SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley. The first stop is at the Brotherhood Bridge. Here is where you will be able to take in the amazing views of the Mendenhall Valley. The bridge was and is of great historic and symbolic importance, representing a bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native people and overcoming racial tensions. The bridge features 10 bronze medallions with the ANB crest and imagery, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. In honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary. The crew on the medallions depicts the two great Tlingit moieties, Eagle and Raven. The ANB is the solid rock on which these moieties rest. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Your journey begins with a narrated tour of downtown Juneau and the city's highlights as you make your way to Mendenhall Valley. The first stop is at the Brotherhood Bridge. Here is where you will be able to take in the amazing views of the Mendenhall Valley. The bridge was and is of great historic and symbolic importance, representing a bridging of the gap between Native and Non-Native people and overcoming racial tensions. The bridge features 10 bronze medallions with the ANB crest and imagery, sculpted by Roy Peratrovich Jr. In honor of the ANB’s 50th anniversary. The crew on the medallions depicts the two great Tlingit moieties, Eagle and Raven. The ANB is the solid rock on which these moieties rest. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. From the Gardens, it's a short drive back to your ship along Juneau's waterfront

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour combines the splendor of visiting Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area with a comfortable trip into the rainforest at Glacier Gardens. Your journey begins with a visit to Alaska's most accessible glacier, the Mendenhall. There you will be able to view the glacier, tour the adjacent visitor center, and explore the outlying trails and viewpoints during your 75 minute stay. Next you're off to Glacier Gardens where you'll board a guided tram vehicle and climb up through the temperate rainforest to a scenic viewing platform that offers alpine views of the surrounding mountains, waterways and islands. Upon your return to the base area, you'll have time to visit the Gardens pavilion and view the variety of botanical plants that thrive in the local climate. Finally, you'll visit the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and learn about the facility's positive impact on Alaska's prized fishing industry through the implementation of ocean ranching.

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic waters of the Inside Passage to Sentinel Island, whose iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1902. Although you may spot harbor seals and Stellar sea lions along the shore and bald eagles soaring overhead, the star attractions are the humpback whales that spend their summers in the nutrient rich waters. You may witness these incredible creatures breach and splash their flukes as they dive and feed to prepare for their winter migration. Few sights are quite so mesmerizing as adult humpbacks that can grow to be 60 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons. Upon reaching Sentinel Island, you will follow the boardwalk to the unusual Art Deco-style lighthouse. Immerse yourself in its history, with the option to ascend the tower or explore the first floor and peruse the captivating black-and-white photos of the beacon and the “wickies” – an affectionate term for the lighthouse keepers – that once operated it.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the waters north of Juneau in search of humpback whales.
• Keep an eye out for other marine wildlife, including seals, sea lions and bald eagles.
• Explore Sentinel Island and the lighthouse that was built there more than a century ago.
• Stop at Brotherhood Bridge for a spectacular photo-opportunity of *Mendenhall Glacier in the distance.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Juneau, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Juneau, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Elizabeth Peratrovich mural
• Patsy Ann sculpture
• Humpback whale statue
• Imperial Bar
• Juneau Federal Building

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Juneau.
• Follow tips from your selfie expert guide to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Pause in front of the mural of Tlingit civil rights activist Elizabeth Peratrovich.
• Pose at the sculpture of bull terrier Patsy Ann and at a humpback whale statue.
• Enjoy a drink at the Imperial Saloon, an institution since 1891.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

