Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Soon after departing your ship, you’ll be riding up the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass, 3,292 feet above sea level. Majestic peaks, waterfalls and glaciers can all be experienced and enjoyed on this incredible journey. Once arriving at the Yukon Suspension Bridge you'll be able to experience the pristine air, see the roar of raging white water and feel the sensation of a swaying walkway over 60 feet above the rapids. There are Tagish First Nation Staff and Elders to answer questions about the site and a variety of First Nations art pieces and crafts available for purchase as well.

Be sure to check out the log cabin that is fully outfitted with Royal Canadian Mounted Police memorabilia along with other exhibits on the far side of the bridge. Enjoy a home cooked meal at the bridge restaurant. Sit back and delight in some wild organic bison chili along with a ciabatta roll. Afterwards continue on your motorcoach for the journey back down the White Pass canyon. Listen as your driver/guide regales you with stories of the stampeders who trekked through the pass in search of gold. You’ll see picturesque points such as Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both U.S. and Canadian borders. less

Travel through Juneau’s downtown to the Mendenhall Glacier. Stroll the many walkways or enjoy the Visitor Center, then board your motorcoach for a trip to Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Your hatchery visit will start off with viewing the lifecycle of the salmon in action. From May through mid-June you'll be able to feed salmon fry in the hatchery waters. From late June through September different species of salmon begin returning to hatchery facility to complete their lifecycle. The hatchery also boasts several exotic aquariums rich with Juneau area sea life and a touch tank that allows a more hands-on experience. From the hatchery your guide will drive you a short distance to the Gold Creek Salmon. From the hatchery your guide will drive you a short distance to the Gold Creek Salmon. At the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, wild Alaskan caught salmon is grilled over an open alderwood fire. Enjoy baked chicken, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of fresh salads, corn bread, blueberry cake, and lemonade, coffee or tea. Beer and wine are available for an additional charge. Dine beside Salmon Creek, nestled in the lush foliage of Southeast Alaska’s rainforest, under translucent domes that protect you rain or shine. Afterwards, roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire and view the beautiful Salmon Creek waterfall; remnants of the historic Wagner Mine can also be seen. Return to your ship at your leisure aboard one of the Salmon Bake shuttle buses. Note: The salmon served is always wild Alaskan Salmon. This tour operates in all weather conditions. For more details about this tour please visit: http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/ less

This tour visits Juneau’s hallmark attraction, the Mendenhall Glacier. Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city’s highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley, home of the mighty Mendenhall. Upon arriving at the Mendenhall, your guide will point out many of the attractions that you’ll want to see during your approximate 2 hour stay. Included are scenic Photo Point and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center where you’ll want to take time to watch the short film about the Mendenhall and the 37 other glaciers that make up the Juneau Icefield. The area boasts several self-guided scenic trails that allow you to learn about the role the glacier had in carving the landscape. Meander through the Tongass National Forest as you explore the Moraine Ecology Trail and the Steep Creek Trail - the latter of which offers multiple views of wild sockeye salmon during the mid to late summer months. Each of these trails offers a different view of the Mendenhall through trees or along the shores of Mendenhall Lake. Due to occasional bear activity, food consumption is prohibited in the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

This tour visits Juneau's hallmark attractions, the Mendenhall Glacier and Mount Roberts Tramway. Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley - home of the mighty Mendenhall. Upon arriving at the Mendenhall, your guide will point out many of the attractions that you'll want to see during your approximate 1 1/2-hour stay. Included is scenic Photo Point and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center where you'll want to take time to watch the short film about the glacier and the 37 other glaciers that make up the Juneau Icefield. The area boasts several self-guided scenic trails that allow you to learn about the role the glacier had in carving the landscape. Each of these trails offers a different view of the Mendenhall through trees or along the shores of Mendenhall Lake. Next, you’re off to Mount Roberts Tramway and it's terminus at the 1800 foot level of Mount Roberts above downtown Juneau. Enjoy a stroll along an alpine trail and gaze at the vistas and distant waterways and islands. Visit the Nature Center and learn about the surrounding alpine ecosystem and be sure to stop by the raptor center. Inside the tram's main building you'll enjoy Native arts & crafts and goods for sale. Downstairs in the theater you can view a local documentary or have a snack at the Tram's cafe'. The Tram will always be your last stop, so you can either return to your coach for the transit back to your ship at the designated time, or spend as much time on the mountain as your port time allows. Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

On your journey, your local guides knowledgeable in the history and making of Astoria beers, will lead the way to your first destination. As the bus makes its way through town, sit back, relax and take in the stunning views of the Columbia River right outside your window. Fort George Brewery + Public House was established in 2007 and specializes in innovative and exciting flavors such as coffee stout or even wasabi-flavored ginger ale. During your visit, you might want to try "The Quick Wit" Belgian style ale that's made with organic pale and wheat malts, ground coriander and lemongrass. Or you could sip any one of the seasonal fruit ales. Then, you’re off to Rogue Ales. Occupying a former Bumble Bee tuna cannery, Rogue sits on Astoria Riverwalk, a five-mile river trail that's lined with hotels, restaurants, parks and a nearly 100-year-old restored trolley train. Made with the finest hops and barley malt, Rogue Ales are bottled using an oxygen absorbing cap, and brown glass for better shelf life. Some of the barrel aged beers and ales you might want to try include "Chipotle Ale," which is deep golden ale that's made with roasted chipotle peppers and produces an eye opening chili flavor with a malty, smoky aroma and smooth, crisp flavor. Your last stop is The Wet Dog, where a variety of beers are handcrafted using a wide range of hops and grains to create unique flavors. The pub's riverfront deck is open during the summer and offers a fantastic view of the Columbia River. Some of the beers you might try include "Strawberry Blonde," which attributes its light pink to golden opaque hue to the barley, wheat and 90 pounds of strawberries. Note: Participants must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol. less

Take a scenic boat ride in front of some of the fabulous and amazing bays of Huatulco. Relax on the white-sand beach of Maguey Bay. Here, you'll enjoy some refreshments or visit one of the local restaurants for seafood dishes at an additional cost. You can choose to snorkel, swim or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. This is everything you need for a fabulous day with friends or family. Note. This tour is just a transfer to the beach. Beach chair is included. Snorkel gear and watersports activities are optional and available for rent. Wear your swimsuit, sunscreen and bring a t-shirt for snorkeling (optional). Bring cash for food and extra activities. less