blues cruise juneau

Join the Pre-Sale

Sign up now for priority access

Sign Up Now

Six Incredible Nights at Sea

To celebrate 10 unforgettable years at sea, we’re embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Joe aboard Norwegian Jade to picturesque Alaska. This special event promises an all-star lineup of the finest blues rock musicians delivering amazing live performances that can only be found on KTBA at Sea! Join us in experiencing exclusive artist collaborations and unique activities all while making new memories with your Blues family.

Sail to Beautiful Alaska

Complete your bucket list with a voyage to Alaska with Joe! Cruise through pristine Pacific waters on this opportunity to create lifelong memories against the backdrop of the breathtaking views of Alaska. With its majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historic charm, Alaska is the perfect destination for a special new KTBA at Sea experience.

Juneau Jazz & Classics presents additional programs that enrich the cultural and music experiences in Southeast Alaska. 

Education and outreach are major components of the Festival that reflect our strong commitment to education, community, youth and accessibility. Each year, Juneau Jazz & Classics serves an estimated 4,000 students through workshops, school concerts, clinics, a scholarship program and a host of free informal concerts, all an integral part of our mission to make our artists and their music accessible to everyone. We aim to send one artist into every school in Juneau. 

Community Engagement

JJ&C places high value on partnering with musicians who can teach and inspire audiences of all ages. Our artists are selected not only for their outstanding abilities as performers but for their demonstrated skills and commitment to community engagement as well. Our chamber music residencies have been key components in every Festival since our first Festival in 1986 and represent a major portion of our artist budget.

Festival artists typically stay in Juneau for 3-8 days and perform free concerts, open rehearsals, family concerts – in places such as Heritage Café, Pioneer Home, Wildflower Court, Johnson Youth Center, Alaskan Brewing Company Depot, and Bartlett Regional Hospital. We take the music to the people and want to engage with all sorts of communities and start conversations through music. 

Music for Juneau

Our Music for Juneau program ensures that even the most vulnerable members of our community have the opportunity to experience live music. Since the Festival's inception we've given away thousands of tickets to those who need the healing power of music the most. Donate to Music for Juneau and we'll match your gift dollar for dollar with ticket vouchers that we send out to community nonprofits.

Organizations  that have received Music for Juneau tickets are:

Pioneer Home

Wildflower Court

The Glory Hall

St. Vincent de Paul

Salvation Army

Catholic Community Services

Photo by Michael Penn

In memoriam.

by Laura Haywood

Ron Maas, who died October 5, 2020, at the age of nearly 93, has been a mainstay of the Juneau music scene ever since he arrived in Juneau in 1960. Ron was a special person to Juneau Jazz & Classics, thanks to his enthusiastic sponsorship of so many of our jazz events.  Ron also collaborated with JJ&C to create our annual Swing in the New Year party featuring his own Thunder Mountain Big Band.   Read more.

Kathy Ruddy

Kathryn Kolkhorst Ruddy, who died September 10, 2020, was one-half of a legendary partnership that helmed Juneau Jazz & Classics for over thirty years. Kathy, as board chair, together with artistic director Linda Rosenthal, formed the backbone of Juneau Jazz & Classics.  Read more

2020 would have been our 34th straight year of Juneau Jazz & Classics Festivals. We asked old and new friends to share some of their favorite memories of the Festival with us. The results have been heartwarming, funny, and poignant. Please share your own memories by writing to  [email protected] .

Nancy DeCherney

The beloved director of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council has been a huge supporter of Juneau Jazz & Classics over the years — we cannot imagine the Festival without her!

My favorite memory of the Festival is that of the concert at the Glacier — I think it was 2001. For some unknown reason, in the winter planning stages, Linda and I decided we would have an OUTDOOR CONCERT in front of the Mendenhall Glacier by the falls. WHAT WERE WE THINKING?? It was one of those rainy, soggy, dreary Mays, with rain every single day, and as you recall, the Festival was in the latter half of May in those days. We were dismal and forlorn. 

The group would come across Mendenhall Lake from Skaters Cabin in canoes, with Rick Trostel in the bow, trumpeting their arrival.

The day dawned one of those miraculously gorgeous crystal clear magnificent and all the more marvelous for its unexpectedness days! Truly a miracle. 

All transpired as planned – the people came out in droves, the musicians sailed to shore to the sound of fanfares, and the concert matched the day in beauty and magic. 

At 5 pm we all hiked back; I was the last car packing in, and just as I left the parking lot, it began to rain again, for the remainder of the Festival, as I recall. 

That spectacular day inspired us to have music outdoors every year, and led to a decade of Community Days on Campus – and the days were most often beautiful. 

Oh, and remember the year where the Finale was Quartetto Gelato and Blind Boys of Alabama? Oh my! So many good memories.

Tom Melville

The man behind our lucid and fascinating program notes every year has shared some wonderful memories with us.

Thirty-three years of festivals, hundreds of concerts in dozens of venues, thousands of performers. And, of course, countless memories, many more than can be easily listed. But over the years, certain performers and performances, certain pieces, and certain events have stood out for me.

From that point my own recollections of the Festivals have been colored not just by the actual performers and performances but also by my research and writing in the months before.

One: I somehow missed the handful of concerts that constituted the first Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival in 1987, but I can distinctly remember several aspects the second festival, in particular soprano Candace Goetz to whom I was introduced by a favorite Festival volunteer Peter McDowell, her escort around Juneau. By the following year I was fully involved, having taken over the job and privilege of writing program notes from George Hoyt who had moved out of Juneau. From that point my own recollections of the Festivals have been colored not just by the actual performers and performances but also by my research and writing in the months before. In 1989, Candace Goetz was again a highlight, but more than anything I remember pianist Robert McCoy, also appearing at his second Festival. On the first Sunday, Bob performed in two piano trios. On Friday, he accompanied Ms. Goetz in several major works in the first half of the concert, while the Brahms Piano Quintet was scheduled for the second half. In the Festival finale on the second Sunday, he was again accompanying Ms. Goetz in several operatic pieces as well as soloing on the finale of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. By then several of those involved in the Festival thought he deserved a special t-shirt with “Iron Bob McCoy” emblazoned on it. The following year there were two pianists which in turn allowed a wonderful performance of the original piano four-hand versions of several of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and Dvořak’s Slavonic Dances.

Two: Those who know me will not be surprised that I have particularly fond memories of the vocalists who have graced the Festival stage over the years. And not just the classical singers. Hearing Carmen McRae was (nearly) as much a treat as hearing Marni Nixon. Tenor John Duykers came to Juneau after gaining international fame as the originator of the role of Mao Tse-tung in John Adams’ opera Nixon in China. Baritone Jubilant Sykes was just making a name for himself when he appeared here in a program that included spirituals as well as art songs. Since then he has gained wider recognition as the star of a new recording of Bernstein’s Mass.

Three:  One day in the fall of 2010, Linda Rosenthal and I went into The Rookery for a cup of tea and a discussion of the classical side of the Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival. Linda was looking for an alternative to the “Classical Cruise” which had never really worked well. I suggested the Shrine of St. Therese. I had done a small concert there a few years before and knew that the Shrine’s chapel had recently undergone a renovation that included a new heating system and resurfacing of the interior walls. On a nice summery day the Shrine is one of the most

beautiful places on earth, and on a blowing, rainy day the chapel would provide a cozy spot to listen to wonderful chamber music. And we both knew Juneauites would jump at an excuse to go Out the Road in May. The “Strings at the Shrine” immediately became one of the great successes of the Festival, the single afternoon concert quickly becoming two concerts and then four with the addition of “Winds at the Shrine.” Juneau artist Arnie Weimer happened to be in The Rookery that afternoon and drew a sketch of our conversation which he presented to Linda, a nice reminder of that fruitful sitdown, even if all you can see of me is the back of my head.

(More to come…)

Laura Haywood

Laura remembers how much she loved attending Juneau Jazz & Classics with her mom, back when she lived in Seattle and had no idea she would ever live in Juneau.

Grace Elliott

Sister Grace is the Juneau Jazz & Classics official blues goddess.

Over the years Grace has had many festival jobs, from emceeing the Blues cruise to stage managing, house managing and squiring artists around town. But this is one position that she alone has held:

Toby Clark (and Macauley)

Our beloved lighting guy and all around get-it-done guy shares his festival memories. Turns out, he misses us! Thank you Toby, we miss you, too, and we will see you soon.

• Subscriber Center
• Newsletters
• State & Legislature
• Nation-World
• Environment
• Submit a Story Idea
• Submit a Photo
• Submit a Press Release
• Submit Sports Results
• Submit a Thank You Letter
• Submit a Wedding Announcement
• Submit an Engagement Announcement
• Submit a Birth Announcement
• Capital City Weekly
• Capital City Weekly columns
• Alaska Outdoors
• Letters to the Editor
• Submit a MyTurn or Letter
• Death Notices
• Submit an Obituary or Death Notice
• Classifieds
• Place a Classified Ad
• Legal Notices
• Place a Legal Notice
• Community Calendar
• Terms of Use
• Marketplace

Search Tip: Use quotes to find results containing your phrase, exactly, e.g., "Juneau Empire".

