Norwegian Sun Ship Review
We sailed onboard the Norwegian Sun in June of 2023, for a 9 day Southern Alaska cruise. This is our honest review of the ship.
Tag: alaska cruise
Alaska Cruise Day at Sea
Our first full day on our 9 day Southern Alaska cruise, onboard the Norwegian Sun. Today is an at sea day as we cruise up to Ketchikan.
Cruise Port Guide: Juneau
Juneau is one of the most popular spots to visit on an Alaska cruise, and it happens to be the Capital city. A lot of visitors are shocked to learn that Downtown Juneau is located at the base of Mount Juneau, which adds to the beautiful surrounding landscapes. It is not possible to drive to Juneau, you have to take a boat or plane at some point in your journey here.
Getting around Juneau is relatively easy. If you’re fit and ready to go, it is an easily walkable town. Juneau has a city bus service, called Capital Transit, that you can take to navigate the Downtown area. It is mentioned in most other blogs that you can rent a car, but unless you have somewhere specific you want to go or have mobility issues, that is not necessary. If you’re interested in going to Mendenhall Glacier, I’ll go over getting there in the excursions section.
to do in downtown juneau
Mt.Roberts Aerial Tramway
Also known as the Goldbelt Tram, the aerial tramway will take you 1800 feet up Mt. Roberts to the summit terminal. There is a restaurant, theater, and store that you can visit while you’re up there. If you’re up for it you could also connect to a few different hiking trails while you’re up there. On a clear day you will have a vast view of the valley below, and on a cloudy day you may have very limited visibility. I would suggest waiting to buy your tickets until the day of, and purchase them directly through the Goldbelt Tram. If you do go this route you will risk them selling out, and you’ll still want to get them early in the day.
Sealaska Heritage Institute
The Sealaska Heritage Institute is a Native nonprofit that promotes cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding. The museum inside rotates exhibits, and admission is $7 per person. The Sealaska Heritage Institute is much more than a simple stop; however, there are educational programs, lecture series and so much more. Stop into the store one the way out to support the local communities.
Visit Tahku
Tahku is the giant (life sized) bronze Humpback whale sculpture near Juneau’s waterfront. Tahku was commissioned to celebrate Alaska’s 50th year of statehood. While you’re visiting Tahku, take a walk on the boardwalk next door.
Take a Self Guided Brewery Tour
Juneau has a few breweries within walking distance of the port and each other that make for a great afternoon. Check out Devil’s Club Brewing Company, Alaska Brewing Co., and Barnaby Brewing Company.
Visit the Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon is a cruise port staple. It originated in the mining era and gives off saloon vibes to this day. When you visit you’ll notice the oddities on the walls, tight seating area and fun atmosphere. If you’re looking for quiet I wouldn’t recommend it..
best excursions
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is a breathtaking stop that you have to make if you have the opportunity. There are several ways you can get there, via self tour, guided tour, or part of combination excursion. If you take a guided tour you won’t have to worry about transportation. If you plan on visiting on your own you will need to get your own transportation.
You can take a taxi or a direct shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll notice that I didn’t mention taking the local bus. The local bus is mostly for Downtown transportation, it takes an hour and a half one way to Mendenhall Glacier. That is roughly triple the amount of time it would take if you took a direct “Mendenhall Glacier” shuttle. It is around $45 round trip per person to take a cruise line based, direct shuttle. You don’t have to book tickets in advance, but I would recommend you buy your tickets right when you get off your ship. There will be booths lining the dock where the ships let off, and there will be one for the “Blue Bus” which is the shuttle company to Mendenhall.
Once you get there you can visit visitor center or take a walk down to Nugget Falls. Nugget Falls is the famous waterfall right next to the glacier. The walk there is roughly three quarters of a mile and mostly flat, stable ground until you get to the beach.
Whale Watching
Juneau is located in a prime whale watching area and makes for a fantastic day. Guided whale watching tours are a great way to learn about the area’s wildlife and geography. Be sure to choose a company with an outdoor viewing platform as well as indoor seating if possible. This will give you the best opportunity to see a whale-because you can move around if you’re on the wrong side of the boat!
Boating
This category is simply boating because Juneau has a lot to offer via boat. There are zodiac, raft, and kayak adventures offered by a plethora of companies as well as cruise lines. Getting out on a boat in Juneau is one of the top rated excursion activities offered.
