princess cruises alaska excursions juneau

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

went to Juneau on Princess cruise ships, so my experience is looking for excursions for Princess cruises… and booking on my own.

But of course, most of the excursions can apply no matter what cruise line you are on.

For any Princess excursions I mention, copy and paste the title of the excursion into google, and add the name of your cruise line. I have found that often times, the cruise ship excursions all have the same or similar names.

Here is your quick list of best Juneau cruise excursions you must consider:

• Juneau whale watching tour
• Juneau icefield seaplane tour + Taku Glacier Lodge salmon bake (I have an Alaska-specific pinterest account! These are my pictures from these excursions.)
• Juneau helicopter tour with glacier walk
• Juneau dog sledding tour by helicopter
• Mendenhall Glacier lake canoe tour

The most popular Juneau excursions are whale watching and the Mendenhall Glacier.

Juneau is considered one of the best cruise ports to do whale watching in Alaska .

There are a few different types of Mendenhall Glacier excursions you can do, and you can even do Mendenhall Glacier on your own .

The popular way to do Mendenhall Glacier on your own is a bit of a distant view, and so are the cheapest Mendenhall Glacier excursions, which are basically the ones that provide transportation.

But there are also other types of Mendenhall Glacier excursions so you can make it an even more epic Alaska experience!

I did the Mendenhall Glacier lake canoe tour that included a short hike on shore.

This was not an actually hike on the Mendenhall Glacier, but it felt like we got pretty close right in front of it.

It was amazing.

The Mendenhall Glacier is a retreating glacier, which means it looks like it keeps getting back and back from the visitor center.

They say that even from just a few years ago, there’s a noticeable difference on how far back the Mendenhall Glacier is going.

So much so, that we were told that the path we were walking was where the famous glacier ice caves were located! (They no longer exist. They have melted away.)

And then, another popular Mendenhall Glacier excursion is a Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion where you actually get to walk on the glacier.

Which bring us to another type of excursion you should definitely consider when you are in Alaska: a flightseeing tour!

You can do flightseeing tours like a helicopter tour or seaplane tour.

And you can do both a helicopter tour and a seaplane tour in Juneau.

Either one will take you to see the epic Alaska landscape from above that you will almost certainly say is completely and totally amazing. (Since that’s what most people say!)

There are flightseeing tours that will take you for a flight and “only” a flight.

But of course, even if you “only” do the flight it will be epic!

But if you are considering a flightseeing tour, then you really need to consider making it a flightseeing tour with a landing!

Even better if it’s a flightseeing tour with a wilderness landing!

Another cruise port where you can do a flightseeing tour with wilderness landing is Ketchikan. See the best Ketchikan excursions !

A wilderness landing will be something like the Mendenhall Glacier helicopter excursion or a dog sledding helicopter excursion !

Juneau is one of the best cruise ports to do dog sledding in Alaska .

The best dog sledding excursions will be on a glacier.

With these helicopter tours that go to a glacier, there is no specific landing spot, and the helicopter will literally just land in the wilderness on a glacier!

And then in Juneau, another type of flightseeing tour you can do is a seaplane tour that takes you to the remote Taku Glacier Lodge in the Alaska wilderness for a salmon bake!

Although this is not as “wild” as a glacier helicopter tour since there is a dock for the seaplane, the location feels wild and remote.

And even though it’s a group tour, it feels quiet and quaint.

How to search for Princess cruise excursions for Juneau

If you do want to look through the offerings of Princess, you can do so by logging into your account at princess.com .

Once you are logged in, go to: my account > manage this booking > excursions > view excursions for Juneau!

Look for the “customer reviews” for each individual excursion!

You can also look directly at the Juneau shore excursions with Princess without logging in if you just want to browse.

But when you want to book, you’ll need to go into your account.

It’s better to look at excursions directly from your account though, so that way you know that you’re looking at excursions that are offered during your cruise.

Some excursions may not be offered if you are on an early season cruise or a late season cruise.

And you will be able to easily see if there are still tickets available.

Many excursions get booked up if you wait too long, so it’s best to book sooner rather than later.

You can also book through the Princess app, but I personally don’t even like the way the shore excursions show up on the app so I wouldn’t even want to look through them!

And then when you are on the cruise ship, you can book through your stateroom TV, and of course directly at the shore excursions desk.

If you are getting on your Princess cruise ship without having booked excursions but are interested in doing so, then there is also a live shore excursions presentation with recommendations on shore excursions to book for Skagway and all the other cruise ports you’ll be going to.

If you miss the live presentation, then there will also be a replay available on your stateroom TV . If you can’t find it, you can call guest services or do a “crewchat” with them on the Princess app to find out how to find it.

Only budgeting for ONE excursion during your Alaska cruise? Also take a look at the best Skagway excursions and best Ketchikan excursions to see if you want to do an excursion in Juneau or Skagway or Ketchikan!

Or, view excursions by type! The best cruise ports for…

• Whale watching in Alaska
• Seaplane tours in Alaska
• Dog sledding in Alaska

More below about the Juneau tours that I did!

• West Glacier Trail guided hike (difficult hike to see Mendenhall Glacier)
• Harv and Marv's Juneau whale watching tour (tour company frequently recommended in facebook groups)
• 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!)
• 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)

Best Juneau tours that are so Alaska

1. juneau whale watching tour.

There are whale watching tours with different types of boats, and I chose a whale watching tour that had less people. There were around 20 people on the boat.

It was a whale watching tour on a research boat .

Another whale watching tour company I’ve seen recommended a lot is Harv and Marv .

With a pick-up for the excursion from Juneau cruise port, we took a shuttle to Auk Bay to get on a boat to go see whales.

You know the pictures you see in all the whale watching advertisements of the whales jumping out of the water?!

aka breaching

Well, it’s actually quite rare to see whales like that.

Still, I was happy with what I saw.

Especially since I got a picture of a whale with its mouth open!

We also saw sea lions on a buoy.

I talked to someone who went on a different whale watching tour and their boat went past a whole bunch of harbor seals. I saw the picture and it looked really cool. I wish our boat had gone by it!

The thing about wildlife watching tours is that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed! At least, the variety that you will see.

Most whale watching tours in Juneau do seem to have a guarantee that you will see at least one whale. Although this doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to get a GREAT sighting. 🤪

But this is just how it goes with wildlife viewing!

Patience is required.

And that’s also what makes it so exciting when you do see wildlife, whether it’s in the water or on land!

See more about Juneau whale watching excursions

2. juneau icefield seaplane tour with taku lodge salmon bake (taku lodge feast & five-glacier seaplane).

I did a seaplane tour in Juneau that included a landing in what felt like remote Alaska.

It was a landing at the historic Taku Lodge (which currently only does day trips and not overnight stays), and it included a salmon bake Alaskan-style lunch.

There was time both before and after the meal to walk around, which I did.

I thought it was a nice quiet leisurely walk through the forest.

Most people stayed around the lodge. If you do the Taku Lodge excursion, I recommend asking how much time you have before food, and then walking around!

