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Highlighting Juneau, Alaska:  Attractions, Things To Do & See

7/27/2013

1 Comment

 

Mt. Roberts Tramway

Tram Going Up Mountain
Overview:  
    The Mt. Roberts Tramway will take passengers up and then back down Mt. Roberts.  Tram tickets are usually valid for the entire day and are for unlimited rides.  The ground entrance to the tramway is located near the cruise ship docks and it is easy to find.  The ride up and down takes about 5 minutes each way.  At the top there is a nature center, gift shop, refreshment shop, walking trails, and a rescued bald eagle.  The views going up and down the tram are amazing!  This is a great time to get pictures of your cruise ship as well as Juneau, Alaska.  Also at the top there is wooden decking to allow for observation of the mountainside, ships, and town below.  This was my favorite Juneau attraction and I would enjoy to go back to Juneau and ride this tram to the top again.  
    For information about the 2014 season and what is included with admission please visit the Mt. Robert's Tramway website: 
http://mountrobertstramway.com/ You can also find more information that listed here on my website. 
Don't Forget To Bring These Things:
  • Camera -  The views going up and down on the tram are amazing and the view from the top is also amazing!  When going up or down this is the perfect chance to get a picture of your cruise ship from above.
  • Binoculars -  You may want to zoom in and look at something below.  Don't forget these!
  • Light Coat -   The temperatures at the top can be slightly cooler than on the ground.  You may already be dressed for cold weather, but if you are dressed for warm weather you might want to bring a light coat in case you get cold at the top.
  • Good Walking Shoes -  You may decide to do the walking trails.  The walking trails are very private and have many uneven surfaces to walk on.
Caution:
   Be very careful on the walking trails.  The surfaces are uneven and in some places there are no railings.  If you get hurt you may not be heard or get immediate help.  Travel in a group.  Remember that you will probably encounter wildlife, maybe even a bear. You should probably bring water, take a map,  and use caution!  Check out this page on the tramway's website about hiking information and safety tips.
  Click Here to Visit. 

    If you are worried about mobility or accessibility on the tramway or mountaintop experience call or email the Mt. Robert's Tramway company and ask questions.  Don't buy your ticket and then realize that you won't be able to see anything.  I think for the most part that the mobility for wheelchairs is fine, but you probably want to make sure for yourself. 

    If the weather is not favorable you might not want to do this attraction due to the chance of not seeing anything below.  The tram ride may be expensive to some so you want to make sure you are getting the best value for your money!

Want to get a taste of the tramway now? 
    I enjoyed the ride so much that I filmed the entire ride going down and posted it on You-Tube.
Click Here To View the Video

Carnival Miracle Below
Tram Car
View of River Below
View of Juneau Below
Eagle
Tram Car Going Down

Whale Watching Tours 

Whale
Overview:
     Taking a whale watching tour is great for people who enjoy seeing whales or natural wildlife.  Although there are times when you can see whales from the cruise ship, if you really want to get close to the whales, it may be worth the money for you to go on a whale watching boat that takes you to the whales.  There are two ways for you to purchase a whale watching tour.  The first option is to purchase the tour on your cruise ship.  Booking an excursion or tour from the cruise ship is usually more expensive because the cruise line makes a profit from all sales.  The second option is to book through a tour operator in the city.  This option is usually cheaper than the first, but keep in mind that the ship will probably not wait if you get delayed because of the tour.  
    Many cruise line sponsored excursions and some independent excursions offer a full refund guarantee if not a single whale is spotted.  The chances of this are highly unlikely.  
    There are a variety of excursions and tours that relate to whale watching.  Some tours are longer and some tours are shorter than others.  Research the tour you plan on taking.  Prices for whale watching tours will vary and can be expensive depending on the tour you take.
Don't  Forget To Bring These Things to Your Whale Watching Tour
  • Camera  -  You will probably want to take lots of whale pictures to remember your experience.  Also consider bringing an extra pair of batteries incase your batteries die in your camera. 
  • Binoculars -  You may want to get a close up view of a whale or a bunch of whales! 
Dressing For Your Whale Watching Tour 
    Some whale watching tour boats have inside/outside viewing areas, only inside areas, and only outside areas.  You need to make sure you are dressed for any type of weather condition.  For rainy days you might want to wear a poncho. For cold temperatures you might want to wear a heavy coat and dress using warm clothes.  For warm temperatures you might want to wear a t-shirt and some light clothing.  Research the weather before your day in Juneau to help yourself prepare for temperatures and weather conditions.


