Best excursion for price

I’m going to be on a cruise in August with a stop in Juneau for the afternoon- looking for reasonably priced excursion for senior citizens with minimal exercise- would appreciate any recommendations

Visiting Juneau during your cruise stop in August offers a range of shore excursions. Since you’ve indicated you’re looking for a reasonably priced tour suitable for senior citizens with minimal exercise, here are some strong recommendations and things to consider.

Key considerations when choosing a tour:

  • Look for excursions rated “easy” or “minimal activity” so you’re not required to hike long trails or navigate difficult terrain. For example, one guide site lists a “City & Glacier Tour” as easy with bus transport and flat trail boardwalks.
  • Ensure the tour includes transportation from your ship dock and back to avoid extra walking or logistics stress.
  • Keep the price moderate by avoiding premium add-ons like helicopter flights or long remote glacier treks, which tend to be expensive.
  • Check what’s included: bus ride, glacier view, refreshments, and how much walking is required. The less extra walking, the better for minimal‐exercise preferences.

Here are three recommended excursions in Juneau that fit your criteria:

  • City & Glacier Tour: A half-day bus tour with a stop at Mendenhall Glacier. This is described as “easy” activity level and around 2-3 hours. From one listing: “Juneau City with Glacier View and Hatchery – Price: ~$90 – 2 h 15 m, Activity Level: Easy.”
  • Whale Watching or Wildlife Cruise: These are often boat tours departing from the dock area, allowing you to sit and view wildlife (humpback whales, sea otters, etc.) with minimal walking. One site lists “Whale Watching Tour” for guests of all ages, including seniors.
  • Tram Ride up Goldbelt Tram (Mount Roberts): Although a bit more walking may be involved, the tram ride itself is low-effort and gives sweeping views of Juneau and the surrounding area. According to the wiki entry, it ascends from near the cruise docks up to around 1,800 feet.

My suggested “best value” pick: Given your preferences (senior citizens, minimal exercise, good scenery, reasonable cost), I’d recommend the City & Glacier Tour first. It strikes a nice balance of views (glacier + local area), minimal walking, and moderate cost (~$90 from one listing) which is very good value in Alaska excursion terms. If you have a bit more budget or interest, add the whale watching cruise as a second choice.

Additional tips:

  • Book early, especially for those August cruise dates, since the easy/accessible tours fill up.
  • Check the walking distances and whether there are boardwalks or paved paths at glacier lookout points—some are very senior-friendly.
  • Ask about motion considerations if you choose a boat tour (sea-conditions, comfort of vessel, indoor seating).
  • Wear layers—even in summer Alaska ports like Juneau, mornings or boat rides can be cool or windy.

In summary: Yes, there are excellent excursion options in Juneau that are senior-friendly, minimal exercise, and good value. I would go with a City & Glacier Tour for your top pick, with a whale‐watching option as a backup or upgrade.


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