cruisers to smaller crafts.

For those who revel in heights, nothing rivals the up-close views of the area’s magnificent glaciers, whether you choose a helicopter tour that lands atop Mendenhall Glacier or walking, hiking, or canoeing trips that take you right alongside. For a double-dose of outdoor adventure, book an over-glacier helicopter ride to a dog-sled-musher’s camp.

There’s no shortage of active adventures to explore while in port. You can book Juneau shore excursions offering ziplining over rainforests, canoeing downriver around ice floes, biking in the shadow of a glacier with a break for beer tasting, or sport fishing for an opportunity to finally reel in the big one.

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.

Learn More About Celebrity Cruises® Shore Excursions

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Why the journey is the destination when it comes to Alaska cruises

They say getting there is half the fun. Usually, I disagree. When I travel, I want to get to where I’m going as quickly as possible to make the most of my time there. However, sailing Celebrity Edge on its maiden Alaska voyage from Seattle, I was all about the journey.

Staring up at the snow-capped mountains through the ship’s floor-to-ceiling windows and watching for wildlife in the icy waters below, I was mesmerized by the famed Last Frontier. And I realized that on an Alaska cruise , the journey is a destination.

Here’s why and what travelers should know about cruising Alaska.

Why is Alaska a popular cruise destination?

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many people. Some may wait their whole lives for the trip. While Alaska Airlines and other carriers fly throughout America’s largest state , it isn’t as easy to navigate as the Lower 48.

Cruises allow travelers to visit multiple destinations without taking separate flights, renting a car or moving from hotel to hotel. My Edge itinerary included stops in Ketchikan, which is surrounded by the lush Tongass National Forest ; the state capital of Juneau, which is only accessible by air or sea; and Skagway, home of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park . The ship also carefully navigated the stunning Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier, a highlight of the trip.

The easy trip can also be more accessible for people with mobility issues and other disabilities. Like other cruise lines, Celebrity has a team dedicated to accessible cruising . Numerous guests on board my sailing used walkers, canes or wheelchairs. Plus, it’s just nice to be able to take in the dramatic coastlines from the comfort of a cozy cabin or lounge when it’s chilly outside.

Are cruises to Alaska worth it?

They can be. At last check, the lowest price on a seven-night Celebrity Edge Alaska Dawes Glacier sailing, roundtrip from Seattle, for the remainder of this summer is listed at $778 per person on the cruise line’s website, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. That does not include travel to or from Seattle nor any taxes or fees, which can balloon the bottom line on any cruise. Nor does it include promotional discounts, which are pretty much always available. After taxes and fees, that works to about $2,212 for two people or $1,106 per person. 

The cheapest seven-night Southbound Glacier sailing on the Edge’s sister ship, Celebrity Summit , is much less at $249 per person, based on double occupancy in an inside stateroom. It’s worth noting the Southbound voyage goes from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, not a round trip. Also the Summit is not an Edge-class ship , The Celebrity Edge is the first Edge class ship to sail Alaska; it was also the first ship in Celebrity’s most recent series, which also includes the new Celebrity Ascent . Edge-class ships were designed to bring guests closer than ever to their destinations, with their signature Magic Carpet cantilevered platform that extends beyond the ship’s edge and other features that bring the outside in. After taxes and fees, the Summit sailing adds up to about $1,231 for two people or about $615 a person.

Both are cheaper than flying between cities and staying at hotels for a week in Alaska, but they're also cheaper than other popular vacations. For example, seven nights at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort , a value resort at Walt Disney World , costs $955 for the room alone, including taxes and a summer promo deal. Adding seven days of park tickets, without park hopping, and the total becomes $2,195 for two people or about $1,098 per person, excluding food.

Meanwhile, cruises include all onboard meals – except optional specialty dining and alcohol. There are also a boatload of included activities, like nature talks, tai chi classes, guided arts and crafts, trivia, games and childcare. There’s live music available through the day and nightly stage shows. I sampled a little bit of everything, but for me, the best part of the ship was the views.

