Juneau Cruise Port Guide and Information

Table Of Content

• Do you need a car in Juneau Alaska?
• Are there cultural sites to visit in Juneau?
• Search
• Juneau Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions
• Juneau Cruise Port Guide

The experience is highly recommended for families with kids, couples, and tourists with walking difficulties. If you decide to go to the city at your leisure, bring your camera as you may encounter eagles and beautiful landscapes. Travel as light as possible, walking shoes are recommended, and also keep in mind that the weather in Alaska is changeable and short showers may appear. The museum has basic toilet facilities, there isn’t a cafe as such but they do have a fridge of the most reasonably priced sodas we saw all trip!

Do you need a car in Juneau Alaska?

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. Likewise, there are some miscellaneous closer to the cruise port, so you may not need the drive at all.

Are there cultural sites to visit in Juneau?

If trying your luck (and testing your skills) is on the list of fun things to do while docked at the Juneau cruise port, then we have great news – Pacific halibut and five species of salmon await. The good news is that each tram carries 60 people and one runs every five minutes. And, locals ride the tram as well – the perfect opportunity to ask about where to go and what to see while in town.

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The operators of this tour guarantee that a whale will be sighted on this excursion. If not, you will receive a $100 cash refund from the tour operator at the conclusion of the tour. January and February are the coldest months in Juneau with the lows at about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a high around 30. And keep in mind that in the winter months there may only be about 6 hours of daylight in Juneau.

Juneau Cruise Port Frequently Asked Questions

If you prefer a more unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation, consider hopping on a pedicab. These pedal-powered vehicles offer a fun and scenic way to navigate the city while enjoying the fresh Alaska air. Located in the heart of Juneau, Alaska’s vibrant capital city, this port offers convenient access to the best that the region has to offer.

Mount Roberts Tramway: A Sky-High Experience

Most car rentals, such as Budget and Thrifty, are at the airport, 9 miles north of the cruise port. When you cruise to Alaska, chances are good that you’ll visit Juneau, one of Alaska’s best cruise ports. Juneau has so many wonderful things to do that you’ll find it hard to fit them all into one day.

Arriving in Juneau is just the beginning of your Alaskan adventure. With a little preparation and these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to dive into all that this charming and wild destination has to offer. By taking these considerations into account and preparing accordingly, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying everything Juneau has to offer. Before you set sail towards this enchanting destination, there are a few important things to consider ensuring your trip is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Embarking on a cruise to Juneau, Alaska, is an adventure of a lifetime.

Weather In Juneau

Alaska Port Of Juneau Agree On Cruise Ship Limits - Travel Daily

Alaska Port Of Juneau Agree On Cruise Ship Limits.

Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. However, the Juneau public library at 292 Marine Way provides the service.

Ladd Macauley Visitor Center/Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

The bumpy ride on a truck through the forest lasts around 20 minutes, during which you will enjoy the fresh air and majestic views along the way. To top off your day, you get a bit of free time at the end of the experience to enjoy the surrounding views, cuddle the puppies, and catch the best shots. The dogs are fully trained and the guides are very knowledgeable and approachable. The Tramway is also recommended for fully confined passengers or guests with walking difficulties, as it is wheelchair accessible. Right at the top, you can enjoy spectacular landscapes and great shopping, facilities, and free wi-fi. This attraction can be combined with any other tour of that day because the Tramway experience runs all day long with set departure times.

(An added fun Alaskan-style bonus!) This also helps with scheduling around your time in port. From these tour boats you can also see sea lions, porpoises, harbor seals, deer and bald eagles. Your trip begins ride in a heated safari vessel with large windows that completely open to see wildlife on the water. Your captain will guide you through Stephens Passage, and let me tell you they know the best spots to see whales. After that you will take a short, guided hike through the Tongass National Forest to the viewing of Mendenhall Glacier. Look for the beautiful purple flowers on the walk as pictured above.

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. For those looking for a work out Mt. Roberts trail is one not to be missed. It is a 4,5 mile (one way) track with an elevation 3600 ft that will bring you to spectacular scenery. Simply take the Mt. Robbert tram in downtown which can take you straight to the top. Before starting this hike you should always visit the tourist information first for any news you should know about and for the hiking map.

Visitors can explore museums such as the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum, as well as discover totem poles scattered throughout the city. For art and history enthusiasts, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a must-visit. Discover the fascinating stories of Juneau’s past through exhibits and interactive displays. The museum showcases the culture, heritage, and traditions of the region, providing a deeper understanding of Juneau’s unique identity. At the library, getting a temporary card which gives visitors complimentary use of a computer, if they want to check email on a desktop.

Juneau Alaska Cruise Port : Your Complete Guide

Table Of Content

• Olden, Norway – Cruise Port Guide
• Exploring Juneau’s Totem Poles and Museums
• Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
• Things to Do Near the Juneau Cruise Port / Downtown Juneau
• Do you have any final tips for visiting Juneau?

Not only are the sled dogs adorable and so fun to meet and pet, but during an excursion like this, you’ll learn how important the job of the sled dog is. You will find shops, pubs and restaurants along Franklin St. Shuttles may be provided to take you to Walmart, Fred Meyer and Costco. There is an Foodland IGA supermarket downtown on West Willoughby Avenue.

Olden, Norway – Cruise Port Guide

And, many establishments stay open for extended hours when cruise ships are docked. 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.