From Taku Lodge, you can see the glacier called Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier.

Flying from Juneau, you will get epic views of Alaska on your way to Taku Lodge and on the way back too!

I saw glaciers and blue ice from above!

The tour is advertised as a Juneau icefield seaplane tour, so you will be flying over and seeing part of the massive Juneau icefield with lots of glaciers.

See more about a Juneau flightseeing excursion

• Princess excursion: Taku Lodge Feast & Five-Glacier Seaplane
• Wings Airways

3. Mendenhall Glacier excursion

The Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular things to do in Juneau.

Most people will go to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to get a distant view of the glacier.

This glacier is retreating which means that it continues to get further and further away year after year.

I did a canoe tour across the lake to get a closer look at the glacier.

You can’t actually walk on the glacier (it seems you used to be able to), but I thought this experience was so great.

We paddled the canoe to shore near the Mendenhall Glacier which means that we got closer to the glacier than the vast majority of people do.

We also got to see blue ice.

There was another tour group who was there about an hour earlier than us, and they were able to witness a big chunk of ice fall off the Mendenhall Glacier into the water!

Our tour guide was in touch with another tour guide and showed us the video.

This process of ice falling off a glacier is called calving, and calving is one of the best Alaska glacier experiences you can see!

Your best chance to see calving on a cruise if you’ll be going to Glacier Bay National Park is at Margerie Glacier!

You can do a Mendenhall Lake canoe tour without a shore landing, but I think it’s better if you had the short walkaround!

This was one of my favorite tours that I did during my 2 Alaska cruises.

See more about a Juneau excursion to Mendenhall Glacier

• Mendenhall Glacier lake canoe tour + canoe landing

And those are Juneau tours that you must consider!

I was in Juneau in May of 2023. Your experience may vary!

Juneau on your own:

• Mendenhall Glacier on your own

What I did to give you more ideas for your Alaska cruise:

• Things to do in Skagway
• Things to do in Ketchikan
• Things to do in Sitka

HAPPY TOUR FROM JUNEAU CRUISE PORT!

• cruise luggage tags
• no-surge power strip
• basic binoculars for wildlife watching on glacier sea days
• cocktail dress for formal night
• What is embarkation day like? Sample: Vancouver embarkation day
• What is disembarkation like? Sample: Vancouver disembarkation and Whittier disembarkation
• Dinner food menu on my Alaska cruise

Plan out your day in Juneau!

• Best Juneau excursions
• Things to do in Juneau from a cruise ship
• Flightseeing tours in Alaska
• Whale watching
• Mendenhall Glacier
• Juneau icefield (see it by seaplane!)
• Tracy's King Crab Shack
• Best hikes in Juneau (from a cruise ship)
• Savikko Park
• Tips for first Princess cruise (getting familiar with Princess food + more!)
• Ideas for your first Alaska cruise

• Work with Us
• Destinations

Bike Tour and Beer Tasting on a Juneau Alaska Shore Excursion

Having been to Juneau before, I’d already done the more typical whale watching and Mendenhall Glacier shore excursions. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend a whale watching tour in Juneau ! You seriously get the best sightings here.  

For us, this Juneau bike tour sounded interesting and something new to try. Plus, my husband and I enjoy being active when we can. This Juneau bike tour fit the bill. Throw in the fact that it ended with a beer tasting and my husband was all in.

Juneau Bike and Brew Shore Excursion Review

In This Post...

Our tour met at 1:15 p.m., about 20 minutes after our ship was cleared by Juneau authorities. Though we purchased the excursion through Princess Cruises, it’s operated by a company called Cycle Alaska. (Fun fact: Cycle Alaska is owned by New Zealand Olympic swimmer John McConnochie who moved to Juneau in 1980.)

There were 10 of us altogether, plus our tour guides Chip and Jack. Both are retirees. Jack drove the van, which followed us around to various stops. We could leave anything we didn’t need on the van. This was a nice bonus; I thought I’d have to lug my backpack around with me.  

Jack also had spare bikes, which came in handy when the front tire on my husband’s bike went flat. It took a little time for Jack to get to us, which resulted in less time at the end of the tour at Mendenhall Glacier.  

Chip led the group. Though he had some 20 to 30 years on me, he put most of us to shame!  

Our Bike Tour Begins

A short van ride took us to the start of our bike ride. It was raining so we were outfitted with rain pants and jackets, along with a bike helmet and gloves.

If you’re biking in the rain, don’t pass up their rain gear. Not only does it keep you dry. But the back tires kick up lots of dirt which gets all over your back. The rain jackets keep your clothes clean. We also got a bottle of water.  

Our bikes were hybrid road/trail bikes, which was appropriate as our tour took us on both the highway and a dirt road before ending at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

However, I found the bikes to be much harder to use than the road bikes I’ve been given on other bike tours. They were also super uncomfortable, though that could have been because my last bike ride was more than two years ago!  

All in all, our bike ride lasted around an hour with three stops. The bulk of the ride was on level ground, with the exception of two smallish hills at the start of the tour.

The first hill wasn’t so bad, but the second gave me some trouble, especially because my bike’s gear shift didn’t work too well – something another person in my party experienced with her bike, as well.

Totem Poles, Local Culture and an Off-Road Path

Our first stop was less than five minutes into the bike tour. Here we stopped to look at two totem poles and Chip gave us a little history into the practice of totem pole carving and what the totems mean to the local Tlingit people.  

Our next stretch of riding was about 20 minutes, after which we stopped just off the main road in front of a trailhead in the Tongass National Forest. Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States, and also one of just a few temperate rainforests in the country.  

RELATED:  Majestic Princess Review on Alaska Cruise

From here we rode for another 20 or so minutes. This stretch included some time on a nice off-road path that wove through the trees and over wooden bridges.

It was picturesque and quiet. But short. The path ended at a small parking lot from which we walked to a viewpoint off of Mendenhall Lake for our first view of the Mendenhall Glacier.  

Next Stop: Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center 

We had about 10 minutes to see the lake and glacier. Just enough time to hear a quick talk about the glacier and take photos. After this short break, it was back through the woods and onto the road for a 30-minute ride to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center.

We stopped regularly to wait for stragglers (I’ll include myself in the later.) In fact, we stopped more often to wait for stragglers and to cross busy roads than for anything else.  

By the time we got to the Visitor’s Center, we had 30 minutes to look around, not really wasn’t enough time to do anything of significance. Though I had been to Mendenhall Glacier before, three of my traveling party had not. 

It was a shame they didn’t have more time to explore the area. Suggestion to Cycle Alaska: it probably would be better to do a straight bike ride to the Visitor Center without the stop at the lake.  

Time for Beer!

Once our time at the Visitor Center was up, it was back into the van and back to town to The Flight Deck for our beer tasting. Chip walked us over to the bar and eatery where full-bearded Kyle took over. Officially, we had 30 minutes at The Flight Deck to try several different beers, but, as it turned out, we were free to stay as long as we wanted.  

