Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Juneau Alaska is the most visited port city on the entire Alaskan cruise route. The city is set in an absolutely scenic area, on a thin salt water channel, surrounded on all sides by enormous, lush peaks and vast glaciers.

If you are scheduling a voyage to Alaska, it's very likely that you will be anchoring in Juneau. Having participated in an Alaskan cruise and visited Juneau, I decided to compile the following ranking of the five most amazing shore trips in the port of Juneau.

1.Mt. Roberts Aerial Tram

Mt. Roberts Tram ride is a low-cost option that is nonetheless one of the most popular tours in Juneau. The tram picks you up from the waterfront right by the cruise docks, whisks you from the port below up into the verdant peaks of the jagged range, allowing you breathtaking views along the journey.From the top of the tramway, the panorama is beyond words, and there are many activities for all ages and abilities, from hiking to nature walks.

2. Four Glacier Helicopter Adventure

You will tour four special and equally impressive glaciers on this voyage, from the Hole-in-the-Wall Glacier, which is world-famous for its incredible ice towers to the shrinking Norris Glacier to the ever-advancing Taku Glacier to a totally unique floating glacier.These glaciers are in reality rivers of ice and are evolving constantly, always creating new sights to behold. This simply is utterly unique and unforgettable adventure.

3. Mendenhall River Rafting Adventure

This is another trip you will never forget. You'll hop on a bus for a trip from the ship to the ranger station at the bottom of the incredibly large Medenhall Glacier. There, you will get on a river raft for a journey down the Mendenhall River that will whisk you past the very large face of the glacier. Along your trip, you'll spectacular scenery and enjoy some amazing wildlife too.This is a perfect tour for everyone in your family , from young ones to older people.

4. Helicopter Trek of the Glaciers

On this adventure, you'll go on a half-hour heli-tour which gives you some of the best and most amazing overhead views of glaciers - Then you will spend two hours on top of a glacier with an ice axe, crampons, and full ice climbing clothing - all given to you by the tour operator. You'll get to see the vast glacier up close - a point of view only a few are able to experience.The entire adventure is incredible, and don't fret - you'll be taught everything you need to know by trained instructors before you head off.

5. Heli-Tour Dog Sledding Trip

Is there anything more connected with travel to Alaska than a tour on a dog sled? Now toss in an equally thrilling heli-tour of the glaciers, and you'll be treated to a simply wonderful shore excursion.