Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Guide

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:

  1. Round-trip transportation from the cruise ship terminal
  2. Scenic helicopter flight over the Juneau Icefield
  3. Approximately one hour on the Mendenhall Glacier
  4. Guided interpretive walk on the glacier
  5. Safety equipment (crampons, trekking poles)
  6. Rainproof outerwear

How Long is the Ruby Princess Cruise Juneau Glacier Helicopter Tour?

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:

  1. Mendenhall Glacier (most common)
  2. 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:

  1. No carry-on bags allowed
  2. Restrictions on electronic devices:
  3. No iPads
  4. No drones
  5. No Go-Pro Sticks
  6. 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:

  1. Combination of aerial and ground-based glacier exploration
  2. Expert guides providing geological and historical context
  3. Opportunity to drink glacial water and observe ice formations up close
  4. 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:

  1. Helicopter Glacier Trek
  2. Longer, more strenuous 2-hour hike on the glacier
  3. Minimum age: 12 years old
  4. Includes use of ice axes and more advanced glacier exploration

  5. Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter

  6. Combines helicopter tour with dog sledding experience
  7. Opportunity to meet professional mushers and their dogs
  8. 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:

  1. Book in advance due to limited availability
  2. Dress in warm, layered clothing
  3. Bring a camera (secured to your person)
  4. Be prepared for potential weather changes
  5. Eat a light meal before the tour to prevent motion sickness
  6. Arrive at the meeting point on time
  7. 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/

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