Our tasting was VERY informal. Kyle had a few beers (and a local cider) he wanted us to try, but we were also free to choose a few off the board. Pours were generous.  

Bike & Brew Juneau Shore Excursion Parting Thoughts

We chose this Cycle Alaska Bike and Brew shore excursion for the physical activity and views of Mendenhall Glacier we hoped to get. Because it rained most of the way, we didn’t get much of a view. But it did provide a workout. And, we did get to see the Glacier at the Visitor Center.  

With that said, I would have preferred a longer bike ride (with more downhills). More time at the Visitor Center to take one of the walks would have been nice, too.  

The rain may also have impacted the bikes’ shifting as several of us struggled to get our bikes to catch gears at various times throughout the ride.  

Chip and Jack know a lot about the local area, its history, culture and ecosystem and were eager to ensure everyone was happy. There’s not much they could have done on a cold, rainy day to make it more enjoyable.  

None of the four people in my party regretted doing the excursion. But we all agreed it would have been much more enjoyable on a warmer, sunnier day.  

What to Know Before You Go

Be prepared for all weather. Understand this Juneau bike tour will go rain or shine, so be prepared for both possibilities. Wear something that won’t get too soggy if it gets wet. And, wear shoes that won’t get soaked through and are comfortable for pedaling.

Test your bike before the ride starts. Ride your bike around the parking lot. Make sure the seat is at the right height. It took me two stops to get my seat adjusted higher so that I wasn’t working so hard to pedal. And my husband didn’t notice his flat tire until halfway through the tour.  

If you really want time at the glacier, choose another tour. This shore excursion is more about biking through the Tongass National Forest and catching glimpses of the glacier than it is about proper glacier views.

The entire tour lasts about 3 hours including 30 to 40 minutes at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. After the bike tour there’s 30 minutes for the beer tasting. However, you’re free to extend that last piece as long as you’d like. Just don’t miss your ship!

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Hi Ann, Thank you for reading the article on Juneau. Dori went this past August, in the middle of the month. You just never know what to expect with the weather in SE Alaska.

What month did you go?

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Updated on October 1, 2022 by Sherry Laskin

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Excursions & Tours

Exclusive Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour

Exclusive Whale Watching Cruise

Whale Watching & Salmon Bake Combo

Helicopter Icefield Excursion

Helicopter Dog Sledding

Whale Watching Cruise

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

Glacier View Sea Kayaking

Juneau Highlights

Helicopter Dog Sledding Extended Tour

Gold Panning and Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

Whale Watching and Lighthouse Exploration

Mendenhall Glacier Trek

Mendenhall Lake Kayak Adventure

Mendenhall Lake Kayak and Salmon Bake

Historic Gold Mining and Panning Adventure

Prime Time Helicopter Icefield Excursion

Prime Time Helicopter Dog Sledding

Prime Time Helicopter Dog Sledding Extended Tour

Alaska Hike and Canoe Paddle

Guided Glacier Hike of Mendenhall

Juneau Culinary Delights Walk

Juneau Sights and Sips by Jeep with Lunch

Kayaking the Channel Islands and Whale Watching

Private Luxe Land and Sea in Juneau

Prohibition Progressive Dinner Party

Tongass National Rainforest Meditation Walk

Private Luxe Whale Watching

Private Glacier Trek Hiking

Juneau excursions.

One of the better-known Inside Passage ports in Alaska and the second largest city in the United States by sheer size, Juneau is a destination bursting with excitement. Shore Excursions Group makes it our pleasure to open your eyes to the city's history and culture with a wide variety of cruise excursions and tours.

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

Excursions of a Lifetime

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

Alaskan Wildlife Sightseeing

Inaccessible by any manmade road, Juneau is truly a haven for wildlife. Home to 280 different species of birds, five species of salmon, black and brown bears, and awe-inspiring humpback and orca whales, the city is undoubtedly a pinnacle of America's natural wonder. Excursions, like our Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure, offer peak sightseeing opportunities. Board your authentic Alaskan native-style canoe and paddle around Mendenhall Lake with a small group. Just keep a lookout for wildlife such as arctic terns, bald eagles, goats, salmon, porpoises, bears, and more. Then, experience Nugget Falls, a 377-foot roaring waterfall fronting the Mendenhall Glacier.

Experience Downtown Juneau

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

Popular Juneau Alaska Attractions

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

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Top 10 Juneau, Alaska, Facts

As the only state capital in America inaccessible by road, Juneau, Alaska , sports beautiful vistas and glacier views. Before your next cruise vacation to this remote capital, check out these top 10 Juneau, Alaska facts.

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris were prospecting for gold and came across nuggets "as large as beans" along Gold Creek in what is now Juneau. A mining camp formed, and within a year, it became a small town called Harrisburg. That name was soon changed to honor the naval lieutenant commander stationed there, Charles Rockwell. In 1881, the miners changed the town's name again, this time to honor Juneau.

With a total area of 3,255 square miles, Juneau, Alaska , is one of the largest municipalities in the United States and the largest capital in the US by area. The municipality is larger than Rhode Island and encompasses part of a glacier field.

On June 21, the longest day of the year, there are 18 hours and 18 minutes of full daylight. The sun dips below the horizon for a few hours, from approximately 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., but its rays never stop shining on Juneau.

When you look at a map, it may seem strange that Juneau was named the state capital in 1906, since residents who wish to talk to their local representatives need to either fly or take a ferry to reach them.

The state capital has invested in cutting-edge tools to help citizens all over Alaska stay in touch with their capital without ever having to leave home. Because Juneau is so far removed from the rest of the state — and only 20 percent of Alaska is accessible by road — residents can call in to listen to any committee meetings and/or live stream all committee meetings.

Juneau is home to 280 species of birds, brown and black bears, five species of salmon, and whales (primarily humpback and orca). Although you may not see them all on your next Alaskan cruise, Juneau is well known for its incredible wildlife — both on land and by sea.

In a given year Juneau can receive as many as 900,000 cruise ship passengers and an additional 100,000 independent travelers.

While visiting Alaska's state capital on your next Alaskan vacation, you should check out the Wizard of Oz statues made by local company Reliable Sheet Metal.

Supporting the state's premier theater company, clubs and bars, and numerous restaurants (from casual fare to fine dining), Juneau offers a little something for everyone.

Atop the local mountains is a giant ice field from which about 30 glaciers flow. The most famous of these glaciers is the Mendenhall Glacier , which can be seen from the local road system.

Get to know Juneau , Alaska facts even better on an Alaskan cruise by checking out all the sights to see.  View Alaska cruises .

