Category: North America

5-GLACIER SEAPLANE EXPLORATION

On this aerial adventure lasting around one hour and 15 minutes, experience the Juneau Icefield from a whole new perspective – high up in the sky. Take your seat in a light aircraft and fly over five glaciers and the Tongass National Forest, providing a bird’s-eye view of Southeast Alaska.

Excursion details

Soar above the glaciers of the Juneau Icefield on this special excursion, lasting approximately one hour and 15 minutes. To start, there’s journey of about 30 minutes to your plane, which includes time to meet your representative at the pier before a drive and a short walk to the aircraft – an Alaskan bush plane – in downtown Juneau.

After boarding, you’ll take off for your approximately 45-minute “flightseeing” journey. Watch the landscapes and colours of the Tongass National Forest – the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – shift as you gain altitude, and remember to keep your camera close by as you glide over the Juneau Icefield.

Covering around 1,500 square miles, the Juneau Icefield is one of the largest icefields in North America. Estimated to be around 3,000 years old, it is the birthing ground of over 30 major glaciers. Enjoy panoramic views of five of these on your flight, including the expansive Taku Glacier, as well as the Norris Glacier, the Hole-In-The-Wall Glacier and the Twin Glaciers. The excursion concludes when the flight comes to an end.

Important information: The flight route may vary depending on the weather conditions

LUXURY WHALE WATCHING – YC SMALL GROUP

Exclusively for MSC Yacht Guests, this small-group excursion is offered with fewer travelers, a more personal connection to the destination, and transportation throughout. This approximately four-hour whale-watching experience exclusively for MSC Yacht Club members is a small-group cruise through the waters around Junea. An expert naturalist will be on board your yacht to help you look for whales and other marine life while you enjoy light refreshments.

Excursion details

This excursion of around four hours begins with a short walk to your transfer vehicle – a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – for a scenic 25-minute drive to Auke Bay Harbor, located northwest of Juneau and framed by Mount McGinnis and the Mendenhall Glacier.

After a few minutes to board the yacht and listen to a safety briefing, you’ll head out on a cruise of approximately three hours, led by a United States Coast Guard-certified captain and accompanied by an experienced naturalist, who will share knowledge of Alaska’s sea life during the journey.

Framed by dramatic glaciers and snow-capped peaks, the yacht will sail through the Inside Passage while you look out for humpback whales and other marine wildlife, although please note that sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Light refreshments, including a curated charcuterie board plus alcoholic and soft drinks, will be served. At the end of the cruise, there’s a short time to disembark the yacht and head back to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for an approximately 20-minute drive back to the ship.

Important Information: This tour is available for guests who are booked in the Yacht Club only. The price of this tour is per person and includes roundtrip transportation to the yacht, charcuterie board, local beer, wine, soda, and water. It is recommended that guests dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old. The minimum age to consume alcohol is 21 years old. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. The deadline to cancel this tour without any penalties is 48 hours prior to the call. Any cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the call will result in a 100% penalty of the tour price

MENDENHALL GLACIER & WHALE QUEST

This approximately five-and-a-half-hour excursion combines two of Southeast Alaska’s best-known natural highlights. You’ll begin with a whale-watching cruise before continuing on land at the Mendenhall Glacier, where there’s time to explore independently.

Excursion details

Lasting around five and a half hours, this tour takes you deep into the Alaskan wilderness, with time on the water in search of marine wildlife and a self-guided visit to Mendenhall Glacier.

After meeting on the pier, take a transfer of around 30 minutes to the Allen Marine facility for your whale-spotting trip. Here, you’ll board a modern expedition-style vessel for approximately three hours, travelling through local waters known for seasonal marine activity. Humpback whales are frequently seen in this region, feeding on small fish and krill, so keep a lookout for these fantastic mammals, as well as other sea life and all kinds of birds – but please note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Following the cruise, a journey of about 15 minutes brings you to the Mendenhall Glacier area. You’ll have approximately one hour and 15 minutes of free time here to explore at your own pace. The glacier is part of the Tongass National Forest and flows from the Juneau Icefield, one of the largest in North America.