Inside Ascent: 3 takeaways from Celebrity Cruises' new ship

Do you see wildlife on an Alaskan cruise?

Yes. I saw whale spouts three times from the ship, though the whales didn’t breach above water. I also saw a handful of harbor seals and a dozen eagles from the ship and from shore. Bald eagles are so common in Alaska that a tour bus driver jokingly called them bald seagulls. There are 30,000 bald eagles in the state, according to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 

I kept an eye out for bears on an excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. I didn’t see any walking along the paved, wheelchair-accessible Nugget Falls Trail, but I did spot all sorts of spring buds and the most beautiful moss.

The ship’s onboard naturalist gave us a heads-up on what to look for and taught us about various species in presentations in the ship’s theater. She also broadcasted live on the ship’s TV channel and inside speakers while traveling through the Endicott Arm. However, her voice wasn’t carried on outside speakers to avoid potentially disturbing wildlife.

What is the best month to go on a cruise to Alaska?

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to early October, though dates vary by cruise line. Guests who sail early or late in the season may find lower rates than during the height of the summer, but they may miss out on warmer weather.

It was in the 40s to 50s most days of my May sailing, and it rained on our Juneau day. The onboard naturalist warned that there is no bad weather in Alaska, only poor clothing choices.

How much should I budget for an Alaskan cruise?

You should pad your budget with several hundred extra dollars for excursions and dining off-ship. Both can be pricey but enriching. My Mendenhall Glacier excursion was just under $130, including transportation and an off-site Gold Creek Salmon Bake , with all-you-can-eat fresh salmon cooked over a wood-burning fire.  I’ve never had better fried fish than the local halibut at The Alaska Fish House in Ketchikan, and I will be dreaming of the sweet, plump red king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau for years to come.  If you want freshly caught Alaska seafood, you’ll want to get it at port.

You may be able to spot whales from the cruise ship, but if you really want to go whale watching, salmon fishing, dog sledding, or get up close to glaciers, that’s generally going to require an excursion. Excursions offered through cruise lines tend to cost more than those booked independently, but booking through the cruise line can streamline payment and ensure that the ship won’t leave without you if the excursion runs late.

One port you can enjoy on the cheap is Skagway. You can explore several exhibits and historic buildings on your own, as part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. However many visitors splurge on a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway up to the Canadian border and back.

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

Yes and no. The views throughout Alaska are breathtaking, and being able to enjoy them from your cabin any time of day feels luxurious. I loved waking up to mountains, thick with trees, outside my window and scanning the waters for marinelife before bed.

Just over 80% of Celebrity Edge’s staterooms have a balcony. I had an Infinite Veranda , which is unique to Edge-class ships. Rather than a traditional balcony with a sliding glass door, Infinite Verandas incorporate what would be exterior balcony space into the interior of the cabin and have a window that slides halfway down the exterior wall with the push of a button. I loved how much bigger it made the cabin feel and appreciated the extra climate-controlled living space. It was still chilly during my early season sailing, so I rarely put the window down and think I would have enjoyed a non-balcony, oceanview room just as much.

Of course, if you book an inside cabin, you can still enjoy the scenery from public areas of any ship. The Celebrity Edge brings the outside in with tons of windows, including in the buffet restaurant, Oceanview Cafe, where I spotted my first whale spout. In the back of the ship, there’s a relaxing mixed-use space called Eden with three stories of windows that I found myself drawn to daily. The solarium, with its tall windows and rows of lounge chairs, also offered expansive views. 

Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?

Maybe. For a closed-loop cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, like the one I was on, all you need is proof of citizenship. 

“According to U.S. Customs & Border Protection, this includes an Enhanced Driver’s License, which is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship; a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where the person was born) or passport; and if 16 or older, a government-issued driver’s license or picture ID denoting photo, name, and date of birth,” according to Celebrity.

