Cruise Holidays To Alaska - Juneau

Overview

Juneau is the capital of Alaska, yet it's inaccessible by land. The only way to arrive is by ship or seaplane. Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts rear up 3,000 feet behind the small town, snow-clad in winter and criss-crossed with hiking trails in summer. The town still has a real frontier feel; it was founded by two gold prospectors in 1880.

The cruise ship terminal, which can (and does) take up to four big ships at once, is an easy walk from the small downtown area and the Mount Roberts tramway, a cable car that whisks you up the mountain for spectacular views on a clear day. The other thing to see is the Mendenhall Glacier, 13 miles north of town. Either book an excursion or take the local shuttle bus. There's a visitor centre and walking trails in the park, where a huge, creaking glacier edges slowly into a lake, in which you can paddle among chunks of ice.

Other activities in town include the Alaska State Museum for Native American culture, as well as shops and traditional saloons. All cruise lines offer adventure excursions, including 'flightseeing' by helicopter, walking and outdoor salmon bakes.