Zuill Bailey, who is a Grammy Award-winning cellist and artistic director for the Juneau Jazz & Classics festival, will be among artists to perform in the six-day event. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Jazz & Classics)

Sweet sound of freedom: Juneau Jazz & Classics’ 1st post-pandemic festival features 27 visiting musicians

Event includes two military ensembles and first music cruises in four years.

• Friday, May 6, 2022 5:58pm
• News Arts and Culture Events

Study finds global pollution kills 9 million people a year, study finds

Senate oks budget that includes over $5k in payments to alaskans, more in news.

Ships in port for the week of Aug. 17

Here’s what to expect this week.

Police calls for Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Police calls for Monday, Aug. 19, 2024

Police calls for Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024

Lawsuit claims fishery managers have failed to adequately protect Alaska’s coral gardens

Environmental group seeks stronger limits to bottom trawling in the Gulf of Alaska.

Juneau has higher turnout, more liberal voting compared to statewide results in primary election

Klukwan defies low turnout statewide, with 55.56% of village’s registered voters casting ballots.

Juneau woman arrested on suspicion of robberies during past week at gas station, cafe

Suspect twice robbed a gas station at knifepoint, coffee shop/dispensary with mask.

Peltola leads in Alaska U.S. House primary, with Begich ahead of Dahlstrom

Turnout appears to be low in primary with only one statewide race.

Progressive candidates show unusual strength in Alaska state legislative primaries

Near-record-low turnout has experts warning against drawing conclusions before November election.

Owner of Foodland, Super Bear in discussions to buy the Breeze In stores

Company is also ending lease of Kenny’s Liquor Market, adjacent to Foodland since 1995.

More than 1,100 students show up on first day at newly consolidated JDHS

Students say they’re expecting more friends, more competition and less parking.

JPD: Washington state woman arrested at Juneau airport with about $100K of illegal drugs

38-year-old suspect confronted by police Thursday moring after her arrival from Seattle

From flowery fundraising to emergency CBJ funding, longer-term flood recovery efforts underway

Foundation raises at least $150K for direct relief, Assembly to consider $1M emergency measure Monday.

Glory Hall’s new executive director hopes for a day when the homeless shelter is ‘underutilized’

Kaia Quinto says she shares predecessor Mariya Lovishchuk’s goal of more permanent supportive housing.

More space for alternative programs celebrated through song at Dzantik’i Heeni on the first day of school

Three schools in new location see increased enrollments, Montessori continues traditional welcome.

Early voting continues during final weekend before Alaska’s primary election on Tuesday

U.S. House, state legislative races on ballot; top four finishers in each race advance to Nov. 5 election.

Featured Local Savings

• ICY STRAIT POINT
• BEFORE YOU BOOK
• START HERE: HOME

10 best things to do in Juneau Alaska from a cruise ship (free + on your own + excursions!) 🏔 Juneau cruise port tips

Many cruise ships have all day in Juneau. This is quite nice, because you can do something in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, and then go out and do something again in the afternoon and/or evening!

You can find some epic excursions to do in Juneau that can end up being the highlight of your cruise!

Juneau is also a great cruise port for hiking if you want a more budget-friendly option on your own that can also be a highlight of your cruise.

I have been to Juneau 6 times by cruise ship, and here are the things to do in Juneau cruise port that you need to know about!

Viator is a partner website. I may earn a commission.

1. Mendenhall Glacier (cheap if you want + on your own)

Juneau is most notable for being the cruise port that you can see a glacier from land on your own, and that’s the Mendenhall Glacier .

So, one of the most popular things to do in Juneau during a cruise is to go to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center.

This is in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area of Tongass National Forest. (Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States!)

Once at the visitor center, you can see the Mendenhall Glacier from across the lake. And yes, you are seeing it from across the lake. The important thing to know is that you cannot physically touch the glacier by going to the visitor center. It’s a bit of a distant view.

From the visitor center, the most popular things to do are to take a short walk to Photo Point for another glacier viewpoint and to walk a leisurely trail to Nugget Falls .

How to go to Mendenhall Glacier visitor center

The cheapest way to get to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center is to go by public bus. But many people don’t want to do this, because the bus stop closest to the visitor center is not so close. It will be about a mile walk from the bus stop to the visitor center. You can consider this a nice leisurely walk in Juneau!

See more about going to the Mendenhall Glacier from the cruise port .

• Travel-friendly rain gear in case it rains (much of your cruise is in Southeast Alaska where it rains a lot)
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• A popular travel essential nowadays if you have an iphone: An airtag tracker for your luggage so you can keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Buy one for yourself, and as a travel gift!) Read the reviews!
• Lightweight waterproof binoculars (so you can see wildlife better on those scenic cruising days!)
• Merrell is one of the best outdoor shoe brands
• Women's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Men's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Packing cubes travel set (better organize your suitcase and with clothing cubes, a shoe bag, and toiletry bag! This also makes it easier to unpack and organize your cruise cabin quicker.)

Best hike to see the Mendenhall Glacier

The best hike to see the Mendenhall Glacier is not actually a hike from the visitor center.

It is in a different area of the recreation area. You want to go to the West Glacier trailhead and hike the West Glacier Trail!

This is a true rainforest hiking experience too. You will actually feel like you’re hiking in a rainforest to feel like you’re really hiking in Tongass National Forest!

So if you choose to do the West Glacier Trail as your one and only Juneau experience, I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Similar to the bus to the visitor center, the bus stop “near” the West Glacier trailhead is about a mile away. Consider it a part of your hike!

See more about the West Glacier Trail .

• Easy-going day with a must-see: Mendenhall Glacier trolley tour
• The epic dog sledding is a visit to a sled dog camp on a glacier , and the cheaper version can be a fun remote yukon sled dog camp
• You'll spend most of your time during your cruise in Southeast Alaska, and this is the location of the "largest intact temperate rainforest in the world," according to the US Forest Service. And so... you need to consider a e-bike and rainforest hike ecotour that includes a visit to Tongass National Forest!
• More fun e-biking in Alaska: e-biking and gold panning tour
• Classic must-do in Alaska: Premier whale watching
• A better way to see the most popular glacier to see during an Alaska cruise: glacier ice adventure (the glacier is getting further and further back - see it while you still can!)
• Post cruise: Downtown Vancouver luggage storage (near the cruise port)

Mendenhall Glacier tours

There are different types of Mendenhall Glacier tours .

There are combination tours that include a stop at the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center for you to explore on your own, and then it will also include another way to experience Juneau. (Like the glacier + whale watching combo tour !)

When looking at tours that include a view of the glacier, you should understand what type of view you will be getting so you won’t be disappointed. Some tours will say you will be able to see the glacier from the tour, and it’s only a distant view from the Brotherhood Bridge . If you will be happy with a distant view, that’s great. Just know that not all “glacier views” get all that close to the glacier.

One of the most epic ways to see the Mendenhall Glacier is through a canoe tour.

You still won’t physically touch the glacier during a canoe tour, but you will get much closer to see the glacier than most people do.

There is the canoe-only tour , where you paddle to get close to the glacier, and then there’s a canoe tour with a wilderness shore landing where you walk to a glacier viewpoint, again getting a much closer view of the glacier.

2. Juneau whale watching tour (excursion)

Another one of the most popular things to do in Juneau from a cruise ship is a whale watching tour .

Juneau is one of the best cruise ports for whale watching in Alaska.

If you want to go all in, then you can book a private luxury whale watching tour on a yacht .

How to book a Juneau whale watching tour

You can look for a whale watching excursion through your cruise line.

There are dedicated whale watching only tours, and there are also combination tours that include whale watching and another Juneau experience.

Consider that the more time you have out on the water, the more chances you have to have more memorable whale sightings! (aka WHY you might want to book a dedicated whale watching tour, and not a combo tour!)

You can read the reviews .

If you want to book direct, Harv and Marv’s gets recommended a lot in Alaska cruise facebook groups.

Is Juneau the only cruise port to do a whale watching tour?

No, Juneau is not the only cruise port to do a whale watching tour. Icy Strait Point is another very good cruise port for whale sightings.

So if you have other things you want to do in Juneau, you can do your whale watching tour in Icy Strait Point !

3. Juneau icefield seaplane tour (epic excursion)

One of the most epic flightseeing excursions you can do in Juneau is a seaplane tour over the massive Juneau icefield .

You will get simply amazing views as you fly over the Juneau icefield. You’ll fly over several glaciers and you might even see blue ice.

How to book a Juneau seaplane tour

You can look for the Five-Glacier Seaplane Exploration excursion through your cruise line, or you can book directly through Wings Airways .

