Tips for avoiding cruise travel

Question

I am a fit 50 year old who will be staying in Juneau May 25 to 31 for a work trip. My adult son (early 20s) will be staying with me. Since we will have a car and are staying for a longer period. I am looking for suggestions on:

1. how to book tours that might avoid the peak cruise ship times. Do they arrive early/late or specific days? We are considering the glacier helicopter and dog sledding tours, hiking tours, and canoe tours, but not whale watching.

2. more offbeat travel ideas that will allow us to see wildlife and culture.

3. suggestions for restaurants or anything else you would recommend.

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Juneau in late May is a wonderful time to visit, and staying several days with a car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the cruise crowds. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan:

1. Avoiding Peak Cruise Ship Times for Tours:

Cruise ships typically dock in Juneau between 7–10am and depart by mid-afternoon (3–5pm). Peak crowds are usually from 9am–2pm. Booking tours either very early (before 9am) or later in the afternoon often means fewer people.
Consider weekday tours rather than weekends if possible, as weekends sometimes coincide with local events or multiple cruise arrivals.
For glacier helicopter and dog sledding tours, early morning slots often provide quieter experiences. Helicopter operators sometimes offer mid-day departures that miss the main cruise crowds.
Hiking or canoe tours: booking half-day tours in the late afternoon can give you solitude, especially at less popular trails and waterways.

2. Offbeat Travel Ideas for Wildlife and Culture:

Wildlife Viewing: Drive the road to Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. From there, you can hike less frequented trails like East Glacier Loop or visit Nugget Falls Trail.
Local Culture: Explore the Juneau-Douglas City Museum or the Alaska State Museum for insights into Tlingit culture and local history.
Hiking & Scenic Drives: Check out the Perseverance Trail, Mount Roberts Tramway area, and the nearby Lemon Creek Trail for quieter hiking.
Kayaking/Canoeing: A self-guided paddle in Auke Bay or around Douglas Island can offer wildlife sightings like harbor seals, otters, and eagles with minimal crowds.
Hidden Gems: Drive up to Echo Cove or take short hikes in the Tongass National Forest. These areas are usually free of cruise ship visitors and provide excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.

3. Restaurants and Dining:

Tracy’s King Crab Shack: Casual, fresh seafood with crab specialties.
Deckhand Dave’s: Popular for fish and chips, located near the waterfront but quieter outside cruise hours.
Salt Restaurant: Upscale dining featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Heritage Coffee & Café: Great for breakfast or brunch before heading out on morning tours.
Local bakeries and cafés: Try Sandbar Sourdough for pastries or Taku Glacier Lodge café if visiting nearby areas.

Extra Tips:

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to do early morning or late afternoon adventures before cruise crowds arrive.
Bring layers and rain gear; Juneau’s weather can be unpredictable, and tours may involve wet or cold conditions.
Booking directly with tour operators rather than through cruise packages often results in smaller groups and a more personalized experience.

By planning around cruise ship schedules and seeking out lesser-known trails, waterways, and cultural sites, you and your son can enjoy an intimate, memorable experience of Juneau without the crowds.

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