in Alaska’s Capital City

Today marked the third day of our cruise, and while we slept, Radiance of the Seas entered the lowest area that begins Alaska. I stepped out onto our deck as we passed Kuiu Island. The waters were calm and smooth, reflecting the sky like glass. Suddenly, a spout broke the surface, the blow of a humpback whale. Too far away for a clear photo, I still managed a few blurry shots of the blow and tail. Mostly, I chose to enjoy the landscape and the moment.

Kuiu Island and Whale Watching

Kuiu Island is massive, even larger than Long Island. Smaller islands dot its shoreline, creating endless places for wildlife. What surprised me most was how close to land the whales were. I expected them farther out at sea, yet they stayed near the coast, likely feeding on krill and small fish.

We spent a couple of hours watching and waiting, hoping to see one breach the surface. The spouts were exciting, but that iconic leap out of the water never came. Even without it, the morning spent scanning the waters around Kuiu Island was a highlight of our Stephens Passage and Juneau Alaska day. The quiet time watching the horizon made us even more excited for the adventures ahead.

Sailing Stephens Passage

As we sailed closer to Juneau, the water shifted from deep blue to green. Radiance of the Seas hugged the coastline while we passed through Stephens Passage. Fishing boats of every size filled the water, from large commercial vessels to small sport boats. I even saw fishermen standing in the shallows, casting lines, while others stopped to take photos of their own.

The scenery never stopped changing. Forests, mountains, and waterfalls lined the shore. As soon as one waterfall disappeared into the distance, another appeared ahead. It was the kind of view that made our Stephens Passage and Juneau Alaska route unforgettable.

Arriving in Juneau

By 2:00 in the afternoon, we arrived in Juneau and docked at AJ Dock. I had mixed feelings about this location. We were docked farthest from the city, but with three other ships already in port, closer spots were taken. For those unfamiliar, AJ Dock is about a mile from downtown. Many passengers wait for the shuttle, while others decide to walk. The walk is along the shoulder of the road, not a sidewalk, and it feels longer than expected. Excitement about being in port often outweighs better judgment.

This was not our first visit to Juneau, and we had no need to rush off the ship right away. Still, this trip offered something new. In honor of my parents’ anniversary, I had booked the Gold Creek Salmon Bake. We had considered it on our first Alaska cruise but passed on it because of the price. Among all the Juneau shore excursions, the Gold Creek Salmon Bake stood out for its mix of atmosphere, food, and authenticity.

Gold Creek Salmon Bake

I do not regret skipping it the first time, and I do not regret doing it now. The irony of visiting Alaska before and never eating salmon made this stop even more fun. The Gold Creek Salmon Bake added something special to our Stephens Passage and Juneau Alaska visit.

At the time of writing, the experience cost $79 per person if booked directly. I originally booked it as a Royal Caribbean excursion, then canceled and rebooked later when I found a better sale. Around the holidays, discounts appeared, and closer to our sailing, the price dropped again. By rebooking, I saved about $5 to $10 per person.

Two things stood out at the salmon bake: the cornbread and the salmon itself. Dawn declared both the best she had ever tasted, and she said no other cornbread could ever measure up. She normally dislikes fish for tasting too strong, but she loved the salmon here. My only complaint was the number of bones we found in our servings.

The food was served buffet style. Guests picked up their sides, then received salmon hot off the grill. While everyone else balanced their plates with sides, I skipped them to maximize room for salmon.

Family Moments in Juneau

Two challenges followed us into Juneau: Benson’s constant worry that something would leave him behind and the realities of potty training. Those concerns collided just as our bus was preparing to leave the salmon bake. He suddenly announced that he needed to use the restroom. We quickly exited the bus while he cried that it would leave without us. After a jog to the bathroom and a lot of tears, we made it back in time.

Earlier, we realized Benson had developed a diaper rash and we were running out of Aquaphor. My parents, Dawn, and the kids returned to the ship while I stayed behind in downtown Juneau. Many of the shops were already closing, but I managed to find a convenience store and pick up what we needed. While there, I also bought Benson and Molina each a stuffed animal and grabbed a few small rewards to help encourage Benson’s potty training.

It may not have been the most glamorous part of our Stephens Passage and Juneau Alaska day, but it was real life. It also reminded me that Juneau shore excursions are about small moments as much as big ones.

Stay tuned as we share more from our adventure at sea! To read about day three of my Alaska adventure, visit Day 3: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska or explore Day 5: 2025 Family Cruise to Alaska. Also explore the whole story at 2025 Second Alaska Cruise.

Form more information about Juneau, Alaska visit traveljuneau.com.