Tag: juneau cruise port

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MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 5: Dawes Glacier & Juneau Trolley to Mendenhall Glacier 🚢

MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Dawes Glacier, Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier Day 5 Vlog

Day 5 of our 7-night Alaska cruise aboard the MSC Poesia was one of those days that felt like we packed two completely different Alaska adventures into one. We started the morning sailing through the dramatic scenery of Endicott Arm toward Dawes Glacier, then spent the afternoon in Juneau on a trolley excursion out to Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls.

Watch our full Day 5 MSC Poesia Alaska cruise vlog here:

🧊 Sailing Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier

We were up early as the MSC Poesia made its way through Endicott Arm. The morning started out cloudy and a little foggy, but the scenery was beautiful, with steep mountains dropping into turquoise water, waterfalls along the cliffs, and icebergs floating around the ship.

As we got closer to Dawes Glacier, we headed to some of the forward outdoor viewing areas and listened to the ship’s naturalist provide information about the glacier and the surrounding area. The weather changed constantly, with rain, clouds, and even some sunshine breaking through, but it almost added to the atmosphere.

We ended up getting to within roughly two and a half miles of Dawes Glacier, which was one of the closer views we’ve had during our visits to the area. Between the glacier, icebergs, waterfalls, seals, and towering mountains around us, it was an incredible way to start the day.

Dawes Glacier viewed from MSC Poesia while sailing through Endicott Arm, Alaska.
Our view of Dawes Glacier from aboard MSC Poesia as we sailed through Endicott Arm.

☕ Brunch & a Little Time Aboard MSC Poesia

After heading away from Dawes Glacier, we warmed up and went to Le Fontaine Restaurant for brunch. There was a special brunch menu that morning with a mix of breakfast and lunch choices, which was perfect after spending so much time outside.

We also checked out MasterChef at Sea in the theater before getting ready for our afternoon arrival in Juneau. By then, it really did feel like we had already experienced a full day, and we hadn’t even reached port yet.

🚋 Juneau Trolley to Mendenhall Glacier

When we arrived in Juneau, the MSC Poesia was tendering passengers ashore before moving to the dock later in the afternoon. It did take us quite a while to reach shore, so if you are booking a private excursion on a tender day, we would definitely recommend leaving plenty of extra time.

Our excursion for the afternoon was the Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Tour with Juneau Tours. We met near the Goldbelt Tram and boarded one of their trolley-style buses for a narrated drive through Juneau and out toward Mendenhall Glacier.

Along the way, our guide pointed out some of Juneau’s well-known sights, surrounding mountains, and other interesting spots around the city while sharing information about the area. It was a fun way to see more of Juneau while making our way to the glacier.

🔗 Book the Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Tour with Juneau Tours:
https://www.juneautours.com/

Juneau Tours trolley used for our Mendenhall Glacier Shuttle Tour in Juneau, Alaska.
Our Juneau Tours trolley took us through downtown Juneau and out to Mendenhall Glacier.

🏔️ Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls

Once we arrived at Mendenhall Glacier, we had about two hours to explore. We started at the visitor center, where there are some fantastic views overlooking Mendenhall Lake and the glacier.

From there, we walked the trail out to Nugget Falls. The trail is fairly flat and easy to follow, and the waterfall at the end is impressive. Standing near the falls, you can really feel and hear the power of the water, with Mendenhall Lake and the glacier nearby.

On the way back, we stopped at some of the viewpoints closer to the visitor center for more views of Mendenhall Glacier before it was time to meet our trolley for the ride back to Juneau.

Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake viewed near the visitor center in Juneau, Alaska.
A beautiful view of Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake during our afternoon excursion in Juneau.

🌅 Back Aboard the MSC Poesia

We made it back to the ship in time for a beautiful evening sail away from Juneau. Since we had missed our normal main dining room time, we grabbed a late dinner at the buffet and then enjoyed some of the evening entertainment, including the Silent Disco and comedy in Teatro Carlo Felice.

It was a long day, but a fantastic one. Seeing Dawes Glacier in the morning and Mendenhall Glacier in the afternoon made Day 5 feel especially memorable, and the trolley excursion gave us a fun way to see more of Juneau along the way.

If you’re planning an MSC Poesia Alaska cruise, visiting Dawes Glacier, or looking for a Mendenhall Glacier excursion in Juneau, we hope our experience helps with your own Alaska cruise planning.