Of course, not all Alaska cruises are closed-loop cruises. Some start or end in Vancouver, Canada. There are also cruises on several smaller U.S.-flagged cruise lines like Alaska Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventures , which may not require passports depending on the itinerary.

Can you see the Northern Lights on an Alaska cruise?

It’s possible, but because daylight hours are so long during the summer in Alaska, the best chance to see them would be on a cruise late in the season.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few times to look for Northern Light. I didn’t see any, but I heard passengers on a previous sailing spotted them. Then again, so did people all across the country during the solar storm earlier this month.

The reporter on this story received access from Celebrity Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of reviews.

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6 top luxury alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Book a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land on one of these top luxury ships.

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Courtesy of Crystal

Cruising to Alaska on a small luxury ship affords a very different experience than sailing through The Great Land on a larger vessel. On a smaller luxury ship, you'll enjoy the expected perks like fewer passengers and more personalized service – but you'll also physically get closer to the boundless wilderness, abundant wildlife, icy blue glaciers and majestic snow-capped mountains that you've waited a lifetime to see.

While the fares to sail on such vessels are quite a bit higher than those of larger cruise providers, the all-inclusive (or mostly all-inclusive) prices typically include all-suite accommodations with balconies, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access, gratuities, welcome bottles of sparkling wine, pillow selection, some shore excursions and butler service. Best of all, you won't feel like you're being nickel-and-dimed while on board. As a special touch, the attentive crew members may even learn your name and memorize your preferred pre-dinner cocktail.

Unlike many mainstream lines, most luxury Alaska cruises do not offer pre- and post-cruise tours to extend your adventure. However, you can plan these experiences on your own through third-party providers.

Alaska Tour & Travel has pre-cruise packages that include visits to Denali National Park & Preserve and the small, quirky Alaska towns of Homer and Talkeetna. You can also see a different side of Alaska via a train ride on the Alaska Railroad, take a national parks tour that includes Kenai Fjords National Park or head northbound to Fairbanks , one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights (if you visit during aurora season, from late August to late April). In addition, the company can plan a self-drive tour from Anchorage to Seward, which includes a stay at a wilderness lodge, helicopter flightseeing over Knik Glacier and guided tours in the parks.

The following luxury cruise lines will ensure you make the most of your voyage in Alaska – one of the most magical destinations on Earth.

Find your perfect cruise

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises' small luxury ships are designed for adventurers interested in visiting a mix of Alaska's top ports and more rugged, off-the-beaten-track locales. Extended itineraries offer stops in less-visited destinations like the towns of Haines and Wrangell. On board, guests can expect a personalized experience that includes luxurious ocean-view suites with butler service, multiple gourmet dining options, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and attentive service with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry.

Base fares for Silversea's 2024 and 2025 Alaska itineraries start at $3,250 per person. If you upgrade to Silversea 's door-to-door fare (which starts at $5,200 per person), you'll receive private chauffeur service from your home to the airport (and back home upon your return) and round-trip flights, with business class upgrades in some destinations.

Silversea also offers immersive pre- and post-cruise land experiences, departing from Seward, Alaska. Highlights include sightseeing flights over Denali National Park & Preserve or into bear country to see Alaska's magnificent grizzly bears. In Vancouver, travelers can take a flightseeing transfer to Victoria to tour the 55-acre Butchart Gardens or board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day train ride through the Canadian Rockies.

Silversea's Alaska itineraries extend from May to September, with voyages ranging between seven and 16 days. The line's newest and largest vessel, the 728-passenger Silver Nova , sails its inaugural Alaska season in 2024 along with two smaller ships, Silver Muse (596 guests) and Silver Shadow (392 guests). There are 35 Alaska voyages available in 2024. In 2025, luxury cruisers can hop aboard one of 45 scheduled voyages on either Silver Nova or the 596-guest Silver Moon .