Exploring Juneau’s Totem Poles and Museums

But that’s still only a fraction of what Juneau has to offer to savvy cruise visitors. The port is easily accessible via a boardwalk that connects the berths, allowing visitors to disembark and explore the area. Before bidding farewell to Juneau, here are a few insider tips for a memorable experience. Indulge in Alaskan seafood specialties like buttery king crab legs or freshly smoked salmon. Don’t miss the chance to taste the unique flavors of this region. Whether booking an organized tour or exploring the rich history of Juneau on your own, be aware of the all-aboard time.

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

We didn’t see any on this trip but we also knew the salmon wasn’t running just yet. We hope to see them on our next Alaska cruise we booked which will be in the month of July when the salmon will possibly be running. 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. The Alaska waters of the Inside Passage have excellent opportunities for whale watching.

If you only have time for one shore excursion in Juneau, it’s hard to beat the Mendenhall Glacier. Shuttle buses depart for the glacier from right beside the cruise docks, and the trip there and back again doubles as a short city tour. But if you have a craving for snacks while downtown, all is not lost. A small grocery store, the Foodland IGA, is a short walk from downtown Juneau. And you can get almost any non-grocery essentials you need at Juneau Drug Co., just a couple of blocks from the cruise ship docks.

All instructions and safety equipment will be provided right at the site and are mandatory to wear. The flight duration is normally between 35 to 45 minutes, and the transfer from the port to the base of the flight takes approximately 25 minutes by bus. Short briefing and preparations could take about minutes depending on the group. Keep in mind that the flights are organized in groups of 3 to 4 passengers at a time depending on the weight, including one person in the front and a maximum of 3 in the back.

Just past the sign, information-style kiosks line the dock, filled with information about everything to see and do in and around Juneau. You can book last-minute excursions here, but I wouldn’t wait to book a tour, especially if your port time is limited. Keep in mind that the average summer temperatures here only reach the low- to mid-sixties. Staying dry and warm will definitely improve the happiness factor during your time ashore at the Juneau cruise port. For thousands of years, the bounty of the sea has sustained residents of southeast Alaska.

When we visited Alaska – on a one week roundtrip from Seattle on Oosterdam with Holland America Lines – we combined it with a long shore-based trip in Canada. We heard a lot of discussion about how expensive they can be, especially in Alaska and we were interested to look for alternatives. There are two locations for Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau, but the main one is actually right next to the cruise ship terminal.

What is the best time to visit the Juneau cruise port?

If you have some extra time after your excursion in the Juneau area, take some time to wander around the town of Juneau. Despite being the capital of Alaska, it’s a really charming and quaint town. You could easily walk around the whole town in an hour or two. Visiting a sled dog camp during your Alaska cruise is a highlight for people of all ages!

Juneau is the only state capital that you cannot reach by driving. Located in Southeast Alaska, it overlooks the Gastineau Channel and is surrounded by mountains. When going ashore, dress in layers, take light rain jackets, umbrellas and consider wearing some type of all weather waterproof shoes with warm socks underneath. While in Juneau, there are several interesting and informative locations to learn about the long and varied human history of Alaska. Stops at these destinations offer a chance to see rare glimpses into the daily lives and cultures of several of the land’s inhabitants dating back thousands of years.

This massive glacier stretches for 13.6 miles and offers breathtaking views of turquoise blue ice and cascading waterfalls. Take a guided tour to learn about the glacier’s formation and history, or hike the nearby trails to get up close and personal with this awe-inspiring marvel of nature. The Juneau cruise port in Alaska is a captivating destination for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. Nestled in the heart of Alaska’s stunning capital, Juneau, this port offers a gateway to a world of breathtaking natural wonders and intriguing cultural experiences. Whether you’re embarking on an Alaska cruise or exploring the port for a day, Juneau’s charm and beauty are sure to leave a lasting impression. While Juneau offers a walkable city, it also provides a diverse selection of bucket list tours.

Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska: Overview and Guide - Cruise Hive

Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska: Overview and Guide.

Posted: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

You can find several whale watching excursions offered by your cruise line as well. The cost to enter the visitor center is well worth it, with passes priced at $5 per person ages 15 and over. 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. 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.

We docked alongside the pier with three other ships and, as you can see in the pictures, were immediately right in the centre of town. The dock area is flat with level access to the Mount Roberts lift, shops, the famous Tracy’s Crab Shack and the Red Dog Saloon as well as to the main shopping streets and museums. Starting in 2024, only 5 ships will be allowed to be docked in Juneau every day, which is a good thing!

Seeing these majestic giants up close and personal in the wild is something that you can’t understand until you experience it for yourself. You can easily walk from the port to the opposite side of Juneau in less than an hour. The Downtown area of Juneau is only a 30-minute walk from the furthest ship in the port. Downtown is less than a 5-minute walk from the closest berth at the port. You’ll have a great time on your cruise stop here engaging with locals, learning more about native Alaskan culture, and more. 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.

From there, you can take the Mt. Roberts Tramway, which provides access to the mountain. There’s also a small elevated boardwalk over a creek that runs near the visitor center. If the salmon are running, you might get to see black bears catching fish here. During August you can still see salmon swimming up the creek to spawn, with great blue herons and bald eagles. You might even come across the occasional black bear coming down to partake of the mobile feast.

Enjoy an up-close look at the impressive, 377 ft high Nugget Falls and the gigantic glacier as you paddle around luminous blue icebergs and past towering glacial cliffs. This is a very popular activity for Alaska and it involves a variety of steps and 5 to 7  long zip lines. The groups for zip line count between 12 to a maximum of 24 participants, whereas at the location there will be groups of 4 people at a time.