Table Of Content

For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list. If you’re unsure what to pack for your Alaska cruise, check out our printable Alaska cruise packing list. Most importantly you should bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Because of the fast-changing weather in Alaska, it’s not possible to dress for the weather. Millions of passengers travel to Alaska every year, hoping to see the Northern Lights.
Fishing
Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species. The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage. You’ll likely have to choose a one-way cruise if you want to travel further north on your Alaska cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska. Aside from the winter cold providing an uncomfortable experience, many regions of Alaska become inaccessible as the water turns to ice.
Haines
Anchorage is a seafood aficionado’s dream, with wonderful restaurants offering the freshest catches of the day. If you’re a history enthusiast, Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, will take you to a bygone era with its impressively preserved history. To wind down, look no further than Seward, with its picturesque views and quaint downtown.
Kupreanof Island
Whale watching tours are popular in the city, so if you didn’t book a whale watching tour in an Alaska port, you’ll have another chance to spot these majestic animals while in Victoria. Before cruising to Alaska, it's helpful to have an idea of what is offered in each cruise port. Some ports offer the best whale watching opportunities whereas others are best for visiting historical sites and learning about Native Alaskan culture. There are a core set of ports that most of the major cruise lines always visit, but if you want to get off the beaten track then smaller ships and luxury cruise lines are the way to go. Any Alaskan cruise will be special, but the ports of Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau and Icy Strait Point offer a fantastic balance of natural beauty and rich heritage. Kodiak Island is a little smaller but is great for spotting wildlife, while the smaller ports visited by luxury ships offer a calmer side of Alaskan life.
Photos show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it - Royal Caribbean Blog
Photos show why taking an Alaska cruise is worth it.
Posted: Sat, 24 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The prices of these excursions can vary significantly, so it’s essential to plan and allocate your budget accordingly. A general guideline is to budget at least $500 per person for shore excursions, but keep in mind that more extravagant experiences can cost even more. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a paradise for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Take a glacier tour to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Mendenhall Glacier and explore its ice caves. Experience the thrill of gold panning and learn about the city’s rich gold rush history at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum.
Best Cruise Lines for Adventure-Seekers
Pelican Town is a small community located on the coast of Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska. Known for its picturesque beauty and rich history, Pelican Town is a popular destination for visitors... To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Juneau, make sure to plan your activities accordingly.
Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours
Indulge in Alaskan seafood specialties like buttery king crab legs or freshly smoked salmon. For art and history enthusiasts, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is a must-visit. Discover the fascinating stories of Juneau’s past through exhibits and interactive displays. The museum showcases the culture, heritage, and traditions of the region, providing a deeper understanding of Juneau’s unique identity. I always recommend traveling to your embarkation port a day early to avoid snafus from travel delays. Spend your extra day in Seattle checking out iconic attractions such as the Space Needle and savor some fresh seafood from Pike Place Market.
Juneau – Gateway to Glaciers and Gold Rush History
It’s also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center – one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world. Spend time walking the shoreline, exploring the unique ecosystems of the surrounding tundra and forests, and go on a berry-picking expedition. Try your luck on a gold panning expedition while viewing artifacts from the famous Gold Rush days at the turn of the 20th Century. Be sure to see “The Last Train to Nowhere” – an old steam train sitting upon unfinished tracks on the tundra. After docking at the pier, learn the history of Alaska Native cultures at the Museum of the Aleutians – rated as one of the best in the state. Enjoy fine dining, carry-out options, coffee shops, food trucks and some of the best burgers at Old Town Diner.
College Fjord

Remember to factor in additional costs such as gratuities, onboard amenities, and any pre- or post-cruise accommodations. By carefully budgeting and planning your shore excursions, you can make the most of your Alaska cruise while staying within your desired price range. Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.
The Hubbard Glacier is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Alaska and a popular cruise destination for visitors on an Alaskan cruise. Frederick Sound is a breathtaking body of water located in Southeast Alaska, and is a cruise destination that offers visitors the chance to witness some of the world's most incredible marine... You will have a chance to experience the natural beauty and incredible wildlife of the region.
Exhibits celebrate the storytelling passion in the area to preserve and share “the natural, cultural and artistic heritage” of the island. This cruise port makes our list because of the vibrant arts community, delicious dining, and welcoming atmosphere. The town boasts numerous local art galleries, theatre productions, live music, and the opportunity to take classes in painting, sculpting, and writing while onshore. Stop at the Homer Council on the Arts office to get a schedule and map.
At Kroschel Wildlife Center, experience encounters with some of Alaska’s furry residents — including bears, moose, foxes, and reindeer — like never before. Or, head to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see over 200 of these classic creatures soaring through the crisp air and resting amidst undressed trees. However you choose to spend your time on land, walk away with unforgettable adventures and ever-lasting memories. Alaska is one of the cruise destinations where we recommend booking a balcony accommodation.
Due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), all foreign-flagged ships must visit at least one foreign country on a roundtrip cruise from the United States. Because of this, Alaska cruises from Seattle include a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia, the most easily accessible foreign port en route to Alaska. Many visitors opt to visit the nearby town of Hoonah while docked at Icy Strait Point. Only 1.5 miles from the port, Hoonah is home to less than 1,000 people and offers an authentic, small town Alaska experience.
Much of the town is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.
No comments:
Post a Comment