For a seven-day itinerary, consider a sailing from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This voyage cruises the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage and stops in the Alaska towns of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan. Complimentary excursions in Ketchikan include a tour of Saxman Native Village; a visit to Bonfire Bay Oyster Farm, featuring a sea-to-table oyster tasting; the Alaskan Cultural, Culinary & Lumberjack show; the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafeast and a day as a fisherman aboard the Aleutian Ballard, as seen on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch." You can also opt for a Selected Shore Excursion (for an additional cost), such as mountain biking or a private fishing trip.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' elegant Seven Seas Explorer sails the line's Alaska itineraries in 2024 and 2025. The lavish 746-guest ship was coined "The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built" when it debuted in 2016; among its impressive features are the 3,875-square-foot Regent Suite and a high-end collection of art displayed throughout the ship, including works by Pablo Picasso.

Alaska voyages with Regent in 2024 and 2025 start at $4,799 per person. Upgraded 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares (starting at $5,499 per person) cover elegant all-balcony suite accommodations; round-trip airfare (business class on international flights); a one-night pre-cruise hotel package; free two- or three-night land programs; free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic); complimentary specialty dining; and prepaid gratuities. You'll also receive complimentary airport transfers, unlimited Wi-Fi access and valet laundry service.

Every suite style includes a private balcony, roomy closets and upscale finishes. Concierge Suites (and above) add cozy in-room amenities like cashmere blankets, perfect to bundle up in while you take in the scenery. Meanwhile, Penthouse Suites (and higher) include a private butler who can book excursions, make dinner and spa reservations, unpack your luggage, arrange for a private cocktail soiree in your suite and indulge any other special requests.

Between May and September 2024, Regent sails 22 Alaska voyages. There are 16 Alaska sailings scheduled for the same period in 2025. Itineraries range from seven to 14 nights. For plenty of scenic cruising days, consider a round-trip itinerary from Vancouver departing May 28, 2025. The cruise includes five relaxing days at sea, where you'll enjoy scenic cruising through the Inside Passage (twice), Hubbard Glacier (twice) and Endicott Arm Fjord. Ports of call in Alaska include Wrangell, Juneau , Skagway, Sitka, Seward, Icy Strait (Hoonah) and Ketchikan. You'll also have a full day in Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Vancouver.

While in Wrangell, consider the Tongass Botanical Forest Walk excursion. Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the U.S., with towering old-growth trees and unique flora, fauna and ecosystems. While in the temperate rainforest with your naturalist guide, look for local wildlife like Sitka black-tailed deer, porcupines and birds of prey. Other complimentary excursions at this stop include a round of golf at Muskeg Meadows Golf Course; a canoe trip through Wrangell harbor and nearby islands, and a heritage tour about Tlingit culture and the history of the town.

Recently relaunched Crystal offers just seven voyages in Alaska aboard Crystal Serenity in July and August 2024. The 740-guest luxury vessel was refurbished in 2023 and features the line's signature top-notch service, elegant interiors and suites, and personal butler service in every room category.

Other perks and amenities include plush bathrobes and Sicily's Ortigia bath products; an impressive passenger-to-crew ratio; prepaid gratuities; complimentary beverages; and outstanding cuisine, including Umi Uma (an exclusive Nobu restaurant at sea, available only on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ). Guests can also feast on Italian cuisine at Osteria d'Ovidio; book an exclusive dining experience at The Vintage Room; indulge in Parisian cafe-style fare at The Bistro; opt for American cuisine at Waterside Restaurant or take their pick of several other casual indoor and alfresco options.

Cruisers also have their selection of unique shore experiences curated by Crystal's parent company A&K Travel Group, such as a ride on the world's largest zip line in Hoonah (Icy Strait Point); dog sledding and glacier flightseeing in Skagway; fishing and wilderness dining in Ketchikan and the Wildlife Quest and Fin Island Lodge experience in Sitka, boasting a feast of Alaska king crab and wild salmon.