See my pictures from the Juneau seaplane tour .

See more of the best flightseeing tours in Alaska .

4. Juneau whale statue fountain – Takhu Whale Project (free + on your own walking from downtown)

The joke among whale watching tour guides on the drive back from a whale watching tour… Oh look, there’s a whale!

Or maybe that was just my tour guide. 🤪

Well it’s not really a joke because you actually can see a whale… a whale statue that is. 🤪 This is Takhu the whale. On google maps it’s called the Whale Project.

This is an iconic statue in Juneau though, and it can be considered to be within walking distance from the cruise port. So if you have 2 hours or so before your back-on-board time, it’s worth having a walk over.

So you are guaranteed to see at least one breaching whale by going to see Takhu. 🤪

Depending on where your cruise ship is docked, it will be a 20 to 30 minute walk one way from the cruise port to the iconic Juneau whale statue fountain. So if you’re quick about it, you don’t actually need 2 hours. But it will give you time to slowly wander around! ( map )

Takhu the whale is located in Overstreet Park, which is basically a small waterfront open area that you can walk around. (It is small, so don’t be expecting a big green park!)

When coming from downtown, the trail immediately leading to the whale statue is lined with totem poles. Once you’re at the whale fountain, you can walk around Takhu and take some creative pictures so it can actually look like a real whale jumping out of the water at first glance! (I wasn’t thinking about this at the time, so I didn’t really get pictures like this.)

More of walking through downtown from the cruise port

You can start off your walk to the whale statue by walking along the Juneau Seawalk.

This is the boardwalk you will naturally end up on as soon as you get off the cruise ship! And just by walking on the boardwalk, you will see totem poles.

So it’s really easy to see totem poles in Juneau! You actually don’t even need to try. The totem poles line the boardwalk! You can stop to read the informational signs to learn more about the meaning behind each of the totem poles.

Although you can see the downtown Juneau totem poles without even trying, if you want to be intentional about it, you can follow the downtown Juneau totem trail. ( pdf )

You can also follow the trail to the Sealaska Heritage Native Alaskan exhibit . ( map ) There is an admission fee for the Sealaska Heritage Institute. See the current fees .

If you’re looking for a nice walk in downtown Juneau and you have 2 hours or so, you can making your walking route from the cruise ship to the Juneau whale statue, and then on your way back, take your time with totem poles!

DIY day/half day ideas: I went to the Juneau whale statue on my way back to the cruise port after I went to Douglas Island. First I did an easy beach walk in Juneau on Douglas Island which I got to by bus. And then on the way back, I stopped off near the Douglas Island bridge, walked across the bridge, and then to Takhu the whale and the totem poles! And then from there, I headed to downtown and back to the cruise ship!

Is Juneau the only cruise port to see totem poles?

No, Juneau is not the only cruise port where you can see totem poles. One of the best cruise ports to see totem poles is actually Ketchikan cruise port! There are lots of totem poles all around Ketchikan . Sitka is also a very good port to see them, you can do easy walking in Sitka to see totem poles.

5. Mount Roberts tram (on your own)

The Mount Roberts tram is also called the Goldbelt Tram .

The Mount Roberts tramway is another one of the most popular things to do in Juneau, and it will take you to a high point in Juneau.

The tram station is in a very convenient location. Depending on where exactly your cruise ship is docked, you might be just a few minutes (literally less than 5 minutes walk) from the tram station.

You’ll take the tram up to the top. Once at the top, you can go for a short hike on one of the trails from the tram station. There’s also a trail that’s lined with totem poles, so this is a perfect spot to see totem poles in Juneau. You can also hike to the Father Brown Cross which will give you amazing views of Juneau’s mountains and waterway.

You can also just eat and drink with a view at the restaurant once you’re at the top. You’ll find Alaskan food and Alaskan beer.

To learn a bit about Native Alaskan culture, be sure to look for the Chilkoot Theater where you can watch a short film.

If you’re going to Juneau during peak Alaska cruise season, there’s a chance the line for the tram will be really long going both ways.

See more things to do near the Juneau tram .

How to buy Mount Robert tram tickets

You can buy Mount Robert tram tickets through your cruise line, or you can buy a ticket on-site (expect a line), or you can buy a ticket through the official Goldbelt Tram website .

NCL cruise tip: Free at Sea to get one free Mount Roberts tram ticket!

If you won’t be booking any excursions in Juneau through NCL and you have “free at sea,” then you can basically get a tram ticket for free! So don’t miss out on that!

How to HIKE to the Mount Roberts tram station

The easy way to get to the Mount Roberts tram station at the top is by taking the tram that’s a few minutes walk from your cruise ship. But why get there the easy way when you can get there the harder way?! 🤣

Well actually there are 3 good reasons to hike the Mount Roberts Trail to the tram station !

The first good reason is because you want to do a rainforest hike! You can hike through a rainforest to get to the tram station!

The second good reason is because then you won’t have to deal with crowds or a line to take the tram near the cruise port! (Although you might have to deal with it later going down.)

The third good reason is because you’ll still take the tram, it will just be one way, and it will be cheaper! (It’s only cheaper to go one way if you take it down. Buying a ticket going up is the same price whether you go one way or round trip.)

So if all that sounds good to you, you want to hike the Mount Roberts Trail starting on Basin Road. ( map ) This trail will take you straight to the tram station at the top! This is a solid hike. It’s pretty much all uphill. It’s recommended to give yourself 1.5 hours on the trail itself. And you’ll need to allocate extra time to get to the trailhead (you can walk 30 minutes – consider it part of your hike!), and you want to give yourself extra time to spend around the tram station as well.

See more about hiking the Mount Roberts Trail to the tram station .

6. Gastineau Peak (hiking + on your own)

The Gastineau Peak hike is a solid hike.

You start you hike from Gastineau Peak from the tram station, and you will start hiking in the same direction as the Father Brown Cross, and then you will keep going.

Or if you’re really ambitious, you can start it from the Mount Roberts trailhead on Basin Road ( map )… or if you’re even more ambitious you can start it from the Gold Creek Flume trailhead on Evergreen Avenue ( map ). Also since we’re talking about ambition, if you are ambitious, you can even hike further than Gastineau Peak to Roberts Peak.

The hike to Gastineau Peak is another one of the best hikes in Juneau.

If you want to choose just one epic hike, it’s a tough call between the West Glacier Trail and the Gastineau Peak hike!

On the one hand, you’re doing an Alaska cruise to see glaciers, so it feels like you MUST do the West Glacier Trail! On the other hand, the Gastineau Peak hike comes with incredible views of mountains and water!

The Gastineau Peak hike is the harder hike.

If it’s raining, I also wouldn’t do it. It’s reported to get really muddy, and there were parts of the trail that made me nervous even in sunny and dry conditions, although I do get scared easily. 🤪 (I did the West Glacier Trail in the rain, and it’s not anything that should stop you from doing it… unless you’re not prepared with rain gear and hiking shoes! I was not prepared with waterproof hiking shoes, and that meant spending time in my cabin blow drying my shoes with the hair dryer. 🤣)

7. Taku Lodge salmon bake excursion (epic excursion)

The Taku Lodge excursion is 2 excursions in one! You get the epic Juneau icefield flightseeing tour and a salmon bake tour!

The seaplane tour you do is the same Juneau icefield seaplane tour mentioned earlier, but the Taku Lodge excursion comes with a water landing at Taku Lodge!

The Taku Lodge is now only operational for day trips, and it’s basically a lodge in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness. There’s classic Southeast Alaskan forest on one side, and on the other side is the waterway with a view of a glacier.

Once your seaplane lands, you’ll have some time to walk around the grounds before the food is ready, so be sure to do this! There’s a trail you can take that goes along the water and winds into the forest. You’ll see moss-covered trees and more unusual looking trees. There’s waterfalls in the back too, although there might be a group walk after eating to go to that.

And then you’ll have a classic Alaskan-inspired meal. If you’re seated right, you can even eat with a view of a glacier!

How to book the Taku Lodge excursion

You can look for the Taku Lodge Feast & Five-Glacier Seaplane excursion through your cruise line, or you can book directly through Wings Airways .

See my pictures from the Taku Lodge salmon bake excursion .

8. Dog sledding tour (epic excursion)

One of the most epic excursions you can do in Alaska is dog sledding on a glacier. And that glacier part is important, and you can do this in Juneau!

You can do a dog sledding tour on snow even in the summer. But you need to fly to get to the snow-covered glacier in the summer.

This means that as a part of your glacier dog sledding tour, it’s also a flightseeing tour! You will fly across mountains to get to the glacier, and that part is epic all on its own.

So you’ll fly by helicopter to the sled dog camp on a glacier, and you’ll get to meet sled dogs and training and their trainer (aka musher). Then, you’ll be pulled by the dogs for a ride around the glacier!

The dog sledding season in Juneau is from mid-May to early August.

How to book a dog sledding tour in Juneau

You can look for a dog sledding excursion through your cruise line.

