Monday, April 22, 2024

Alaska Cruises: A Cheat Sheet to Planning the Perfect Adventure

alaska cruise stops

Home to some of the largest gold mines in the world, Juneau has experienced its fair share of movement and continues to do so as the emblematic capital of Alaska. Relish in panoramic views of these precious lands atop Mount Roberts or immerse yourself in it all as you zipline through breathtaking elevations, dogsled along a trail and hike across serene meadows. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.

Vancouver, B.C.

alaska cruise stops

You can also visit Haines by taking a shore excursion when your ship calls in nearby Skagway. Located along the 1,100-mile Aleutian Islands chain is a unique addition to our list of best Alaska cruise ports. This village makes regular appearances on popular television shows alongside the captains and vessels that harvest the seafood bounty around this top fishing port in the country. If you’re seeking an authentic Alaskan experience, look no further than Petersburg. This charming fishing community offers a glimpse into the rugged and vibrant lifestyle of Alaskan fishermen. Visitors can wander through the town’s colorful streets, browse local art galleries, and sample fresh seafood.

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

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It’s an incredible place, a true bucket-list destination from the shimmering glaciers to Denali, the Great One. Your personal view of the whales is not repaced with drones; just supplemented! You will experience seeing and hearing these amazing animals with your own eyes and ears, and then we take you to the next level with our displays onboard. As with the rest of the United States, craft brewing has seen a huge spike in popularity in Alaska. Breweries like Denali Brewing Co., Alaskan Brewing Co., and 49th State Brewing have popped up in recent years, with the one caveat being that you can’t find their beers anywhere else in the lower 48.

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Sitka

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for calving glaciers and have your camera ready. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United Status Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Alaska cruises are all about the beautiful ports you’ll visit, from small, historic towns to massive glaciers. Most cruise itineraries to Alaska visit 4-5 ports, and there’s a lot to learn about these unique destinations before setting sail. I recommend choosing the cruise line that has the itinerary you like best or the type of experience you’re looking for. Nearly all big ships in Alaska offer the same shore excursions, so no need to have that be the reason to make a decision. One of the best Alaska cruise ports recently added to many of the ship lines’ ports of call is Icy Strait Point. This small island community has invested in several attractions and built a destination based on the local culture.

Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Skagway

Ketchikan is stilted on the banks of the Tongass Narrows and nicknamed Alaska’s "First City" because it’s often the first cruise stop to explore before the scenic Inside Passage. A mere three miles long and only three blocks wide, a bustling waterfront, hiking trails spidering into the forest, and incredible fishing make Ketchikan one of the best Alaska cruise stops. When you’re on Alaska cruises, you don’t simply want to venture off on your own within the ports of call. Instead, you want to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. Additionally, along the Inside Passage of Alaska, the cruise will offer scenic cruising to certain areas, such as Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm. Americans will typically find airfare into Seattle more affordable than Vancouver.

alaska cruise stops

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As mentioned, Skagway Cruise Port features three distinct docks, each with several terminals. The terminals across the entire port feature relatively limited facilities, but you can find several public restrooms and vending machines. Unfortunately, the port does not offer free Wi-Fi as of yet, but due to the port’s proximity to downtown Skagway, you shouldn’t have any problem finding an Internet connection if you need it. With that said, if you do depart from Skagway, the most popular way to travel to the town is to take a roughly 45-minute commuter flight from Juneau, Alaska.

Cruise Ports

In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel.

So get your Alaskan brews while you can; most cruises have drink menus that are heavy on the local brews so be sure to taste a classic Alaskan Amber before you disembark. While it may seem strange to think of such a notoriously cold area with a rainforest, the dense forests surrounding the town are classified as temperate rainforests. This 200-foot suspension bridge sits above the rapids of the Tutshi River, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Since the bridge crosses into Canada, you will need a passport or passport ID card. Since Skagway is located more south than some of Alaska’s other towns and cities, temperatures are relatively mild.

The town’s historic streets are also pedestrian-friendly, so you can simply stroll the town on foot. For those with more time to work with, hopping aboard the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad is an incredible experience. The historic train can even pick up passengers at their cruise ship terminal. The landscape and views you’ll experience on an Alaska cruise will be unforgettable, so be sure to pack your binoculars and your best camera to capture the incredible sights to share with friends and family.

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