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July 30, 2020

Cruising Journal, the international portal for cruise ship reviews, takes you to Juneau! Get to know the wild and historical side of Juneau during a cruise stopover in the Cruising Journal tips.

Explore the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, learn about the history and the important role Natives had in the building of this land, and relax your mind on this trip to Juneau.

Juneau, Dzántik’i Héeni “Base of the Flounder’s River” in Tlingit – the language of the Natives of the region – is the capital city of Alaska. With its Celebration, a biennial Alaska Native cultural festival, its museums, sledding tours and nature treks, Juneau has something to offer to every visitor.

How to Get to Juneau

Juneau is a cruise destination present in the itineraries of many cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

For a unique experience, try hopping aboard one of the Disney Cruise Line vessels and relive your favourite fairy tale on this magical voyage.

For a more luxurious experience on board, with gourmet meals and quality entertainment, check out Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises.

Glacier Salt Cave & Spa

If you want a place to relax your body and mind, Glacier Salt Cave & Spa is the place for you. They offer a wide selection of wellness treatments: a classic and relaxing massage from a professional, niche treatments such as halotherapy sessions to relieve the symptoms of asthma, allergies and Seasonal Affective Disorder, skincare treatments and other spa services. Treat yourself and stop by their centre for an extra relaxing vacation.

Sled Dog Ride

For the more adventurous and adrenaline-seeking people out there, Alaska Excursions has the perfect day planned. They provide a full sledding experience, from meeting and getting acquainted with the dogs to sledding on a one-mile trail. You will learn everything about the care of these beautiful and strong sled dogs, from when they are puppies to when they retire from service. You’ll even take part in the important process of socialising the Alaskan Husky puppies, an experience that is both fun and educational for all parties involved. This full-day experience is for people of all ages and, as such, is a great option for families with young children or dog lovers.

Glacier Exploring and Whale Watching

If you happen to plan your trip in the summer, Alaska Tales offers the unique and breath-taking experience of whale watching. These humpback whales can be spotted along the coast of Juneau during their annual migration, which takes place from around May until September. During this season, whale sightings are guaranteed, so you won’t have to worry about missing out or picking a bad day to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. On the tour, you’ll sail around Auke Bay where, among the whales, you’ll be able to spot other magnificent sea creatures.

Mendenhall Glacier Tour

On this half-day tour, Alaska Tales organises bus rides through downtown Juneau and to Mendenhall Glacier, where you’ll have time to explore the breath-taking sights of the Alaskan wilderness. The tour also offers the option of either walking to the sublime view of Nugget Falls or taking a hike up the East Glacier Loop Trail. These are unique opportunities for those with a passion for photography to take beautiful pictures of the icy landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot some black bears fishing for salmon in the creeks that traverse the area.

Native American Museum

Stop at Sealaska Heritage Institute to learn more about Native American history, particularly about the culture of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian of Southeast Alaska. This museum is a private not-for-profit founded to promote cross-cultural understanding through its exhibits and events. The institute also conducts social, scientific and public policy research to promote Native arts, cultures, history and education throughout the state. They maintain a vast archive of Native ethnographic material – material that spans several thousand years of Native history – which they use both in their exhibits and in their partnerships with local schools to enrich the academics and cultural education.

A worthy stop for those with an interest in the flora of the region is the Glacier Gardens. Here you can take a stroll through the well-curated gardens showcasing the typical local flora, in majestic arrangements.

Don’t forget to leave a comment or review on Cruising Journal and tell us about your experience on the cruise ship.

Alice Fogliata Cresswell

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