Popular Departure Ports For Alaska
The journey of a cruise begins long before you step foot on the ship, often at the bustling departure ports where anticipation and excitement fill the air. These departure ports are the gateways to a world of exploration and adventure, each possessing its unique charm and character. Whether you're departing from a sun-soaked coastal city, an exotic island paradise, or a historic harbor steeped in maritime tradition, the departure port sets the tone for the voyage ahead. Join us as we embark on a virtual tour of some of the world's most popular departure ports, where the world's oceans await to be explored, one cruise at a time.
Cruises to Alaska depart from these Departure Ports:
Things To Know About Alaska
Lying in the Arctic region, close to the North Pole, Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Its natural beauty comprises magnificent glaciers, huge snow-clad mountains, icy rivers, misty fjords, and amazing wildlife. Owing to this, Alaska hosts tourists all year round. On your voyage to Alaska, you will see the beauty of northern lights in the sky and humpback whales in the sea. Here are some top things to know about Alaska.
Abundant Wildlife: Alaska is a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true. In addition to humpback whales, you can witness orcas, sea lions, otters, and an array of bird species, including bald eagles. Land-based wildlife includes grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. The state's national parks and preserves offer some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in their natural habitats
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Alaska is one of the premier destinations in the world to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. These colorful, dancing lights in the night sky are a result of charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth's atmosphere. Winter months, particularly from September to April, provide the best chances to witness this natural spectacle.
Adventurous Activities: Alaska is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. You can embark on thrilling adventures like dog sledding, ice climbing, glacier hiking, and kayaking amidst towering icebergs. The vast wilderness offers countless opportunities for hiking and camping, allowing you to connect with nature on a profound level.
Stunning Glaciers: The state is home to numerous glaciers, each with its own unique characteristics. Among the most famous are the Hubbard Glacier, Mendenhall Glacier, and Glacier Bay. Witnessing these massive ice formations calving into the sea is a sight to behold and a humbling experience.
Cultural Richness: Alaska is also a place of rich indigenous cultures, with numerous native communities preserving their traditions and heritage. Visitors can learn about the history and customs of Alaska's native peoples through art, dance, storytelling, and museums.
Remote Wilderness: Alaska offers an unparalleled sense of remoteness and tranquility. With vast expanses of untouched wilderness, it's a place where you can disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature.
National Parks: Alaska boasts some of the most pristine and untouched national parks in the United States, including Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park. These protected areas are a testament to the state's commitment to preserving its natural wonders.
Cruise Adventures: Alaska is a top destination for cruise enthusiasts. Cruises through the Inside Passage offer a unique perspective of the state's coastline, allowing passengers to witness glaciers up close and enjoy the comfort of luxury cruise ships.
Get More Info About Cruise to Alaska:
There are several cruises carrying tourists to Alaska from various ports worldwide. If you are planning a trip to Alaska, we got you covered. This blog lists the best cruises to Alaska that you can opt for.
Popular Cruises Sailing to Alaska
Whether you want to relax or explore your adventurous side, Alaska should be on your bucket list of cruising destinations. Here are the popular cruise lines that will take you on a wonderful cruise to Alaska.
1. Holland America Line
Holland America Line is one of the popular cruises to Alaska with 5-star services. This cruise line offers specifically curated itineraries for different parts of the globe. Holland America provides large mid-sized cruises that can hold more than 2000 passengers without looking crowded.
Holland America Line Cruises offers one of the best experiences in Alaska with all-inclusive itineraries sailing you to the deepest part of Glacier Bay. As you sail by magnificent glaciers with a snow-covered mountain backdrop, you will experience the ship's fine-dining option and live music.
You will also have a chance to tour the Glacier Bay National Park and get a closer view of giant glaciers and grizzly bears.
2. Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offer a curated Alaska voyage with diverse activities and places to visit. You can explore the wildlife of this country in its natural landform as you cruise along the coast. Witness the big brown bear gulp down a whole salmon from the stream or spot bald eagles soaring high. You can spot other mammals like whales, moose, caribous, and black bears.
Celebrity Cruises will take you on a tour of Denali National Park. From there, you can spot Mount Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. You can also see varied wildlife, including grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, wolves, and moose.
3. Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn Cruises offer ultra-luxurious vacations to tourists in Alaska. Its itinerary for Alaska tourism will bring you closer to nature. You can set sail for an adventurous vacation to nature, leaving behind the worries of the concrete world.
The cruise will take you to exotic destinations like Wrangell, Sitka, Ketchikan, and the Indian Islands. While sailing here, you will see the beautiful fjords by Glacier Bay and many other hidden gems. You can choose to go kayaking or take a hike to explore the wildlife in their natural habitat.
4. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises allows the voyager within you to embrace nature in its purest form with efficiently crafted tour packages. You can set out on a 7-day voyage of the glaciers to sink in the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The cruise will give you a majestic experience of viewing the glaciers.
You can also enjoy a scenic train journey from port to lodge and vice versa. Princess Cruise offers a Direct-to-the-Wilderness Alaska rail service for all Alaska cruise travelers. One can spend 3 nights cruises or more on Princess Wilderness lodges near popular national parks and rivers.
5. Disney Cruises
Disney Cruises are one of the most popular options for cruises to Alaska for tourists of all ages. If traveling with kids or on vacation with your partner, opt for Disney Cruises for a magical experience in Alaska.
Disney Cruises will take you through the "Frozen" world of the Arctic Circle amidst the glaciers and icebergs for a breathtaking view. These cruises offer endless onboard activities for kids to enjoy a fairy-tale vacation. After docking, there are activities like dog sledding and gold panning for children to enjoy in Alaska.
Highlights Of Cruises to Alaska
Whether your passion lies in exploring lush forests, embarking on glacier treks, indulging in downtown shopping sprees, or simply immersing yourself in the local culture, the towns along Alaska's inside passage offer a rich tapestry of adventurous activities to suit every traveler's desires. Within this captivating region, Alaska cruise ports like Juneau and Ketchikan stand as small cities, each brimming with their unique personalities and charm. Meanwhile, Anchorage, the state's largest city, serves as a gateway to Alaska's vast wonders. Denali National Park makes you retreat from urban life into a pristine wilderness adorned with dense spruce forests and majestic snow-capped mountain peaks.
Seward, Alaska:
- Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.
- Witness calving glaciers and diverse marine life.
- Explore charming downtown Seward.
Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska:
- Native Alaskan culture and totem poles.
- Explore the Tongass National Forest.
- Salmon fishing and wilderness adventures.
Skagway, Alaska:
- Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush.
- White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.
- Scenic hikes and gold rush history.
Haines, Alaska:
- Wildlife viewing and bald eagle watching.
- Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.
- Outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Glacier Bay, Alaska:
- Majestic glaciers and stunning fjords.
- Abundant marine life, including whales.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside Passage, Canada:
- Coastal beauty and serene waters.
- Whale watching and wildlife sightings.
- Quaint Canadian coastal communities.
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska:
- Witness the colossal calving glacier.
- Scenic cruising in Yakutat Bay.
- Breathtaking natural spectacle.
Sitka, Alaska:
- Rich Russian and Native American history.
- Raptor Center and Totem Park.
- Outdoor activities and cultural tours.
Juneau, Alaska:
- State capital with scenic beauty.
- Mendenhall Glacier and tramway rides.
- Outdoor adventures, including dog sledding.
Icy Strait Point, Alaska:
- Nature-focused experiences.
- Whale watching and bear viewing.
- Ziplining and cultural insights.
These ports along the Alaska cruise route offer a diverse range of experiences, from natural wonders and outdoor adventures to cultural immersion and historical exploration, making them captivating stops on a cruise through the rugged beauty of Alaska.
Get Cheap Cruises to Alaska
You can choose from any of the above-mentioned cruise lines to embark on your unforgettable journey to Alaska. To begin your cruise adventure, you can conveniently explore the best packages and special offers tailored to your preferred cruise line. CruiseBooking.com, your trusted online portal for cruise reservations, is your one-stop destination for all the details you need regarding cruise ships and captivating destinations.
Embark on your dream cruise to Alaska with CruiseBooking.com and set the course for an adventure of a lifetime in this magnificent corner of the world. Start planning your tour today, and let the beauty of Alaska unfold before you.
FAQs for Cruises to Alaska
The prime cruising season in Alaska typically runs from May to September. May and September offer smaller crowds and more affordable prices, while June, July, and August provide the warmest weather and longer daylight hours.
Alaska cruises can vary in duration. Most range from 7 to 14 days, allowing passengers to explore various ports of call and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
Pack warm clothing, including layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable walking shoes for excursions. Don't forget binoculars for wildlife viewing and a good camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Shore excursions are usually not included in the base cruise fare. Passengers can choose and purchase excursions separately, allowing for a customized experience in each port.
Alaska has various wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, grizzly bears, moose, and otters. Wildlife viewing is a highlight of many Alaskan cruises.
While it's possible to see the Northern Lights during an Alaska cruise, the best chances for this spectacular natural phenomenon are in the late summer and early fall months, particularly in northern ports like Fairbanks.
