Juneau: Glaciers, Whales, and Capital Charm on Our 2027 Adventure

Hello, my fellow adventurers!

Can you believe we’re already talking about 2027? I know, I know: I’m a bit of a planner, but when it comes to the "Last Frontier," you really can’t start dreaming too early! As many of you know, our massive 15-day "Join Me in Alaska!" journey in May 2027 is being personally hosted and escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers, in partnership with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket, and my heart is just overflowing with excitement to share these special places with you.

During Days 8–15 aboard the Celebrity Solstice on our Glacier Route cruise, after we’ve spent a jaw-dropping day witnessing the "galloping" Hubbard Glacier (which, trust me, will leave you absolutely speechless!), our ship will gently glide into the heart of Alaska’s capital: Juneau. This beautiful stop is one of the unforgettable highlights of the cruise portion of our 15-day Alaska adventure!

Now, Juneau isn't your typical capital city. You can't drive there. There are no roads leading into Juneau: you have to arrive by sea or by air. That isolated, "island-vibe" charm is exactly what makes it so magical. It’s a place where the wilderness doesn't just sit on the doorstep; it’s practically invited itself in for coffee!

Whether you’re a lifelong cruiser or this is your very first time stepping onto a deck, Juneau is always the port that steals the show. Let me walk you through why I’ve made sure this is a highlight of our escorted trip.

The Crown Jewel: Mendenhall Glacier

If there is one "must-do" in Juneau, it’s visiting the Mendenhall Glacier. It’s part of the massive Juneau Icefield, and seeing that river of ancient, blue ice for the first time is a spiritual experience. I always tell my groups to take a moment of silence when they first see it: just to appreciate the sheer majesty of God’s handiwork.

The glacier is about 13 miles from the cruise docks, and we’ve got all the logistics covered for you. Once you’re there, you have options!

• The Visitor Center: Perfect for those who want to stay cozy, look through the telescopes, and learn about the science and history of the ice.

• Nugget Falls Trail: This is a relatively easy, flat walk that takes you right up close to a thundering waterfall that drops into the glacial lake. The mist on your face and the sound of the water? Absolutely unforgettable.

• Photo Ops: Keep your cameras ready! I’ve seen porcupines, eagles, and even the occasional black bear wandering the boardwalks near the salmon viewing platforms.

A Whale of a Tale (Literally!)

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a humpback whale breach, Juneau is your spot. In fact, many tour operators here are so confident you’ll see whales that they offer a "100% guarantee."

There is something so humbling about being on a boat and seeing a creature the size of a school bus emerge from the deep blue water. During our May trip, the whales are active and hungry! If we’re lucky, we might even witness "bubble-net feeding," which is a sophisticated team-effort where whales blow bubbles in a circle to trap fish. It’s like a choreographed dance in the middle of the ocean.

I’ve had clients tell me that the sound of a whale’s "blow": that deep, powerful exhale: is something they can still hear months after they get home. It’s a sensory experience that really connects you to the wild heart of Alaska.

Views from the Top: Goldbelt Tramway

If you’re not afraid of heights (or even if you are just a little bit!), you have to take the Goldbelt Tram. It’s located right at the cruise dock, literally steps from the ship. You’ll rise 1,800 feet above the Gastineau Channel, through the lush rainforest, to the top of Mount Roberts.

Once you're up there, the air is crisp, the views are panoramic, and there are wonderful trails to explore. There’s also a Nature Center where you can meet a rescued bald eagle named Lady Baltimore. It’s a wonderful spot to grab a local brew or a snack while looking down at our beautiful ship: which looks like a tiny toy boat from that high up!

Downtown Charm & Local Eats

After the glaciers and the whales, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite. Juneau’s downtown is walkable, quirky, and full of history.

• The Red Dog Saloon: You can’t miss this! It’s a step back into the Gold Rush era with swinging doors, sawdust on the floor, and walls covered in eccentric memorabilia. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

• Tracy’s King Crab Shack: If you love seafood, this is your mecca. Their crab bisque is famous for a reason! It’s right near the docks, and there’s nothing better than eating fresh Alaskan king crab while watching the floatplanes take off and land.

• Shopping: I love poking around the local shops for authentic Native Alaskan art or some "glacier silt" soap to take home as gifts.

Why Travel With a Group?

You might be thinking, "Gina, I could probably book a trip to Juneau on my own." And you're right, you could! But here’s the thing: Alaska is big. Really big. And sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to navigate the logistics of land tours versus cruises. (I actually wrote a deep dive on that right here if you're curious!)

When you join our 2027 Escorted Tour, you aren't just another booking number. You’re part of our family for those 15 days. The trip is personally hosted and escorted by Gina and Travis Rogers, in partnership with Jerry at Cruise and Tour Supermarket, and I’m there to make sure you get on the right bus, to recommend the best spot for a quiet prayer overlooking the water, and to share those "did you see that?!" moments over dinner. We take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the wonder.

Let’s Make Memories Together!

Our Juneau stop is just one chapter in the incredible story we’re going to write together in 2027, and it falls right in the Days 8–15 Celebrity Solstice Glacier Route portion of our journey. Our "Short Version" itinerary looks like this:

• Day 1: Transfer to Florida Airport, flight to Fairbanks.

• Days 1-3 (Fairbanks): Pikes Waterfront Lodge, Riverboat Discovery, Fairbanks City Tour with North Pole, Wilderness Express Domed Rail to Denali.

• Days 4-5 (Denali): Denali Park Village, Denali Park Tundra Wildlife Tour, Denali Jeep Adventure, Denali Cabin Nite Dinner and Show, Wilderness Express to Anchorage.

• Day 6 (Anchorage): Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Turnagain Pass, Kenai Mountains.

• Days 7-8 (Seward): Harbor 360 Hotel, Kenai Fjords National Park Glacier and Wildlife Tour.

• Days 8-15 (Cruise - Celebrity Solstice Glacier Route aboard Celebrity Solstice): Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Inside Passage.

• Day 15: Flight to Florida, Transfer back to Highlands County.

From the domed rail cars in Denali to the peaceful final day cruising the Inside Passage, every moment is designed to be cherished.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally take that "bucket list" trip, this is it! I would be so honored to have you join us. Space for our escorted groups always fills up fast because we like to keep things intimate and personal.

Ready to start your adventure?

• Check out our Gallery to see more photos of what’s waiting for you.

• Join the conversation in our Alaskan Cruising Discussion Group to meet some of your future travel buddies!

• Reach out directly if you have questions about stateroom categories or the itinerary. I’ve got you covered!

Juneau is waiting, the whales are jumping, and the glacier is as blue as ever. Let’s go see it together!

Warmly,

Gina and Travis Rogers ✝️