You can read the reviews for dog sledding tours . You can book directly through Coastal Helicopters .

Is Juneau the only cruise port to do dog sledding?

No, Juneau is not the only cruise port to do dog sledding on a glacier. You can also do a dog sledding tour in Skagway cruise port . If your cruise goes to or from Whittier or Seward and you’re spending a few days on land, you can also look for dog sledding tours in Anchorage . (And the dog sledding season lasts a few weeks longer there too, through the beginning of September.)

Dog sledding tours NOT on snow

Glacier dog sledding tours are epic but expensive. If you want a cheaper way to have fun with sled dogs in training, then you will want to look at doing a dog sled camp in Juneau .

These types of dog sledding musher camps do not include a helicopter ride, they are not on a glacier, and they are not on snow… therefore they are cheaper!

You can go to this type of sled dog camp in Skagway too.

9. Tracy’s King Crab Shack (food + on your own)

Tracy’s King Crab Shack is one of the most popular restaurants in Juneau. Yes, the thing to eat at Tracy’s is king crab!

To do Tracy’s King Crab Shack the right way, it’s like the cost of an excursion. (The right way = getting the crab legs!) King crab is expensive! See the menu .

Depending on where your cruise ship is docked, you might just be a few minutes walk from Tracy’s King Crab Shack. (Again, you might literally less than 5 minutes walk!)

This means that it’s easy for everyone to go to, and that can mean crowds and a long line.

There is also an alternate location for Tracy’s King Crab Shack that typically gets less foot traffic, so you might want to go there instead! It’s a 15 minute walk from the cruise ship, again depending on where you’re docked. ( map )

You will pass by the secondary location of the crab shack on your way to Taku the whale. So you can make a half day of it by going to the iconic whale fountain in Juneau, and then go eat the famous crab legs of Juneau! ( map )

You can also do a crab food excursion in Ketchikan .

10. Norris Glacier hike and packraft tour (epic excursion)

For the most epic excursion of all in Juneau, and you have a high level of fitness, you must consider the Norris Glacier packraft excursion. This includes 3 epic Alaska experiences all in one excursion! There’s a flightseeing tour, a glacier hiking tour, and a packrafting tour, all combined!

Glaciers are always changing. The day’s glacier exploration will depend on safety conditions. There is no guarantee where exactly you will go on the glacier. BUT, in June 2023, there is a photo review from someone standing in an ice cave. (To repeat: Ice caves are NOT guaranteed! But what is guaranteed is epic hiking on a glacier!)

How to book the Norris Glacier hike and packraft tour

You can also read the reviews and book the fly-in Norris Glacier hike and packraft tour . You can book directly through ABAK .

For a better visual of where many of these things are located in relation to the cruise port, see the Juneau cruise port map . (This also includes where your cruise ship will dock.)

Top 10 in more Alaska cruise ports: Ketchikan  | Skagway

Things to do in other cruise ports: Icy Strait Point | Sitka | Victoria | Vancouver

HAPPY DOING THINGS IN JUNEAU CRUISE PORT!

Doing a late season Alaska cruise? Be sure to see my post about Juneau in October !

• West Glacier Trail guided hike (difficult)
• Juneau whale watching tour
• Kayaking with whales
• Helicopter glacier flightseeing over the massive Juneau icefield and dog sledding on a glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier canoe with shore landing and short hike to glacier lookout (the glacier keeps getting further and further back, aka it's receding, and you'll be walking across where the glacier used to be!)
• Juneau flightseeing, glacier hiking, and packrafting all-in-one
• National forest flightseeing on a floatplane, kayaking, and wildlife sanctuary bear viewing tour (said to be the highest concentration of brown bears in the world)
• Review from cruise ship passenger: "Absolutely loved having these for our Alaska excursions from the cruise ship! Nice, lightweight, easily packable... easy to put on over our backpacks... Also, highly breathable vs the disposable plastic ones. Ours held up to the windy conditions too!..."
• Read the full review .
• Or... cheap ponchos just in case
• merrell waterproof shoes for women (one of the best shoe brands for the outdoors)
• merrell shoes for men
• for higher quality ones, as recommended in cruise facebook groups by people in-the-know, look at vortex diamondback binoculars
• For women: puffer jacket | for men: puffer jacket

#41 Oct. 2024 Southeastern Caribbean

Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #41 SOUTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN Oct. 26~Nov. 2, 2024

Sailing on the holland america eurodam from ft. lauderdale, fl to aruba & curacao., sold out – join the waitlist, visit  reservations.bluescruise.com or call (816) 753-7979, — view cabin availability & pricing —, lrbc #41 artists:, lrbc #41 itinerary & themes:, 10/26 (sat.): depart ft. lauderdale, fl | 5p | hometown blues support your local blues club, blues society or blues performer. 10/27: bluesin’ at sea | blues cruise virgin or repeat offender color party it’s time to bring the caribbean spirit to life with a spectacular color celebration by wearing the vibrant colors of curacao and aruba’s flags. if you’re a blues cruise repeat offender, create a blue costume. if you’re a first-time blues cruiser, create a yellow costume. 10/28: bluesin’ at sea | blues artist double take (parade) past or present let’s celebrate the legendary musicians of the blues cruise. step into the shoes (and outfits) of your favorite lrbc performers. 10/29: willemstad, curaçao | noon~10p | legendary gear sport your lrbc attire need some visit the lrbc store 10/30: oranjestad, aruba | 8a~5p | gimme back my wig (parade) a night of hair-raising fashion in a world where hair knows no bounds 10/31: bluesin’ at sea | halloween a thrilling escape from reality – classic monsters like vampires, witches, and zombies to pop culture icons, fictional characters, and everything in between. 11/1: bluesin’ at sea | toga/pajama night get ready for the grand finale of our voyage whether you rock a toga or cozy up in your favorite pajamas, it’s all about ultimate comfort & fun 11/2: arrive ft. lauderdale, fl | 7a.

View Holland America Eurodam deckplans

HAL Eurodam Categories & Per Person Rates

Additionally: pre-paid ship/port fees of $280 per person we will offer a discount of $100 per person for passengers paying in full on or prior to february 26, 2024., gratuities will not be pre-paid, but collected onboard by holland america. suites: $19.00 per person per day all other staterooms: $17.00 per person per day, final payment due: july 26, 2024, cancellation schedule: *cancellations must be received in writing through june 26, 2024: $250 per person june 27-july 26, 2024: $500 per person july 27-aug. 26, 2024: 50% of total cost august 27, 2024 & after: non-refundable.

CABINS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE – NO EXCEPTIONS.

CHANGES:  Must be made in WRITING. Any change made after cabin selection will be assessed a $250 per person administrative fee. There are no fees for adding additional passengers or waitlisting for an alternate stateroom.

Your User Name & Password is required for LRBC’s Online Reservations System. Need help creating an account? Email or see Booking FAQ’s . Forgotten your user name/password? Reset here LRBC #41 Terms & Conditions

Dale, Let's Travel!

Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!

• 11 min read

17 Things To Do in the Juneau, Alaska Cruise Port

Updated: May 30

Juneau, Alaska, has a rich history rooted in its original inhabitants, the Tlingit Indians, who fished the salmon-rich waters of the channel. In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris discovered gold at the mouth of Gold Creek, leading to the settlement of the area.

Initially named Rockwell, then Harrisburg, the town was finally renamed Juneau in 1881. By 1900, Juneau had become Alaska's state capital. The town has long been a hub for tourism, attracting visitors with its Native heritage, prospector history, and stunning scenery.

Moreover, it is the only state capital in the united states accessible solely by water or air juneau spans 3,255 square miles and is home to 280 species of birds and diverse wildlife. let's discover 17 things to do when you visit the juneau cruise port..

1. Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway and Explore the Nature Center at the Top of Mount Roberts

The Goldbelt Tram, located just south of downtown Juneau and steps from the cruise ship dock, offers an unforgettable journey with its six-minute ascent up Mount Roberts. The tramway provides stunning panoramic views of Juneau and the Gastineau Channel as it rises to about 1,800 feet through the temperate rainforest.

At the top of Mount Roberts, visitors will find a variety of attractions. The Tr’Ale House and Timberline Bar and Grill serve delicious Alaskan cuisine, including the finest seafood, and offer a selection of Alaskan craft-brewed beers.

The chilkat theatre plays an 18-minute film that delves into the history and culture of the tlingit community, providing an enriching educational experience., goldbelt gifts, the retail shop at the top, features items that tell the story of alaska’s rich cultural tapestry and awe-inspiring landscapes, offering unique souvenirs for visitors. additionally, there is a local artists gallery where you can explore indigenous artworks and nature-inspired elegance., the goldbelt tram is not only one of the most vertical tramways in the world, but it is also the only tram in southeast alaska, making it a must-visit attraction for those docking at the juneau cruise port..

2. Visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Hike to Nugget Falls

About 30 minutes by car from the Juneau Cruise Port, the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center offers spectacular views of the thirteen-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier, which terminates at the far side of Mendenhall Lake.

Visitors can observe blue icebergs floating in the water against the backdrop of southeast alaska’s coastal mountains. this glacier is part of the vast juneau ice field, a 1,500 square-mile remnant of the last ice age nestled high in the peaks of the coast mountains., at the visitor center, u.s. forest service rangers are available to answer questions and interpret the surrounding landscape. , the center features state-of-the-art exhibits, a 15-minute film highlighting the dynamic relationship between the tongass national forest and its many glaciers, and the discovery southeast bookstore. visitors can also use the provided binoculars to spot wildlife, such as mountain goats in the surrounding mountains..

At the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, several trails of varying distances and challenges lead to cascading waterfalls and salmon streams. The Nugget Falls Trail, which is 0.8 miles long, begins halfway down the Photo Point Trail and ends at Nugget Falls.

This scenic trail skirts the flats at the edge of mendenhall lake and culminates at the spectacular nugget falls, a waterfall that plunges approximately 377 feet down the rugged mountainside into the lake, about three-quarters of a mile south of the active face of the mendenhall glacier..

3. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Tracy’s King Crab Shack

Indulge in fresh seafood delights at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, the original and iconic spot for Alaskan King Crab. Whether you are craving Tracy’s Famous Crab Cakes or eager to feast on succulent King Crab legs, this popular restaurant is a must-visit destination for cruise passengers seeking delectable seafood.

4. Walk Along Franklin Street as you Explore Downtown Juneau

Walking along Main Street and Franklin Street provides an excellent opportunity to explore the bustling streets of downtown Juneau. Visitors can browse local shops, dine at popular restaurants, and visit historic sites like The Alaska State Capitol.

The capitol is the functional seat of the state government, and it is open to the public from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, monday through friday. visitors can take self-guided tours year-round or join organized tours from june to september, courtesy of the juneau-douglas city museum., another iconic spot is the famous red dog saloon, a premier destination for great food and entertainment. originating during juneau’s mining era, the saloon has long been a place of hospitality and fellowship for weary travelers and locals alike..

5. Go Whale Watching

Embark on a whale-watching tour from the Juneau cruise port to observe humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat. The peak whale season in Alaska runs from May through September, with gray whales arriving first in April, followed by orcas in May, and humpback whales in June.

Popular companies offering whale-watching excursions include dolphin jet boat tours, juneau whale watching tours and excursions, and harv and marv's outback alaska whale watching. there will be many more companies to book this excursion with once you disembark the ship. .

6. Discover the Alaska State Museum

The Alaska State Museum in Juneau offers a comprehensive look at Alaska’s diverse cultural and natural history through artifacts, art, and interactive exhibits. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 am - 4:30 pm and Monday from 1 - 4:30 pm, the museum's summer exhibits include "Protection: Adaptation & Resistance," which centers on Indigenous ways of knowing, "Skin-on-Frame Qayaq," and "XX: Twenty Years of Alaskan Art."

7. Take a Helicopter Tour to the Juneau Icefield

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Juneau Icefield by taking a helicopter tour, offering panoramic views of glaciers and surrounding mountains. Helicopter tours in Juneau provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness around forty large glaciers and approximately one hundred smaller ones. Alaska Shore Tours offers the Icefield Helicopter Excursion, featuring a half-hour of unforgettable flightseeing.

The excursion includes a landing on the herbert glacier, where visitors can embark on a fascinating walk in this other-worldly frozen environment. with stunning views of frozen rivers of ice against rugged, ice-capped mountain peaks, this tour offers a truly spellbinding experience..

8. Try a Dog Sledding Tour

Experience the thrill of Alaska's state sport by participating in a dog sledding tour. In the winter, head to Juneau Sled Dog Discovery with Alaska Shore Tours, where you will meet huskies and their professional mushers, take a thrilling one-mile dogsled ride through Tongass National Forest, and play with adorable husky puppies.

During the summer, visit juneau dog sled summer camp with alaska shore excursions, where you will tour the camp, learn about dogsledding history, and visit a 19th-century replica of an iditarod outpost. then, embark on a 1.5-mile dog sled adventure through the rainforest aboard a wheeled training cart, followed by snuggling with the puppies back at camp..

9. Hike in Tongass National Forest

Embark on a hiking adventure in Tongass National Forest, the largest U.S. National Forest covering 16.7 million acres of temperate rainforest in Southeast Alaska. The West Glacier Trail in Juneau offers a popular route through this vast wilderness, spanning 6.3 miles round trip and taking around 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete.

Although moderately challenging, this trail is a favorite for hikers and snowshoers, especially between may and october. while exploring, you may encounter other outdoor enthusiasts, as this area is well-visited. dogs are welcome on the trail - some areas even allow them to roam off-leash., additionally, the nugget falls trail, which is relatively easy, offers another opportunity to explore the beauty of tongass national forest. explore glacier gardens rainforest adventures in the heart of the tongass national forest. this vibrant alaskan botanical garden paradise is surrounded by the lush temperate rainforest habitat of southeast alaska. .

Visitors will hop aboard covered rainforest adventure vehicles for a guided tour through meticulously manicured gardens and into the ancient rainforest on Thunder Mountain. From 580 feet above sea level, panoramic views of Juneau await, offering one of the finest vistas in the Capital City. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, which frequent the property grounds.

10. Explore the Juneau-Douglas City Museum

Explore Juneau’s fascinating history at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, where you can delve into its gold rush heritage and evolution into Alaska’s capital city. The museum is open year-round and boasts permanent exhibits on fishing, mining, skiing, Southeast Alaska Native history and lifestyles, politics, and statehood.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of temporary exhibits showcasing local artists and highlighting topical aspects of juneau's history and culture. do not miss the chance to learn about the region's rich past and vibrant community at this engaging museum..

11. Visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute

Visit the Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), a private nonprofit founded in 1980 with a mission to advance the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska.

Through public services and events, shi promotes cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding while conducting scientific and public policy research to support alaska native arts, cultures, history, and education statewide., the sealaska heritage store offers juneau's most captivating selection of alaska native art and gifts, including handcrafted carvings, jewelry, paintings, and more. your purchase supports vital programs that preserve and promote southeast alaska native language, art, and culture..

For those interested in exploring Juneau's totem poles, SHI offers a downloadable totem pole trail guide from their website. Immerse yourself in these native cultures and discover the rich history of Juneau at your own pace.

12. Visit the Last Chance Mining Museum

Experience a unique Gold Rush adventure at the Last Chance Mining Museum, where underground exhibits offer a glimpse into Juneau's historic past.

Housed in the historic compressor building of the former alaska juneau gold mining company, which operated from 1912 to 1944, the museum showcases one of the world's largest air compressors and industrial artifacts from hard rock gold mining., visitors can explore electric locomotives and rail cars that once transported miners and ore. the last chance mining museum is open thursday through monday from 2 pm to 5 pm until mid-september..

13. Stroll Through the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery

Embark on a fascinating journey through the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, where visitors can learn about the salmon spawning process amidst scenic outdoor hatchery operations. Guided by experienced local guides, guests can gain insight into the life cycle of Pacific salmon while enjoying a bird's-eye view of hatchery operations.

From the sky bridge in the rearing facility, witness millions of baby king and coho salmon as they grow year-round. from late june to september, observe the spectacle of adult salmon navigating the fish ladder., additionally, explore saltwater aquariums showcasing over 150 species of marine life and interact with local sea critters in the tide pool touch tank area. do not forget to visit the gift shop for fishy-themed souvenirs and flavored mementos, and tantalize your taste buds with various smoked salmon products..

14. Take a Red Trolley Tour of Juneau

Discover the historic charm of Juneau on a Red Trolley Tour, offering a unique glimpse into the city's landmarks. This fully narrated tour includes visits to iconic sites such as the State Capitol Building, the City and State Museum, and the Salmon Hatchery.

Guests can also admire the governor’s mansion and the impressive new breaching whale statue and fountain at mayor bill overstreet park in downtown juneau. enjoy a scenic photo stop on douglas island and the flexibility to hop off and back on at the state museum and salmon hatchery, with the hatchery entry fee included in the tour price..

15. Experience the Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable culinary experience with the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, an all-you-can-eat Alaskan feast set in an enchanting environment. This tour includes round-trip transportation from the dock, musical entertainment, and a buffet meal featuring the signature entrée of wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fragrant alder wood fire.

Featured on bravo television’s top chef, the gold creek salmon bake has been delighting guests since 1978. indulge in a sumptuous feast featuring alderwood-grilled wild alaska salmon, bonanza barbecue ribs, chilkoot baked beans, tongass wild-rice pilaf, hot chowder, and a selection of sides and salads. save room for homemade blueberry cake dessert, beer and wine are available for purchase as you relax amidst live music in a lush rainforest environment under heated, translucent domes. do not miss the opportunity to roast marshmallows over a campfire and capture memories at the interactive gold rush mural..

