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ALASKA PORTS OF CALL: JUNEAU
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This capital city was once part of Alaska's Gold Rush. Perched on a thin
strip of land at the mouth of Gold Creek, Juneau is arguably one of
America's most beautiful state capitals, with the looming summits of Mt.
Juneau and Mt. Roberts providing a gorgeous backdrop.
Once an integral part of Alaska's Gold Rush, the city now boasts a mixture
of natural and manmade attractions. In fact, there's so much to do and see
here that Princess offers no less than 30 different excursions in and around
Juneau - including the chance to walk on a glacier.
A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN
Nearly half of Juneau's 30,000 residents work for a government agency, but
outside of the marble-columned state capitol building, the city is a far cry
from anything resembling Washington, D.C.
The downtown area is filled with many vibrant buildings, including the
must-see St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, which houses artwork and
artifacts that date back to the 18th century. From the bright mural in
Marine Park to the carvings in the House of Wickersham, downtown is filled
with Alaska's own unique brand of culture and architecture.
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MENDENHALL GLACIER
Often hailed as Juneau's most impressive sight, nearby Mendenhall Glacier is
approximately 12 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. You can see the glacier on a
float trip or a "flightseeing" adventure, or hike up one of its trails for a
closer inspection. The Mendenhall Visitor Center is filled with photos and
information designed to make your visit both fun and educational.
TOP OF THE CITY
For a bird's-eye view, the Mt. Roberts Tramway offers a short, six-minute
trek to the top of Mt. Roberts, 1800 feet above the city. If wildlife is
your passion, scenic Admiralty Island has the world's highest concentration
of brown bears. |
