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You’ll have access to several different family-friendly mountaintop hiking trails as well. The beautiful forests here will offer you fishing opportunities (lakes, rivers, and saltwater passageways), glacier viewing, and the chance to observe wild animals in their natural habitats as well. Tongass National Forest’s diverse landscapes encompass ancient rainforests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and rugged coastlines. If you’re a tenderfoot (newcomer) to Alaska’s pristine shores, a visit to Tongass National Forest should, without a doubt, be added to your travel itinerary.
Best All-Inclusive Ship
Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.
First Time Cruisers
Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season. A one-way sailing, however, is best for cruisers who want to tack on extra vacation time on land to visit Denali National Park or the Kenai Peninsula. Moreover, most cruise lines also offer a cruise tour add-on for one-way sailings, which combine a three- to seven-night bus tour through Alaska with a weeklong cruise. When it comes to packing, the unpredictable weather in Alaska calls for strategic wardrobe planning. Be sure to pack a mix of lightweight and warmer clothing items, including long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and waterproof jackets.
Related Itineraries
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.
Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.
Best for off-the-beaten-path travel: National Geographic Quest
Alaska offers a plethora of exhilarating shore excursions that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and unique experiences of this captivating destination. From ziplining adventures through lush forests to helicopter tours over majestic glaciers, there is something to suit every adventurer's taste. In Juneau, you can embark on thrilling whale-watching tours and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Cruises
Princess (and other Alaska-going lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival) offer innovative and extensive children's programs and facilities. On our sailing, organized onboard activities for children included a "Wizard of Oz" singalong, and a more destination-specific whale-watching program. Planning and packing for an Alaskan cruise requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. One essential tip is to download the cruise line's app, which provides a convenient way to check-in and book shore excursions from the comfort of your smartphone. This handy tool simplifies the pre-cruise process and allows you to make the most of your time onboard.
The basics are all included
Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. In Alaska this will include orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles and even bears if you are lucky! Alaska is a great choice for families who want to introduce their kids to nature and science -- something other than the surf-and-sand experience.
This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind. (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver). Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row.
It possesses a unique Gold Rush history and a vibrant mix of native Alaskan cultures. You won’t find this blend of scenery, outdoor pursuits, history, and culture in any other cruise itinerary. That decision is personal, but Holland America and Princess lead the pack for the most diverse tour options, company-owned Alaska railway cars and resort properties, and experience in the region. Alaska’s cruise ports provide plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs and locally made crafts. Grab an Alaskan beer at a historic saloon, or try local seafood at any number of portside restaurants. History buffs will want to explore the state’s Gold Rush history, either with a local tour of Skagway or a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad.
A visit here explains the impact of the gold rush in Alaska and Canada’s Yukon (during the late 1800s) and the many hardships faced by prospectors. As one of the best places to visit in Alaska, this is also the location of the Harding Icefield, one of the largest in the United States, which feeds glaciers flowing toward the sea. Kenai Fjords National Park, on the Kenai Peninsula in southern Alaska, is a unique habitat brimming with fjords, glaciers, and rugged coastal landscapes. The center, snuggled away in the picturesque Chugach Mountains, southeast of Anchorage, is a haven for orphaned and injured wildlife. You can take part in guided tours led by the expert staff here, who will teach you more about the center’s activities concerning Alaskan wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. You might find a low fare, especially on shoulder-season cruises, but you might also find that the room types you prefer are sold out or that fares have gone up on a nearly full ship. This is especially true for balcony cabins, as they are the most desired in this scenic region.
AdventureSmith Explorations, Alaska Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, Discovery Voyages, Lindblad Expeditions, Oceania, Seabourn, Silversea, UnCruise Adventures, and Windstar Cruises are a few of the small ship cruise operators in the state. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice.
There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. I’ve seen whales from my cruise ship on every cruise to Alaska (I’ve sailed in every month from May through October) and sometimes I’ve been lucky enough to see them very close up and active! A maiden voyage to Alaska will let you delve into the state’s different cultures and wild landscapes.
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