Alaska 2026: Icy Strait or Juneau

[GBBTomorrow]

It looks like the Alaska itineraries for 2026 have been switched up a bit. Where you used to choose between Icy Strait and Skagway, now everything goes to Skagway and you choose between Juneau and Icy Strait. Anybody have input on which they prefer?

 

[jdb in AZ]

There's more to do in Juneau. We always make a "pilgrimage" to Tracy's Crab Shack at the base of the Mt. Roberts tram.

It looks like the Alaska itineraries for 2026 have been switched up a bit. Where you used to choose between Icy Strait and Skagway, now everything goes to Skagway and you choose between Juneau and Icy Strait. Anybody have input on which they prefer?

 

[holula]

I’ve never been to ISP but I really like Juneau as a port and I think there is a good selection of excursions there.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Juneau is great. You can keep yourself busy by taking the tram up the mountain. There are plenty of buses available to take to Mendenhall Glacier. Lots to do right in town, also.

I'm doing Icy Strait Point this time because I have never been there. I found some YouTube videos of the port and it's a port made specifically for cruise ships. The Town is only open if a ship is docked there. Some people don't like that. Personally, I think it's great that the locals are trying to earn money by bringing in tourists for a day. I'm happy to support them.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I much prefer Juneau because of the better excursions!

 

[AquaDame]

Another vote for Juneau; we did not enjoy Icy Strait but we did not book a tour either. There just wasn't much to it without something planned. I've heard great things about whale watching in the area.

 

[sethschroeder]

Juneau is by far a better port having been to both a couple times. Juneau has so many options.

Icy Straight is really about the zip line or obstacle course if it's open. They do have whale watching but that isn't unique.

Juneau you really can even go self guided to hike up the large hill above the city, head out to see a glacier, or go over the top with things like a helicopter to sled dogs or float plane out to cabin with a feast. Even just shopping in town and grabbing something to eat or drink.