☀️ Breakfast on Board & Arriving in Juneau
We started Day 9 with a relaxed breakfast on the ship as we slowly sailed into Juneau. There’s something special about waking up, grabbing breakfast, and watching the scenery change outside your window. Misty mountains, evergreen forests, and the calm Alaskan waters setting the tone for the day.
The kids were excited knowing another port day was ahead, and Juneau’s harbor views made the arrival feel extra scenic. With full bellies and plenty of anticipation, we disembarked ready for a day packed with wildlife, local flavors, and unforgettable sights.
🐳 Auke Bay Whale Watching Adventure
Juneau welcomed us with calm waters and big expectations and Auke Bay absolutely delivered.
Within minutes of heading out, we spotted seals lounging on rocky outcrops, but the real highlight came when we encountered a pod of orcas moving gracefully through the water.
Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we were treated to an incredible surprise: baby whales breaching and playing nearby. Watching them surface, splash, and swim alongside their mothers felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The kids were glued to the railings, and honestly, so were we.
It was one of those experiences that reminds you how special Alaska truly is.
🐟 Lunch at Gold Creek Salmon Bake
After returning to shore, we headed straight to the Gold Creek Salmon Bake, a Juneau classic tucked into the forest. The setting alone of wooded surroundings, open fire pits, and the smell of salmon cooking over alder wood made it special.
The meal was hearty, simple, and perfect after a morning on the water. The kids enjoyed exploring the grounds while we soaked in the relaxed, rustic atmosphere. It felt like a very “Alaska” way to refuel before the next adventure.
❄️ Exploring Mendenhall Glacier
Next stop: Mendenhall Glacier. Seeing the massive glacier in person was breathtaking. The contrast of icy blue ice against the surrounding greenery made the entire area feel surreal.
We walked around the visitor area, took plenty of photos, and let the kids take it all in. It was an easy, accessible stop that still felt incredibly impactful, especially for showing them the scale and beauty of Alaska’s natural landscapes.
✨ Disney Magic Back on Board
Once back on the ship, the kids were thrilled to run into a few familiar Disney characters. These little moments of unexpected meet-and-greets, smiles, and hugs are what make a Disney cruise so special, especially after a long day off the ship.
🍽️ Casual Dinner at Triton’s
We wrapped up the evening with a casual dinner at Triton’s, which felt like the perfect way to end the day. The elegant underwater-themed dining room set a relaxed tone, and the meal was just what we needed after a full day of excursions.
Between good food, happy kids, and reflecting on everything we experienced in Juneau, it was one of those dinners where everyone leaves the table content and exhausted in the best possible way.
💡 Tips for Travelers
Dress in layers for whale watching — it can be chilly on the water, even on calm days.
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens if you can; wildlife sightings can happen fast.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake is very family-friendly, with room to explore and quick service.
Mendenhall Glacier is an easy excursion that still feels epic, especially for kids.
🔭 Looking Ahead
With Juneau behind us, our Alaska adventure continued to unfold in new and exciting ways. From wildlife encounters to glacier views, Day 9 set the bar incredibly high and we couldn’t wait to see what the next stop would bring.