Planning an Alaska cruise? After more than 10 years cruising Alaska, here’s exactly what to pack for changing weather, glacier viewing, rainy port days, and comfortable onboard travel, including the must-have clothing, shoes, cabin essentials, and cruise accessories that actually make a difference.
Category Archives: Alaska
Explore Skagway: A Cruise Passengers’ Guide
A popular cruise port, Skagway has a fascinating history. Cruisers who stop in Skagway will find a town brimming with gold rush history, unique culture, and amazing opportunities for enjoying the state’s renowned natural beauty. Skagway is the northernmost point in Alaska’s Inside Passage, at the far end of Lynn Canal. Once the boomtown gateway to the Trail of ’98 and the Klondike gold fields, the population has now dwindled about 1,000 year-round citizens. In the summer, those numbers increase dramatically with over 1 Million cruise passengers visiting each season. Prior to 1896, Skagway was a Tlingit hunting and fishing area. In 1896, gold was discovered on a tributary of the Klondike River, about 600 miles from Skagway. After the Klondike gold rush began, the population of Skagway boomed to between 8,000 and 10,000. Many of the original buildings still exist, along with a raised wooden walkway. On June 28, 1900, Skagway became the first incorporated city of Alaska, beating Juneau by ONE day! Most cruise ships arriving in Skagway will dock at one of three locations right on the edge of town: Ore Dock, Railroad Dock or Broadway Dock. Railroad dock has been affected by rock slides the past few years. If your ship docks there, you may have to take a tender to shore, as the farthest end of the pier is not safe. What You Need to Know About Skagway Cruise Port The city of Skagway is within easy walking distance of the cruise port. There are many shore excursions to choose from, including the popular and historic White Pass Trail, that are accessible to cruise passengers. If you have not pre-booked, there will be vendors available onshore. Currency Although close to Canada, Skagway is located in Alaska (USA). The official currency is the USD (United States Dollar). Businesses in Skagway will accept cash, credit and debit cards. Language In Alaska, you might hear some unusual vernacular including “Lower 48” (the 48 contiguous United States), “break-up” (spring time when ice and snow finally melt) and “cheechako” (a newcomer), but the primary language is English. Time Zone Most of Alaska (including Skagway) is within the Alaska Standard Time Zone. Alaska Standard Time Zone is one hour behind Pacific Time and four hours behind the Eastern Time Zone. Weather Weather in Skagway will range from the 40s to the low 60s during Alaska cruise season. Skagway has the driest climate of any of the Southeast passage port towns, which means you will probably enjoy sunny weather during your visit. That being said, one of the wettest days I’ve had in Alaska was in Skagway. It was POURING! Also, due to the location at the end of the Lynn Canal and the configuration of the valley, Skagway tends to be windy. Tip: When considering what to wear on your Alaska cruise, dressing in layers is always a good idea. Mornings will start off cool, but the weather can warm up significantly later in the day. Getting Around Town It is very easy for cruisers to get around Skagway on foot. It’s only a short walk from the dock to downtown Skagway and the terrain is flat. Be careful of the elevated wooden walkways….it can be easy to trip on them if you aren’t looking. Overall, this city is very walkable. Public Transportation The Skagway Municipal And Regional Transit (SMART) offers a SMART shuttle bus. Their “Dock to Downtown” Loop runs every 15 minutes during cruise season. An all-day SMART bus pass costs $5 per person or you can pay $3 per person for a one-way pass. Car Rentals There aren’t many car rental options in this small town. DIY Jeep Tours is one innovative option that combines a rental car with a built-in tour guide. Each rental includes a CD that will give you mile-by-mile guide explaining historic and scenic spots. Other places to look for car rental are Expedia and Avis. Be sure to reserve your car as early as possible…there is a limited supply. In 2018, we rented a car for the day and made the trip on the Klondike Highway heading to the Yukon. There really isn’t any need to worry about getting lost…there is only one real road in and out of Skagway. Be sure to take your passports with you if you plan to cross into Canada! We made several stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and to stretch our legs. The driving was very easy, but there was some construction along the way, which slowed us down a little. Keep an eye on the time…you don’t want to miss the “all aboard”! Top Skagway Shore Excursions There are many activities to choose from in Skagway, but several of my favorites are the White Pass train, horseback riding, hiking and just wandering the town. White Pass and Yukon Route Railway Probably the #1 thing to do in Skagway is to take the White Pass train. The White Pass and Yukon Route opened on August 1, 1900 and is a narrow gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska with Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. It is an isolated system and has no direct connection to any other railroad. Recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the train gains nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles, and engineers faced harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain to make it happen. This honor is awarded to engineering feats like the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty. This breathtaking train ride will take you on the White Pass Summit route that gold miners took in 1898. You will see glaciers, waterfalls, mountains and even signs of the original Klondike trail worn into rocks. The train ride lasts from 2.5-2.75 hours and goes 40 miles round trip. You do not need your passport to ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (I recommend taking it just in case). Be sure to bring your camera! If this is your first Alaska cruise, the White Rail Pass is a shore excursion to definitelyContinueContinue reading “Explore Skagway: A Cruise Passengers’ Guide”
Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska
