pre and post cruise days June 2025

Question

My husband and I plan to arrive in Juneau 5/29 and need to be in Sitka for our cruise departure 5/31. The cruise ends 6/7 in Juneau. We will have 6/7-6/10 to see a little more of Alaska. I'm looking for suggestions for the first 2 days before we board the ship and for the final 3 days after our cruise. I've been researching options and cannot decide if we should try to get to Denali after the cruise or if the Seward area would be a better option. We are open to renting a car or taking a train. This is our first trip to Alaska and we're hoping to enjoy as many of the activities Alaska offers in June as possible!

Answer

For your Alaska trip in late May and early June 2025, planning the pre- and post-cruise days carefully will help you maximize your time in this vast and beautiful state. Since this is your first trip, focusing on a mix of scenic highlights, wildlife, and accessible activities is ideal.

Pre-cruise days (5/29–5/30) before boarding in Sitka:

Arrive in Juneau (5/29): Spend a day exploring Juneau before heading to Sitka. Recommended activities include a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier, taking a tram up Mount Roberts for views and short hikes, and exploring downtown Juneau for local shops and seafood.
Travel to Sitka (5/30): The most common option is a short flight from Juneau to Sitka (~40–50 minutes). In Sitka, explore the Sitka National Historical Park, stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy the Russian heritage sites. This will give you a relaxed day before your cruise departure on 5/31.

Post-cruise days (6/7–6/10) after returning to Juneau:

You have a few different options depending on whether you prefer interior adventures (Denali) or coastal experiences (Seward/Kenai Peninsula). Both options have their pros and cons:

Option 1: Denali National Park: If you want iconic Alaskan wildlife and scenery, heading to Denali is worthwhile. From Juneau, you’ll need to fly or take a combination of ferry and train/road travel. Highlights include:

Wildlife viewing tours in Denali National Park (bears, moose, caribou).
Optional short hikes or ranger-led walks.
Scenic train rides along the route, if combining with Talkeetna or Anchorage.

Option 2: Seward / Kenai Peninsula: Easier access by ferry or plane from Juneau, and offers glaciers, wildlife, and coastal scenery:

Kenai Fjords National Park day cruise to see tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife.
Hiking options such as Exit Glacier or Harding Icefield Trail.
Explore the small town of Seward with local shops and restaurants.

Other practical tips for your post-cruise days:

If time is limited, the Seward/Kenai Peninsula option is logistically simpler and gives a diverse coastal experience without long travel times.
Denali is more remote and requires careful planning for transport; however, it offers a unique interior Alaskan experience that complements your coastal cruise.
Consider renting a car if you choose the Seward/Kenai route to explore independently, but for Denali, guided tours and trains are recommended.
Book flights, ferries, and tours in advance as June is peak season.

Overall recommendation:

Pre-cruise: Spend 1 full day in Juneau exploring glaciers and local culture, then travel to Sitka to relax before boarding the cruise.
Post-cruise: If you prefer coastal wildlife and shorter travel, do the Seward/Kenai Peninsula itinerary. If you want interior Alaska with iconic wildlife and mountains, plan a Denali-focused trip, ideally with at least 2 nights near the park.

With this plan, you will get a well-rounded Alaska experience combining glaciers, wildlife, and the unique landscapes of both the coastal and interior regions.

pre and post cruise days June 2025

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