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Alternatively, Gulf of Alaska cruises are typically seven-night, one-way itineraries between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, the gateway ports for Anchorage and northern destinations in the state. You’ll want to carefully consider Alaska cruise packages and itineraries as the scenery, price and length of time all vary considerably. The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions.
Where Do Alaska Cruises Depart?
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby LeConte Glacier, known as the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. With its small-town charm and rich maritime history, Petersburg is a hidden gem worth exploring. Nestled amidst the towering mountains of Southeast Alaska, Haines offers a quieter and more intimate experience. This picturesque town is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from lush forests to snow-capped peaks.
Alaska Northern Lights Cruises: When to Go and What to Consider
There’s nothing quite like watching the magnificence of Hubbard Glacier and Margerie Glacier, some of the largest glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, while on your own private balcony. It’s also a much more comfortable way to watch for calving—that’s the thunderous process of large chunks of glaciers falling off into the ocean. While the cruise port is relatively small, it has several docks capable of handling full-sized cruise ships. Most cruise ships dock at the Broadway Dock, located at Broadway Street’s very edge.
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sitka by visiting the Sitka National Historical Park. Explore the preserved tribal houses and totem poles while learning about the area’s indigenous culture. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center is a must, where you can observe and learn about various bird species, including majestic bald eagles. Home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, Ketchikan offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American heritage and art. Take a stroll through Totem Bight State Historical Park or visit Saxman Native Village to admire these impressive cultural landmarks. Don’t forget to indulge in delicious fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.
It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. Feel the soft tickle of cloud-colored fur as you get an up-close experience with Alaska’s wolves. At Kroschel Wildlife Center, experience encounters with some of Alaska’s furry residents — including bears, moose, foxes, and reindeer — like never before. Or, head to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see over 200 of these classic creatures soaring through the crisp air and resting amidst undressed trees. However you choose to spend your time on land, walk away with unforgettable adventures and ever-lasting memories.
King Island
Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October.
Take a cruise into the Bering Sea and tender to shore at this destination of Nome, famous for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Learn about the long history of indigenous people at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, then test your skills on a guided fishing tour of the area’s 14 rivers. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – “The Scenic Railway of the World” – to see dramatic landscapes and vintage sites while climbing almost 3,000 feet over 20 miles.
Expensive 7-day Alaska cruise on Princess cost $2,800 a person - Business Insider
Expensive 7-day Alaska cruise on Princess cost $2,800 a person.
Posted: Sat, 20 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Due to this strategic location and its proximity to some of Alaska’s most alluring attractions, there is a good chance you will stop in Skagway if you have booked an Alaskan cruise. To help you get the most out of your time there, this comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know. It has scenic walks to enjoy, along with an active lighthouse to spot on your visit. Homer is a busy town on the Kenai Peninsula, and its most prominent feature is the Homer Spit – a gravel bar where ships will dock. Chichagof is one of the largest islands in the whole of the US, with some incredible mountain and forest scenery. Petersburg is only accessible to smaller ships, which helps to create an off-the-beaten-track vibe – bigger ships focus more on nearby Sitka or Juneau, giving Petersburg a less ‘touristy’ feel.
10 Best Alaska Cruises To Take This Summer, According To Experts - TRAVEL + LEISURE INDIA
10 Best Alaska Cruises To Take This Summer, According To Experts.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Often, passengers will have some featured ports in Canada or on the US West Coast. If you’re seeking a more upscale and personalized experience, luxury cruise lines like Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Windstar offer Alaska itineraries. These cruise lines provide a higher level of service, elegant accommodations, gourmet dining options, and exclusive shore excursions. If you value comfort and indulgence, luxury cruise lines are a great choice for exploring the beauty of Alaska. Alaska offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, making it an ideal location for a cruise. With 26 active cruise ports, including popular ones like Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway, there’s no shortage of stunning destinations to explore.
The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder... The main attraction by starting or ending a cruise in Seward, however, isn’t the town itself, but the proximity to some of Alaska’s most popular destinations. Those cruising from Seward will usually spend several days in Alaska’s interior before (or after) their one-way cruise, visiting places like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna. Royal Caribbean ships tend to visit Skagway in the morning, travel the short distance to Haines in late afternoon, and remain docked in Haines for the evening. Icy Strait Point is a private port that was opened by the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004.
For those with limited time or looking to explore further afield, shuttle services and taxis are available from the cruise port. As we will explore in greater detail, many cruise lines also partner with local excursion providers, including transportation to and from the port. The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. There are a core set of ports that most of the major cruise lines always visit, but if you want to get off the beaten track then smaller ships and luxury cruise lines are the way to go. The thrill of exploration greets passengers every time their cruise comes to port. There's new history to explore, new sites to see, and new excursions to take.
Due to the area’s rich Native culture, many visitors enjoy learning more about the history and traditions of the Tlingit people while in port. Only 20 minutes from downtown Juneau, this 13 mile long receding glacier is the most easily accessible glacier from an Alaska cruise port, and it offers hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing opportunities. Before cruising to Alaska, it's helpful to have an idea of what is offered in each cruise port. Some ports offer the best whale watching opportunities whereas others are best for visiting historical sites and learning about Native Alaskan culture. A handful of cruise lines -- mostly small ship and luxury lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Windstar -- offer Alaska cruises ranging from nine to 14 days in length (generally departing from Vancouver).
Just a hop across the Peril Strait from Chicagof Island, Baranof Island is home to Sitka. There are small islands dotted along the coast and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. Stretching for over 500 miles from Puget Sound into the Gulf of Alaska, this seemingly never-ending passage is a photographer’s dream. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.
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