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5 hours ago, Ariyel said:

Juneau – July 1, 2019 – 1:30 PM to 10 PM

 

Alright, when last we left off our adventure, our brave party had returned via Catamaran to the Solstice where it was now in port in Juneau. We re-boarded the Solstice ship-to-ship and decided to snag a quick lunch in the buffet before heading out to explore Juneau. It's a good thing we decided fast as the buffet was pretty much closing down around us as we grabbed some food (probably around 2 PM at that point).

 

Early on I had decided Juneau was a good DIY port for us since Mendenhall Glacier seemed to be the big thing to do. With our large-ish party of 6 (at the time of planning, 2 added later) it was much more economical to book a rental car for the day. I had checked back in February and discovered the Solstice was scheduled to dock at AJ Dock which is a bit far from town. However, on the bright side, one of the two rental car companies in town (Juneau Car Rentals) has an office right there at the dock. This made my decision of which company to use really easy, so I'd arranged to rent a minivan through Juneau Car Rentals for our group. It was $126.50 for the day for a minivan (seats up to 7). They also had full-sized vans available but we did not need one. For comparison, a single person's shuttle ticket to the glacier and back was $45. With a group of 6 the minivan was a huge win and also gave us the freedom to explore on our own schedule.

 

As some of the loyal readers may recall, part of our party were 2 old neighbors/family friends of ours. Well, by completed coincidence, one of the kids who ALSO grew up on the street where everyone lived was spending the summer in Juneau as a kayak guide! He had moved up for the summer about a week before we got there. The neighbors got in touch and invited him to join us for our day of being tourists since he wasn't working that day, so once we were ready to go our Juneau native (of one week) joined our little party! Such a small world sometimes.

 

Alright, on to the pictorial part of the review! Here's a shot of the Mt. Roberts tram taken from the Solstice. Check out that angle! It's a steep ascent. The person in our party who is afraid of heights was REAL glad we hadn't booked tickets for that ride.

 

 

Ready to get our exploration of Juneau started, we disembarked and saw the official greeter for AJ dock:

 

 

We then started looking around for where Juneau Car Rental might be. Looking at the map I knew it was very close, but I couldn't quite figure out where to go. It was even easier than I thought though! Here are some pics that might be helpful for others using Juneau Rental Cars. Go out from the dock itself to the parking lot where all the excursions are leaving. As you walk out, on the right there are many bus parking spaces with signs numbering them:

 

 

See that very tiny little trailer at the end of space 15 or so, in front of the huge stack of cargo containers? Yep. That's the rental office in all its unassuming glory! (It's literally about 150 feet from where you get off the ship, I was TOO CLOSE to it on my GPS to figure it out!)

 

 

There was one nice kid working as fast as he could to get the rental car contracts signed and the cars given out to people. Honestly, the line was not long when we got there, but unfortunately the gentleman before me was running the poor kid around – this guy wanted to look at every van and was wishywashy if he wanted a minivan or a full size van. It was quite the show. Anyhow, once it got to my turn we grabbed the minivan they assigned us, made sure we accounted for the random scratches, dents, and cracks and off we went. The kid working at the rental office was super friendly and helpful. They provided us with a simple road map of the area (it's not a big area you can actually drive) and some helpful suggestions of places to go. They'd also emailed us when we made the reservation with a nice sort of handout/flyer of the various sights you can drive to around Juneau. I was very pleased with our experience with Juneau Car Rental overall.

 

As many people have noted before, these are not new cars. They're not glamorous cars. They are serviceable and convenient cars, which was fine. We did our Girl Scout duty and cleaned out the trash left by the prior renters of the car and figured it was good karma.

 

Now ensconced in our minivan off we went to Mendenhall Glacier Visitors' Center! Having a late docking time and then making ourselves later by having a morning excursion and lunch before we headed out we joined quite a crowd at Mendenhall. The parking lot was full but we lucked into a parking space along the side of the road very close to the parking lot when we doubled back. There were SO MANY tour buses and people, it was quite a zoo.

