Juneau, Alaska

One of the ports of call for my Norwegian Cruise Line 7-night sailing to Alaska was to Juneau, Alaska, the capital city. Fun facts? It is the second largest city in the United States and it is the ONLY capital that you can ONLY get to by sea or plane as there are NO direct roads there.

I knew that while in Juneau, I HAD to see Mendenhall Glacier – this glacier is 13.6 miles long and located about 12 miles from downtown Juneau. THE MOST EXPENSIVE shore excursion option of the entire sailing, but the one I couldn’t say no to was a helicopter ride over the glacier to a mushing camp where I got to learn about Iditarod dogs and camp life as well as ride on a dog sled! Ah-maze-ing! No words can describe this amazing experience!
It was truly one-of-a-kind! I’m really not certain if there’s a better way to see a glacier and experience true Alaska than this. See for yourself!

We were actually a part of a four helicopter team that was flying to the glacier. Since I was in the back (on the hump) it gave me a really cool elevated shot of the lead helicopter.

The majesty of Mendenhall Glacier from the air!

Blue ice occurs when snow falls on a glacier, is compressed, and becomes part of the glacier. The pressure causes the air bubbles to be squeezed out, increasing the density of the created ice. Large quantities of water appear to be blue, as it absorbs other colors more efficiently than blue. I think…It’s something like that! You’ll have to take this excursion to learn for yourself if I’m right! 🙂

There were 280 dogs at the camp and they race competitively in the winter time. At the camp (summer) they play and run. They don’t see what they are doing as work, they see it as play! I have video of the dogs barking when the helicopters arrive because they are vying for the chance to run!

Dogs are not to be disturbed while they’re in their homes. They have such great energy though and love to greet you as you walk past.

The dogs do all the steering and they are enthusiastic about their job running on the trail. All of the guests on our sled got to exchange positions so we could try each position.

I loved Alaska SO MUCH! It’s funny because my grandpa sailed to Alaska nearly every year and I never saw the novelty. Now that I’ve been, I can say I can’t wait to return! I plan to bring my family in 2021! I’m actually a tour conductor for the new NCL ship the Encore. If you are interested in sailing with me, contact me at e.delgado@magicalvacationplanner.com for pricing and details. Remember there is no fee for my service nor are there any up-charges!