Will I be too busy in Juneau?

[CruisingSince2012]

Naturally the hardest thing to do when planning my next cruise is figuring out if I have enough time to do what I want to do without feeling rushed in ports. For Ketchikan, this was not a problem because I only want to visit one building, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, and take a Misty Fjords cruise. But a glacier and salmon hatchery in Juneau have me concerned because we do not arrive in port until 1:00, which barely gives us 6 hours off the ship.

 

First of all, what time can I reasonably expect to walk off the ship after it docks in Juneau? Would I be lucky to get in a cab by 1:30? (My ship is the Volendam.)

 

Second, how much time should I allow for the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery? I am going to take the tour and see the aquarium and buy souvenirs at the gift shop.

 

Also, is 4 hours enough time to walk on 3 short trails and see the visitor center, which I plan to spend at least an hour at? Should I plan on walking just 2 trails?

[CruiserBruce]

You will not have any problem getting off the ship by 1:30, assuming the ship is docked by 1pm.

 

I would click the little red triangle next to your post and ask the Mods to move this to the Alaska board.

[xlxo]

Naturally the hardest thing to do when planning my next cruise is figuring out if I have enough time to do what I want to do without feeling rushed in ports. For Ketchikan, this was not a problem because I only want to visit one building, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, and take a Misty Fjords cruise. But a glacier and salmon hatchery in Juneau have me concerned because we do not arrive in port until 1:00, which barely gives us 6 hours off the ship.

 

First of all, what time can I reasonably expect to walk off the ship after it docks in Juneau? Would I be lucky to get in a cab by 1:30? (My ship is the Volendam.)

 

Second, how much time should I allow for the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery? I am going to take the tour and see the aquarium and buy souvenirs at the gift shop.

 

 

Also, is 4 hours enough time to walk on 3 short trails and see the visitor center, which I plan to spend at least an hour at? Should I plan on walking just 2 trails?

• IMO.... the hatchery can be done in 45 minutes.
  
• Which Mendenhaul trails do you want to explore? I did Photo point and Nugget Falls, but had to rush the Visitor centre for my 1 hour excursion tour stay.
  http://seatravelzombie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2850.jpg
  Trail in time is a facinating trail where you can see where the glacier was 50 years ago.
  http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5401518.jpg
  

[CruisingSince2012]

• IMO.... the hatchery can be done in 45 minutes.
  
• Which Mendenhall trails do you want to explore? I did Photo Point and Nugget Falls, but had to rush the Visitor centre for my 1 hour excursion tour stay.
  http://seatravelzombie.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_2850.jpg
  Trail In Time is a facinating trail where you can see where the glacier was 50 years ago.
  http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/stelprdb5401518.jpg
  

 

Photo Point, Moraine Ecology, and Steep Creek. Because of physical limitations, I have to stay away from moderate and difficult trails. What is easy for one person is sometimes nearly impossible for me. It looks like those are the only three I know I can do without holding my mom's hand.

Edited May 10, 2015 by CruisingSince2012

[defaultet]

Hello All,

I see one of my website photos was linked to above. Thought I'd share the full article in case it's useful for anyone. On this particular trip I was not on a cruise ship, so the circumstances may be a little different but I think there's still lots of useful info.

http://seatravelzombie.com/visiting-mendenhall-while-on-layover-at-juneau-airport/

 

Thanks,

Erik

[kenish]

Be aware there's an Alaska forum, where you will probably get more detailed answers than West Coast.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55

 

Hope that helps!