Scenic Juneau & Hatchery
Juneau, Alaska
Duration 2 1/4 hrs
- Adult from: $119.00 USD
- Child from: $89.00 USD
From | Message | Reservation # | Date | |
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Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Reserve your dining now | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 | |
Norwegian Communications Center | Norwegian Communications Center Don’t Lose Your Reservation! | 25422881 | Apr 1, 2014 |
*Terms & Conditions
Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.
Duration 2 1/4 hrs
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.
Duration 3 3/4 hrs
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.
Duration 3 1/4 hrs
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.
Duration 4 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 4 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 2 hrs
OVERVIEW
Sample a remarkable variety of seafood at iconic downtown destinations and learn about the sustainable practices that protect Alaska’s fishing grounds. Fittingly, you will begin at a memorial dedicated to the commercial fishermen and women who lost their lives at sea. A short walk will bring you to Taku Smokeries for a tasting of smoked king salmon, the largest of the Pacific salmon. More succulent seafood awaits you at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, where you will enjoy king crab bisque and a crab cake. At nearby Taste Alaska! you will snack on smoked salmon dip, smoked salmon caviar and kelp salsa with chips. There is simply no end to the ways that the local seafood can be prepared as you will discover at Deckhand Dave’s, where you will be served tacos made with rockfish, a mild slightly sweet-tasting species. You will also sample halibut ceviche and a blueberry mojito at the Crystal Saloon.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a generous sampling of Alaskan seafood at places that the locals love.
• Sample smoked salmon by itself, in a dip and even as caviar.
• Taste a king crab cake and a bisque made with king crab.
• Dine on other innovative seafood dishes, including halibut ceviche and rockfish tacos.
• Hear about Alaska’s strict sustainable fishing practices while walking between restaurants.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 5 hrs
OVERVIEW
Cruise to the Channel Islands State Marine Park and then ease into a tandem kayak to observe the abundant wildlife, whose star attractions are humpback whales. To reach the uninhabited islands within the marine park, you will cruise through Lynn Canal in a small boat that will offer panoramic views of the snow-capped Coastal and Chugach Mountain Ranges. Although the natural beauty will be undeniably breathtaking, few sights can compare to watching massive humpback whales feeding on krill and small fish to fatten up for their migration south. Observing the spectacle in an open kayak from a close but safe distance will make the experience even more special. These waters are among the richest feeding grounds in Alaska, so the chance of spotting whales, orcas, porpoises and Stellar sea lions is excellent. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles overhead and Sitka black-tail deer along the shore.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise through the incredibly scenic Lynn Canal to the Channel Islands State Marine Park.
• Paddle a tandem kayak around the uninhabited islands within the marine park.
• Look for humpback whales, porpoises, Stellar sea lions and harbor seals.
• Scan the sky for majestic bald eagles and other avian species.
• Hear fascinating facts about the wildlife and the history of the area
HELPFUL HINTS
• Guests will be entering the temperate rainforest and ocean environment, dress accordingly Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 3 hrs
OVERVIEW
Look for whales and other marine life while cruising through the pristine waters not far off from port, a luxury that most other destinations can’t offer. The bays, channels and passages within just minutes of Juneau are teeming with marine life, none more spectacular to watch than humpback whales. They put on quite the show while feeding on massive amounts of shrimp-like krill, their favorite food. A single humpback whale can eat a literal ton of these tiny creatures in one day using its baleen – a sort of strainer attached to its upper jaw – to separate the krill from the water. Sometimes, several humpback whales work together in a behavior known as bubble-net feeding to push the krill into a giant ball before consuming them from underneath right before breaching the water’s surface. It is a spectacular display of the power, beauty and ingenuity of these extraordinary marine mammals.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise into the waters just off Juneau and look for marine life, especially humpback whales.
• Hear commentary about the animals that inhabit the waters surrounding Juneau.
• Enjoy whale watching in a time frame that allows for exploration of other areas in Juneau.
HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.
Duration 5 1/2 hrs
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.
Duration 5 hrs
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.
Duration 4 hrs
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.
Duration 1 1/2 hrs
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.
*Prices vary by ship and sail date. See Terms & Conditions
NCL makes arrangements for Guests for shore excursions solely for the convenience of the Guest; NCL does not act on behalf of or supervise the parties or persons who own, furnish, or operate such excursions, and the same are provided by independent contractors. NCL assumes no responsibility for, nor guarantees the performance of, any such excursion provider, and Guests acknowledge that NCL shall not be liable for losses or injuries arising from the acts or omissions of such provider.
Participation in activities and excursions may involve physical exertion, and may be potentially hazardous or dangerous. It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether you are capable of engaging in any activity. Participation in any activity or excursion is at your own risk.
Photographs are for illustration purposes only used to represent the excursion experience and may not accurately depict the excursion, location, or activity indicated.
Our group shore excursions are offered in English. Depending on the booking situation, various excursions are also offered in German, Spanish, French, Italian or Russian (minimum number of 30 participants). The tours offered may vary from cruise to cruise. Please see the detailed information for your shore excursion on board.