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

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• Juneau Tours
• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure
• Mendenhall Lake Canoe
• Dog Sledding
• Juneau Icefield Helicopter Tour
• Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier
• Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding
• Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Musher's Camp
• Whale Watching & Salmon Bake
• Taku Lodge Flight & Feast
• Things to Do in Juneau
• Skagway Tours
• White Pass Railroad
• Bennett Scenic Railroad
• Yukon Discovery
• White Pass Summit & Beyond
• Glacier Helicopter Tour
• Chilkoot Horseback
• Glacier Point Wilderness Safari
• Wildlife Safari & Bear Viewing
• Things to Do in Skagway
• Ketchikan Tours
• Deluxe Misty Fjords National Monument
• Mahoney Falls Extended Tour
• Trolley Tour
• George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
• Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
• Things to Do in Ketchikan
• Icy Strait Point Tours
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife & Bear Search
• Stream Fishing
• Things to Do in Icy Strait
• Sitka Tours
• Premium Scenic Tour
• Sitka Sound Kayak Adventure
• Whale Watching Tour
• Things to Do in Sitka
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JUNEAU TOURS & SHORE EXCURSIONS

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Dog Sledding (6)

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Glacier Hiking (8)

Kayaking and Canoe (9)

Whale Watching (5)

Salmon Bakes (6)

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• Mendenhall Glacier Ice Adventure Tour

$359 / person

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

• Mendenhall Lake Canoe Tour

$239 / person

Be among the select few to travel by canoe for an unprecedented experience of the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. This tour is limited by permits issued by the National Parks Service so book early for this unique experience! Pad READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

From: $661 / person

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

Juneau Glacier Dogsled Extended Tour via Helicopter

From: $787 / person

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

Juneau Dog Sled World & Glacier Helicopter Adventure

$689 / person

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

Mendenhall Glacier Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

$659 / person

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

From: $395 / person

This breathtaking helicopter flight will take you on an adventure to explore the beauty of Juneau glaciers. Keep your eyes peeled during the flight as you may see some wildlife on the mountain peaks. Once you land on the glac READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour & Guided Walk

$379 / person

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

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Walkabout

$465 / person

The Walkabout offers a personalized experience and the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with glacier's most stunning features. This non-strenuous, hour-long interpretive hike led by our team of professional gui READ MORE...

Juneau Helicopter Glacier Trek

$515 / person

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

Taku Glacier Helicopter & Airboat Exploration

$688 / person

This multifaceted tour is a unique and compelling opportunity to see the exquisite beauty of Southeast Alaska from the Taku River! From the air, enjoy breathtaking views of our Nation's largest National Forest. On the water, READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Tour

This combo is the best way to make the most of your day in Juneau! While out on the water, there is no doubt that you'll see humpback whales - this is the time of year they travel to Alaska to feed on thousands of pounds of k READ MORE...

• Juneau Whale Watching Adventure Tour

$169 / person

Come cruise with us in a fully enclosed and heated cabin onboard our mammal friendly boat on your way to the whales' playgrounds. Here you can experience a close encounter with these beautiful marine mammals for the ultimate READ MORE...

• Juneau Dog Sled Summer Camp

$159 / person

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

Juneau Musher's Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

$174 / person

Get ready for a ride you won't soon forget! Hop on as a team of huskies whisks you through the forest on a custom-built sled. You'll pass by gigantic spruce and hemlock trees, many of which are hundreds of years old! At the e READ MORE...

Taku Glacier Lodge Flight & Feast

$475 / person

This tour to the infamous Taku Glacier Lodge is the ultimate Alaskan experience. Your journey begins with a narrated flight in one of our seaplanes to the remote Lodge. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a delicious Alaskan meal and READ MORE...

Juneau Glacier Flightseeing via Seaplane Tour

$325 / person

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

• Juneau Alpine Zipline Adventure

$245 / person

Soar with us through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on a unique Alaskan adventure! Land in treehouse platforms where you can enjoy the views and take in the scenery. Our knowledgeable guides will be with you every s READ MORE...

Juneau Rainforest eBike Adventure

$160 / person

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

Norris Glacier Fly In, Hike & Packraft Outing

From: $829 / person

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

Juneau Segway Coastal Rainforest Adventure

Take an adventure from behind the handlebars of a Segway as you zoom through the surrounding trails of Juneau. You'll start with familiarizing yourself with the Segway with your knowledgeable guide before you take off for a p READ MORE...

Juneau Segway Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure

$175 / person

Looking for a green way to experience Alaska, join the Alpine Wilderness Trail Adventure for a small group excursion amongst Alaska's natural beauty. Explore by Segway, far from the crowds and surrounded by Alaskan natire an READ MORE...

Mendenhall Glacier Float Trip

$199 / person

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

Auke Bay Paddle and Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $209 / person

Adventure along the captivating coast of Auke Bay on a sea kayaking experience with a short hike along Mendenhall Lake. A stopover on the West Glacier Trail allows for distant views of the Mendenhall Glacier, beautiful Nugge READ MORE...

Paddle with Whales Kayak Adventure

From: $459 / person

Voted a top ten tour in the US, this small group whale and kayak tour takes guests to the richest humpback whale feeding ground in Alaska! Your experienced captain and guide will take you to the Channel Islands State Marine P READ MORE...

Mendenhall Lake Kayaking Adventure

$269 / person

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

Juneau Glacier View Sea Kayaking

$154 / person

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

Juneau Guided Mendenhall Glacier Hike

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

Juneau Privately Guided Mendenhall Glacier Trek

From: $265 / person

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

Juneau Pack Creek Bear Viewing

$999 / person

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

Juneau Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Salmon Bake

$279 / person

Experience three of Juneau's most popular attractions with this three-in-one excursion! This tour begins with a narrated transfer to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor's Center. You'll have plenty of time to take in the majestic READ MORE...

Juneau Whale Watching Tour & Salmon Bake Combo

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

Juneau Mendenhall Lake Kayak & Salmon Bake

$309 / person

Experience tandem kayaking on the pristine glacial waters of the Mendenhall Lake. For two hours, navigate the waters with your professional guide as you take in the natural beauty and learn about the history and ecology of t READ MORE...

Juneau Guided Mindfulness Meditation Tour

$198 / person

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

Juneau Eat, Sip & Explore

$345 / person

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

Juneau Food Tasting Tour

$129 / person

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

Gold Creek Salmon Bake Tour

$79 / person

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

Juneau Historic Gold Panning Adventure

$99 / person

Pan for real gold and enjoy the thrill that sparked the Gold Rush days! Visit Gold Creek and "Last Chance Basin" to learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice from your guide. You will have plenty of time READ MORE...

Juneau Historic Gold Panning & Salmon Bake Tour

$139 / person

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

Juneau Extended Helicopter Glacier Trek

$615 / person

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

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About Juneau

Best Juneau Tours & Excursions:

These experiences are our most popular tours in Juneau:

1. Dog Sledding & Glacier Helicopter Tour

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

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

What are the best tours in Juneau?

The best tours in Juneau are:

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

Can I go whale watching in Juneau?

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

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

Which Juneau excursions are best for kids and families?

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

• Juneau Musher’s Camp & Sled Dog Discovery

Is Mendenhall Glacier worth visiting?

