Juneau is on the small side for a state capital, and it's also a very quaint city with around 30,000 permanent residents. Located along the beautiful Inside Passage of Southern Alaska, Juneau is surrounded by natural beauty. In fact, Juneau is situated on the Gastineau Channel, a narrow straight lined with huge Alpine peaks on both sides. The lush mountains on either side of the channel are often covered in snow, providing a storybook setting for the city. Just beyond the first row of mountains is the enormous Juneau Icefield, which is the biggest icefield in all of North America.
A fair number of the cruise shore excursions available in Juneau can run in the hundreds of dollars. Some of these excursions are certainly worth whatever you pay, if you can afford it. However, if you need to stick to a tighter budget, it is still possible to visit several of the most breathtaking and unforgettable sights in Juneau. In fact, I have developed a port itinerary that can cost as little as $35 for an adult (and it costs even less for children). This itinerary will take you from a lush peak high above the city to what might well be the most amazing attraction in all of Juneau.
Your Juneau excursion starts immediately as you head off your ship at the docks near downtown. Keep an eye out for the building marked "Mt. Roberts Tramway". This kiosk is located at 490 S. Franklin Street, right next to the cruise ship docks. You can purchase tickets for the tramway at this kiosk for $24.95 per adult (with prices subject to change). A tramway car departs every ten minutes from this location. The tram takes you up 1,800 vertical feet from the docks below, your trip ending in a lush, beautiful pine rainforest.
The top of the tramway is home to a live bald eagle exhibit, nature center, theater, restaurant, and miles of beautiful trails for hiking. Check out the nature center and gift shop, then catch a film detailing native culture entitled Seeing Daylight in the theater adjacent to the nature center. Finally, you can enjoy a hike on one of the many available trails, which offer incredible views of the Gastineau Channel, the city of Juneau, and the endless panorama of snow-capped mountains.
Finally, take the tram back down to your ship. Grab lunch onboard and save the cost of eating in town.
Find out lots more about Juneau shore excursions and Alaska cruises at http://www.alaska-cruise-advisor.com
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