Juneau is a great cruise port with plenty of things to do. In our personal opinion-based on our experiences and preferences- we think it is best to either dedicate the day to exploring downtown or booking an excursion to do for at least part of the day. On our trip we explored downtown a little too quickly and were left with the rest of the day to find things to do (even after viewing Mendenhall Glacier). We wished we booked a whale watching tour in the afternoon. Regardless, if you have a plan you’ll have a great day here!
Cruising Glacier Bay National Park
Many visitors see Glacier Bay National Park from a cruise ship. This guide will help prepare you for cruise day!
Cruise Port Guide: Icy Strait Point
A cruise port guide to create your own perfect day at Icy Strait Point, Alaska.
Cruise Port Guide: Skagway
Skagway is the most northern deep water, ice-free port in North America. Given Skagway’s location and geographic benefits the port town provides year round transportation access from the mainland United States to the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories. In the summer months Skagway is a very popular cruise port that is visited by most cruise lines.
The Klondike Gold Rush created the town that Skagway is today. Gold was found in the Klondike in 1896 and the first round of prospectors arrived in 1897. As the population of Skagway grew the town’s reputation began to shift into the “Wild West”. The route to the Yukon was no easy trek, and many miners lost their lives to it. In 1898 construction began on the Whitepass and Yukon Route Railway. Unfortunately in 1899 the economy began to decline in Skagway and the gold rush was coming to an end. In 1900 when the railroad was completed the primary use of the railroad was for transportation and freight of other ores.
Today, Skagway is a great place to view living history. The town has kept several landmarks as they were back in the Gold Rush. It feels like you’re stepping back in time, but with all the modern amenities of still being on vacation.
Getting AROUND skagway
Skagway is longer than it is wide, sitting in a valley between mountains. Cruise ships dock right at the edge of town making it easy to explore. You don’t need to rent a car, take a taxi or even a bus to see everything downtown. It is an incredibly easy town to walk to the end of and back.
Things to do in town
Brush up on History at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
Grab lunch the Red Onion Saloon
Visit the Gold Rush Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Alaska
Take a photo of the Arctic Brotherhood Hall
Have a beer at Skagway Brewing Company
Best skagway excursions
wHITE PASS AND YUKON ROUTE RAILWAY
The White Pass Summit Excursion is the most popular train ride for cruise line guests. The tour is roughly three hours long and takes you 40 miles round trip to the White Pass summit on the Canadian border. You’ll pass through two tunnels and over Cantilever Bridge. The view from the train is absolutely stunning the entire trip.
You will want to sit on the left side of the train as you leave the station for the best views. If you are able to swap to the right side of the train on the way back down the mountain you should. Most cruise lines will let you book this directly through them, but you can also book through the railroad’s website. We did this when we went and it worked out well. You will just need to board the train at the train depot in town instead of directly off the dock by the cruise ships.
vISIT A MUSHERS CAMP
Dog mushing is the Alaska State sport, and a fun activity for the whole family. There are multiple excursion outlets to choose from if you want to try it out. Due to the cruising season being in the summer you won’t be able to use sleds, but rather wheeled carts that the dogs pull for training.
yukon driving tours
Take a beautiful sight seeing day taking a driving tour up the Klondike Highway. The most famous stop is the “Yukon Territory” sign by the Canadian border. Some tours end before you cross the Canadian border, and others will take you into Caracross, Yukon and you will need your passport. Beware which tour you choose and be sure to go prepared.
Hike
Lower Dewey Lake
3 Miles Round Trip
The entrance to the trail is located by the Whitepass and Yukon Railway tracks and you’ll need to cross them to start the hike. The trail starts out steep but levels out after the initial climb. There are picnic tables around the lake and even some kayaks and canoes to take out.
Upper Dewey Lake
5 Miles Round Trip
The Upper Dewey Lake trail starts in the same spot as the Lower Dewey Lake trail, but you will continue by Lower Dewey Lake instead of going around it. It is a beautiful forested trail and has amazing views of the harbor on a clear day.
Yakutania Point and Smugglers Cove
1.4 Miles Round Trip
This trail takes you across a footbridge on the edge of town, into a forested path along the coast. The beach at the end of the trail is a great place to have a picnic or hang out on a sunny day. The beach is a bit rocky so it is not great for spreading out.
Cruise Port Guide: Ketchikan
Ketchikan is the southernmost Alaskan cruise port and the Salmon capitol of the world. This guide is designed to help you plan your perfect port day.