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

• Mendenhall Glacier Guided Walk Helicopter Tour

Visiting Juneau:

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

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

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

Whale Watching is also very popular and among the best Alaska tours, because of the extreme abundance of whales in the area. Humpback whales spend their summers in Alaska to feed before heading back to Mexico or Hawaii to live and give birth to offspring in the winter months. The nutrient-rich waters create the ideal feeding grounds in Juneau for humpback whales including the spectacular bubble-net feeding technique in which whales work together to consume large amounts of krill, their main food source.  If you're feeling hungry, you can pair your  whale watching tour with an outdoor salmon bake .

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Three of the Best Tours to Juneau, Alaska, Points of Interest

Plan an Alaskan cruise and visit the state capital, Juneau , a city where aquatic adventure awaits by sea and air. You can only reach Juneau by boat or plane, and many of its notable attractions exist beyond the accessibility of land travel. Here's a couple of Juneau points of interest you can expect to see on an Alaskan cruise to the capital.

Whale Watching You can't visit Alaska without heading out into the open ocean in search of some of the most magnificent creatures on Earth - whales! The waters surrounding Juneau are populated with these enormous aquatic mammals, ranging from the gentle humpback whales to the amazing orcas. Between April and November, you can barely cast off from port without seeing a group of humpback whales feeding and playing in the northern Inside Passage. Princess Cruises offers a variety of first-rate whale watching expeditions to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

Macaulay Salmon Hatchery You can also find an assortment of Alaska's wild salmon at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery , a must-visit Juneau point of interest. Located just a few kilometres away from the city's downtown region, the hatchery is part of Douglas Island Pink and Chum, a private, non-profit entity that strives toward protecting and enhancing the local salmon population.

From June to October, these fish swim up a 137-metred water ladder to spawn in the hatchery. The baby fish spend the months from February to May developing and maturing from fry to smolt. By the time they have grown into adults, the hatchery releases all 114 million chum salmon smolt into the wild Alaskan waters.

Outdoor adventures If you're looking to get out of the city and explore the untamed lands and waters around Juneau, there are a variety of outdoor adventures at your disposal. Consider a Juneau tour of its waterways by canoe , just like the original Native American populations did generations ago. You can also try your hand at sport fishing to land some salmon or other local fish or spend some time back on land experiencing the fun and thrills of travelling by dog sled.

Pristine wildernesses and stunning blue waters await when you book an Alaskan cruise to explore the land and sea around Juneau. Learn about the incredible adventures waiting for you when you book with Princess Cruises.

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Princess Cruises

Take a breathtaking Alaska cruise with Princess Cruises and come back new.  Sail our Voyage of the Glaciers cruise to the Gulf of Alaska or journey through the spectacular Inside Passage.  On either cruise you will view impressive glaciers and abundant wildlife as well as visit a number of bustling Alaska ports. 

To help make the best of your day in each port, Princess Cruises offers our passengers a variety of shore excursion options in the categories of:

• Sightseeing & City Tours
• Nature & Wildlife
• Activities & Adventures
• Special Interests
• Exploring on your own

Each excursion has been hand-picked by the Princess team so you can rest assured that the operator meets our exacting standards of quality, safety & value.  

When you book your shore excursions through Princess, you can have peace of mind knowing that Princess will be closely monitoring tour departures and returns and is able to hold the ship in the event your tour is delayed. 

Consider pre-booking your shore excursions online through the Princess Cruise Personalizer and you will enjoy the convenience of having your confirmed tickets in your stateroom upon arrival.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour

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On my first morning after embarking on the Royal Princess Hamilton Cruise ship on a sea and land cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage of Alaska and up to Fairbanks, I sat on my portside balcony and watched the gray seas as the pale morning sun rose.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and the head of a humpback whale rose directly out of the water, suspended for a brief moment before it disappeared under the sea.

“Did I just see that?” I muttered sleepily to myself. As if to answer me, the telltale poof of water shot out of the sea, followed by the dark, subtle hump of the whale as he followed alongside our massive 1,083-foot long ship .

Instantly, I ran inside to wake my travel buddy, but by the time he got to the balcony, the whale was long gone. However, that whale sighting was a premonition of extraordinary adventures to come on the Princess Cruises’ 12-17 day Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour .

From luscious food choices and all-day entertainment to excursions and off-shore adventures through Alaska’s small coastal communities, the Alaska Cruisetour was probably one of the most fun trips I had taken all year. While I had my first cruise in January on a small excursion ship, I was invited and hosted by Princess Cruises to experience my first “big” cruise ship. For some reason, I had poo-pooed the idea of the big “floating city” cruise ships in the past, but the 12 days of sailing and traveling with Princess changed my mind.

I get it now. I get why people dream of cruises and just how easy it is to relax and just enjoy when you are being pampered, cared for, and catered to by a cruise ship company. Coming from the eyes of a brand-new cruiser (this won’t be my last cruise, I guarantee you), here are the seven things I loved — plus the four things I didn’t — during the Princess Alaska Cruisetour.

7 Things I Loved

1. medallion magnificant and the staff.

The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass™ ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. 

This thing is so cool. I had my Medallion customized with an astrological symbol and ordered the rubber wristband. While wearing it, the Medallion automatically unlocks and locks my stateroom door as I enter it, allows staff to find me anywhere on the ship to deliver my daily Bloody Mary, allows for touch-free boarding and purchases, let me find my travel companion on the ship, and more. 

“So let’s say you’re out tanning by the pool and you want to get some extra sunscreen, you can go on the app on your phone and order sunscreen which will be purchased through the app and delivered to you where you are anywhere on the ship,” said Briana Latner, public relations and marketing for Princess Cruises. “We’ve also introduced ‘Dine My Way,’ which helps you make reservations in the main dining rooms and the specialty dining, helps get rid of wait times and helps you with your special preferences.”

Another feature of the Princess Medallion is the Ocean Compass, which allows you to locate and message your travel companions. Whomever you are traveling with is automatically named as travel companions in the app, but you can remove each other if you choose to.

“Sometimes there are kids who are teenagers. They can go off on their own, but you want to make sure you know where they are and they’re safe,” Latner said. “Many people who are traveling with parents or the elderly who may get disoriented find it’s been really helpful  to be able to find each other too.”

Travel blogger Erin Cohen said the Medallion created a level of ease on her trip that shocked her.

“It makes you eat too much,” she laughed. “Everything comes to you at the snap of a finger or the touch of a button. The Medallion makes life almost too easy, but it’s great.”

Combined with the Princess Medallion, the staff on the boat is top-notch. Our stateroom was cleaned twice a day at least (the Medallion lets staff know when you are out of your room so they don’t disturb you), the bartenders all know your name and preferred drink, and every crewmember greets you with a cheerful hello.

Using the app and the Medallion was super convenient when it came to purchases, ordering, getting around, and more.

Pro Tip: Download the app before you embark on the cruise to upload safety and health documents, pre-book activities and dining, and get used to all the features. It’s a lot to learn. You can order the Medallion ahead of time and either have it sent to you prior to the cruise or you can pick it up upon embarkation.

Fun Fact: The Pacific Princess was the star ship in the 1977 television series called The Love Boat . That series also made the concept of a sea-going vacation popular with millions of people and has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.