16. Discover the Alaskan Brewing Company

Embark on a journey of craft beverage excellence at the independently owned and operated Alaskan Brewing Company, established in 1986.

Committed to producing internationally recognized quality craft beverages, showcasing quality-oriented manufacturing in alaska, and fostering growth both individually and as a company, alaskan brewing co. invites visitors to its tasting room year-round., located conveniently 5 miles from downtown juneau and 3 miles from the airport, the tasting room offers a laid-back atmosphere for guests to relax, socialize, and sample over 20 alaskan beers on tap daily., in addition to flagship and fan-favorite brews, guests can enjoy exclusive selections like crew brews, rough drafts, and barrel-aged series not available elsewhere on tap. indulge in a flight of samples or opt for a full pour of your favorite brews, and do not forget to take home a growler for later., while at the brewery, guests can savor delicious offerings from food trucks like the wild alaskan food truck, forno rosso food truck, and devil's hideaway food truck, adding to the overall experience of discovering alaskan craft beer excellence..

17. Take a Shore Excursion to Admiralty Island

Admiralty Island, nestled in the Inside Passage, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting the highest density of brown bears in North America. The island is renowned for bear viewing at the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, where visitors arrive by float planes from Juneau for a day of observation.

Guided by rangers, guests hike a mile-long trail to an observation tower, witnessing brown bears feeding on spawning salmon. kayaking in seymour canal offers another thrilling adventure, with a vast 32-mile trail system connecting eight major lakes and seven portages, allowing paddlers to explore from mitchell bay to mole harbor., in addition to bear viewing and kayaking, admiralty island offers hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and photography, providing endless adventures in alaska's wilderness..

Not sure what to pack for an Alaskan cruise?

Check out my blog post, Your Alaska Cruise Packing List (PDF Checklist Inside) . In this blog post, you will find a visual listing with links to purchase the items.

Do you just want the checklist emailed to you?

Fill out this form with your first name and email address below to receive the link for a downloadable PDF version of this listing that you can print out and treat as a checklist.

Adventure Awaits!

Embarking on a journey to Juneau, Alaska, offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring its gold rush heritage to immersing oneself in the breathtaking beauty of its natural landscapes.

Whether riding the goldbelt mount roberts tramway for panoramic views or venturing into tongass national forest for a hike, there is something for every adventurer. discovering the local culture at the alaska state museum or savoring fresh seafood at tracy’s king crab shack adds depth to the journey. , from whale watching to dog sledding, juneau's diverse offerings ensure a memorable visit. so, pack your sense of adventure and prepare to explore the wonders of alaska's capital city., have you ever been to juneau, alaska let me know in the comments below share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with also, be sure to subscribe below to learn about other places you should add to your "to visit" list ready okay, vamos. time to have fun.

Related Articles:

Quantum of the Seas Deck Plans and What to Do on Them  - Discover the ultimate cruise adventure on the Quantum of the Seas! Dive into thrilling activities, delicious dining, and breathtaking views!

Royal Caribbean Alaskan Cruise Review: Quantum of the Seas  - A review of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas Alaskan cruise - beautiful views, delicious food, amazing service, and so much fun!

Your Alaskan Cruise Tips Guide: Essential for First Timers - Discover essential tips for your first Alaskan cruise! From choosing the right ship to wildlife encounters, make the most of your adventure.

Did you enjoy and find this blog post helpful?

If yes, subscribe at the end of this page to "Join the Fun 🥳" and receive our weekly newsletter so you do not miss out on a blog post!

You can also show your support and rep dale, let's travel by purchasing our 3x3 inch glossy sticker for $5 free shipping within the united states. are you interested in purchasing a sticker or two email us at [email protected]  with the subject line "dlt sticker" or "blog sticker," we can finalize your payment method and grab your mailing address there thank you for supporting my small business 😊.

*This article is not sponsored by any of the above mentioned locations or their affiliates.*

Recent posts.

17 Best Things To Do in Sitka, Alaska: A Travel Guide

17 Things To Do in the Victoria British Columbia Cruise Port

15 Things To Do in Ketchikan, Alaska from a Cruise Ship

M&M TOURS

GLACIER EXPRESS

“the blue bus”.

The best way to get from the downtown Juneau cruise ship terminal to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier

Downtown Juneau

Mendenhall Glacier

Multiple daily departures aligning with the cruise ship schedule

Embark on an Unforgettable Journey Through Juneau's Rich History and Breathtaking Landscapes

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Juneau, Alaska, with M&M Tours’ Blue Bus Glacier Express, the best way to travel from the downtown cruise ship terminal to the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This narrated tour not only offers a scenic ride but also immerses you in the rich history and vibrant present of Juneau.

Highlights of Your Adventure

Scenic journey.

Depart from downtown Juneau and enjoy a comfortable ride through stunning landscapes. The tour provides insightful commentary about Juneau’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Arrive at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you can spend two hours exploring this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and stunning views of the glacier and surrounding wilderness​.

Wildlife Viewing

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including black bears, porcupines, and mountain goats. The area around the glacier is also a hotspot for salmon during spawning season​​.

Hiking Trails

Discover various trails that cater to different fitness levels. Popular options include the West Glacier Trail and the Photo Point Trail, offering spectacular views of the glacier and Mendenhall Lake​.

New For 2024

Starting in 2024, the Glacier Express is now a ticketed experience with guaranteed seats, ensuring a hassle-free journey. Buses leave downtown at scheduled times and return from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, providing a full two hours to explore the glacier.

Tour Schedule and Pricing

Departure Times : The bus departs from the downtown cruise ship terminal at regular intervals, providing flexibility for visitors.

Duration : The total tour time, including travel and time at the glacier, is approximately 3 hours.

Pricing : The tour cost includes round-trip transportation and admission to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

M&M Tours operates under a Special Use Permit granted to us by the US Forest Service and the Tongass National Forest and M&M Tours is an equal opportunity provider.

Discover the stunning beauty of Mendenhall Glacier and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Juneau, Alaska.

OTHER TOUR OPTIONS

Juneau City Tour

Discover the enchantments of Historic Downtown Juneau on our knowledgeable-guided excursion. Immerse yourself in the vibrant attractions of Brotherhood Park, Douglas Island, and Breaching Whale Park. Unveil the captivating history of Juneau, traverse the iconic bridge to Douglas Island for a picturesque vista, and capture the breathtaking snow-capped mountains. Witness the grandeur of “Takhu,” a magnificent 40-foot sculpture depicting a breaching whale, and embark on a scenic drive to Brotherhood Park to behold the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier and vibrant fireweed blossoms.

Adults –    $49 

Children – $39 (12 and under)

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Juneau Highlights and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Enjoy our narrated tour of historic downtown Juneau with experienced guides. Hear the history & colorful local lore of the gold rush days! See the Red Dog Saloon, Capital building.   Also included in this tour is the amazing new Breaching Whale Statue and Fountain at Mayor Bill Overstreet Park in Downtown Juneau!   Be sure to bring a camera for the stop on Douglas Island’s panoramic view of Juneau against the snow-capped mountains and your cruise ship. Spend approximately one hour exploring Mendenhall Glacier’s water falls, trails and wildlife. Be sure to stop at the Visitors Center to hear about the Glacier.

Adults –    $119 

Children – $79 (12 and under)

Duration: Approx 3.5 Hours

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

Sharing is caring!

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.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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.

Video: Alaska Cruise Review with Cruise Ports

• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (clothing, gear & essentials)
• What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise (outfit ideas with photos)
• 5 Practical Alaska Whale Watching Tips You Need to Know
• 13 Alaska Cruise Mistakes that Can Ruin Your Cruise
• 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

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

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.

Related & Popular Posts:

• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise (packing list)
• 20 Best Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port
• 17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
• 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
• 17 Genius Ways to Pack Light for a Longer Cruise

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 . 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Alaska Cruise Ports

Juneau (Alaska)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Alaska

Local Time 2024-08-22 10:13

Port Juneau cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. 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.

Juneau is a major port and Alaska's capital city, with population around 32,000. It is located in the state's southeastern part, sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by a belt of islands 120 km (75 mi) wide. The town is built on a small land strip between the Gastineau Channel (separating mainland Alaska from Douglas Island) and Mount Juneau (approx 2,5 km / 1,5 mi east of downtown) at Lynn Canal's southern end.

In April 2023, the City and Borough of Juneau and major cruise shipping companies (represented by CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association) signed an MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) to limit the number of visiting large vessels per day to five, starting in 2024. In June 2024, the city reached an agreement with CLIA Alaska to restrict daily cruise passenger arrivals to 16,000 (Sundays to Fridays) and to 12,000 (on Saturdays). The restrictions are for vessels with capacity 250+ passengers.

