When you think of cruises, you might think of making a stop in Juneau. But if you go out of Juneau, you’ll have ample time to see the city and explore for a few days before boarding. Plus, there are some incredible cruises out of Juneau that stop at interesting ports and offer unique exploration opportunities.
If you’ve always dreamt of an Alaskan cruise and are finally ready to start booking it, here’s your lineup of the very best options that leave from Juneau.
Before you get too far into booking your cruise, know that the tourist season throughout most of Alaska and certainly Juneau is mid-May through mid-September. So if you’re looking to take part in certain excursions or activities during your travels, you’ll want to be sure you book within these timeframes when tourist attractions are open.
Given the short tourist season in the area, many attractions fill quickly. The sooner you book your travel and accommodations, the better experience you’ll likely have.
While many cruises are all about spending time in the sun on the upper deck and swimming, Alaskan cruises are more about seeing natural wonders. Plan for chilly weather with layering apparel and water-repelling outer layers. This will help you stay comfortable both on the ship and when you dock to explore.
Explore parts of the country you’ve only seen in travel brochures with an Alaskan cruise starting from Juneau. You won’t regret these incredible experiences. See both Alaska and Canada on some cruises as you make your way north on your cruise. Here’s a look at the seven best cruises starting from the port of Juneau.
Board the Seaborn Odyssey, a 650-foot boat with 229 suites. You’ll enjoy many outstanding amenities on the ship, including a card room, fitness center, salon, restaurants, cocktail and tea club, bars and more.
Though you start in Juneau, you experience many interesting ports, including;
Each port where you stop includes interesting landmarks and experiences you won’t want to miss.
Although the experience starts and ends on a cruise ship, much of your time is spent in the great outdoors through active and engaging Alaskan experiences. Don’t just see Alaska, experience it.
Throughout the experience, you’ll get close to fjords, get up close to glaciers, kayak near incredible marine life, watch whales breach and learn more about Tlingit culture.
Here’s a look at the cruise schedule.
Cruises run from mid-May until early September. But be aware that the cruise generally leaves from Juneau every other week and Sitka the other weeks so be sure you book your travel plans accordingly.
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION IN JUNEAU?
Experience Glacier Bay National Park in unique ways from a kayak, paddleboard or skiff. You’ll see the fjords, inlets and wildlife. Pause and take in Tongass National Forest as you experience Alaska like never before.
When it comes to exploring Alaska’s wonders, a week just isn’t enough. This 14-day experience helps ensure you don’t miss a thing. You’ll explore both by boat and shore on this cruise while seeing some incredible wonders.
The cruise starts from Juneau and ends in Ketchikan. Some stops worth noting include the following.
Cruises run from late April through mid-September.
When you don’t have the vacation time for a full week or you want to start your vacation with a few days exploring Juneau, this is a great cruise option that still takes you to the highlights along the Alaskan coastline.
While the cruise is more compact than some of the other options, you’ll still get to experience these incredible places along the way.
Cruises set sail from mid-May until early September.
Travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures will want to look into this cruise option. It is designed for the outdoorsy vacationer who wants to experience Alaska up close and personal. During this cruise, you’ll hike the rainforest, kayak the glacial fjords, explore Baranof Island and more. Your itinerary includes the following.
Take in the wildlife during this wilderness exploration. Spend 13 days on board the ship for an incredible exploration of Canada’s Inside Passage as well as Southeast Alaska. Take the tour from Seattle, Washington, or Juneau. Here’s a look at what you’ll see during this experience.
Don’t sweat whether your flight will arrive in time to board your Juneau cruise. Arrive a day in advance and stay at Juneau Hotel in downtown Juneau for ease of getting to the cruise docks. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Juneau, enjoy its unique cuisine and see some important landmarks. Book your stay now to start planning your cruise experience.
Further reading:
Learn about the many varying seasonal delights in Juneau. Check out the leading activities and events during each season of 2024.
Unsure how to navigate Juneau landscape but looking to book the ideal hotel location? Here’s your guide to the areas where hotels are located.
Planning to visit Mendenhall Glacier but don’t want tour expenses or constraints? Here’s how to reach the incredible glacier on your own.