2. By Land And By Sea

The Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetours are a combo land and sea experience. In addition to a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise that includes two glacier-viewing experiences and stops in the small Alaskan communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Whittier (Anchorage), you’ll also explore Alaska’s interior with a guided land exploration tour.

Once you’ve disembarked from the ship, you can spend 3 or more nights on land at the various Princess Wilderness Lodges , including the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, and the Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge.

These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. Each lodge offers its own unique personality.

You will also travel by rail in a private Princess Cruises scenic railroad car and by tour bus to the various locations.

We were on the Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour , which offers the highest level of service with a dedicated tour director, the 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers cruise, 5-10 nights on land, travel on the Princess Alaska rail service, stays at Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park (We saw three grizzly bears!), sightseeing opportunities, and most meals included.

What I loved about this option was the ability to see not only the glaciers and wonders of coastal Alaska along the Inside Passage, but a chance to explore the famed national parks of Alaska’s rugged and beautiful interior. It truly was the best of both worlds.

“You see pictures but to see it in person is just like, it’s hard to believe this is even real. The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen.

3. All The Choices (And Unlimited Drinks)

So maybe you are craving a pepperoni pizza while you lounge in one of the many hot tubs on the 16th-floor deck. Maybe one night, all you dream of is a big juicy steak with a Maine lobster tail. Maybe you want a lot of choices from the all-day buffet.

On the Royal Princess, the more than a dozen dining choices come in many different flavors, ranging from high-end steakhouse to Italian cuisine to sushi. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Princess has a buffet that features Asian, Indian, American, and Latino cuisine, as well as breakfast items, fresh fruit, a pastry bar, and more. On the fifth floor in the central Vista, a small deli is open 24/7 for the late night/early morning crowd.

The ship also has numerous bars, and because we were given the unlimited drinks option, we put those to good use. From the poolside bars to the cozy Wheelhouse Bar with its live music, you’ll not have to worry about finding the perfect cocktail or Alaska beer to sip on. 

Although I dined at the fancy Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, the buffet was our go-to option most days due to the sheer variety of foods to choose from. Be warned, though: It’s easy to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach, and you can end up eating more than you planned because the food is just so tasty.

4. Lots Of Viewing Areas

The Alaska Cruisetour I was on started from Vancouver and sailed through Alaska’s Inside Passage through some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen. With glaciers, waterfalls, misty mountains, and otters and whales frolicking in the waves, it would be a crime not to take it all in.

I loved all the decks and viewing areas on the Royal Princess. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! I really regretted not bringing the pair I own. Trust me, you won’t regret taking them when the whales and otters make their appearance.

5. Performances And Special Programs

You’ll never get bored on this Cruisetour. Starting as early as 6 a.m. every day, the Royal Princess has events, special programs, classes, naturalist talks, and fun activities. From morning stretching on the deck to art auctions and contests to game shows and line dancing classes, this ship doesn’t stop!

In addition to the hourly activities, excursions, and options during the day, The Royal Princess presents big musical shows, comedians, naturalist talks, and more in its expansive Princess Theatre. The smaller bars and venues feature live musicians and fun, silly game shows while the main Vista area of the fifth floor holds concerts and dance parties. The ship even has a disco, a hopping casino with slots and table games, a very large fitness area on the 17th deck, poolside movies, a pickleball court, a Discovery Camp for kids, and more.

Every day, a daily newsletter listing all the activities on the ship is delivered to your room, so it’s easy to find and choose what performances or classes you’d like to take part in. If you are bored at all on this ship, that’s on you! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time picking which fun activity to do.

6. Being Pampered

After days of hiking, exploring Alaska’s small communities, whale watching, dancing all night, and maybe having one too many cocktails, it’s nice to be pampered. The Royal Princess’ onboard Lotus Spa brings you to a place of peace and Zen with services like traditional massage, acupuncture, facials like the La Therapie HydraLift facial, couples massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy Massage.

After relaxing, cruisers can head to The Enclave , a getaway of thermal suites and a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Sweat out your worries at a Turkish-style steam bath, steam rooms, and dry saunas for purification and detoxification, then doze off on the heated stone beds or relaxing water beds.

Another pampering experience is Royal Princess’ The Sanctuary , an adult-only retreat on the top deck with private cabanas, food and drink, and al fresco massages. The “Serenity Stewards” are quietly efficient in delivering everything you need, from fresh mimosas to towels.

7. All The Excursions

With 12 days of adventure, it would be impossible for me to list all the land and sea excursions available through the Royal Princess Cruisetour. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find all the options through the Medallion app and with the onboard concierges.

For my excursions, I went out on a crab boat in Ketchikan to learn about crab harvesting and to stuff myself silly on Dungeness crab, roared up winding mountain trails on a UTV, spotted whales, climbed glaciers, kayaked pristine mountain glacial lakes, toured and spotted wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park and so much more.

The excursions range from the sedate and relaxing to the wild and extreme, so there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. You can see the list of available excursions here .

4 Things I Didn’t Love

1. prices of excursions.

Alaska is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. Being able to enjoy the Alaska landscape on a guided excursion is going to cost you. Some of the most expensive excursions include flights on small planes and helicopters, but they tend to be the most popular as well, like the Denali Flightseeing tours and helicopter tours of surrounding glaciers.

You aren’t required to purchase excursions, however. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too.

2. Not Enough Time In Each Port Or Land Lodge

When you are cruising, you have a schedule to keep. You might fall in love with tiny little Skagway, but you only have a day in port. You may want to spend more time at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with its cozy rooms and fireplaces, but you only have one night.

The fact that you do not have control over how long you can stay in any one place is certainly not Princess’ fault, but it is a bummer and a fact of life when cruising.

3. No Coffee In The Room

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is not having coffee available in my room when traveling. Yes, ordering coffee to the room was easy and the staff at Princess were on top of my caffeine addiction, but it would have been nice to have one of those little coffee makers tucked away so I could make my own coffee.

One great thing about the Royal Princess is the ability to order coffee and breakfast the night before. Each day, you can fill out a form listing what items you’d like to order and what time they should be delivered, so that’s convenient.

4. Staffing Problems At The Lodges

Like so many other destinations, Alaska has a worker shortage. That desperate need for seasonal and long-term employees has led to some staffing issues at some of the lodges. While the Royal Princess ship boasts 1,346 crew members from more than 30 different countries, some of the lodges had problems filling spots, which led to slowdowns, some maintenance issues, and longer wait times.

My best advice is to stay patient with the destinations and with the staff that is working. Everyone is doing the best they can with less.

All in all, my first “big cruise” experience was stellar and has made me a believer! Hopefully, this won’t be my last cruise, and if you yearn for an easy, well-organized way to experience Alaska, the Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the way to go.