Whale Tail
Wildlife on Buoy
Buildings on Shoreline

Alaska State Capitol Tour

Inside State Capitol
Overview:
    Are you looking for something fun, free, and educational to do while your cruise ship is docked in Juneau?  A tour that I took and recommend to anyone interested is the Alaska State Capitol tour. According to the Alaska State Legislature's website free guided tours are offered May 14-September 18 on all week days (different hours on certain days).  Tours typically last about 30 minutes in duration, so this tour can fit into a tight port of call day activity schedule. 


More Information About This Tour:
To learn more about this tour you will have to click this link and leave my website:
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/misc/capitol.php 
To view the Capitol Tour Brochure you will have to click this link and leave my website:
http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/docs/pdf/capitol_tour.pdf
Words of Caution: 
    The Alaska State Capitol does not have a dome like many other state capitols.  The building looks like a regular building and can blend in.  Before leaving home you might want to get an address, phone number, and a map of how to get to the capitol building.  If you are going to walk to the capitol make sure you prepare your walking path and if you are going to get transported to the capitol make sure you choose a reliable company, driver, and source of transportation.

Large Desk With Microphones
Hallway
Front of Meeting Area

Mendenhall Glacier/Nugget Falls

Mendenhall Glacier
Overview:
    This is a great attraction for people who enjoy nature, scenery, and glaciers.  There are two main ways that you can get to this attraction. The first way is that you can book an excursion onboard the cruise ship.  The second way to book this attraction is to book a tour off the ship in Juneau.  If you walk off the ship and into the town you should see places where you can get tickets to ride the shuttle bus.  The cost of the shuttle may vary by tour operator.    The shuttle will drop people off at the visitor's center which is about 1.5 miles away from the glacier. Make sure you learn how often your shuttle runs and what time the last shuttle departs for you to get back on the ship on time.  The drive time to and from the glacier will vary, but if traffic is light the ride should only last about 15-20 minutes. 
I got some of this information from the USDA Forest Service website.  Here is their website link:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5401451 
Don't Forget To Bring These Things:
  • Camera  -  You will probably want to take many pictures of the glacier and the surrounding area.  These pictures could make a good desktop background image or a good screensaver. 
  • Light Coat/Warm Clothing -  You are going to be near a glacier!  The temperature will most likely be cooler than the other areas of the city.  Dress prepared!
  • Good Walking Shoes  -  Be prepared to walk a long distance!
  • Binoculars - You never know when you will see wildlife or something worth zooming in on!
Caution:
    Research transportation options for this attraction.  Make sure you choose a reliable shuttle company.   If the weather is going to be bad you might want consider avoiding this attraction.

Nugget Falls
Mendenhall Glacier
***  Notes:    I have tried to provide up to date information on this page about the attractions, but the information is subject to change or be incorrect.  I am not responsible for any incorrect information or actions you take based off this information. You should independently verify information before making decisions. 
    All attractions on this blog post were posted voluntarily and are not paid advertisements.  
    I am not responsible for the links to other websites provided on this page.  Click links at your own risk.
    If you discover that this information has changed or needs updating please write to me via the Contact Us page! 
Links For Further Information Research (External Non-Website Links):
Mt. Robert's Tramway Website:  
http://mountrobertstramway.com/
Mendenhall Glacier:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5401451 
Alaska State Capitol Tour:  http://w3.legis.state.ak.us/misc/capitol.php 
Juneau Tourism Website Link:   http://www.traveljuneau.com/ 
Whale Watching Tours:   Since there many operators please look up your tour operator's website for any information about whale watching attractions.
1 Comment