During this time, you may choose to stroll along designated trails, see the glacier and surrounding scenery from established viewpoints, walk over to Nugget Falls or spend time at the visitor centre, which features interactive exhibits on the glacier’s history and environment. Afterwards, the return journey to the port lasts around 30 minutes, concluding the excursion.

Important information: The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. It is recommended that guests dress warmly, in layers, and bring cash/credit cards for any additional purchases.

This tour is wheelchair accessible; therefore, guests should inform the Shore Excursions Desk at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to ensure proper arrangements. The combined weight of the guest and mobility device cannot exceed 500 lbs. Mobility devices must have a maximum length of 48 inches, a maximum width of 32 inches, and minimum ground clearance of 3.5 inches. The vessel cannot accommodate an electric scooter.

MENDENHALL LAKE KAYAKING & SALMON BAKE

Formed by the retreating Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall Lake is an impressive and highly scenic natural wonder that you’ll get to see close-up during this excursion of about five hours. Experience the lake from a kayak before enjoying a meal of grilled, wild Alaskan salmon in a rainforest setting.

Excursion details

As the Mendenhall Glacier has retreated over the past 300 to 400 years, it has left behind a basin filled with meltwater, later christened Mendenhall Lake. An approximately five-hour excursion enables you to view this remarkable body of water in a two-person kayak, paddling past icebergs while looking out for wildlife.

Start the day with a transfer drive of approximately 30 minutes, accompanied by narration about the local area from an onboard guide. Once arrived at the lake, you’ll be given equipment and paddling instruction by your guide before being split into groups over 20 minutes or so. Then it’s time to head out onto the water.

The guided kayaking trip lasts about two hours, during which you’ll pass by Mendenhall Glacier and the rushing cascades of Nugget Falls – you’ll be close enough for memorable views, but still at a safe distance. Look out for wildlife as you glide over the water, but please note that sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Back on dry land, it takes about 20 minutes to return your gear, and you’ll also be given a souvenir pin as a reminder of the trip. There’s then a transfer of 20 minutes or so to local restaurant Gold Creek Salmon Bake, set within the sprawling Tongass National Forest – the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world.

Enjoy approximately one hour and 20 minutes here, tucking into grilled Alaskan salmon – the venue’s signature dish – and a range of sides, before enjoying the rural surroundings. You could stroll along part of the nearby nature trail and admire a small waterfall or there’s the option to roast marshmallows over an open fire. A short transfer back to the ship then concludes the excursion.

Important information: Guests must be in moderate to good physical health to participate as this tour involves approximately 2 hours of paddling. This tour is not available for women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Guests over 6’3″ tall will not be able to use the rudder pedals to steer. The maximum weight requirement is based on girth more than weight required to fit in a kayak cockpit comfortably.

The kayak cockpits are 35″ x 17″. Guests may be required to sign a waiver, which may only be available in English. It is recommended that guests wear warm, weather appropriate attire. Protective rain gear, boots, and life jackets are provided. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate. Return transportation from the Salmon Bake is by shuttle, with buses departing every 15-20 minutes. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

MENDENHALL GLACIER FLOAT TRIP

Glide over Mendenhall Lake on a raft and enjoy views of the mighty Mendenhall Glacier on this excursion, lasting around three and a half hours. You’ll head onto the water for a narrated tour, learning about the glacier as you float and looking out for wildlife.

Excursion details

On this rafting excursion of around three and a half hours, you’ll get a unique perspective on an Alaskan landmark and experience first-hand the Mendenhall area’s lake and river. A drive of 30 minutes or so takes you to the lake, during which time you can hear more about the area from an onboard guide.

Once arrived, spend about 20 minutes putting on your life jacket and other protective clothing, and receive an introduction and safety information. You’ll then divide into groups and board your raft.

Then it’s time to set off on a floating tour of approximately one hour and 55 minutes. You’ll drift across Mendenhall Lake and downstream on part of Mendenhall River – the lake sits above the river and feeds into it, while the lake itself is fed by water from the Mendenhall Glacier. Speaking of the glacier, you’ll be treated to impressive views of it from your raft.

