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A short drive from the downtown area, the mighty Mendenhall Glacier is located in the dense Tongass National Forest. Stop by the informative visitor center, then follow a hiking trail around the stony shores of Mendenhall Lake. See fragments of ice bob on the water, having calved off from the icy face of the glacier. The Nugget Falls trail further showcases the power of nature, leading to a stony beach close to the base of this cascading waterfall. Catch a taxi or hop on the local bus and head to the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery for a quick dive into life under the surface of Juneau’s waters.
Do You Need To Book Shore Excursions In Juneau?
June is the height of the raining season, with almost 40% of days receiving some amount of rain. Souvenir shops are located along the dock, and some -- like the Caribou Crossings store -- have ATM machines. There are some busy roads, making this port a bit less walkable than others in Alaska.
Where To Eat Near The Port
There is no place in the world quite like Glacier Bay National Park. The park sprawls majestically over 3.3 million acres of dynamic topography. Thousands of glaciers descend toward the bay, which is surrounded by the Fairweather Mountain Range, known to collect more than 200 feet of snow annually. I’ve listed the best of the best, so you can get started on your holiday planning now. Uncover charming boutiques and hidden treasures in my ultimate guide to the best shopping on 30A.
Whale Watching
Cruise ship season begins in Juneau - Alaska Public Media News
Cruise ship season begins in Juneau.
Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The best time of year to visit is in June or early July, as precipitation continues to increase throughout the summer months. 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. Dogsledding is a huge part of Juneau’s history, and although the excursions are pricey, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can find several whale watching excursions offered by your cruise line as well. After a quick ride up in a tram car, you have several activities to choose from.
If you’re a food enthusiast, you’ll be delighted by the diverse culinary scene in downtown Juneau. From freshly caught seafood to international cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Here are the most popular excursions in Juneau for those who prefer a tour. Guests on ships that dock for ten to twelve hours might manage three. So, from 2024 onwards, the port will only cater to more than five if the vessels are small (like Uncruise, Seabourn, and Silversea). If you’re cruising with Uncruise, consider adding on a Juneau itinerary to spend time in the capital before to after the cruise.
Amazing experiences coming soon
Both berths are connected via catwalk (accessible to stevedores only / waterfront manual laborers). Unlike the port's other 2 (smaller / old) berths, the new cruise ship berths offer both water and sewage services. 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.
The best time to cruise Juneau
Downtown Juneau is a great place to go souvenir shopping for your friends and your family. You can also find some souvenir stores right across from the Juneau cruise port before you even enter downtown, like the Alaska Shirt Company. You can often find tours that combine a salmon bake with something else, like whale watching, to hit two birds with one stone. If you really want to get into the nitty gritty with the salmon, you can even fish for your own salmon to have shipped back home to enjoy at a later date. If you prefer not to walk, you can always grab a taxi right outside the ship to take you into town.
When hungry for seafood or other cuisine, here are some restaurants near the port. This section will guide you through essential pre-trip planning, packing tips, and other considerations. This guide promises to be your comprehensive companion, unveiling over 40 thrilling activities and insider tips to ensure your journey is as breathtaking as the scenery.
Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port Guide
With the cruise terminal downtown, guests have a short walk to reach the famous Red Dog Saloon, Tracy’s King Crab Shack, and the Alaska State Museum. At the library, getting a temporary card which gives visitors complimentary use of a computer, if they want to check email on a desktop. I use Airalo for inexpensive Wi-Fi when on land because I don’t have coverage through my sell plan. The port of Juneau does not offer free Wi-Fi because the dock lacks a terminal building.
This 13-mile-long river of ice with stunning turquoise blue highlights is a remnant of the last ice age. Learn about its history and present challenges with our changing climate via exhibits, films and conversations with staff at the visitor center. Count icebergs; walk through the rainforest; watch for wildlife; and, see waterfalls and salmon streams along the way. Seventeen hours of daylight during summer months means plenty of time to enjoy this Alaskan port.
The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Juneau, Alaska. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link. 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. This excursion takes you from sea level to glorious views 1800 feet above Mount Roberts.
Juneau Starts Its First Limit on Cruise Ships as 2024 Season Begins - The Maritime Executive
Juneau Starts Its First Limit on Cruise Ships as 2024 Season Begins.
Posted: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Juneau offers a range of dining options, from seafood shacks serving fresh crab to upscale restaurants offering modern cuisine. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy exploring unique shops and galleries that showcase local art and handmade crafts. While on the topic of glaciers, how about the chance to actually stand on one! Located above the town is a 1,500-square-mile field of ice where visitors can take a flight up and land on this stark and breathtaking expanse of white. At the summit is also a live bald eagle display and the chance to see them in the wild along a series of alpine walking trails. These paths offer unobstructed views of the landscapes and exceptional photo opportunities.
However, the Juneau public library at 292 Marine Way provides the service. Remember, part of the adventure is embracing the unexpected, so while it’s important to plan, remain flexible and open to the experiences that come your way. Juneau, Alaska’s remote yet remarkably accessible capital, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Chartered fishing boats (with a limit of six people) ply the waters for saltwater catches. And, guided fly fishing is available on lakes, rivers and streams for some freshwater experience.
Starting in 2024, only 5 ships will be allowed to be docked in Juneau every day, which is a good thing! These small Alaskan towns often double or triple their population on days the cruise ships are in town and become very busy. Fewer ships mean a better experience for everybody who does visit. Like most places in Alaska, Juneau cannot be accessed by road; visitors must arrive by air or sea.
Cruise Critic is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Rates are in USD and valid for US and Canadian residents only. When you book with one of our partners, please be sure to check their site for a full disclosure of all applicable fees as required by the U.S. Whether booking an organized tour or exploring the rich history of Juneau on your own, be aware of the all-aboard time. Typically, cruise passengers need to be back 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. For guests tendering, allow extra time for the tendering process.
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