For 2023, Port Juneau reported record-breaking visitor numbers - 1,65 million cruise ship tourists, or +23% over 2019's 1,33 million (previous record).

Port Juneau (locode USJNU) is a major Alaskan cruise port and a major fishing port. Cruise vessels dock directly in downtown (at Egan Drive) and you can explore on foot popular places like Red Dog Saloon, State Capitol, Governor's Mansion, Cultural Arts Park, Mount Roberts Goldbelt Tramway. Out-of-the-city recreational activities include gold panning, hiking (Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area via the East Glacier Loop), trailing (Nugget Falls/near the Glacier), canoeing and rafting (Mendenhall Lake), sports fishing, boat tours (wildlife viewing, whales), helicopter tours (Mendenhall Glacier), floatplane excursions (brown bears, glaciers, waterfalls, forests), dog sledding, kayaking (Smuggler’s Cove, Mendenhall Lake), Douglas Island (rain forest), Goldbelt Tram.

In early 2017, the Juneau Assembly proposed to exempt cruise companies from sales tax for sold goods and services while their vessels are in port. On January 11, 2017, the city's finance committee voted 7-1 to approve a motion by the Mayor to amend the tax code and formalize the exemption. The proposed ordinance has to be drafted and brought to a public hearing before being enacted. The Mayor's initiative was welcomed by the cruise industry, which customers pay nearly USD 8 million in sales tax while ships are docked in Juneau. However, it has historically not paid sales tax for any merchandise or services sold onboard the cruise ships while in port. A similar exemption exists in Port Ketchikan AK created as an incentive for cruise vessels to dock there longer. Cruise ships close all onboard shops while in port.

• A long-standing agreement requires cruise ship operators to pay sales tax. That would not change. In mid-April 2016, in US federal court in Anchorage AK a lawsuit against the Borough of Juneau was filed by CLIA ("Cruise Lines International Association"). It is over the spending of USD 5 per pax tax. Cruise ships collect port fees and pass them on the city. Juneau receives USD 5 entry fee per passenger ("marine passenger fee") in addition to a port development fee of USD 3 per passenger plus USD 5 (state head tax) to a total of $13 pp.
• CLIA's Alaska-based cruise liners pay USD 34,50 pp head tax to the state, which tax is inclusive of Juneau's $8 (5+3). CLIA estimated it has given Juneau over USD 35 million in entry fees in the period 2011-2015. CLIA represents 12 cruise line companies, among which are Carnival , Royal Caribbean , Holland America , Princess , NCL-Norwegian , Disney . They contend Juneau has used portions of the fees on projects that don't benefit cruise passengers, thus violating federal restrictions on entry fee taxes. The lawsuit remains pending.
• To defend itself in this lawsuit, the Assembly spent (as of 2017) over USD 0,38 million. CLIA also argues that the coastal park on Gastineau Channel has a bronze whale sculpture that is an illegal use of the cruise funds. In April 2017, Juneau Assembly approved a change in small boats charging rates for potable water at public docks and harbors. The new rate is 150% of the utility rates for commercial customers. The new rate replaces the old (USD 4,67 per 1000 gallons) rate.
• On December 6, 2018, US District Court ruled that Juneau can collect the fees, but their use must constitute an exclusive (ship only) service and not general public-accessible facilities or amenities.

Season 2017 (summer) was the port's busiest ever. As statistics, CLIA revealed a record number of booked cruise passengers (~1,055 million). The estimated by CLIA cruise passenger spending in Juneau was ~USD 183 million. The statistics showed that in the period May 1st through September 30th, the cruise port receives an average of USD 1,233 million per day.

Port Juneau provides shore-to-ship power capabilities . The technology (by Nidec Corporation, Japan) enables docked vessels to receive electricity from the city's power grid. From the berth, vessels can plug-in directly to the grid which allows full onboard operations without using the diesel engines (being shut down right after docking). The Japanese company has installed such shore-power systems in ports Los Angeles CA ,  San Francisco CA , Goteborg , Travemunde , Livorno , Genoa .

In September 2019, the world's 4th-largest passenger shipping company - Norwegian Cruise Line Holding ( NCLH ) announced plans to build an additional cruise ship dock at Egan Drive (downtown Juneau).

• On Sept 9th (2019), NCLH purchased (for USD 20 million) a 2,9-acres/1,2-hectares land area at Egan Drive (across from Juneau Arts and Culture Center and adjacent to the USCG Juneau station).
• The land was owned by Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and sold to NCLH in a sealed bid auction.
• RCG-Royal Caribbean Group was the next highest bidder (USD 13M), followed by Godspeed Inc (USD 12,8M), Survey Point Holdings Inc (USD 5,255M) and City of Juneau (USD 4,25M).
• On August 23, 2022, NCLH announced that it donates the undeveloped waterfront parcel to Huna Totem Corporation (native-owned/by 1450+ aboriginal shareholders). Huna Totem will now has to develop the new cruise pier and the ship dock-related infrastructure on the former NCLH property. The donation deal was signed by Dan Farkas (NCLH's Executive VP) and Russell Dick (Huna Totem Corporation's President and CEO).

The town was named after the Canadian prospector Joseph Juneau (1836-99) who together with the Irish-American prospector Richard Tighe Harris (1833-1907) co-founded "Juneau City" in 1881. The town was incorporated in 1900 and became Alaska's capital in 1906, Greater Juneau Borough in 1963, and City and Borough of Juneau in 1970. Gold mining here started in 1880, when Joe Juneau and Richard Harris (helped by the Indians) finally found large nuggets of gold and, eventually, three of the world's biggest gold mines.

The current-day city's economy is based on services (state-federal-municipal governments), but mainly on tourism. During the summer season (May through September) the cruise shipping industry alone brings ~1 million tourists to the city. The fishing industry is another major contributor to Juneau's economy. Other industries include real estate, road construction, mining. There are no direct road connections to Juneau, so the access is either by sea (Alaska Marine Highway's  ferries  and cruise ships) or by air (Juneau International Airport).

Cars and trucks access the city either via cargo barges or via the ferryboats serving the Alaska Marine Highway. The Juneau-Douglas Bridge (length 189 m / 620 ft, over Gastineau Channel) connects to Douglas Island (which is part of the city and west of downtown, and has two communities/settlements - Douglas, and West Juneau).

Juneau Airport is approx 13 km (8 mi) northwest of downtown and handles both cargo and passenger aircraft. Cargo flights (by the airlines Alaska Air Cargo, Empire Airlines, Alaska Central Express) link to Anchorage , Ketchikan , Seattle . Regularly scheduled passenger flights (by Alaska Airlines, Alaska Seaplanes, Harris Air) link to Petersburg/Mitkof Island , Seattle,  Sitka , Anchorage, Ketchikan, Yakutat, Gustavus. Seaplanes/floatplanes interlink Juneau with Admiralty Island (Angoon), Chichagof Island (Elfin Cove, Pelican, Tenakee Springs), Baranof Island (Sitka), as well as with seaplane bases on mainland Alaska (Excursion Inlet, Gustavus, Haines , Hoonah/Icy Strait Point , Kake, Skagway ) and with Yukon Canada (Whitehorse).

Juneau cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Juneau AK dock at one of the port's 3 cruise terminals, with all 4 docking berths. The terminals are named Marine Park (2 berths / largest), Ferry Terminal, and South Franklin Dock. If all the 3 berths are occupied, additional ships anchor in the harbour and passengers are transported via the ship's tender boats.

There is a shuttle bus line operating between the cruise port and the Mt Robert Tram station. Its port station is located at the privately-owned AJ Dock. Daily bus pass costs USD 3 PP, with buses running every 15 min. The cruise port is located at a short walking distance from the town. Juneau International Airport is located approx 8 ml / 13 km northwest from downtown.

• On January 25, 2017, Port Juneau announced the begining of construction works for a new (4th) cruise berth (located close to the Marine Park terminal) with completion scheduled for early April 2017. The USD 54 million project's works were done by the Seattle-based company Manson Construction. The project was funded with state grants and revenue bonds backed by a surcharge levied on cruise passengers.
• The new berth is the port's biggest (pier length 1100 ft / 335 m), allowing docking of larger cruise vessels.

This new "north berth" looks similar to the Marine Park's "south berth" (length 1000 ft / 305 m) located near Mount Roberts Tram. 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. South Berth's sewage piping was installed in 2016.

Both new berths don't provide (for now) shore-to-ship power as Alaska Electric Light and Power (Juneau's power utility) currently can't supply visiting vessels. The amount of money needed for such future project is around USD 12 million per berth.

Before the new berths, Port Juneau had capacity to handle simultaneously 2 ships - one smaller (max LOA length 800 ft / 244 m) and one bigger (max LOA length 960 ft / 293 m, berthed at Alaska Steamship Dock).

Both new berths are the closest to downtown. Previously, only AJ Dock (privately owned facility) could accommodate larger vessels.