As well as admiring the glacier, make sure to keep a lookout for wildlife, as the water, skies and land of this region are all rich in nature – although please note that wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed. To further boost the experience, your guide will accompany you on the raft to provide narration about the glacier and the local area.

Once the rafting ends, there’s about 15 minutes to return equipment and receive a snack and souvenir pin as a memento of your trip. The transfer back to the pier then lasts around 30 minutes.

Important information: This tour is not available with guests with back or neck problems. Guests must be able to sit without back support for approximately 2 hours. Guests may be required to sign a waiver, which may only be available in English. The minimum weight to participate is 40 lbs. Protective rain gear, boots, and life jackets are provided. It is recommended that guests wear warm, layered clothing. The minimum age to participate is 7 years old. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

HISTORIC GOLD PANNING ADVENTURE

This approximately 90-minute adventure takes you to Last Chance Basin, where you’ll hear stories of the area’s history, including a discovery in 1880 that sparked Alaska’s first gold rush. Once at the basin, you’ll watch a gold-panning demonstration before trying it out yourself.

Excursion details

Lasting around 90 minutes, this informative and hands-on gold-panning excursion begins with an introduction to your guide, who’ll be dressed as a traditional gold prospector. They will also share stories of Juneau’s rich history with you during the roughly 20-minute transfer to Last Chance Basin, a former gold-mining area on the banks of Gold Creek.

The city of Juneau is named after prospector Joe Juneau. Guided by Tlingit Chief Kowee, Juneau and his partner Richard Harris discovered gold in Gold Creek in 1880. This find sparked Alaska’s first gold rush and opened a colourful chapter in the region’s history.

You’ll get a real sense of this history during your approximately 50-minute on-site experience at Last Chance Basin. Here, you’ll learn about the gold prospectors who flocked to the region, before watching a demonstration of traditional gold panning and then testing out your own panning skills.

Guided by an expert, you’ll learn how to shake and manoeuvre your pan for the best chance of a glittering find – and if you do have the good fortune to discover real gold, you get to keep your treasure and receive an official certificate. Afterwards, a transfer of about 20 minutes returns to the port.

Important information: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate

GOLD CREEK SALMON BAKE

Tuck into wild Alaskan salmon and an accompanying buffet while surrounded by rainforest on this approximately 90-minute excursion. After dining, you can roast marshmallows, stroll to a waterfall or even try panning for gold.

Excursion details

This excursion of around 90 minutes takes you to Gold Creek Salmon Bake for a traditional Alaskan meal in the great outdoors. A roughly 15-minute drive takes you to the venue (which has featured on TV’s Top Chef), where you’ll spend an hour or so. Nestled in the Tongass National Forest and set beside a creek, Gold Creek Salmon Bake allows guests to dine outside under protective translucent domes, with an all-you-can-eat buffet to enjoy.

The star here is the wild Alaskan salmon, cooked over fragrant alder wood, while the rest of the spread includes a range of other dishes and sides, plus dessert. After dining, there’s the chance to roast marshmallows over a campfire or you could stroll to Salmon Creek Waterfall, where you can see fish spawning at certain times of the year. The remains of the historic Wagner Mine can also be viewed nearby. Not far from the area, prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris first struck gold in 1880. Following in their footsteps, you can try your hand at panning for the precious metal.

Shuttle buses run to the port regularly, so you can choose when to return, meaning you’ll have as much time as you like to keep exploring. When you do decide to catch the shuttle back, it’s a roughly 15-minute drive

WHALE WATCHING and SALMON BAKE

Lasting around five hours, this excursion blends nature, relaxation and local cuisine by combining a whale-watching tour with an Alaskan salmon bake. Enjoy time on the water searching for humpback whales, before returning to land to tuck into a salmon bake amongst a rainforest setting.

Excursion details

This approximately five-hour adventure begins with a roughly 30-minute transfer to Auke Bay, located northwest of Juneau and set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount McGinnis and the Mendenhall Glacier.

