Cruise Guide to Alaska, USA
One of the most beautiful states in the Union, Alaska is a must-see destination for nature lovers everywhere. Filled with crystal clear ocean bays, stunning coastlines, and impressive mountain peaks, the landscape is exciting even without Alaska’s famous wildlife. But you’ll also have the opportunity to see salmon, whales, bears, moose, lynx, and more on almost any of the Alaska cruises currently available. There’s nothing quite like exploring the frozen north from the comfort of a cruise ship. While you’re here, you’ll see glaciers, enjoy amazing sunbathing, with opportunities to explore native cultures, go on nature walks, and so much more.
Facts about Alaska:
Made a state in 1959, Alaska is the largest single state in the United States. It’s more than twice as large as Texas, the second-biggest state. As a matter of fact, Alaska, on its own, is bigger than all but 18 of the globe’s sovereign nations.
The state is home to 17 of the 20 tallest mountains in North America, including the tallest, Denali. It also has an estimated 100,000 glaciers, over 3 million lakes, and the longest river in the United States.
Originally a Russian territory, the whole state was purchased by President Andrew Johnson for $7.2 million. Originally home to Russian fur traders and the various support industries they required, Russian residents moved away quickly after the purchase in 1867. But it was largely unpopulated until the Klondike Gold Rush brought a population boom.
Today Alaska is home to more than 700,000 U.S. citizens, produces 25% of all U.S. oil, and is home to some of the most vibrant and untouched natural spaces in the country.
Weather in Alaska:
Weather is always one of the first concerns for Alaskan videos. If you’ve heard of Balto, you probably expect Alaska to be a frozen and isolated region all year round. The truth is that Alaska experiences very temperate summers and is much warmer than non-residents ever anticipate.
During peak cruise season you can expect weather between 30-65 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also plan for occasional precipitation, but no more or less than you would expect elsewhere in the U.S.
You should plan on packing lots of easy layers. Bring warm weather clothing, light jackets, sweaters, and a heavier coat so you’re always prepared for conditions heading into port.
Cruises to Alaska:
If you’re looking for a cruise to Alaska there are two main boarding ports, Seattle and Vancouver. Major cruise operators in Alaska include Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean. Princess Cruises departs primarily from Seattle, and voyages usually last 7 days. Celebrity Cruises has itineraries from 3-7 days and departs from Fairbanks, Seward, and Vancouver. Royal Caribbean departs from Fairbanks, Seward, and Vancouver. Their itineraries run between 3-7 days.
Cruise season in Alaska lasts from May-September. With multiple cruises visiting the state each week, there are tons of opportunities to enjoy an Alaskan cruise. This period also offers some of the best sightseeing and weather of the Alaskan year. Alaskan cruises are accessible and fun for even the most summer-loving individuals.
Things To See And Do On Your Alaskan Cruise:
While cruising along the Alaskan coast is an incredible experience on its own, you’ll doubtless want to spend some time in the coastal cities. You may even want to pick your cruise based on some of these locations and activities.
Juneau – Alaska’s Capital
Juneau is a destination on most Alaskan cruises, and you certainly don’t want to miss out on this incredible port city. Since Juneau is the cherry on top of one of the largest wilderness areas in the county, there are activities and sights for urbanites and nature lovers alike.
While here you can take a wildlife tour seeking out bears, whales, and eagles. Tours vary from boating tours, kayak trips, and flying tours. Hiking the surrounding wilderness area is also an option.
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau also offers some of the most incredible views in the world. Been before? Mendenhall Glacier is an incredibly active glacier and is always on the move. It’s well worth going back, the glacier is a little different every year.
Don’t miss the Last Chance Mining Museum while you’re here. Home to the world’s largest air compressor, the museum is a window into Juneau’s gold mining past. The hike up to the museum is a little tricky, but well worth the effort for history buffs and mine enthusiasts alike.
Walter Soboleff Building
If you’re interested in Native Culture and want to support and learn direct from Native tribes, you won’t want to miss the Walter Soboleff Building. Located in Juneau’s historic district, the Walter Soboleff building is where the three local tribes can tell their own story. It’s also home to a variety of native artworks and a gift shop of art and souvenirs.
All three local tribes, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, are represented by the monumental art installations outside the building.
Best of all, your admission and sales go to support local cultural programs for the tribes.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay is undoubtedly one of the most iconic locations in Alaska. It’s beauty really can’t be adequately described, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself.
Not only is Glacier Bay a National Park, but it’s also a World Heritage Site, a designated biosphere reserve, and a marine park.
This is one of the places where nature has been allowed to do its thing, and the sheer life and biodiversity of the area is simply stunning.
From Glacier Bay, you’ll be able to see bright emerald forests, incredible mountain peaks unlike any other range in North America, and shockingly blue glaciers. It’s also chock full of wildlife, both in the water and on the shore. Keep an eye out for moose and lynx on the shore, and humpback whales in the water.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is the southern gate to the Inner Passage and another cultural hotbed. If you’re interested in learning more about Alaska’s native tribes, Ketchikan should be at the top of your destination list. But there’s more to this city as well. It’s museums and attractions take a close look at the city’s industrial and commercial history, as well as showcasing the art and lifestyle of people living on the northern frontier.
