Juneau Journals

Alaska: Cruise to Alaska's Inside Passage

An August 2000 trip to Juneau by kylebarber

Mount Roberts Tramway Photo - Mount Roberts Tramway, Juneau, Alaska More Photos
Quote: My father and I went on our first cruise aboard Celebrity's Galaxy to Alaska to witness the beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage in late summer.

Alaska: Cruise to Alaska's Inside Passage

Overview

Inside Passage Photo - Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
The highlights of the trip primarily occurred on the optional (and rather expensive) land excursions. My favorite activity was boarding the narrow gauge train in Skagway, ascending up the White Pass to the Tormented Valley, then biking down 3300 feet from the Klondike Summit. On a kayaking trip in Haines we approached a black bear fishing on a nearby shore. Climbing a lumberjack pole in Ketchikan took far more time and energy than I suspected. Taking the steep tram ride up Mount Roberts offered great views and peace and quiet from the bustle of the cruise ship.Quick Tips: Book your land excursions before departing on a cruise!! Everything sells out quickly once you are aboard the ship. ...Read More

Red Dog Saloon

Restaurant

Quote:
The food and drinks are nothing special, but the atmosphere in the old-fashioned saloon harks back to the Gold Rush era and provides a welcome respite to cruise ship buffet lines. The live music had the large tourist crowd singing along and smiling a great deal.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 11, 2000

Red Dog Saloon
278 South Franklin Street
Juneau, Alaska 99801
(907) 463-3658

Forest hike Photo - Douglas Island Bike Tour, Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
After taking a van ride high up into a the forest of Douglas Island, we began a descent through old growth forests, swampy areas and pine tree dotted fields. Hitting sea level, we biked four more miles along the water and saw the Mendenhall Glacier and Chilkat mountain range. This was a pretty easy bike ride, but the variety of sights made it worthwhile. The guides were young but quite knowledgeable and kept the group moving at a fair pace.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 10, 2000

Douglas Island Bike Tour
Departs from the cruise ship docks
Juneau, Alaska

Stopping at a waterfall on the bike ride down Photo - White Pass Scenic Railway / Bike Tour, Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
If you don't wish to or are unable to bike down the mountains, you can still enjoy the train ride and take a van back to Skagway. This option also saves you money if you are strapped for cash. Serious bikers may be frustrated sticking with the group, which can be slow going at times.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on November 10, 2000

White Pass Scenic Railway / Bike Tour
center of Juneau
Juneau, Alaska
(907) 983-2217

A bear! Photo - Chilkoot Lake Kayak Tour, Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
The group was extremely large and of widely varying skill level. In addition, the expedition leader was very controlling and intolerant of some participants. But...we saw a bear! The lake was quite beautiful and going at dusk made for an interesting twist after similar daytime kayaking trips. I would recommend investigating possible independent canoe rentals and going on your own to this beautiful lake.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 10, 2000

Chilkoot Lake Kayak Tour
1183 Haines Hwy
Juneau, Alaska 99827
907-766-2891

Sea Kayaking

Attraction

Quote:
This tour group was much too large and consisted of many people who lacked basic strength and navigational skills to cross the Tongass Narrows in a timely fashion. Despite my frustration with the organized tour, we saw many bald eagles up close from our kayaks.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 10, 2000

Sea Kayaking
Departs from the cruise ship docks
Juneau, Alaska

Mount Roberts Tramway Photo - Mount Roberts Tramway, Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
I was surprised at the quality of this excursion so close to the town. The trails were nice and the views down below Juneau and the water were spectacular. I'm glad that I overcame my initial hesitation to fork over the steep admission price for the tram.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 10, 2000

Mount Roberts Tramway
490 S Franklin St
Juneau, Alaska 99801
(907) 463-3412

Celebrity Cruises - Galaxy

Attraction | "Celebrity's Galaxy"

Inside Passage Photo - Celebrity Cruises - Galaxy, Juneau, Alaska
Quote:
If you enjoy cruises, you'd probably be happy aboard the Galaxy. I quickly realized that it is not the best way for me to explore a new destination or to relax. The regimented dining rules and dress code were uncomfortable for a New Yorker who is used to dining whenever he cared to. The entertainment seemed to be a big hit with most of the passengers, but then again, I don't think I matched up with the Celebrity passenger demographic. One thing to argue in favor of the cruise ship experience: Alaska is expensive to see and get around, and we saw pretty much all of the Inside Passage for under $1000 each.

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on November 11, 2000

Celebrity Cruises - Galaxy
Departs from Vancouver, BC
Juneau, Alaska
(800) 722-5941