MUST-SEE PORTS ON YOUR ALASKAN CRUISE
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Kayaking in the icy waters near Dawes Glacier
Seeing glaciers up-close and personal is one of the main reasons people visit Alaska—and getting there is half the fun, especially when you’re traveling by cruise ship. Glide through the stunning glacial fjord of Endicott Arm, with fragrant spruce trees clinging desperately to soaring granite walls, seals lounging atop floating iceberg remnants and plunging waterfalls dissolving into mist. If you’ve ever wanted to witness a calving glacier, this is the spot. Dawes is an active tidewater glacier, meaning that its daily movement causes regular calving, where huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and plunge dramatically into the sea. It’s an experience not to be missed on your Alaska Cruise.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau
Nicknamed “Alaska's peak experience,” Juneau is truly one of Alaska’s most coveted cruising destinations, owed largely to its unparalleled glacier-viewing opportunities from places like Tracy Arm Fjord and the Juneau Icefields. Embark on a flightseeing expedition over pristine landscapes, kayak one of the many serene waterways, tour the historic downtown or learn about pioneer history while you pan for gold. For an excursion, head just outside Juneau to visit the majestic Mendenhall Glacier. Walk the many scenic nature trails and explore the Visitor Center with its view of the Juneau Ice Field.
Witness calving glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers. Comprising over 3 million acres of unspoiled landscapes and natural wonders, it is home to magnificent ice-blue glaciers, rugged snow-capped mountains and abundant birds and wildlife. Just as amazing as the sights of Glacier Bay are the sounds, from thunderous calving glaciers to singing seabirds, brown bears thrashing after salmon, bellowing sea lions and the haunting calls of humpback whales echoing over the water.
Experience Alaska’s true character at Icy Straight Point
Icy Strait Point, Alaska
Nestled just beyond the village of Hoonah, Icy Straight Point is the only private port in Alaska, owned by a small population of Alaskan Natives with aboriginal ties to Hoonah and the Glacier Bay area. Of them are many Tlingit people passionate about preserving the character and culture of the land “where the north wind doesn’t blow.” Known for this famous saying, Icy Strait Point is a truly secluded locale; one of the few places in the world where wildlife so greatly outnumbers the local human population. Satisfy your taste for adventure while enjoying Alaska's awe-inspiring scenery from this popular jumping-off point for extraordinary outdoor excursions.