Learn about the largest temperate rainforest in the world, view the largest collection of totem poles, take a hike through Tongass National Forest and finish off by zip-lining between two giant cedars that lift you above the forest.
That’s just a small sampling of the attractions that make Ketchikan an incredible Alaskan destination, there’s so much more to see and do in and around this city.
Skagway
Skagway is another popular port that captures another unique facet of life in Alaska. This is a wonderful fall and winter destination because of the breathtaking northern lights that so often visit Skagway’s skies. But there’s always something to do here.
Salmon fishing is not only common but often successful off Skagways’ coast. Wake up early to go out with a chartered fishing boat.
Or, if you’re arriving in the summer, take the opportunity for a TEMSCO helicopter flight up to a nearby glacier. While there, try your hand at dog sledding!
Families should make note of the Klondike Gold Rush National Park, and specifically the activity center. This is a kid-friendly destination interesting enough to keep both kids and adults entertained. Pick up a self-guided tour book for the historic district while you’re there.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
Built more than 120 years ago, during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, you don’t have to be a train lover to enjoy the tours on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. This is one of the most scenic railways you’ll ever find. The summit route will take you up 3,000 ft in only 20 miles, with wide forest views and mountain vistas.
All the passenger coaches on this railway are comfortable and enjoyable. But if you want to enjoy the best the railway has to offer, opt for one of the more limited luxury coaches.
These rail tours are a great option for cruises with a long stopover in Skagway. There are even overnight camping trips available for guests with more than a day to spend in this stunning location.
Icy Straight Point
This stop is practically custom-built for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. Icy Straight point has a variety of tours, adventures, and wildlife searches. Don’t worry, if active adventures and physically challenging courses aren’t your cup of tea, there are also leisure tours, helicopter tours, and ATV and Jeep expeditions to choose from.
Icy Straight Point is also entirely Native owned and operated. The revenue from its many tourist destinations support the largest Native Tlingit village, Hoonah.
Want more time on the water? Switch from your cruise ship over to a tour boat for a humpback whale tour. Ziplining on your bucket list? Take the Scenic Mountain Ascent tour and enjoy the world’s largest ZipRider on the way back down.
Ocean Raft Adventures
This two hour, high-speed, boat tour is one of the best ways to get to see the coastline and Fjords of Skagway. Interspersed with the high-speed trip will be moments of silence as the engines turn off and you have the opportunity to see and hear Alaskan wilderness in a way few people ever will.
Beyond being a fantastic photo opportunity and an unforgettable tour, this is one of the faster tour options. If you only have a brief stopover in Skagway, this is one of the stops you should make.
They provide a significant portion of the required equipment, but it’s also recommended that you dress in warm layers, bring binoculars and a camera, and your sunglasses and sunscreen.
Chilkoot Horseback Adventures
This horseback trail ride combines some of the most quintessential Alaskan experiences into one. The guided tour is fully narrated, takes about 3.5 hours, and offers local Alaskan refreshments after the ride.
While there are no age restrictions, there are some height and weight requirements for you and your horse’s safety and comfort.
You’ll get to hear about local history, see the overgrown remains of a gold rush boomtown, and some of the most scenic spaces near Skagway. The tour is also a good option if you’re looking to escape the crowd. Each tour is designed for a small-group experience. You’ll get to absorb the wildlife and scenery with a limited group of others, or maybe even your group and no one else.
Kenai Fjords
Kenai Fjords is another national park, but it shouldn’t be written off even if you’ve already visited Glacier Bay or Tongass National Forest. This national park offers a truly unique experience. It’s where the mountains meet the oceans. Marine life lovers won’t want to miss this park.
Sightseeing starts with wildlife. Humpback whales, orcas, bears, bald eagles, sea otters, sea lions, and gray whales are just a sampling of the incredible diversity regularly spotted at Kenai.
You will want to check the website before heading to Kenai since different parts of the park close depending on weather and park conditions.
Conservation is a huge part of Kenai Fjords, and you can learn more about mussels, sea stars, and more conservation efforts in your time there.
Denali National Park
No one should have to be told that Denali is a unique place. The tallest mountain peak in North America, this park features many of Alaska’s different biomes and wildlife. Dozens of different animals, more than 150 species of birds, and more than a dozen types of fish can all be found in the park.
This is one of the few places you can see wolves, grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep.
Flight tours, hiking, and many other tour options exist. Denali is one of those places you can spend hours in a day without running out of things to do. If you have the opportunity, spending several days in the park before or after your cruise is one of the best ways to go. That way you can take advantage of the many ranger talks, tours, and other attractions Denali has to offer.
Author: Sophie Anderson
Post Date: 2nd January 2020
Categories: Ports