Juneau, Alaska - on our own

Today we are in Juneau for the second time on this trip. Last time we were here we went on an excursion to the glacier so this time we decided to explore on our own. In Juneau we step off the ship and we are in the main tourist part of town Right at the wharf is the Mount Roberts Tramway which is a cable car that takes you up Mount Roberts. Tickets are a little pricey, $32 per adult and $16 per child but you get a full day pass it you want to have multiple rides.

We took the cable car up, it is a little eery going into the clouds hanging by this cable but was worth the experience. We did a little souvenir shopping at the store and then went and had lunch at the restaurant there. Very nice meals and a lovely setting. I had to have the king crab legs, I am hooked on these and I doubt I will get to have then again!

After lunch we took the cable car down the mountain and went shopping.

We had attended a shopping presentation on board the ship. This presentation was designed to give you the best tips on shopping in each of the ports and how to get the best discounts.

One thing I was surprised about was that all these Alaskan towns are full of jewellery stores. Just about every second store is a jewellery store. I didn't understand why this was the case. It turns out Alaska is the place to shop for precious gems and jewels! The stores here are the size of department stores.  The stores open only during the cruise season and then pack up and go home. The selection is endless! When we attended the presentation we got to understand about he different gems available here. 

We started our shopping at Diamonds International to get our free charm bracelet. They are very smart getting you in the door to get your 'free' bracelet and then they start the sales pitch. Anyway they must have seen me coming because I left this store much poorer!

In the next store Effy, I managed not to buy anything other than a small earring and pendant set which was a special offer that I had from the ship.

The next store we went to was Del Sol. This is a great store for t shirts that change colour in the sun. They also have Disney character t shirts that change colour in the sun too. We got a few of these. Michael was disappointed he couldn't wear one right away, there is no sun here! 

We kept going on our shopping tour, in the drizzly rain and our next stop was Milano Jewellery. I wanted to go to this store to get our free rain poncho....but left 30 minutes later after having purchased some 'dancing diamond' earrings. I am such an easy mark!

I think we will stay away from the jewellery stores for the rest if the trip!

Here are some photos of the ship alongside the town.

Here is a photo from the top of Mount Roberts. The two ships are Rhapsody of the Seas and Silver Shadow. There is also a Holland America ship here in addition to ours.

Although it was raining, which is normal for Jueanu, we had a good day out.