From here, you’ll embark on a whale-watching cruise lasting about two and a half hours. Humpback whales are known to migrate through the northern Inside Passage (the area you’ll be sailing through), and orcas – also called killer whales – can sometimes be found in the area as well, but please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After enjoying the fresh sea air, you’ll likely have built up an appetite. A transfer of 20 minutes or so takes you to Gold Creek Salmon Bake, where you’ll spend approximately 90 minutes. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the United States and the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest – the venue serves wild Alaskan salmon cooked over an alder wood fire, along with a selection of side dishes. Sitting under translucent domes ensures you can enjoy the buffet whatever the weather.

Once you’ve finished your meal, there should still be time (within your 90 minutes at the venue) to relax by the campfire and roast marshmallows. Alternatively, take a stroll to a small waterfall nearby or see the old Wagner Mine shaft. A short shuttle transfer will then return you to the port.

Important information: Tour order may vary. Guests prone to motion sickness are advised to take precautions before participating in this tour. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

MENDENHALL LAKE CANOE ADVENTURE

Prepare to see Mendenhall Glacier from the water as you paddle around it in a canoe during this adventure of about three and a half hours. The canoe route also visits nearby Nugget Falls, for photos of the waters whooshing down a towering mountainside.

Excursion details

Glide over Mendenhall Lake for up-close views of the namesake glacier during this approximately three-and-a-half-hour excursion that puts you in charge of a canoe.

A transfer drive of around 30 minutes kicks things off, with your guide providing onboard narration about the local area. After arriving at the lake there’s a short time to put on your gear and receive a safety talk, before splitting into groups. Then launch your canoe into the Mendenhall waters as your guided aquatic trip begins.

Firstly, you’ll spend approximately one hour paddling near the face of Mendenhall Glacier, providing close-proximity views of this natural marvel while still maintaining a safe distance. After your glacier experience, the trip moves to adjacent Nugget Falls, an impressive waterfall whose cascades tumble from around 115 metres high. Take an approximately 15-minute break here to capture photos and refuel with a snack, which should energise you for the return paddle across the lake, lasting about 50 minutes.

Once back at the start point, there’s a short time to remove and return your equipment. You’ll also be given a souvenir pin as a memento of your trip, before the transfer drive back to the port, lasting around 30 minutes.

Important information: Lifejackets are provided. Raingear is also provided; however, guests are encouraged to bring their own to ensure maximum comfort while on tour. The minimum age to participate is 6 years old. Guests with back/neck problems are not able to participate on this tour. Guests must be able to sit without back support and paddle for approximately 2 hours. The minimum weight to participate is 40 lbs. It is recommended that guests dress in warm, layered clothing

GOLD PANNING and SALMON BAKE COMBO

Learn about Alaska’s first gold rush on this approximately two-and-a-half-hour excursion, as you try your hand at panning for some of the precious metal at Last Chance Basin. Afterwards, enjoy traditional Alaskan dishes at a restaurant, including grilled Alaskan salmon.

Excursion details

This gold panning adventure of around two and a half hours begins with a transfer of approximately 20 minutes to Last Chance Basin, featuring narration from an onboard guide.

You’ll spend about 50 minutes at the site, which was once the centre of a thriving gold-mining district. Delve deeper into the rich history of the area as your guide brings this colourful past to life, from the discovery of gold in the region in 1880 to the start of Alaska’s first gold rush.

Watch a demonstration of traditional gold panning to understand this delicate craft, before trying it yourself. You’ll discover techniques to help you swirl and sift your pan, all to boost your chances of finding the precious metal. Panning for gold hasn’t changed too much over the years, so you’ll be practising something similar to the prospectors of the 1800s.

Following this, a short transfer brings you to Gold Creek Salmon Bake, where you’ll be treated to a meal of grilled Alaskan salmon and other dishes, surrounded by the Tongass National Forest – the largest national forest in the United States.

You’ll have one hour or so here to enjoy the buffet and then explore the surroundings, perhaps taking a stroll through the forest or gathering around a fire to roast marshmallows. A short shuttle transfer then returns to the port.

Important information: Guests may be required to walk on uneven surfaces and stand for extended periods. Guests with back or knee issues should use caution navigating over rocky terrain