Alaska Cruises: Excursions

See the very best of the Tracy Arm wilderness area and an exciting close-up view of the majestic twin Sawyer Glaciers. Relax in the warm, spacious cabin, surrounded by large windows on a luxurious, high-speed catamaran as you depart Juneau harbor before your ship. Enjoy a variety of complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for gleaming, blue icebergs, which often mark the shallow-water entrance to Tracy Arm. Explore this ice-carved fjord, tracing the bases of cliffs that rise 4,000 feet above the jade-colored sea, as the onboard naturalist provides information about the area. There will be frequent stops to view wildlife. Feel the mist on your face as your Captain skillfully guides the vessel almost directly under a plunging waterfall. The catamaran’s extraordinary maneuverability will allow you to get close to North Sawyer Glacier, which cannot be approached by larger ships. You’ll then cruise slowly past seals resting atop recently-carved icebergs en route to a viewing stop near the face of spectacular South Sawyer Glacier. From the topside observation deck, you’ll be able to fully experience 'white thunder,' as immense spires of ice break from the glacier and crash into the sea. Following an extended drift near the glacier’s face, the catamaran will maneuver back into open water to pull alongside your awaiting cruise ship. Note: We recommend participants bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves to wear on the observation deck. In the event that unpredictable and ever-changing ice conditions preclude the vessel from entering the upper reaches of Tracy Arm fjord, the tour will be modified to explore Endicott Arm, an adjacent fjord and tidewater glacier of equal beauty. Due to diminishing daylight and ice condition this tour is not available in early May and mid to late September. This tour is available for guests on Norwegian Jewel only. less

The city and cruise port of Victoria are steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, on this one hour excursion you’ll see why Victoria is nicknamed the “City of Gardens”. At the cruise terminal you’ll board your trolley, drawn by two magnificent draught horses. Get cozy in your seat and feel free to wrap yourself in the provided blanket.

Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they “giddy up” and “whoa boy” this tour through town! You’ll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings, commonly referred to as the Parliament buildings. Sit back and relax as you’re carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

Note: This is an open-air vehicle and we recommend you bring a jacket. Guests will need to navigate two steps to board the trolley and due to safety concerns, wheel chairs, walkers, strollers and scooters must be left at the departure location.

The grandeur of Alaska’s epic glaciers will thrill and delight you on Juneau’s only 5 glacier flightseeing tour. Seeing glaciers from the air is an Alaskan must do, and doing so by authentic Alaskan bush plane is the quintessential Alaskan experience! Your seaplane exploration begins as your aircraft gently takes off from the historic downtown waterfront carrying you over Juneau’s mining past. En route you will soar over lush wilderness of the Tongass National Forest until your first glimpse of five distinctly different majestic glaciers making up the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield. Glide over the deep crevasses and azure blue melt water pools of the Norris, Hole-In-The-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, plus the famous five mile wide Taku Glacier. Of the 36 named glaciers comprising the Juneau Icefield the Taku Glacier is the only glacier that is actually advancing, not retreating - one of only a few in the world. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the magical memories this trip is sure to provide. Note: Flight time is approximately 40 minutes. All participants enjoy a window seat for enhanced viewing and a headset for continuous narration. Weight surcharge does not apply. This tour is non-refundable. For more details about this tour please visit: www.alaskaglacierflightseeing.com
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Learn the history and culture of Ketchikan as you travel aboard a festive trolley. You’ll be entertained by a lively city’s tour while passing by some of the city’s most colorful landmarks. Travel through downtown Ketchikan and pass by bustling boat harbors, lush City Park and beautiful Ketchikan Creek. Next, you’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs on this brief photo/shopping stop. Photograph majestic totems up-close, and shop at one of Ketchikan’s finest stores to purchase authentic Native-made items, as well as curios. Finally, it is off to Creek Street – Ketchikan’s historical red light district. Those who wish to will have an opportunity to explore Creek Street on their own. Your trolley driver will offer you a return to the ship or you may leisurely enjoy the many shops and eateries of the downtown area and make your own way back. less

Only a short five-minute walk from the pier, the especially designed platforms at Cabo Dolphins allow small children the opportunity to enjoy a close-up, interactive experience with a bottle-nosed dolphin. After meeting with their experienced dolphin trainer, kids will get to know their dolphin through petting, hugging and receiving a big fishy kiss. Time on the shallow platform allows children the opportunity to learn about the anatomy of a dolphin and to experience how gentle, loving and caring these creatures are. Feeding time and singing along with the dolphin are part of the excitement and this 20-minute program is topped-off with a ride around the pools on an inflatable toy or with a fun belly ride. Parents may enjoy their children's unforgettable expressions from our observation deck close by. Treat your child to this once in a lifetime experience. Note: Participants must be from 4 to 9 years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian who will sign the safety waiver. Guests are not allowed to bring their cameras; there will be professional photographs taken onboard. less

Catch “gold fever” and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold (and keep all you find!) and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol, en route to “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting alongside Gold Creek — only accessible under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You can choose to pan in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. Every one of all ages and those with limited mobility can learn how to pan and capture the full gold rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company, which at the height of production was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used, and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what is was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. less