Trip Introduction – Alaska Cruise on Holland America
Lodging Review: Element Seattle Downtown
Our Time in Seattle
Ship Review: Holland America ms Noordam
Our Time in Kodiak, Alaska
Our Time in Anchorage, Alaska
Our Time in Valdez, Alaska
Our Time in Juneau, Alaska
Our Time in Ketchikan, Alaska
Our Time in Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Hullo Ferry Between Nanaimo and Vancouver
Juneau was the only port where we had booked a shore excursion. The ship docks right in the city so you can walk right off the boat and into town. One of the most popular attractions is the Mt. Roberts Tramway which is a cable car that departs from the city street nearly straight up the mountain and offers great views. Unfortunately, the tram was down for repairs during our visit.
We had booked our excursion using the same company we did for our cruise, and snagged a 10% discount on an excursion that included whale watching and a visit to Mendenhall Glacier.
Dolphin Jet Boat Tours
While we did not know the name of the tour company before we booked, it turned out to be Dolphin Jet Boat Tours, a smaller company that provided excellent service. We were able to meet at the base of the tram and from there we boarded a bus to Auke Bay, where we boarded a boat. Another group had visited the glacier first joined us on the boat but there were only about 22 of us total so we had plenty of room to move around. Both the captain and the naturalist did a great job and I’d be happy to use them again if I ever make it back to the area.
Stratter Harbor in Auke Bay
Whale Watching
After leaving the dock it probably took us 20-30 minutes to reach the area where whales had been sighted earlier in the day. The captains from the various companies keep in touch to let each other know where the whales can be found. The boats are not permitted to get within 100 yards of the whales (though if the whales move closer, that’s on them) and I was pleased to see that was respected. Our naturalist told us that we were very fortunate to see as many whales as we did. Since the end of the feeding season is approaching, these humpbacks work together to do “bubble net feeding” instead of being out on their own as they are for much of the year. In this feeding method the whales use air exhaled from their blowholes to corral krill and other small fish into concentrated pockets and then the whales all lunge and feed. The naturalist said they can get up to 7 times more food this way as they can by themselves. The whales typically feed all summer before heading south to either Hawaii or Mexico for the winter.
Bubble Net Feeding
Humpbacks don’t have a tall dorsal fin and none came near the boat but we could tell just before they’d surface. First the seagulls would start gathering and then we’d see puffs from their blowholes. Then we’d often see several of them diving and occasionally we’d get to see a fluke (tail). Sure, I’d have loved to have been up closer to these magnificent animals but I understand the reason for the rule and certainly don’t want to do anything to endanger them.
The closest shot I got of a humpback
Whales and Mountains, just spectacular
Best shot of a tail fluke
Mendenhall Glacier
Next up was a return visit (for me, at least) to Mendenhall Glacier. I’d first visited in 2005 and wondered how much had changed in 21 years. As it turns out, not a whole lot as the glacier keeps “pushing” down so that it’s always front-and-center.
With only about an hour and ten minutes allotted at the glacier, we did a brisk walk/hike to Nugget Falls and back. It’s quite a beautiful falls.
Juneau
We spent the rest of the afternoon in Juneau, having a late lunch and souvenir shopping. It’s a very picturesque town with some of the same mural art we’d seen in other cities, as well as the colorful buildings near the docks.
Floatplanes are popular here as well and several took off or landed near our ship.
There are loads of boats around, both for working and for pleasure.
In the end
Juneau, the state capital, is always a popular spot. They’re well-equipped for tourists and offer plenty of options to keep you busy. You can’t drive to Juneau from the mainland – you’d need a ferry or airplane – but it’s definitely worth a visit.
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