Packing For An Alaska Cruise

7/19/2013

 
Essential Items Needed To Cruise
  • Travel Documentation  -  (Passports, Valid Photo Identification, Visas, & Other Required Documents)
  • Medication -  (Prescription, Needed Over-The Counter, & Medical Equipment)
  • Insurance Information -  (Medical Coverage Info, Travel Coverage, etc.)
  • Money -  (Cash and/or Credit Cards)
  • Emergency Contact Information
Things to Bring For An Alaska Cruise
  • Binoculars 
        Many people cruise to Alaska to see nature & wildlife. Bringing a pair of binoculars will allow you to zoom in on what you are seeing and these can help you spot wildlife that you otherwise would not have been able to see.
  • Camera 
        Don't forget a camera!  You will probably have many opportunities to take great photos of scenery, maybe wildlife, ports of call, and people you are traveling with.  If you are bringing a camera you might want to bring a memory card that can hold a lot of pictures, extra batteries, and a battery charger to charge your batteries when they run out of power.  If you have zoom lenses for your camera don't forget these.
  • Umbrella & Ponchos 
        Alaska is typically a wet & rainy place!  The weather is unpredictable and one minute you could be in sunshine and the next it could be pouring! 
  • Scotch Guard Your Shoes
        This will help protect your shoes when they get wet.  Hopefully you will have nice sunny weather, but if it rains your shoes may get soaked. 
  • Sunscreen
        You can still get sunburned in Alaska (personal experience)! Bring some sunscreen to help protect yourself from u/v rays and harmful rays.  You will especially want this if you plan on being outside a lot during the cruise or on scenic cruising days.
Clothing to Bring For An Alaska Cruise Vacation
As I mentioned above the weather for Alaska can be unpredictable.  The temperatures can be unseasonably high or low sometimes in Alaska.  To help yourself packing you can check many different weather forecasts before you leave to see what the expected chance of rain is and to see the expected highs and lows.  However, keep in mind a forecast is only a prediction.  You need to come prepared for cold & warm weather.  Remember you can layer clothing and remove layers that you don't need if the temperature is too warm.
Here are some items/things you might want to consider bringing with you:
  • Hat/Cap
        You will want this to help protect your forehead if the sun is bright. You could also use these clothing items to help keep your head warm in cold weather.
  • Jacket (Light or Heavy)
        When the weather is cold in Alaska you will want to wear a jacket. The heaviness of the jacket should depend on the temperature and your comfort in cold weather. If the weather is warm or hot you will probably want to leave your jacket in your suitcase or cabin closet.
  • Shirts
        You should bring some shirts for warm & cold weather!  Pack some long-sleeved shirts for cold temperatures and bring some t-shirts for warm temperatures.  Bringing some of both type will allow you to be prepared for any temperature that you could be in.
  • Shorts/Jeans
        You can bring some shorts for warm weather and some jeans for cold weather.  I consider these items to be casual wear.
  • Formal Night Clothes
        Don't forget to pack for formal night!  How you pack for formal night is up to you.  Make sure you wear nice clothes.  Some men wear suits & ties and some women wear nice dresses. 
  • Underwear
        Don't forget this!  Whether you bring regular or thermal is up to you.
  • Shoes & Socks
        Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in!  You might want to bring a pair of tennis shoes.  Bring some short and long socks so you can adapt to the weather.
  • Ear Muffs & Scarfs 
        You will probably want to wear these if the weather is cold. 
Don't Overpack For Your Cruise!
    Make sure you do not pack what you do not need for your cruise.  If you are flying on an airplane keep in mind your airline's luggage weight and suitcase size restrictions.  Also make sure you are aware of your cruise line's suitcase size & weight policy.  

    This packing information is a general guideline and what & how you pack is up to you.  Packing will vary by person because of different interests, activities, shore excursions, and needs.

