The Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour offers an exhilarating 3.25-hour adventure, featuring a scenic flight over the Juneau Icefield and a guided walk on the Mendenhall Glacier. This shore excursion combines breathtaking aerial views with an up-close glacier experience, allowing passengers to explore ice formations, snap photos, and learn about glacial geology from expert guides. The tour utilizes modern A-Star helicopters and provides necessary gear for a safe and comfortable glacier walk.
What Does the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour Include?
The Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour typically includes:
- Round-trip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield
- Approximately one hour on the Mendenhall Glacier
- Guided interpretive walk on the glacier
- Safety equipment (crampons, trekking poles)
- Rainproof outerwear
How Long is the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour?
The total duration of the tour is approximately 3.25 hours, which includes:
- Transportation time to and from the heliport
- Safety briefing and gear fitting
- Helicopter flight time (typically 25-30 minutes round trip)
- One hour on the glacier for exploration and guided walk
What Are the Helicopter Specifications for the Tour?
The Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour utilizes:
- Modern, turbine-powered helicopters
- A-Star helicopter models
- Weight and balance limitations for safety
- Passenger capacity subject to weight restrictions
Where Does the Helicopter Land During the Tour?
The primary landing site for the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour is:
- Mendenhall Glacier (most common)
- Alternate glaciers in the Juneau Icefield (rare occasions)
What Should Passengers Wear for the Glacier Helicopter Tour?
Recommended attire for the tour includes:
- Layered clothing
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
The tour operator provides:
– Rainproof outerwear
– Boots
– Crampons
– Trekking poles
How Much Does the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour Cost?
The pricing structure for the tour is as follows:
Passenger Weight | Cost |
---|---|
Under 250 lbs | $479 |
Over 250 lbs | $629 |
*Note: Prices are subject to change and should be confirmed with the tour operator.
What Are the Age and Physical Requirements for the Tour?
The tour has specific requirements for participants:
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Physical ability: Must be able to stand and walk for one hour on moderately flat but uneven terrain
- Weight restrictions: Passengers over 250 lbs are subject to a surcharge and may have seating limitations
Are There Any Restrictions on Personal Items During the Tour?
The tour has several restrictions on personal items:
- No carry-on bags allowed
- Restrictions on electronic devices:
- No iPads
- No drones
- No Go-Pro Sticks
- Cameras and smartphones are permitted but must be secured
What Safety Measures Are in Place for the Glacier Helicopter Tour?
Safety measures for the tour include:
- Mandatory liability waiver
- Weight checks for helicopter balance and safety
- Professional guides trained in glacier safety
- Provision of safety equipment (crampons, trekking poles)
- Safety briefing before the flight and glacier walk
Can Passengers with Mobility Issues Participate in the Tour?
The tour may not be suitable for all passengers with mobility issues:
- Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain
- The glacier surface can be slippery and challenging to navigate
- No wheelchair accessibility on the glacier
What Makes the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour Unique?
Unique features of this tour include:
- Combination of aerial and ground-based glacier exploration
- Expert guides providing geological and historical context
- Opportunity to drink glacial water and observe ice formations up close
- Chance to experience Alaska’s wilderness from multiple perspectives
Are There Alternative Glacier Tours Available from Ruby Princess Cruises in Juneau?
Yes, Ruby Princess Cruises offers alternative glacier tours in Juneau:
- Helicopter Glacier Trek
- Longer, more strenuous 2-hour hike on the glacier
- Minimum age: 12 years old
-
Includes use of ice axes and more advanced glacier exploration
-
Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter
- Combines helicopter tour with dog sledding experience
- Opportunity to meet professional mushers and their dogs
- Dependent on glacier snow conditions
How Should Passengers Prepare for the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour?
To prepare for the tour, passengers should:
- Book in advance due to limited availability
- Dress in warm, layered clothing
- Bring a camera (secured to your person)
- Be prepared for potential weather changes
- Eat a light meal before the tour to prevent motion sickness
- Arrive at the meeting point on time
- Listen carefully to all safety instructions
By following these preparations, passengers can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour, creating lasting memories of Alaska’s stunning glacial landscape.
Reference:
1. https://alaskashoreexcursions.com/juneau/helicopter-glacier-walkabout
2. https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/juneau-alaska-excursions/helicopter-glacier-walkabout/
3. https://www.princess.com/ports-excursions/juneau-alaska-excursions/helicopter-glacier-trek/