For many travelers, Alaska represents the ultimate cruise destination. This vast, beautiful state contains some of the most jaw-dropping scenery and incredible wildlife encounters you’ll find anywhere on Earth. From massive tidewater glaciers to breaching humpback whales, Alaska truly is the last frontier of epic adventure.
Why Take an Alaska Cruise
For starters, cruising Alaska allows you to see immense portions of the state’s storied coastline in maximum comfort. The Inside Passage stretches over 500 miles from Puget Sound to Skagway, offering up breathtaking vistas around every bend. As the name suggests, the passage weaves through thousands of islands, bringing you within view of dramatic snowcapped mountains, glacial valleys, and lush forests. Sites like Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord will drop your jaw with their raw, towering beauty. And you’ll get to experience it all while only unpacking once!
Beyond the scenery, Alaska is brimming with diverse wildlife waiting to be discovered. You’ll sail alongside breaching humpback whales, bellowing sea lions, spirited otters, and soaring eagles. With a bit of luck you may even catch sight of the elusive Kodiak bear patrolling the shoreline. Many cruise ships employ naturalists to help spot and identify the state’s exotic creatures, adding
Alaska’s remote location and challenging environment make many parts of the state difficult to reach by land. Even cruising allows you to get closer than any highway can. For example, cruising right up to the face of a massive glacier like Hubbard or Sawyer allows you to see their intricate blue hues and hear the crackling as ice calves into the sea. You’d never experience that on a bus tour. Alaska truly reveals its most magical places to those arriving by boat.
Beyond natural sights, a cruise lets you discover the lively port towns and Gold Rush history that traces this frontier land. In Skagway you can ride the historic White Pass railway up into the mountains. Ketchikan features native art and a rich salmon fishing culture. And the capital Juneau still holds relics from early prospectors chasing dreams of striking it rich. By rotating between adventures ashore and peaceful cruising, you get a comprehensive overview of Alaska’s diverse attractions.
Choosing the Right Alaska Cruise
Alaska cruises vary widely in terms of cruise lines, ship sizes, itineraries and prices. With so many options, it’s important to find the one that aligns with your interests and budget.
The major cruise lines like Princess, Holland America and Carnival offer Alaska itineraries. We prefer Princess and Holland America for their focus on the destination instead of constant onboard activities. The smaller ship sizes of under 3,000 passengers also provide a more intimate Alaskan experience. For those wanting luxury, lines like Regent Seven Seas cater to higher-end travelers.
In terms of itineraries, Inside Passage routes are great for viewing glaciers and wildlife as you sail north. You’ll see famed sights like Glacier Bay before arriving in ports like Ketchikan and Skagway. For a more adventurous experience, consider a cruise touring along the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage. Here you can opt for excursions like bear viewing or helicopter glacier treks.
No matter your route, sailing in May through September gives you the best weather and wildlife sighting opportunities. July and August tend to be the warmest and most crowded. For a balance of comfort and fewer people, sail in June or September.
Booking Your Alaskan Dream Cruise
Once you’ve chosen the right Alaska cruise for your dreams and budget, it’s time to book! This is where working with a trusted travel advisor provides huge benefits. The first being their ability to leverage relationships with cruise lines to offer exclusive perks, discounts, and amenities you can’t get booking directly.
On top of the monetary value, a good advisor acts as your advocate before, during and after your cruise. We handle all the little details so you can focus just on enjoying your voyage. From booking your desired cabins and dining times to advising on the best excursions for you, we aim to make your trip smooth sailing.
During your cruise, you’ll have round the clock support should any questions or issues arise. And after your return, we’ll check in to hear all about your amazing Alaskan adventures. Our goal is to guide you to the perfect cruise experience from start to finish.
Start Planning Your Alaskan Adventure
Hopefully this has inspired you to start planning an unforgettable Alaska cruise! The breathtaking sights, abundant wildlife, and frontier spirit of exploration await you in this one-of-a-kind destination. Take advantage of our cruise expertise and insider perks by booking with Cruising Duo Travel today! Let’s get started on crafting your dream Alaskan voyage.
Just imagine bundling up on deck with a warm beverage, watching a sea otter playfully crack open a clam on his belly as a glacier shimmers bright blue under the midnight sun. These are the moments you’ll cherish forever. So don’t just dream about witnessing Alaska’s wonders up close – book a cruise and live them! Let’s chat more about making your Alaskan cruise dreams come true.
