Alaskan Smiles

In going through the photos taken while on the Alaskan cruise, I found I had wonderful photos of the family --- all with smiles.  It warmed my heart to see them, despite the coolness of the ocean breeze.

Thought you would enjoy.



Photo video: Elaine Beaudoin

Mendelhall Glacier, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest - JU40

Mendenhall Glacier, Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest - JU40

Embark on a scenic cruise into Alaskan wilderness that guarantees you will see wildlife, including whales! Travel by deluxe catamaran served by a knowledgeable naturalist and attentive crew. This is a great opportunity to view and learn about whales, sea lions, porpoise, seals, bald eagles and other species of wildlife. Before or after the cruise you'll travel by narrated motorcoach tour to view the Mendenhall Glacier. Ready to reserve this excursion?

Experience Alaska’s premier attractions – glaciers and wildlife – from two very different vantage points: by land and by sea. A narrated motorcoach ride takes you to view and photograph the famous Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor Center you’ll have the opportunity to talk with Forest Service interpreters, and, through interactive exhibits, learn about the awesome force of glacial ice.

Back aboard the motorcoach you’ll take a scenic route through the Mendenhall Valley. At Auke Bay you’ll board a waterjet-powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced captain guides you through the island-studded waters of Stephen’s Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more.

The operators of this tour guarantee you will see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund per person as you disembark the tour vessel. The vessel is restroom equipped, and binoculars and souvenir route maps are provided along with complimentary snacks and beverages. To fully enjoy this excursion, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket – and don’t forget your camera!

Guests should be able to comfortably walk at least 250 yards unassisted on inclined pathways to fully enjoy attractions at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Five hours and 15 minutes; suggested tour time 11:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Pricing: $170.00 adults; $97.00 children

This looks like a really fun trip and will let us see some wildlife and glaciers up close. 

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise line site

Land Tours

There are many land tours which are not connected with a specific cruise line.  And, often the price is lower than what you might get if you book through the cruise line.  However, the tours need to be compared as they do not all cover the same itinerary.  Some individual land tours that sound interesting have been listed on this blog.  But, there are many more. 

Be sure to take a look at some of these tour groups and tour sites for ideas: 

Shore Excursions Group

Alaska org - Juneau
Alaska org - Skagway
Alaskan Tours - Juneau
Alaskan Tours - Skagway
Day Tours in Victoria

Juneau Land Tour

Juneau City and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Juneau is one of the most unique state Capitals in the entire United States. Although Juneau isn’t an island, it is land locked and you can only get to it by air or sea. Your tour begins in the historical downtown district. You will drive through downtown where you will see the streets lined with gift shops, jewelry shops, king crab shacks and local fish restaurants. The tour will take you right by the Governor’s Mansion, Alaska State Capitol and world famous Red Dog Saloon.
 
Departing the downtown area, you will make your way north to the valley area and the Mendenhall Glacier. Along the way you will see boat harbors full of Alaskan fishing boats, boathouses and the Mendenhall Wetland Refuge. On clear days you can see the majestic Chilkat Mountains in the distance.

Once you arrive at the National Park, you will have some time to walk around the Visitor Center, which has an elevated view of the glacier. The Visitor’s Center hosts exhibits as well as a short film about the Juneau Ice Fields. Admission to the visitor center is included in the price of the tour.

For those guests feeling more adventurous, there are several short hiking paths and walking trails around the lake area including Photo Point Trail, which winds along Mendenhall Lake to an unobstructed view of the glacier face. At the appointed time, meet your guide for the trip back to town.

The tour comes to an end with a stop at famous Douglas Island, a historic mining community, for photo opportunities and panoramic views across the ocean to downtown Juneau. You will then arrive back to the main cruise ship terminal.

Tour cost: Adults: $39.00; Children 2-12: $31.00

Source: Shore Excursions Group

Juneau - Sun Calendar

Thanks to Colleen for finding the website that provides sunrise and sunset times for Juneau, Alaska.  As she noted in her email, we will have 17 1/2 hours of sunshine when we are there on July 15, 2012.