The NCL-Norwegian 's newest cruise berth (at Egan Drive in downtown Juneau) will have a newbuild passenger terminal (multi-story building), bus parking (underneath the building) and a new dock/wharf positioned perpendicular to the shore. A green space will extend down to the waterfront. Incorporated in the complex will be also Juneau's new Alaska Ocean Center. Shoreside power supply (for vessels docked at the berth) is also planned. NCL also plans to extend the seawalk/esplanade from Gold Creek to a new connection to the existing docks.

Juneau tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

In 2023, ABAK/Above & Beyond Alaska LLC (Juneau-based, employee-owned tour company specializing in Wilderness Adventure Tours) inaugurated the "Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike & Pack Raft" tour. The multi-sports tour starts with flightseeing (floatplane flight over Taku Inlet) followed by land-based activities - pack rafting and Norris Glacier hiking. Pieces started at US$749 per person.

Popular shore excursion options in Juneau AK include visiting the Alaska State Museum (displaying native and historical artifacts), and the Sealaska Heritage (Native nonprofit, authentic house and an exhibition, for Native-made souvenirs).

Mount Roberts Tramway (an aerial tram ascending 1745 ft / 532 m up to Mt Roberts) provides great panoramic views of Juneau City and the nearby located glaciers.

Mendenhall Glacier (width 1,5 mi / 2,4 km, length over 12 mi / 19 km to Mendenhall Lake) is another tour destination. It has an Info Center, exhibitions, and a viewing platform.

CCL-Carnival reveals 2026-2027 cruise plans with new European and Alaska itineraries

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled the initial phase of its 2026-2027 deployment plans, starting with summer 2026 sailings to highly sought-after...

Juneau to vote on Saturday cruise ship ban as Sitka's passenger cap proposal fails

If the Juneau city assembly does not act beforehand, a proposal to ban cruise ships on Saturdays will be on the municipal ballot in October...

New agreement reduces cruise ship visits at Port Amsterdam from 2026

Amsterdam (Netherlands) has reached an agreement to begin limiting the number of cruise ship calls at its seaport starting in 2026. This is part of a...

Greece considers limiting cruise ship visitors amid overtourism concerns

Greece is reportedly considering restrictions on the number of cruise visitors to its popular destinations, following similar measures seen in other...

Alaska's capital Juneau sets passenger limits to manage cruise tourism

Juneau (Alaska's capital) is set to limit the number of cruise ship passengers arriving at its port due to concerns over the impact of tourism. This...

Windstar unveils new Alaskan and Japanese cruises for Star Seeker ship (2026)

Windstar Cruises shared plans for its latest vessel, Star Seeker, set to embark on voyages to Alaska and Japan upon joining the fleet in 2026. After...

Juneau (Alaska) sets daily cruise passenger cap starting in 2026

Juneau (Alaska) has announced new restrictions on cruise ship passengers to protect its unique environment and character. Starting in 2026, the city...

Seabourn launches 2024 Alaska season with Seabourn Odyssey's final sailings

Seabourn, renowned for ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, commenced its 2024 Alaska season on Friday, May 10, as the Seabourn Odyssey set...

FBI arrests NCL Norwegian Encore cruise ship employee accused of stabbing passengers in Alaska

An NCL-Norwegian cruise ship worker, identified as Ntando Sogoni from South Africa, has been arrested by the FBI in Alaska following accusations that...

Princess Cruises Flash Sale promotion: £1 deposits on 2025 and 2026 voyages

Princess Cruises has launched a flash sale with a special offer of £1 deposits for 1000+ sailings scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The limited...

•   show more news

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Exclusive Offers Log out

Juneau, Alaska, US

Cruise to Juneau, Alaska and visit the most remote, most beautiful and strangest state capital in the United States. Surrounded by water, forest and mountain sights, visitors seeking things to do in Juneau indoors and outdoors can hike a glacier, eat fresh-caught fish on a seaside patio and tour a grand capitol building all in one day.

Juneau is known for its outdoor recreation, fresh seafood and fine dining. The city itself is pleasant, but the real highlight of a visit to Juneau is tracking down some wildlife. You can hike up Mount Roberts to chance upon wild deer and bald eagles. Most sightseeing and whale-watching tours head north to Auke Bay—bring a good pair of binoculars to get the best view of these majestic and surprisingly graceful creatures. If you prefer land mammals, catch a floatplane to a nearby wildlife reserve such as Chichagof or Admiralty Island to spy some bears lolling around on Alaska cruise excursion.

The sleepy, misty city of around 32,000—mostly fishermen and small-business owners—has a frontier town vibe, but welcomes more than a million visitors each summer to its natural attractions, cementing Juneau as Alaska’s number-one tourist destination. Experience this breathtaking city on an Alaska cruise.

Top 3: Things To Do In Juneau, Alaska

Featured shore excursions.

Recommended For You

Sold and serviced by Agent USD i

You are seeing this because you have clicked on a link that is being serviced by Agent USD. If you don't know them or want to opt-out, click here .

• +18877996677

Elevated. Luxurious. Adults-Only.

The best cruise for adults out on the open blues.

Cruising with Virgin Voyages means an elevated adult-only experience defined by luxury and sophistication.

"Absolutely amazing"

"The food on this cruise was by far the best I've ever had anywhere. The value is outstanding. You really do get your monies worth and more."

"Sailing the Virgin Way!"

"This was my first time ever sailing on a cruise, and it won't be my last after sailing with Virgin Voyages."

"Best Cruise - can't wait to go again!"

"My 6th cruise definitely the best so far. The cleanliness of the ship was excellent, food unbelievable."

"A nice change from the norm"

"I chose Scarlet Lady because of the talk of the different way things were done on the ship. I was not disappointed."

Whether you’re looking to mingle as a single, enjoy an intimate couples getaway, or wild friends trip, we’re the best adult escape on the high seas.

Elevated eateries.

Michelin-starred chefs. Award-winning cuisine. No buffets.

No one eats like we do aboard Virgin Voyages. Forget the buffets. We’re all about the specialty restaurant experience. With 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, we’re bringing a dose of sophistication to cruise dining.

Raise a glass

From adult bevvie packages to rocking nightclubs, we’ve got it all.

Drinking is an important part of the exclusively adult experience, whether you’re toasting with a glass of champagne over a romantic dinner for two, or letting loose on the dance floor at The Manor nightclub. Whether it’s curated cocktail menus at our restaurants or upscale bars throughout the ship, trust us, you’ll never find yourself high and dry.

Laugh, dance, and sing into the night

Adult-oriented shows, live music, and activations everywhere you look.

On our voyages, the biggest choice you’ll have to make is: which activity do I choose tonight? From our adult-oriented performances in the Red Room to live music every single night, bookable karaoke rooms, and special activations popping up all around the ship like pub crawls and pajama parties, there’s no shortage of things to do on a cruise with Virgin Voyages.

Relax and rejuvenate

Take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself the gift of a little pampering.

Relaxing onboard is already easy – but we’re making it even easier. Whether you’re in desperate need of a break from the kids, looking for intimate couples time, or just need some solo r&r, wellness is a cornerstone of our philosophy, and our cruise experience. Get a couples massage in our Redemption Spa, take a free sunrise yoga class, or jog around our outdoor track with stunning panoramic ocean views.

Explore the shore

Venture to exciting and exotic ports around the world on our Shore Things.

It can be tempting to spend all your time on the luxurious ship, but we also want to get you off the cruise. We offer hundreds of specially curated Shore Things designed to acquaint you with each port’s local culture, cuisine, and landscape. From ATV’ing through the Mexican jungle to sipping wine in the French countryside, and just lounging at a Bahamian beach club, we’ve got you covered.

Celebrate the Virgin way

Birthday? Family reunion? Bachelorette? Divorce? Whatever the occasion, come celebrate with us.

No matter what you’re celebrating, we’ve got the perfect adult-only luxury experience for you. Sing the night away in our private karaoke rooms, dance with friends in The Manor, enjoy some r&r with a couples massage, and gather the family for a once-in-a-lifetime Korean BBQ experience. Even if you don’t have an excuse to celebrate, you’re sure to find one onboard.

Experience firsthand what Virgin Voyages is all about on one of our epic itineraries

Caribbean cruises, north america cruises, europe cruises, transatlantic & repositioning cruises, award winning value,  adults only.

Travel Weekly - Magellan Awards

Best Value-for-Money - Large Ship Category

Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Awards

Best Premium Cruise Company

Travel Weekly - Travel Awards

Best Onboard Wellness Program

TravelAge West 

Learn about our adult-only cruises

Virgin Voyages is all about the exclusively adult luxury experience. This is what sets our 18+ cruises apart from the pack.

Ready to sail?

Sails from Miami & San Juan

Portsmouth, Athens & Barcelona

Transatlantic & Repositioning

Barcelona, Miami & more

North America

Miami, NY, LA, and Seattle

Travel Dates