Juneau Port Excursions: Alaska On A Budget

Juneau Alaska cruise port excursions might well be one of the most unforgettable parts of your Alaska Inside Passage cruise. But you don't have to empty your wallet to experience many of the best attractions in Juneau.

Juneau, Alaska’s state capitol, is a small, quaint city of about 30,000. Juneau is situated on the amazing and breathtaking Inside Passage of Southern Alaska’s panhandle. In fact, Juneau is located on a section of the passage known as the Gastineau Channel, a narrow straight lined with towering mountain peaks on either side. The lush Alpine peaks lining the channel are often capped in snow, providing a magnificent setting for the city. Just beyond these peaks lies the mammoth Juneau Icefield, which is the most massive icefield in all of North America.

The slopes of peaks are covered with wonderfully lush temperate rainforest. Waterfalls decorate the sides of many of the mountains, fed both by glacier melt and by the frequent rainfall which keeps the region lush and green.

Visiting Juneau on a Budget

Many of the cruise ship port excursions out of Juneau can cost hundreds of dollars. Some are definitely worth the cost, if you can afford it. However, if you’re looking to stick to a tighter budget, it is still possible to visit several of the most breathtaking and unforgettable sights in Juneau. In fact, I have developed a port itinerary that can cost as little as $35 for an adult (and it costs even less for children). This itinerary will take you from a lush peak high above the city to what might well be the most amazing attraction in all of Juneau.

Your Juneau excursion starts immediately as you head off your ship at the docks near downtown. Keep an eye out for the building marked "Mt. Roberts Tramway". This kiosk is located at 490 S. Franklin Street, right next to the cruise ship docks. You can purchase tickets for the tramway at this kiosk for $24.95 per adult (with prices subject to change). A tramway car departs every ten minutes from this location. The tram takes you up 1,800 vertical feet from the docks below, your trip ending in a lush, beautiful pine rainforest.

The top of the tramway is home to a live bald eagle exhibit, nature center, theater, restaurant, and miles of beautiful trails for hiking. Check out the nature center and gift shop, then catch a film detailing native culture entitled Seeing Daylight in the theater adjacent to the nature center. Finally, you can enjoy a hike on one of the many available trails, which offer incredible views of the Gastineau Channel, the city of Juneau, and the endless panorama of snow-capped mountains.

Finally, take the tram back down to your ship. Grab lunch onboard and save the cost of eating in town.

Mendenhall Glacier Up Close and Personal

The huge Mendenhall Glacier is unique in that it is the lone glacier located within the limits of any city in North America.

Busses leave from the Juneau cruise ship docks for the glacier throughout the day, departing every half hour. Keep an eye out for busses labeled "Mendenhall Glacier Express". They are generally old school busses painted blue, and their fares are only about $5 each way. These busses take you directly to the Mendenhall Glacier visitor center. To be on the safe side, ask your bus driver to confirm the schedule for the return busses to the docks.

Starting at the visitor center, you can take a short hike to the pond in front of the glacier. This might well be the closest you will ever get to a glacier, and it is a great spot for photo ops.

You then have a number of wonderful different hikes to pick from, most of which start at the visitor center. If you are in pretty good shape and you have enough time, consider the East Glacier trail. This trail runs approximately three and a half miles in length and takes you through dense rainforest, past roaring waterfalls, and it affords you jaw-dropping views of the glacier from above.

If you are short on time, consider taking in the view from the tramway terminal, then skipping the hike atop Mt. Roberts. Then head to Mendenhall glacier for the above East Glacier trail hike – it is arguably the best short hike in Juneau.

Also, keep an eye out for grizzlies fishing for salmon in the small river below the lake, especially in later summer. Viewing grizzlies here can truly be an amazing and unforgettable sight.

Then, grab one of the return busses back to the docks, enjoying the views of downtown Juneau on your way. Thus you wrap up a wonderful and truly memorable day in the Alaska cruise ship port of Juneau. The total cost to you? Less than $35.