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The mountains, glaciers, and wildlife surrounding Juneau make this charming town anything but small, and it’s one of the main tourist hubs in all of Alaska. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska.
Harvard Glacier
Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective. This is one of the questions I get frequently from my readers and clients. Both Seattle and Vancouver are wonderful cities to sail from and spend an extra couple days if you have it. A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State.
9 Best Alaska Cruise Tour Destinations - Cruise Critic
9 Best Alaska Cruise Tour Destinations.
Posted: Fri, 30 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaska Helicopter Tours
Most Alaskan cruises depart from one of four ports on the western coast of North America – either Seward or Juneau within Alaska itself, or from Vancouver in Canada or Seattle in the US. Some cruises depart from further afield, including ports in Hawaii or Australia. Hubbard Glacier is located further north than the other glaciers on this list. Due to its more remote location, you’ll usually only find Hubbard Glacier itineraries on one-way sailings to or from Alaska. Seward, Alaska is a port found only on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries.
Juneau Alaska
Icy Strait Point was converted from a cannery for cruise ships by the Huna Totem Corporation and is Huna Tlingit owned and operated. The vast majority of employees are Huna Tlingit who live in the town of Hoonah. These ships can also more easily follow aquatic wildlife (within legal limits). Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures.
Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation
Meanwhile, grizzly bears enrobed in chestnut-colored fleeces meander through the shallow waters in search of their next meal. Past the multi-colored homes lining the tranquil shores lies an emblem of Ketchikan’s antiquities — Totem Bight State Historical Park. Embellished in vibrant colors and chiseled faces, hand-carved totem poles stand tall around the replica Native clan house, inviting visitors to experience Alaska’s past and present. Down on Creek Street, dollhouse-style homes line the wooden boardwalk inviting visitors to explore what’s left of the city’s red-light district days. With all that remains in this lively port of call, it’s no wonder why Ketchikan is one of the most sought-after destinations in Alaska.
I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare - Royal Caribbean Blog
I cruised on the oldest and newest cruise ships to Alaska: here's how they compare.
Posted: Mon, 24 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Skagway – Gold Rush Town and Scenic Hikes
Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. In the center of the state, Denali National Park is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day.
It's particularly true in Alaska, where an array of ports of call welcome Inside Passage cruises throughout the summer season. Most visitors to Victoria on an Alaska cruise explore the city’s highlights, but there is still plenty of nature to explore near the port as well. Whale watching tours are popular in the city, so if you didn’t book a whale watching tour in an Alaska port, you’ll have another chance to spot these majestic animals while in Victoria. Haines doesn’t have a lot of cruise ships that call in its port, but it does have some.
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Be sure to see “The Last Train to Nowhere” – an old steam train sitting upon unfinished tracks on the tundra. After docking at the pier, learn the history of Alaska Native cultures at the Museum of the Aleutians – rated as one of the best in the state. Stop by the historic Holy Resurrection Church, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in the country. And visit the Kodiak History Museum located in an old former fur storehouse wooden structure.
Alaska Cruise Costs: Budgeting and Shore Excursions
It has a wealth of activities to enjoy, including a famous collection of authentic totem poles at various sites. Northbound cruise routes usually stop first in Ketchikan, followed by Juneau (Alaska’s capital city), Skagway, and visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. While these are the most visited places in the Inside Passage, other communities visited by cruise ships include Hoonah, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Prince of Wales Island, and Haines. Longer cruise ship itineraries continue on to cross the Gulf of Alaska and end in port communities in Southcentral Alaska including Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier.
You might have heard someone refer to the Alaska ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) as a local’s cruise or a cheaper cruise and I want you to know that is not accurate. The Alaska ferry is absolutely wonderful, but it’s public transportation and that is how it’s used by Alaskans. It’s also more expensive than people expect (often more than a cruise) and there are lots of hidden costs, such as getting a small cabin and eating in the cafeteria. If you’re interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, it’s an amazing experience, but it’s very different from a cruise! Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here and my DIY traveler’s guide to having a blast on a cruise here.
Explore the Alaska Raptor Center, where you can see and learn about rehabilitating birds of prey up close. Take a wildlife tour to spot humpback whales, sea otters, and other marine life in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in Sitka’s history by visiting the National Historic Park, home to one of the largest collections of totem poles in Alaska. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all native Alaskan owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village.
Horse-drawn carriages carry visitors past charming houses and stately buildings that overlook the reflective waters. Meanwhile, patterned butterflies flutter throughout their very own 12,000 square-foot tropical paradise — home to symphonic birds and serene koi ponds. To experience true royalty, visit Craigdarroch Castle where wooden antiques and furnishings line the Victorian-style halls.
Juneau gets a slight edge from me as I mentioned above for the number of hiking trails that are easy to get to from the cruise ship dock. Like Juneau, Ketchikan is relatively easy to get around on your own and has a bus system that takes you to most places. If you have less than five days for land and primarily want to see Denali, then I recommend booking through the cruise line. If you have more time and want to see some other places, then you could book it on your own.
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