For more on cruises and sailing , explore these articles:

• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall
• 9 Tips For Cruising The Mediterranean With Costa

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

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The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Whether you're in it for the sightseeing, wildlife spotting or relaxing among glaciers, there's an Alaska cruise for you

Alaska is among the most popular summer vacation destinations since it’s (pretty much) the only time of year the state offers warm, sunny weather and hours of extra daylight (on my summer 2022 trip here, I remember looking at my iPhone and being surprised that the sun still hadn’t set by 9pm!). In my opinion, cruising is, by far, the best way to experience the massive state and all the beauty it has to offer since you won’t need to drive or hop on a handful of flights; plus, you’ll only need to unpack once! (The views, of course, are just the icing on the proverbial cake.)

As you scroll through our top picks for the best Alaska cruises, it’s worth noting that most options include scenic cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, a 500-mile-long coastal route world-renowned for its wildlife, glaciers and postcard-worthy scenery. (I’ll never forget the awe I felt when watching a whale breach from the 11th deck of my cruise ship or the glacier-studded views I ogled from the comfort of my private balcony.)

Below, I’ve broken down the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, including budget-conscious cruisers, adventure-seekers and luxury lovers alike.

RECOMMENDED: The best cruises from the U.S.

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Best Alaska cruises

1.  Holland America Line’s Alaskan Explorer

Best overall experience.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates: May through September 2024

I was fortunate enough to cruise Alaska with Holland America back in August 2022 aboard the line’s uber-popular, aptly named Alaskan Explorer itinerary. Cruising roundtrip from Seattle, the seven-day journey features scenic cruising through Stephens Passage before arriving in Juneau, where my sister and I embarked on my favorite shore excursion of the trip: A dog sledding adventure! The following day, we cruised through Glacier Bay before arriving at Icy Strait Point for a few hours, which we spent whale-watching—to this day, it is one of my most cherished travel memories. Afterward, we headed to Sitka, where we went rafting and spotted wildlife like puffins and adorable sea otters before wrapping up the adventure in the final two ports of call, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia.

The onboard offerings were equally impressive, with nightly live music and some of the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten (Holland America is the first cruise line to serve 100 percent fresh and certified sustainable Alaska seafood on board). Just this year, the line unveiled its Glacier Guarantee : Guests are guaranteed to visit a glacier during their sailing; otherwise, they’re entitled to a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15 percent of their cruise fare.

2.  Celebrity Cruises’ Alaska Dawes Glacier

Best upscale option.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip)

Sailing dates: May through August 2024

Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale onboard experience with plenty of chic hangout spaces, stylish restaurants and contemporary staterooms. For the first time, the spectacular 2019-era Celebrity Edge—known for its 29 restaurants bars and lounges plus innovative spaces like the Magic Carpet , which the line has deemed “the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level”—will homeport in Seattle. She’ll cruise to Alaska via the seven-night Alaska Dawes Glacier itinerary, including scenic sailing through Endicott Arms and the Inside Passage. As you can likely tell by its name, guests aboard this itinerary will cruise alongside the striking Dawes Glacier, which stands over 600 feet tall and can be further inspected via a thrilling shore excursion. Ports of call include Juneau, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

3.  Crystal’s Vancouver to Vancouver

Best luxury cruise.

Cruises from: Vancouver (roundtrip) Sailing dates: July 2024

For a truly memorable Alaska sailing, splurge on Crystal’s seven-night Vancouver to Vancouver itinerary—and thank me later. As you can guess by its name, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity will sail roundtrip from Vancouver, cruising through Canada’s glacier-studded Seymour Narrows before calling on Sitka and Skagway, respectively. Afterward, you’ll enjoy scenic cruising through the Endicott Arm fjord before one last port stop in Ketchikan. While in port, cruisers can embark on bucket-list-worthy excursions such as wildlife spotting tours, kayaking adventures and fishing. The on-board programming is equally impressive: All passengers, regardless of their room category, enjoy private butler service; Wi-Fi; a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages like water, soft drinks and specialty coffees; free gratuities; and one complimentary reservation to each of the two specialty dining restaurants, including the first and only Nobu at sea (yes, that Nobu).

4.  Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic’s Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness

Best for wildlife spotting.

Cruises from: Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have teamed up to offer a handful of one-of-a-kind Alaska sailings specially suited for true adventure-seekers. The Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness itinerary, which sails from Juneau to Sitka and vice-versa (depending on your desired sail date), invites cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural landscapes and wildlife up close and personal with guidance and unique insight from an onboard expedition team . Along the way, partake in adventures like hiking through forests, cruising around icebergs via Zodiac, or searching for puffins and mountain goats in Glacier Bay National Park. Little ones can also partake in the fun: Children and teens can learn more about Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife with the National Geographic Global Explorers family program. Cruisers will sail on one of two 100-person vessels, National Geographic Quest or National Geographic Venture, both offer a shallow draft that, per the website, allows the ships’ captains to “navigate the inner reaches and provide more intimate experiences.”

5.  Alaskan Dream Cruises’ 2024 Ice of the Inside Passage

Best small-ship option.

Cruises from: Sitka to Ketchikan

Sailing dates: May through August 2024 This brand-new itinerary from Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dreams Cruises is ideal for cruisers craving an authentic small-ship experience. The eight-day voyage departs from Sitka aboard the 49-passenger Baranof Dream. From there, you'll enjoy scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. It’s also worth noting that, because of the ship’s small size, guests can gain an up-close view of seven different glaciers, including Margerie, Grand Pacific, Mendenhall, Sawyer, South Sawyer and Dawes glaciers, plus a high-speed jet-boat excursion to LeConte Glacier.

After cruising Glacier Bay National Park, it’s off to Juneau, followed by more scenic sailing through the Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm fjords (the latter can be explored via kayak or skiff expedition). This itinerary is also unique since it includes a Kasaan stop where guests can immerse themselves in Alaska's native culture by visiting the Haida community. The final port of call, Ketchikan, is known as “The Salmon Capital of the World.”

6.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Flavors of Alaska

Cruises from: Vancouver to Seward

Sailing dates: June 2024

Cruise the Last Frontier in style with Regent Seven Seas aboard the Seven Seas Explorer, which offers all-suite accommodations equipped with private balconies for soaking in the glacial views. While there are several Alaska itineraries to choose from, Flavors of Alaska , which sails from Vancouver to Seward, is among our favorites since it includes (pretty much) all of Alaska’s most popular ports of call, including Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, with Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising. As such, it’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors to Alaska. It’s also worth noting that this particular voyage offers up to 50 free excursions, including rainforest and glacier hikes, whale-watching adventures, kayaking and fishing. While this luxury cruise line isn’t cheap, it offers excellent value with numerous amenities already included in the price, such as specialty dining, transfers between the airport and ship, an open bar package, roundtrip air on domestic flights, gratuities and two-for-one fares.

7.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s Alaska: Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Ketchikan

Best for families.