OVERVIEW

Cruise through the pristine waters off Juneau and on to a remote speck of an island in Stephens Passage for a classic Alaskan-style brunch. The sights along the way will be spectacular as you will sail through picturesque Fitz Cove and past forested Douglas Island before reaching Orca Point Lodge, a private retreat in an idyllic setting on Colt Island. The views from there will be equally dramatic, as you will gaze out over the Funter Bay State Marine Park, a completely undeveloped wilderness. After settling in, you will be served a hearty brunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The entrées will likely include a fluffy omelet stuffed with your favorite ingredients and salmon cakes Benedict. Refreshing mimosas or another beverage of your choice will complement the meal. A bit of free time follows, during which you might explore the island. Keep an eye out for humpback whales and other marine animals while cruising.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Look for humpback whales and other marine life while cruising to remote Colt Island.
• Enjoy brunch at the seaside Orca Point Lodge on the heavily wooded island.
• Admire the serenity of the setting and the panoramic views of the wilderness.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Paddle across the placid waters of Mendenhall Lake to Mendenhall Glacier, an ever-changing river of ice that is surprisingly close to Juneau. You will paddle across the water’s surface in a 12-person canoe that will present some of the most extraordinary scenery in Alaska as the Tongass National Forest surrounds the glacially fed lake. You can expect to pass an Arctic tern nesting ground and Nugget Falls, a roaring cascade that plunges nearly 400 feet before tumbling into Mendenhall Lake. Once you round a rocky peninsula, the glacier’s sheer face will come into view, a stunning sight especially if a large block of ice calves off with a thundering crack. The guides will describe some of its features, which include deep crevasses, vertical shafts known as moulins and seracs, which are towering columns of ice.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle past icebergs, waterfalls and arctic tern nesting cliffs.
• Step out of the canoe and hike over the rock terrain carved out by the glacier.
• Get an up close and intimate perspective of the glacier from the edge, all while learning about the recession of the glacier and the wilderness that surrounds it.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure by flying over the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane, paddling across a pristine lake and hiking over the surface of Norris Glacier. The flight will take you over a densely forested mountainous terrain towards the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to the enormous Juneau Icefield. The sights will be spectacularly scenic, as will be the landing in a glacially fed lake. You will then ease into a one-person packraft, a kayak-like inflatable vessel that is easy to navigate. The guide will demonstrate the best paddling techniques so you can confidently maneuver past the icebergs that you will encounter along the way. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, sealions and other wildlife. Upon reaching the glacier, you will don micro-spikes to improve your footing for the hike across the icy landscape. This trifecta of flying, paddling and hiking is an experience you won’t soon forget.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the rugged Alaskan wilderness in a floatplane made for adventure.
• Land in a glacially fed lake and paddle across it in a kayak-like packcraft.
• Hike across the icy terrain of Norris Glacier, a part of the massive Juneau Icefield.
• Marvel at the majestic scenery and look for wildlife such as bald eagles and sealions.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy this well rounded view of Alaska's capital city as you experience the splendor of Mendenhall Glacier, and dine Alaska-style at Gold Creek Salmon Bake. First you'll have time to explore the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area -- home to Alaska's only "drive-up" glacier. Here you'll want to explore the Visitor Center, various viewpoints of the glacier, and outlying trails as your visit time permits. Take a short ride to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake where you'll dine on grilled wild Alaska salmon and a variety of side dishes as fixings under a canopy. After your meal it's a short drive via shuttle back to the ship.

A short, narrated bus ride brings you to Salmon Creek, the outdoor site for your salmon bake. Listen to live Alaska folk music while you dine under translucent, heated domes shielding you from the elements. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast. Savor Alaskan caught wild salmon barbecued over an open alder wood fire accompanied by chicken, potatoes, baked beans, wild-rice pilaf, a variety of salads, cornbread, lemonade, coffee, tea, hot apple cider, hot chocolate as well as blueberry cake for dessert. Beer, wine and soda are available for purchase.

Stroll through the woods and roast marshmallows over the campfire . Take a short walk along Salmon Creek, a salmon spawning steam, to a breathtaking waterfall. Here you can also explore the remains of the historic Wagner Mine and try your hand at gold panning. Stop by the Trading Post to browse and shop for Alaskan items.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a picturesque drive to pristine Mendenhall Lake, which lies just north of Juneau in the Tongass National Forest. Soon after arriving, you will ease into a two-person kayak and begin paddling across the lake’s crystal-clear water. You will find that the kayak is remarkably easy to navigate.

Your destination will be Mendenhall Glacier, one of dozens of glaciers that make up the Juneau Ice Field. While you will remain a safe distance away from Mendenhall Glacier, you will certainly be close enough to behold its staggering beauty.

Along the way, you may spot arctic terns nesting along the shore, eagles soaring overhead, and black bears and goats up in the hills among the Sitka spruce trees. Kayaking past Nugget Falls is another highlight, as it cascades into the lake next to the glacier.

Next, you will drive to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake for a sumptuous Alaskan feast. The dishes typically include fresh salmon grilled over alder wood, Parmesan chicken, Tongass wild rice pilaf, au gratin potatoes, and baked beans with reindeer sausage. The selection is characteristic of authentic Alaskan dishes and made with local ingredients. It’s all you can eat, so take your time, but be sure to leave room for blueberry cake for dessert.

After dining, you will return to the pier.

Catch gold fever on this panning adventure where gold is guaranteed! You’ll walk in the footsteps of Joe Juneau whose strike at Gold Creek set off the Alaska gold rush 130 years ago. Your prospector guide will provide a short city tour and lively narration with tall tales of the gold rush era en route to Gold Creek, the original spot where gold was discovered.

Your expert prospector will demonstrate gold panning techniques and you'll be off to the gold fields to strike it rich. Not only will you get to keep what you find, but you’ll also get a Gold Claim Certificate. Then, savor an all-you-can-eat Alaska salmon bake, including side dishes and dessert. Roast marshmallows over a campfire, enjoy musical entertainment and walk the trail to the waterfall and the remains of the historic Wagner Mine. You can shop at the Trading Post for Alaskan goods.