 

Let's see, some important notes – it's a little confusing, but my understanding is you're only supposed to/have to pay the day pass fee if you're going to certain areas or trails. The Nugget Falls trail is NOT one of the ones you're “supposed” to pay for. Also, unless you want to go to the Visitor's Center (fee, but I don't think it's enforced?) you don't have to climb up the ramp or stairs to the Visitor's Center. You can just walk around the base of the Visitor's Center to the left (from the parking lot) to get to the Nugget Falls trailhead.  Not realizing that, we walked up the switchback ramp.... and then down the stairs on the other side of the Visitor's Center entrance, realizing a little too late where the trailhead was actually located!  There are some nice plants with signs as to what they are and a bit about each plant along the switchbacks up to the Visitor's Center though.

 

This is a zoomed in view of Mendenhall Glacier from the base of the Visitor's Center, near the Nugget Falls trailhead:

 

 

We walked the Nugget Falls Trail – it's pretty even and smooth. It's almost dead on a mile each way, it's not a loop so you just go back on the same trail you walk out. I'm a pretty slow walker and based on the time stamps of my pictures we took just about 30 minutes to walk from the Visitor's Center to Nugget Falls (about 1 mile each way, 2 miles round trip). There's a pretty viewpoint right before you go down to the “beach” (gravel/rocks) where Nugget Falls hits Mendenhall Lake. And speaking of Nugget Falls, here's that lovely rush of water:

 

 

I loved cooling off in the mist flying off the falls. It was an unexpectedly hot day when we were in Juneau – mid to high 80s and sunny!

 

And a view of the glacier across the lake, from the beach at Nugget Falls:

 

 

We spent about 20 minutes admiring the falls and the lake and then DH and I started back up the trail. We had the rest of our group stay a little longer to give my slow self a head start! It worked out really well as they caught up to us just before the Visitor's Center. At least I didn't feel like I was holding them back this way.

 

Funny enough, as we were getting back to the trail head we passed a group heading out who were commenting on the warning signs that bears were in the area. Having just come up the trail (with a Disneyland-sized crowd of other people) I told those nice folks not to worry, there's NO WAY a bear was coming near there with crowds like that.  Such an expert I am!  Well, not 15 minutes later as we're waiting out front of the Visitor's Center for everyone to hit the restrooms, several kids (and adults) come flying up to the Park Ranger who was at the parking lot to tell her they just saw a bear on the other side of the Visitor's Center!! Apparently there are 3 female bears who have territories that cover the Visitor's Center and it's not uncommon to see them. The Mendenhall Visitor's Center gets so much consistent traffic and tourists, the noise no longer deters the bears at all, they're totally used to it (for better or worse). One of our party who took an extra little walk along a side trail saw the bear too, but those of us who were just waiting around missed it. I was really surprised the bears came around with such huge crowds of people.

 

Anyway, having finished our walk to the Falls and back, the hangry was striking once again! We decided it was time to head to dinner. Our tour guides on the Catamaran trip that morning had suggested two places – the Sandbar (previously in my notes from reports here) and a place for Russian dumplings called Pel'meni's. Our “native” (of one week) guide had already been to Pel'meni's so we went out to check out the Sandbar, which is a little further north of town:

 

 

The road out to the Sandbar was under construction, so we turned off the highway onto a dirt/gravel road to get there. It added to the experience. The Sandbar is pretty quirky, it's a bar on one side and a restaurant on the other. We entered on the bar side, not realizing it and went into the restaurant. There was noone there except the waitress who was on break. She directed us back into the bar to eat. We grabbed a big table and the bartender gave us menus and then took our orders – most of us went for the Halibut and Chips (very good) and a few ordered burgers (they also gave good reviews).  It's definitely basic food, but it was tasty and hit the spot. Like most places in Alaska, food prices are a bit high for what you get compared to what I'm used to, but not too insane.

