A Basic Guide to Alaska Cruise Vacation

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Alaska, the Final Frontier, has been conquered, thanks to Alaska cruises. The wilderness is spellbinding, and one of the best ways to explore this raw beauty is through cruises. With the help of an Alaska cruise, you can go near the Hubbard Glacier or explore the stunning Glacier Bay National Park. A majority of Alaska cruise packages also include shore excursions that allow you to get mesmerized by the unique Denali National Park.

Most Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver and Seattle, but you can also look for cruises leaving from other port cities along the Pacific. Some of the ports of call during this cruise include Skagway, Juneau, Seward, Sitka, and Ketchikan. You will be able to check out glaciers, explore Gold Rush towns, experience Native American culture, and enjoy forests with indigenous wildlife that you cannot find anywhere else. Alaska is all about adventure and cruises offer an opportunity to have an unforgettable one.

A Useful Guide to Make Your Alaska Cruise Holidays Interesting

Best Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

Some of the things that you can do while you are on an Alaska cruise include the following:

1. You will find many glaciers along the coast of Alaska, with the most popular ones being Glacier Bay National Park and Mendenhall Glacier. Near Juneau, you can sail through the Tracy Arm fjord that runs for 30 miles.

2. Alaska is also the place to experience dog sled rides. You can go to one that is pulled by huskies and learn about the annual sled race, the Iditarod, which attracts sled enthusiasts from far and wide.

3. If you plan your cruise in time for the Salmon Bake and Crab Feast, you will be able to enjoy the authentic cuisine of the state.

4. Spend time in Denali National Park, which is home to eagles, caribou, and grizzlies. Here, you will also be able to see the magnificent Mount McKinley and try your hand at fly fishing.

5. The cruise is the perfect opportunity to find out more about Native American culture. Ketchikan is the place for it. The Totem Heritage Center and the Totem Bight State History Park have mesmerizing totem poles with carvings that give you a glimpse of the beliefs, events, and legends related to the natives of Alaska.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska On a Cruise

The most popular itineraries allow you to cruise through the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska. You will be able to spot whales, seals, and sea lions frolicking in the water or basking in the sun.

Make sure you take time out to explore Juneau, the capital of the state. Here, you will be able to learn more about Joe Juneau and Dick Harris who discovered gold in Alaska in 1880 and were responsible for the Gold Rush that engulfed the area. During the shore excursion, you will be able to visit the Red Dog Saloon, abandoned mines and even enjoy a trek across the Juneau Ice Field.

Skagway is another town that you should visit if you love history. Here, you will find buildings dating back to the Gold Rush era. In addition, you will be able to go dog sledding and take a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.

Best Time to Visit Alaska On a Cruise

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, so you can book your cruise accordingly. June, July and August are the warmest months, when temperatures are in the 60s and 70s and it rains quite a bit. This is the time when ports are crowded, so plan accordingly.

However, in May, the crowd thins out and you can go on shore excursions without worries. It is also the driest month in Alaska. Those who want to see the Northern Lights should plan their Alaska cruise in September, but the water can be choppy in the Gulf of Alaska. So, be mindful of it.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of when you choose your Alaska cruise, the weather can be quite unpredictable. That is what makes this cruise so fascinating. You will be packing a winter jacket and bathing suit and will be using both during your trip.