Crystal offers seven- and eight-night round-trip voyages from Vancouver , as well as one-way cruises from Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. Select itineraries – like the July 30, 2024, voyage from Vancouver to Seward – offer a scenic cruising day in the Seymour Narrows in British Columbia. On this sailing, you'll also enjoy a day at sea cruising Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Hoonah (Icy Strait), Skagway and Sitka in Alaska. Or, opt for the July 2, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver for three scenic cruising days in the Inside Passage, Endicott Arm and the Seymour Narrows.

The line's Aug. 13, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver features a special guest: Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. As such, the cruise will include an exclusive gala dinner and other unique experiences. Other special voyages welcome marine biologist and National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, who will share personal stories from his extensive career and expert insights about humpback whale habitats and behaviors.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking Ocean Cruises' 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage cruise is available on 11 dates during the 2024 season. It sails from Vancouver to Seward (or the reverse) on the 930-passenger Viking Orion . In 2025, the line offers the same itinerary on 22 dates between May and September, split between Viking Orion and its sister ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sea .

Viking's destination-focused itineraries are curated for travelers who are interested in history, science, culture and cuisine, as they feature onboard enrichment like lectures by Viking's resident historians. You'll also find regionally inspired dishes in The Restaurant and special access to unique tours and excursions ashore.

The line's mostly all-inclusive fares cover accommodations in spacious all-veranda staterooms and suites; beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; meals at all the dining venues; one shore excursion in every port; free Wi-Fi access; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and bottled water; complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center; and other upscale amenities.

Voyages traveling northbound from Vancouver include one day of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage before stopping in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point in Alaska. The eighth day of the cruise sails through picturesque Yakutat Bay, which includes the Hubbard Glacier. The ship then calls on Valdez, Alaska, before the trip ends with two days in Seward.

While in Valdez, take an optional tour to explore the incredible scenery surrounding the small fishing town. Viking offers a kayaking trip to see the Valdez Glacier; a scenic cruise through picturesque Prince William Sound to view the Columbia Glacier; a wildlife cruise where you can look for humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters and bald eagles; a helicopter ride over the area's rugged, icy wilderness; or a UTV adventure through the Chugach Mountains to Mineral Creek Canyon.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Between May and August 2024, Seabourn Cruise Line will host 20 Alaska voyages aboard the Seabourn Odyssey , before the ship leaves the cruise line in the fall. In 2025, the line offers 27 Alaska sailings on Seabourn Quest. Both yacht-inspired ships accommodate up to 458 guests and feature Seabourn's signature all-inclusive amenities, including luxurious oceanfront suites with verandas; personalized service; complimentary fine wines and premium spirits; complimentary dining; and caviar served throughout the sailing. You'll also have a complimentary W-Fi package and an in-suite minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. Ashore, sign up for exclusive programs like shopping for fresh salmon, halibut and Alaska king crab alongside a Seabourn chef.

Guests booking Seabourn Quest for 2025 will be able to sample the line's new dining concept, Solis. Inspired by destinations in the Mediterranean, the menu features a fresh, modern take on traditional dishes and whimsical cocktails. The restaurant is a collaboration with master chef and culinary partner Anton Egger and senior corporate chef Franck Salein. In addition to dishes like salt-encrusted whole branzino and Tuscan-style steak, guests will also find a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The seven-day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage itinerary on May 31, 2024, aboard Seabourn Odyssey, sails from Juneau to Vancouver and includes a day in either Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, depending on the ice conditions. From there, you can take one of the optional guided excursions: Ventures by Seabourn. These tours are an additional cost but offer opportunities for up-close Zodiac, kayaking or catamaran experiences in the wilderness to see glaciers calving and view local wildlife, such as black bears, mountain goats, seals, wolves and seabirds.