Nestled between towering mountains and the waters of the Inside Passage, Juneau is one of the most breathtaking destinations on an Alaska cruise itinerary. From spotting humpback whales and exploring glaciers to riding scenic tramways and sampling local breweries and distilleries, Juneau offers the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and small-town charm. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours on a cruise stop or spending several days exploring Alaska’s capital city, there are countless unforgettable experiences waiting around every corner. Here are some of the best things to do in Juneau, Alaska. Fun fact: Juneau – the capital of Alaska — is the only U.S. state capital you can’t drive to. The only way to reach it is by air or by water, whether that’s by ferry, private boat, or cruise ship. This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy, I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details. Some of my favorite things to do in Juneau include browsing the shops near the cruise docks, zip lining through the rainforest, taking a whale watching excursion, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and visiting the local breweries and distilleries. Located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier is part of the 5,815-acre Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area within the Tongass National Forest. There are several excellent ways to experience the glacier, including Mendenhall Glacier Trolley Tour, Mendenhall Glacier Express Tour, a Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching Tour or even Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour. Prefer to explore Juneau at your own pace? A self-guided walking tour is a fantastic way to discover the city’s history and culture. Stroll through downtown while visiting popular spots like Red Dog Saloon, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, and Amalga Distillery. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the gold rush era, Alaska Native heritage, and the unique architecture that gives Juneau its charm. Best of all, you can start, pause, and continue the tour whenever it fits your schedule. Ride the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway for some of the best views in Juneau! This scenic tramway lifts you 1,800 feet above the city in just five minutes from the cruise ship pier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Chilkat Mountains, the Gastineau Channel, downtown Juneau, Douglas Island, and the towering peaks of Admiralty Island. At the top, you can explore hiking trails, cultural exhibits, local artisan crafts, and nature displays while soaking in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Alaska. One of our all-time favorite excursions in Juneau was zip lining. It’s the perfect adventure if you’re looking to do something a little different while visiting Alaska. One of the most popular options is Alaska Canopy Adventures, a locally owned company offering an unforgettable experience on Douglas Island. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the Tongass National Forest as you make your way toward Eaglecrest Ski Area. From there, you’ll soar through the rainforest canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines, stopping at elevated platforms along the way to take in the incredible scenery and capture photos. The experience also includes crossing a suspension bridge over a rushing stream and ends with the chance to try axe throwing. The entire excursion lasts about three and a half hours and is an exciting way to experience Alaska’s wilderness from above Whale watching is easily one of my favorite excursions in Alaska. Seeing these incredible animals in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience and often becomes the highlight of an Alaska cruise. In Juneau, there are several tour options available, ranging from larger group cruises to more intimate private excursions. Many tours also offer combination experiences that include a visit to Mendenhall Glacier, allowing you to experience two of Juneau’s top attractions in one memorable outing. Looking for even more adventure in Juneau? A kayaking excursion with humpback whales is an unforgettable way to experience Alaska’s incredible wildlife and scenery up close. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride through the Inside Passage, where you’ll travel toward the whales’ feeding grounds while taking in breathtaking views of glaciers, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Once you arrive, you’ll hop into kayaks and paddle through the calm waters in search of humpback whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and other native wildlife. It’s an incredible combination of adventure, nature, and unforgettable Alaskan scenery. Is fishing in Alaska on your bucket list? A small-group salmon fishing excursion in Juneau is a fantastic way to experience Alaska’s famous fishing culture without heading out on the open ocean. This half-day shore fishing adventure lets you skip the possibility of seasickness while still enjoying a hands-on experience focused on catching salmon. Guides provide all the necessary equipment and helpful instruction, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Even better, any salmon you catch can be sent to a local fish processor and shipped directly to your home, so you can enjoy your Alaska catch long after your trip ends Did you know that Juneau has a thriving brewery and distillery scene? It’s a great destination for craft beer lovers looking to experience a local side of Alaska. One of the most popular stops is Alaskan Brewing Company — often called “ABC” by locals. Their downtown gear shop is a fun place to pick up souvenirs, clothing, and branded merchandise, and it also features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local brews. If you want the full brewery experience, head to the main brewery located about five miles from downtown Juneau and just a few miles from the airport. A complimentary shuttle makes getting there easy, and guests ages 21 and older can sample a rotating selection of more than 20 Alaskan beers on tap for a small tasting fee. Did you know Alaskan Brewing Company also produces a creative lineup of ready-to-drink canned beverages beyond beer? One standout from their innovative craft lineup is the Rainforest Gin & Tonic canned cocktail—a crisp, refreshing drink made with house-distilled gin and spruce-tip tonic inspired by Alaska’s coastal rainforest. In addition to their canned cocktails, Alaskan Brewing also offers hard seltzers with a distinctly Alaskan twist, often infused with local flavors like Sitka spruce tips. My favorite is distillery is AmalgaContinueContinue reading “Top Things to Do in Juneau, Alaska”