The sun will rise at 4:17 AM and the sun will set at 9:49 PM for a total of 17 hours, 31 minutes and 58 seconds of sunlight.  Remember, we will also have dawn and dusk.  So, it will be "light" for about 19 hours while we are in Juneau.  This will be pretty much true for the entire cruise.

Click here to view the Sun Calendar.

In addition, Colleen shared a URL for information on the Land of the Midnight Sun.  This is all such interesting information.

Also of note, Juneau is in the Alaskan Time Zone which is three hours earlier than Chicago.

Juneau - Overview and Weather

Downtown Juneau, Alaska

Located on the Gastineau Channel and surrounded by glacier-capped mountains rising thousands of feet, the city of Juneau, founded during a gold rush in 1880, is the state capital. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the native cultures of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. This was the first town founded after Alaska was purchased from Russia by the United States. Serving as the capital of Alaska since 1906, Juneau is still only accessible by sea or air. For a population of just over 30,000, Juneau is culturally, politically and socially active. The Native tribes, rich with the artistic traditions, have had a profound influence on the development of the city. With dozens of dazzling art galleries, high end boutiques, inviting restaurants and unparalleled scenic landscape and wildlife, there is always something exciting to do in Juneau.  Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.

Weather in Juneau, Alaska, July
Temperature Fahrenheit
High 63.9°
Low 48.1°
Mean Temperature 56°
Record High 90°
Record Low 36°

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise website

Juneau - Local Points of Interest

JUNEAU - LOCAL POINTS OF INTEREST

1 The Last Chance Mining Museum and Historical Park dates from the days of the historic Alaska Juneau gold mine. It has been restored and features the world’s largest air compressor, mining tools, a unique glass map, remains of the railroad lines and underground exhibits.  More information.

2 St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1894 and is the oldest original Russian Orthodox Church in continual use in Alaska.  View website.

Alaska State Capitol, Juneau

3 The Alaska State Capitol offers free tours. The legislative chambers and Governor’s office, along with many historic photos, are located here.  View website.

4 The Juneau-Douglas City Museum displays artwork, historic photographs, and films as well as authentic artifacts from the early miners and pioneers.  View website.

Alaska State Museum

5 The Alaska State Museum was founded in 1902, predating Alaska’s statehood. The museum features interesting artifacts relevant to native culture and Alaskan history. View website.

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise website and respective websites

Juneau - Beyond the Capital

Beyond Juneau

1 The Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is one of Juneau’s most popular attractions and home to one of Alaska’s largest aquariums, a salmon egg incubator and over 100 species of marine life. Visitors are taught about the salmon lifecycle, the commercial fishing industry and the state’s marine environment. View website.

Mendenhall Glacier

2 Mendenhall Glacier is just thirteen miles from Downtown Juneau. The glacier is perfect for hiking and sightseeing. Mendenhall Glacier is 12 miles long, 1.5 miles wide and comprised of ice 400-800 feet deep. Reviews of the glacier.

3 Douglas is a beautiful residential area connected to Juneau by a 1,564 foot steel bridge extending across the Gastineau Channel.

4 The Treadwell Mine once flourished here, producing $66 million in gold-bearing ore during a 36 year period until it was destroyed by cave-ins and fire in 1917.  Information at Wikipedia.

5 Glacier Bay National Park and Gustavus are 30 miles west of Juneau. The community of Gustavus serves as the entry point for Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve. Gustavus is accessible by a scenic three hour ferry ride. Visitors can cruise into the park, fish for salmon or halibut, watch whales, play golf, mountain bike or kayak.  View website.

Source: Royal Caribbean Cruise website and respective websites.

Juneau and Mendenhall, Video

This video shows Juneau's port and a trip to the Mendenhall Glacier.  It is a little long, but gives you some insight into Juneau and surroundings.




Source: YouTube hoosiertim