You'll also enjoy many days of scenic cruising on this voyage, and have the opportunity for more optional adventures in Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords). The ship makes additional stops in Wrangell, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, before disembarking in Vancouver.

If you want to see stunning Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, then consider booking the seven-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Bay sailing on May 10, 2024, from Vancouver to Juneau. This itinerary also includes the Seymour Narrows and Snow Pass, cruising Queen Island Sound and the Lynn Canal. There's a stop for Ventures by Seabourn activities like kayaking and Zodiac rides in the Inian Islands. The Alaska ports of call on this voyage are Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Haines. You'll disembark in Juneau.

Francois Lefebvre | Courtesy of PONANT

French luxury expedition line PONANT offers 10 Alaska cruises in 2024; itineraries span between seven and 11 nights. Aboard the 264-guest yacht-style Le Soléal, you'll meet up to 10 naturalist experts and guides specializing in geology, history, ornithology or marine or land mammals. Guests can attend onboard lectures and embark on Zodiac landings with the guides.

The ship features elegant staterooms and suites, a library, a spa, a hair salon and a gym. Guests will be treated to movies in the theater, wine tastings and cooking demonstrations throughout the expedition. All fine dining meals, 24-hour room service, an open bar (including an in-room minibar) and complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi access are covered in the pricing.

Two of PONTANT's eight-night voyages from Vancouver to Sitka are in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys and are curated for English-speaking travelers. Fares for these expeditions include transfers to and from the ship and a shore excursion in each port. On board, you can attend talks and discussions hosted by two Smithsonian Journeys experts: geologist Scott Burns and natural history filmmaker John Grabowska.

On these voyages, there is a sea day after departing Vancouver. You'll cruise through the Johnstone Strait, where you'll have an excellent chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas. After a day spent in the Inside Passage, the ship will call on the village of Metlakatla, Alaska, on the western coast of Annette Island, which is home to the Tsimshians from British Columbia. Other unique Alaska ports of call in this itinerary include the commercial fishing town of Petersburg, the Tlingit village of Kake and the small fishing community of Alfin Cove.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to explore the state's vast wilderness and abundant wildlife, and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. Pratesi used her extensive knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
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• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
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Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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Juneau, Alaska Shore Excursions

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Amazing Adventures Await on Alaska Shore Excursions

As your ship docks at the Juneau cruise port and excitement builds at your first glimpse of those magnificent glaciers, you may wonder what kind of Juneau shore excursions are offered that will capture the awesomely beautiful scenery. 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.

Juneau’s unique positioning at the midpoint of the Inside Passage gives Alaska’s capital city an unparalleled array of vistas that include mountains, glaciers, rainforests, fjords, waterfalls, and sea. 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.

For a scenic overview of the area, make the first of your Juneau shore excursions the Mount Roberts Tramway, located right at the port. 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.

And if gold is your game, there are tours to pan for gold, alone or in combination with other family-fun activities like an authentic salmon bake, a flightseeing tour of glaciers, or a whale-watching cruise . Whale-watching rates five-stars for fun and fascinating Juneau cruise excursions. It’s simply thrilling to see a humpback or orca make that leaping arc out of the water and come splashing down before your eyes. Guided excursions range from day to evening, from combo tours that include other activities like wildlife hikes or glacier walks, and from multi-passenger cruisers to smaller crafts.

For those who revel in heights, nothing rivals the up-close views of the area’s magnificent glaciers, whether you choose a helicopter tour that lands atop Mendenhall Glacier or walking, hiking, or canoeing trips that take you right alongside. For a double-dose of outdoor adventure, book an over-glacier helicopter ride to a dog-sled-musher’s camp.

There’s no shortage of active adventures to explore while in port. You can book Juneau shore excursions offering ziplining over rainforests, canoeing downriver around ice floes, biking in the shadow of a glacier with a break for beer tasting, or sport fishing for an opportunity to finally reel in the big one.

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.

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