Watch the full Day 5 vlog here:

More MSC Poesia Articles & Videos 🚢

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 4: Icy Strait Point & So Many Whales
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-icy-strait-point-day-4/

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 3: Exploring Ketchikan & Creek Street
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-ketchikan-alaska-day-3/

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 2: Sea Day & Gala Night
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-alaska-cruise-day-2/

📽️ MSC Poesia Alaska Cruise Day 1: Sail Away from Seattle
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-alaska-cruise-day-1/

❓ 10 Questions Before Sailing MSC Poesia (Answered!)
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-questions-before-sailing/

🛏️ MSC Poesia Aft Balcony Cabin Tour: Stateroom 11250
https://northernvikingexplorer.com/msc-poesia-aft-balcony-cabin-tour/

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🐋 Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise Day 5: Juneau & Whale Watching

Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise Day 5

Day 5 of our Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise brought us to Juneau, Alaska, where we headed out on an unforgettable whale watching excursion with Juneau Tours. Despite a rainy start to the day, we were rewarded with incredible wildlife sightings, including humpback whales and even orcas, making this one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise. After our excursion, we explored downtown Juneau before another fantastic evening aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

🎥 Watch the full vlog here:
https://youtu.be/-5RBqxi1ERg

🐋 Whale Watching with Juneau Tours

Our morning began with a short walk from the Celebrity Solstice to meet Juneau Tours for our whale watching excursion. After a narrated bus ride to the harbor, we boarded our boat and headed out in search of Alaska’s incredible marine wildlife.

Although the weather started out rainy, it didn’t take long before we were rewarded with amazing sightings of humpback whales. Even more exciting, we were fortunate enough to spot orcas, something the crew explained is relatively uncommon. Having knowledgeable guides and a naturalist onboard made the experience even more memorable as they shared fascinating information about the whales and the local ecosystem.

Humpback whale during a Juneau whale watching tour in Alaska
Our Juneau whale watching excursion with Juneau Tours gave us unforgettable views of humpback whales and even orcas.

🚤 Exploring Downtown Juneau

After warming up with a late lunch back aboard the Celebrity Solstice, we returned to downtown Juneau to explore the waterfront, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the cruise port. With several cruise ships in port, the streets were busy with visitors enjoying everything Juneau has to offer.

From local fudge shops and Alaska-themed souvenirs to scenic waterfront views, it was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon before heading back to the ship.

Downtown Juneau waterfront near the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship
After our whale watching excursion, we spent the afternoon exploring the shops and waterfront in downtown Juneau.

🍽️ Another Great Evening Aboard Celebrity Solstice

Back aboard the Celebrity Solstice, we enjoyed another entertaining evening beginning with a fantastic performance by guest entertainer Alexa Jayne in the Solstice Theater. Dinner in the Grand Epernay Restaurant followed, where we enjoyed another delicious meal while taking in beautiful evening views as the ship sailed away from Juneau.

With another wonderful day behind us, we looked ahead to our next destination, Ketchikan, and another exciting Alaska adventure.

Chicken Cordon Bleu served in the Grand Epernay Restaurant aboard Celebrity Solstice
Dinner in the Grand Epernay Restaurant was another highlight of our day aboard the Celebrity Solstice.

🌊 Another Memorable Day in Alaska

Our visit to Juneau combined incredible wildlife, beautiful scenery, and another relaxing evening aboard the Celebrity Solstice. Seeing both humpback whales and orcas made this one of the most memorable days of our Alaska cruise, and we couldn’t wait to continue our adventure in Ketchikan.

🛳️ Planning Your Own Celebrity Cruise?

🛒 Book a Celebrity Cruise (Celebrity Website)
https://sovrn.co/rhl9iq4

🔗 Related Celebrity Solstice Articles

If you’re planning a Celebrity Solstice Alaska cruise, you may also enjoy these related articles:

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Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON (7-Night Alaska Cruise Compilation)

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON (Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan & Dawes Glacier)

If you’re planning a Grand Princess Alaska cruise or simply enjoy Alaska cruise vlogs, join us for our complete 7-night Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON! This full cruise compilation follows our round-trip Alaska adventure from Vancouver, BC, with unforgettable stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, along with breathtaking scenic cruising through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.

Watch the full VLOGATHON here:

🎥 Grand Princess Alaska Cruise VLOGATHON
https://youtu.be/6GnOhGswflc

7-Night Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Itinerary

This VLOGATHON includes our complete Alaska cruise from embarkation to disembarkation:

  • 🚢 Day 1: Embarkation Day – We board the Grand Princess at Canada Place in Vancouver and begin our Alaska adventure.
  • 🌊 Day 2: Sea Day – We explore the ship, enjoy onboard activities, and settle into cruise life.
  • 🧊 Day 3: Juneau & Mendenhall Glacier – We take the local bus to Mendenhall Glacier before exploring downtown Juneau and visiting the famous whale statue.
  • 🚂 Day 4: Skagway – We tour the town aboard the Skagway Street Car Tour and hike to beautiful Yakutania Point.
  • 🏔️ Day 5: Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier – We sail through Endicott Arm and experience the incredible Dawes Glacier, one of the highlights of our Alaska cruise.
  • 🦀 Day 6: Ketchikan – We explore Alaska’s First City, take the Ketchikan Duck Tour, and visit historic Creek Street.
  • 🌊 Day 7: Final Sea Day – We enjoy one last relaxing day at sea while cruising the scenic Inside Passage back toward Vancouver.