Cruises from: Seattle (roundtrip) Sailing dates:  May through September 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere—for example, there are no set dining times—and breadth of activities and amenities. As such, it’s safe to say this mega-ship line is ideal for families of all ages. This summer, gather the family for an epic Alaska sailing aboard the aptly named Norwegian Bliss, which offers thrilling activities like go-kart racing and laser tag. The itinerary is equally impressive as the vessel itself: After setting sail from Seattle, it’s off to scenic Sitka. The following day, you’ll explore Juneau before scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Passengers will then visit Icy Strait Point (home to the state’s largest native Tlingit village, as well as awe-inspiring wildlife, including orcas and humpback whales, which, if you’re lucky, can be spotted straight from the ship). The final Alaskan port of call, Ketchikan, is renowned for its colorful Creek Street, a former red light district turned tourist attraction, where you can also spot salmon swimming upstream (and even the occasional otter or two). Before heading back to Seattle, you’ll visit Victoria, British Columbia, which just so happens to be one of my favorite ports of call thanks to its charming shops and restaurants coupled with its bustling food scene (fun fact: It’s home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada).

8.  Viking Cruises’ Alaska & The Inside Passage

Best adults-only.

Sailing dates: May through September 2024

Viking is renowned for its adults-only, all-inclusive cruises (think free spa access; Wi-Fi; one shore excursion per port; wine and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner; all-balcony accommodations). Cruisers aboard the line’s 11-day Alaska & The Inside Passage itinerary—where nobody is below the age of 18—enjoy visits to popular ports of call like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Ketchikan, along with a stop in Valdez, a small fishing town known for its glaciers, waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, before disembarking in Seward, aka the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. The line is also known for its immersive shore excursions, including a visit to Saxman Native Village and animal encounters at the Alaska Sealife Center.

9.  Royal Caribbean’s Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier

Best budget option.

Cruises from: Seward to Vancouver

Royal Caribbean is known for its laid-back ambiance and bucket-list sailings aboard its mega-ship fleet, which offer something for everyone, be it water slides, skydiving simulators or escape rooms. With fares ranging from $299 to $625 depending on the date, the seven-night Southbound Alaska & Hubbard Glacier aboard Radiance of the Seas—which offers completely complimentary activities like a rock climbing wall and Broadway-caliber entertainment, not to mention 11 dining options and several bars and lounges—is a great way to experience The Last Frontier without breaking the bank. After embarking in Seward, passengers will enjoy scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier, followed by port stops in Juneau, Skagway, Haines (famous for its majestic wildlife, including bears and eagles), Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan. Before disembarking in Vancouver, travelers are in for one final treat: Scenic cruising through the Inside Passage.

10.  Princess Cruises’ Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park)

Best for foodies.

Culinary connoisseurs can sail to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess, which is among the newest Princess ships to cruise Alaska this season, and the Seven-Day Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) is one for the books since it calls on Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Victoria (British Columbia), along with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park. Also, as part of the line’s “North to Alaska” programming, passengers can partake in unique culinary experiences, including Cook My Catch at the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Cach by Rudi. This unique offering allows cruisers to consume their very own fresh catch caught on a fishing excursion. Foodies can also partake in an onboard salmon cooking demonstration led by expert chefs, along with a four-course seafood feast at the Crab Shack, a lunch pop-up found in the World Fresh Marketplace.

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They enjoy animals, and one of them is a wildlife photographer.

What cruise line do you recommend that provides land tours?

I did my research, but it was overwhelming. I ll Appreciate it if you can help me figure out

7 replies to this topic

I assume you or some other adult is accompanying them?

Would the adult be willing to drive at least part of the trip?

Do you have the budget to include a bear-viewing tour? Depending where it's done, that can be anywhere from $500 to $1200+++. Though likely the less expensive ones will already be booked up...very popular experiences.

As for cruises : with Alaska , the most important factor is itinerary. Does the ship go to ports you'd most like to see, and which glacier(s) do you want to see? Or are you looking for a "party" ship?

For animals some good excursions

Juneau - whale watching

Skagway - take the fast ferry to Haines and then do the river cruise - we saw bears, moose, eagles, and more

Ketchikan - we went to a fishing lodge and got to feed and pet pet deer.

so just some ideas. The teens we saw on our cruise ship had a great time.....

Thank you for replying .

Yes I ll be accompanying them . They ll be 18 yrs old by then. I would prefer places where I don’t have to drive

Since you are planning for this summer.......try to book sometime in August......that would be the best time to see bears......

As mentioned by mini, whale watching is great in Juneau , but also in Icy Straight if you are ported there.....

A cruise can provide a lot of things to do to keep your teens busy and interested, but I have to agree with Maple.......after being with so many people on a cruise for a week, the land tour that the ships provide at the end of the cruise makes you feel like your being herded around like cattle.......not just kids or teens but even adults can feel totally bored on those trains and bus rides.......

We often see this group in town..... https://www.rubyrange.com/book/alaska-guided-tours/ mostly young people, not a cruise , but smaller guided van trips....you might want to consider something like that instead of a cruise /land tour.......

With a quick look I found this thread dated 2022, though you never know how knowledgeable a poster is...though some of them seem to have had first-hand experiences (with their own kids): https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/index.php?/topic/28235-activities-for-18-year-olds/

Are your kids girls or boys? They might try the meet-and-greet if there is one for 18-21 on your ship, but again, I've read first-hand comments of parents whose kids didn't find anyone there they wanted to continue spending time with. Others had a great time with a new friend. No way to know in advance. If there is a meet-and-greet on your ship for 18-21, encourage your kids to attend, and play it by ear from there.

And a word of caution: just because it's a ship activity doesn't mean they won't meet up with a predator, so Mom needs to keep on top of what is going on. I don't suppose I have to tell you what is the most common crime on board cruise ships....

Your kids are old enough to help with the research about activities for 18+ on ships, so let them do the work. After all, they are the ones who know what activities would be of interest to them. For example: maybe they've love to try a Rock Climbing Wall, or a Go-Kart track, or play tennis...if so, they can figure out which ships would have those.

When in July? Going to Haines in early/mid July doesn't give a good chance of seeing bears at Chilkoot River. After mid-July is when those tours start running. Even then, bears are never guaranteed. If you want a better chance without going on an actual bear-viewing tour, as Mombear said, you could duplicate the Haines trip yourself by taking the Haines/Skagway fast ferry, renting a car in Haines (if there are any left--if there aren't, that sort of decides the matter) and driving 10 miles to to Chilkoot River. Then you could stay several hours instead of just 1.5 to 2 hrs. that the tours allot for that area. But--not before mid-July. Pushing it into August gives the best chance as Mombear said--and she should know, she lives there!

If a bear tour is of interest (you didn't say), you could see if any of the tours out of Ketchikan still have room. Try Island Wings.

I would not go to a fishing lodge just to pet deer, but to each his/her own.

As for the land tour: Mombear gave good info on that too. I've been on one and it was so inferior to trips I planned myself. So if you don't want to drive, maybe just spend a day or 2 in Anchorage , plus a couple of days in Seward as was suggested by mjyocum. Though that is far better done via car so you can make numerous stops en route, takes 2.5 to 3 hrs. Very scenic.

There are land tours available other than what the ships offer, but you still haven't given us any idea what your family would enjoy seeing/doing.

If they are finishing high school, they are way too old for teen clubs so pick an itinerary that reflects their interests.

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