Alaska Cruising

Alaska Cruising

Alaska“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go”-Carol Burnett 

If Alaska isn’t on your bucket list, I highly recommend it! 

The easiest way to experience Alaska is cruising. Ports will usually include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan (and Vancouver or Victoria, BC Canada). You can choose to cruise round-trip (from Seattle or Vancouver), one-way, or add on a land tour! 

Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is only accessible by sea or air. It makes it one of the most popular ports in Alaska. The port stop has so many excursions: Mendenhall Glacier, Whale-Watching, Helicopter to the Glacier, Hiking, and great shopping! 

Skagway is a great port, full of history. Not to miss is the White Pass Summit Railway – a historical scenic train ride that is carved into the sides of the mountains. Be prepared if you travel the rail early in the year – you may have lots of snow around and the trains are not heated (dress warm!) 

Ketchikan is known as “Alaska’s First City” because it’s located on the southern tip of the Inside Passage. It connects the Gulf of Alaska to the Puget Sound.The town is also known as the “Salmon Capital of the World”. You might catch a glimpse of black bears, as they come to fish in the streams and rivers. (The salmon runs late June – August, so that may be the best time to see more wildlife.)Ketchikan has the largest collection of totem poles – Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village are excursions you may take to see some of these awesome creations! 

Glacier Viewing is one of the most requested part of seeing Alaska. Would you like seeing the Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park? It often depends on the cruise you choose, but either option is outstanding! Hubbard Glacier is known for its sheer size, but shorter sightseeing times. While cruising to Gracier Bay, you will spend a good portion of your day, and could see more than one glacier! 

An optional add-on is a land tour, either before or after your cruise. If your dream is to visit Denali National Park – this add-on is for you. (Note: your chances of actually seeing the mountain will vary, depending on Mother Nature.) This vast wilderness is home to lots of wildlife – bears, sheep, wolves, moose, and more. 

Almost every cruise line will offer an Alaska itinerary. Cruise lines range from moderate to smaller, luxury ships. family cruises to primarily adults. They vary in length, but most cruise only options are 7 nights.

Best time to cruise Alaska? Although cruises start in late April and some go into October, the best time is June, July, or August. Keep in mind, anytime you choose to travel to Alaska I recommend you pack for cooler and warmer weather, (dress in layers!) and include waterproof outerwear! Temperatures can dip down to the 30’s and increase to the 60’s during the day.