Other Blog Posts About Alaska That I've Written:
Should I Get A Balcony Stateroom For My Alaska Cruise?

Highlighting Juneau, Alaska: Attractions, Things to Do & See

Return to Cruise Blog Main Page              Return to Website Homepage

What Does A Typical Port of Call Day Look Like?

7/16/2013

 
Cozumel Mexico Pier
        What does a typical port of call day look like?  You've probably seen my pages on what to expect during embarkation and what to expect on the first day, but I have not addressed this day of the cruise.  The way your day in a port of call will look  is dependent on whether or not your ship is on schedule, what you want to do, the weather, and how much time you have in the port of call.   The information that I give below is what a typical port day on all of my cruises look like:

            On the port of call days many passengers wake up early and are at breakfast when the lines open. Many ships serve breakfast earlier on port of call days to accommodate guests with early shore excursions or the guests who want to get off the ship quickly.  I have always felt that breakfast on a port of call day is rushed and many crew are stationed in the buffet to make breakfast a quick process.   
              As your ship gets closer to port, you will probably start to see land in the distance or up close.  After breakfast or before breakfast (for some) many passengers who are not getting off first will be on the outside decks watching the scenery go by as the ship docks.  I am always one of the passengers that eats breakfast and then I go and find a spot on the outside decks to get pictures of the port as the ship pulls in. 
               If you are taking a shore excursion or shore tour that is early you will want to make sure you are ready to get off by the time the ship is docked.  Many passengers who are in this situation are usually waiting on one of the bottom decks in line to get off.  Make sure if you are taking a shore excursion or tour that you give yourself plenty of time to insure you arrive to your excursion on-time.  You don't want to miss your excursion!
               During your day in the port of call make sure you are aware of the time and when you are required to get back on the ship.   During your day in port, depending on what you do, you may have time to shop, take pictures, go to the beach, or take a shore excursion.  
                When the time to get back onboard approaches the line on the pier to get back onboard the ship will probably grow.  Passengers may have to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.  The line is so long because cruise lines scan guest cards and usually have a security checkpoint set up that all guests have to go through.   
                 Your cruise ship may or may not wait on late guests.  Typically once the ship has pulled away from the pier it is not going back to get any passengers who are late.  If a guest is lucky the ship will go back for them or wait on them.  Right before the ship leaves port you may see "pier runners" who are running to make the ship before it leaves.   
                   Typically after a full day in a port of call the ship has many "dead" areas because most guests are tired from a long day in port.  Usually the main dining room is a little less full and onboard hubs have a little less people. 
                      Make sure you know your ship's schedule for the day in port, make sure you stay on ship's time, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back onboard. Be back onboard by your designated time and watch the pier to see if you get to see anybody try to run and catch the ship! 

First Blog Post After Blog's Restart

7/15/2013

 
First of all let me start by welcoming you to my cruise guide website.  The goal of this website is to help people learn about cruising, gather cruise information, and help people prepare for their cruise vacation.  I hope you are finding the information on the website relevant, useful, and easy to understand.  If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact me through the form on the Contact Us page.  
    The page you are currently on is the Cruise Blog.  The goal of the cruise blog is to discuss cruising further, discuss travel, and information that is not already posted in one of the guide's articles.  There is no set schedule to this cruise blog, but my goal is to update this blog regularly.  To keep the blog easy to navigate I will be removing some posts after one or two months and adding the information to another area of the website.  The information should still be available online, but in a different place.  
    Thank you for checking out the cruise blog and website and come back again!  New information will be added constantly and information will be updated in order to keep everything on this website relevant to cruising
today.
    Thank you,
    RyG's Cruise Guide Webmaster

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RyG's Cruise Guide is not affiliated with any cruise line or travel organization. Any information is subject to change at any time given that the cruise industry is always changing. Due to the Covid pandemic, crew staffing shortages, and supply chain issues information could change without updates being made here. I always recommend checking with your cruise line for the latest information related to onboard amenities and Covid protocols. 

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