 

Full once again, we piled back into the minivan and took a (tiny) road trip across the bridge to Douglas Island! Our (new) native tour guide gave us a little tour up North Douglas Highway to the bay where he was doing the kayak tours. I think, but am not sure, we were at Fritz Cove:

 

 

Looking across the water, far in the distance, we're pretty sure we were seeing Mendenhall Glacier from another side:

 

 

We were also visited by a pretty neat visitor swooping into the trees lining the road - can you see him against the greenery?

 

 

Having walked along the road/beach area a bit we debated if we wanted to try to fit anything else into the day, but everyone was pretty done in by then. We dropped our native guide back at his rental place (conveniently on Douglas Island on our way back to town), filled up with gas, dropped the car back off and headed back to the ship.

 

Best car return policy – fill it up with gas, leave the receipt on the dash so they know you filled it and drop the keys through the slot in the rental car office's door! That was it.

 

Back on the ship well ahead of all aboard I think we threw the towel in early that night. I know that was the first night I didn't make it to the show. Having started the day at about 5 AM, I think we were done in and went to bed pretty early. The next day had Skagway on the schedule with another pretty early start!

What time did you get back from the  Endicott excursion?

we are doung the same and renting a car. Just wondering on timing of it all.

thanks.

Did you rent from Juneau car rental in advance?

1 hour ago, SuperCrewBear said:

I've rented twice at Juneau (once from Avis and this past year from Juneau Car Rental at AJ Dock).  Even though it was an older car I feel like the better choice was Juneau Car Rental - cheaper, very handy and a local vendor. The Avis people left us waiting for about 45 minutes [wasted] while going for gas in one of their cars... Why wasn't this taken care of prior to our arriving at 1 PM???  This last time in Juneau we did almost an identical visit to DISNEYOCHEM  above. We also had dinner at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. The salmon bake has a shuttle bus from the dock area but we just stopped in our car - there isn't much parking but most everyone comes on their shuttle so it doesn't matter. We stopped at the salmon bake to make sure we could come on our own - the manager was very friendly and we paid then so when we came back later all we had to do was eat.  (The manager suggested doing that in case we arrived when a shuttle load had just arrived... She also suggested we walk on out to their creek and waterfalls because the light was great at that time of the day. Nice people there!)  On our previous car rental visit we did Mendenhall plus stopped at the airport for our Coastal Helicopters trip to walk on a glacier - they also have a shuttle but you'll be wasting a lot of time you could spend doing something else. If one is comfortable arranging your own itinerary I think renting a car at Juneau is a very efficient way of maximizing your time - otherwise you'll spend a lot of time on shuttles that could be spent doing something much better.  Good luck!

Thanks for sharing! I rented through Avis as well.

Great, thanks!

If so what did you do?

we are thinking about it.

On 7/3/2019 at 6:39 PM, Kingofcool1947 said:

 

Hike up Mt. Roberts?  Great views of Juneau and surroundings.  Easy hike.   Not strenuous.  You can take the tram back down to town.  Or take the tram up and hike down.

IMO, Tracy’s Crab Shack is good but way overpriced for what you get.   Not impressed.  Go online and google the menu.  YMMV.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

How do you get to the tram from where the ships dock?

Thanks. We are plenty fit for walking several miles.

thanks! 

Will engage maps when we get there.

We will be on Solistice, coming in around 5:30pm. 

It’s our last night and don’t plan to do any touring but husband would enjoy a walk about and some local brews. Can we walk from port?

Thanks so much!