Whether you’re researching the Grand Princess, planning an Alaska cruise, or looking for a complete day-by-day cruise vlog, we hope this VLOGATHON gives you a great look at everything you can experience on this unforgettable itinerary.

Watch the Full VLOGATHON

Related Grand Princess Videos

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Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Adventure – Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Day 3 🐋🏔️

Grand Princess Alaska Cruise Vlog – Day 3: Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier Exploration

Day 3 of our Grand Princess Alaska cruise brought us to the stunning port of Juneau, Alaska – and what an incredible day it was! From calm ocean views to glacier-fed waterfalls, it was the kind of day that reminds you why Alaska is such a bucket-list destination.

We started the morning onboard with a peaceful breakfast in the Botticelli Dining Room, enjoying classic cruise cuisine while watching the mountains glide by. After breakfast, we headed up on deck where we were lucky enough to spot whales 🐋 in the distance as we cruised through the Inside Passage – a truly unforgettable moment.

In the early afternoon, we arrived in Juneau. Rather than book an excursion, we opted for the local city bus 🚌, an easy and budget-friendly way to explore the area. (🚌 Check out the Juneau Bus Schedule here.)

We rode out to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, where we hiked the trail to Nugget Falls. The views of the glacier and roaring waterfall were absolutely breathtaking. To access the trails and visitor center, a fee or pass may be required depending on your visit time or the specific areas you plan to visit in the park, so be sure to check the official Mendenhall Glacier site for details.

On the way back, we stopped by the Juneau Whale Project to see the iconic whale statue before strolling through the shops and soaking up the coastal charm of downtown Juneau.

Back on the ship, we enjoyed a delicious dinner in the Da Vinci Dining Room and wrapped up the night with a fun and energetic juggling show in the Princess Theater.

🎥 You can also check out our separate video on the Goldbelt Tram Excursion in Juneau if you’re planning an upcoming cruise!

This was a day full of natural beauty, Alaskan adventure, and memories we’ll never forget. Don’t miss the full Day 3 vlog here:
📺 Watch the full Day 3 Juneau Vlog on YouTube

Coming up next: Day 4 in Skagway, Alaska!

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Holland America Koningsdam Alaska Cruise 🐳 Whales!! & Juneau AK (VLOG Day 3)

Embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure with us aboard the Holland America Koningsdam! Day 3 takes us from breathtaking whale sightings to the stunning glaciers of Juneau. Explore the enchanting city of Juneau, hike to Nugget Falls, and marvel at the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. As the day winds down, relax and indulge in a world-class dinner and show on the luxurious Koningsdam. Don’t miss this incredible journey through Alaska’s pristine beauty. Join us now for an up-close look at Juneau and the Koningsdam experience!

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Crown Princess Alaska Cruise: Juneau AK – Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls (Day 3 VLOG)

Embark on Day 3 of our 10-Night Crown Princess Alaska Cruise! Juneau Awaits!

Today, Alaska’s magic unfolds in enchanting Juneau. Stroll through charming downtown, hop on a scenic city bus ride to witness the mighty Mendenhall Glacier and cascading Nugget Falls. Don’t miss the iconic Tahku the Whale sculpture! As we return to the ship, savor a delicious dinner at Botticelli’s Dining Room and cap off the evening with a dazzling show. Join us as we explore the wonders of Juneau on Day 3 aboard the Crown Princess!

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Ovation of the Seas Alaska Cruise – Dawes Glacier & Juneau – VLOG Day 5

In this Day 5 VLOG of our unforgettable Alaska cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas, we embark on a breathtaking journey up the Endicott Arm to witness the majestic Dawes Glacier. The wonders continue as we head to Juneau, Alaska, where we’ll uncover the captivating whale statue in Overstreet Park, explore the charming Downtown Juneau, take a thrilling ride on the Goldbelt Tram, and so much more. Come and join us as we share our thrilling adventures on this remarkable Alaskan cruise aboard the Ovation of the Seas.

🔗 Goldbelt Tram – https://www.goldbelttram.com/

📽️ Mendenhall Glacier & Nugget Falls Shore Excursion – Juneau Alaska – https://youtu.be/V_dGMomJJgY