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If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise ship, Alaska is one destination where you won’t spend much time in the open ocean. You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations may include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. These are just a few examples of the incredible excursion options and activities available in Alaska cruise ports.
King Island
You best to see the Northern Lights on a cruise ship by booking a Gulf of Alaska itinerary during September. Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the town’s wooden boardwalks.
Featured Alaska Cruise Itineraries
This tiny island is uninhabited and offers dramatic scenery along with many exciting bird species. The one Ponant cruise visiting the island can’t land, but instead, the ship will sail around it and offer plenty of bird-spotting opportunities. Anchorage was previously one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports, but few ships have returned after the events of 2020. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, a range of outdoor activities available as excursions, and visiting wildlife, including orcas, sea lions, and seals, there are many things to enjoy.
Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions
The Alaska cruise season runs from May to late September, with some sailings in April and October. Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. 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. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
I can tell you from experience that my favorite cruise as a kid was our trip to Alaska. You’ll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line. Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Mountains with rounded peaks were once submerged beneath the glacier, eroding their sharp edges.
Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. Remember to carefully plan your itinerary and consider the best time to cruise Alaska based on your interests and preferences. Whether you opt for a mainstream cruise line or a luxury expedition, the beauty and splendor of Alaska’s cruise ports will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. These are just a few of the must-see attractions in Alaska cruise ports.
Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle
If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield. Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the Gold Rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dogsled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes.
Seattle Washington
It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. Get up close and personal with glaciers by taking a helicopter tour or boarding a boat excursion to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Pan for gold and learn about the gold rush era at the Last Chance Mining Museum, and take a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. If you’re seeking a more upscale and personalized experience, luxury cruise lines like Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar offer Alaska itineraries. These cruise lines provide a higher level of service, elegant accommodations, gourmet dining options, and exclusive shore excursions.
Plans Released for New Cruise Terminal in Alaska for Royal Caribbean - Cruise Hive
Plans Released for New Cruise Terminal in Alaska for Royal Caribbean.
Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Crowds, Weather and Cost Are All Factors
The town of Seward sits on the southern side of the Kenai Peninsula near beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park. It's nestled between bay waters and mountainsides, an environment that's rich in wildlife and best enjoyed by day cruise or kayak. Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord.
Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids. Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people. Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, here’s what to expect on an Alaskan cruise. When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars.
If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure that’s both fun and educational. If you’re looking for longer Alaska sailings of 12 or more nights, you’ll want to stick with Holland America or Princess Cruises. You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer. Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 7-nights in duration, though you’ll find a few 8 and 9-day itineraries.
Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers. If you’re an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, you’ll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Smaller vessels can better access less habited areas of Alaska and provide a closer look at the Last Frontier.
Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). 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. The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.
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