On 2/10/2019 at 12:25 PM, Kevin's girl said:

Our excursion; Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Photo Safari, which I did book through Celebrity was run by Gastineau Guiding. When I tried to book this on my own through the Gastineau Guiding website it took me to the Celebrity excursion, so I booked it. This was an amazing tour just as everyone on here on CC has said, so no matter how you book it, just do it. When I decided to book an Alaskan cruise, I said I wanted to see whales and play with bears (figurative speaking)and this tour gave me everything and more. Our guide was Jim and he was very unknowable and fun. 
To book your excursion through Gastineau Guiding and your cruise line use this link:
https://www.stepintoalaska.com/shore-excursions
 
 
This is from their website and the tour I booked.
WHALE WATCHING & MENDENHALL GLACIER PHOTO SAFARI
Experience the beauty of Southeast Alaska in this customized, hands-on experience led by a professional photography guide. This awe-inspiring area awaits the nature enthusiast who wants to capture that perfect moment. Our goal is to provide a fun atmosphere, an opportunity to learn and engage and a chance to explore a new locale; all the while inspiring your passion for photography. No better place than here in Juneau, where you can practice on the photogenic Mendenhall Glacier and feeding humpback whales! Whale sightings are guaranteed!
We were a nice small group and had a great day.

 

Our tour got started as did the photo lessons.

 

Hi. Question about this tour. What did you wear on your feet? 🤣

I am just beginning to think about packing for this trip and I have no idea where to start! Do I need boots?

Thanks all. 

Yes, I drink wine but not usually during the day.

Honestly, I drink very little anymore but want to go in with a few ideas so I don’t go too far off track while sailing.

thanks !

2 minutes ago, hcat said:

Vodka,  cranberry juice and lime....sometimes I add OJ as well....

Maybe bring on a pack of cranberry lite..... much .less sugar!

 

Tomato juice...V 8

So I can bring a pack of something on? That would be ideal.

Bloody mary, of course! I always forget that one! Just like drinking veggies 😂

Hi, we haven’t cruised in a while so I am off my game! Have a few questions.

i am a bariatric patient and can’t have a lot of high sugar drinks so trying to be creative. 

We have premium beverage package but I cannot have carbonated beverages so trying to think of options I can mix with vodka. Can you still send a pack of beverages to your stateroom when you check in? I was thinking of getting Bai waters to send to stateroom.

what are my ice options? Can i fill my tervis cup in the buffet area? 

Premium package includes bottled water, right? Are the bottles 16oz? I can also carry powered drink mixes to add to water. 

Thanks.

Thank you 

Can anyone who has done this give me an idea of how you mapped out your day?

We are sailing w Celebrity in August and I saw some info about a float plane excursion that's been recommended here but of course now I can't find it. I think it was in Ketichikan but I'm not sure. Any recommendations for a float plane trip?

Thanks

On ‎2‎/‎11‎/‎2019 at 3:53 PM, Kevin's girl said:

Next up were sea lions, purple mountains, eagles and one of the prettiest sunsets we have ever seen.

 

As we started to turn around and slowly return to the harbor the mountains turned purple and yes our captain did sing of "purple mountains majesties". It was so pretty.

 

 

This looks like a great day. I am the photographer but my husband not so much. I am guessing he will still enjoy it, right? What was the duration of this excursion? Thanks.

If you mean Tuscan Grille, it would be located on deck 3, just aft

of Guest Relations near the mid ship elevators. It has replaced

Normandie, which was one the best specialty restaurants in the

fleet (In my opinion).

Tuscany is a speciality Italian market in my town! LOL!

Oh, very sad to hear that there is no more Normandie. We loved it there.

Where is Tuscany located?

Does anyone know if Celebrity will be going to Bermuda beyond 2016? I thought those sailings would be announced by now. Have they announced anything about this?

Tortola isn't on the itinerary for the 2016 Repo either. Maybe 2017. We loved that Repo itinerary in 2013. We are booked for Bermuda in 2016 so wouldn't consider the Repo until 2017. Hopefully Tortola will be back on the itinerary by then.

Any idea when this would become available for 2017?

Husband had it many times on Summit week of 12/6. Available at every bar, including Martini.

I see a Summit repo sailing for 4/23/2016. When would that be published for 2017? Does anyone know?