Table Of Content
The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May to September, to include the warmest and lightest months of the year. Cunard Alaska cruises tend to sail in June and July as this part of the year offers the mildest weather and longest hours of daylight. But you also get to explore some places most other Alaska cruise routes avoid. The tour includes a visit to the Misty Fjords national monument and an overnight anchorage at the City of Wrangell. All but the most bespoke of Alaska cruise routes anchor at the state capital of Juneau at least once per journey. Here, travelers can indulge in some fine dining, go on the fishing trip of a lifetime,shop, whale-watch, and perhaps even brave the tramway up to Mount Roberts.
Top Alaska Cruise Destinations
Cruising may not be as prevalent, but the coastal areas become a serene and snowy wonderland. Wildlife sightings are less common, but some seals and sea lions may still be spotted near ice floes. By now, you’re equipped with the insights and recommendations based on our extensive experience to make an informed choice for your 2024 Alaska cruise. It’s not just about selecting a route; it’s about crafting an Alaska experience you’ll cherish forever.
The Best Alaska Cruises
Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve massive icebergs. Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders. Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.
Alaska cruise highlights
As always, we recommend booking excursions ahead of time through your cruise line. This will ensure that you have timely transportation to and from the cruise port, plus the excursion provider will have been vetted by the cruise line ahead of time. Despite its small size and population, Skagway has plenty to offer visitors. Since Skagway once served as the main gateway to the gold deposits of the Klondike region of Yukon, Canada, the town has a very noticeable link to the Klondike Gold Rush. Choosing between the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska can be tough. Here’s a more detailed comparison to help you decide which route best fits you.
The terrible toll of the cruise ship industry - High Country News
The terrible toll of the cruise ship industry.
Posted: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
A Northbound Glacier cruise also takes you to the dramatic Hubbard Glacier, the longest tidewater glacier in the world. Stand on deck admiring this sheer wall of ice, and watch out for the pistol-crack sounds of chunks calving off, crashing into the icy water. Evidence of this remains in St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the old Bishop’s House, now a museum. The town is also the gateway to spectacular wilderness, whether you want to go kayaking, looking out for families of sea otters, or hike forest trails.
Restrictions on the size and number of cruise ships allowed to steam through the area mean that many cruises bypass it altogether. If scenery is your thing, it might be best to book yourself on one of the Alaska cruise routes allowed passage. Not all Alaska cruise routes make a pit stop at Skagway, a town with a population of just 1,100, that is situated some 100 miles north of Juneau. The rarity of visitations is something of a pity really; the rich history of the area makes for a pleasant contrast with the hustle of modernity.
Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop. Our cruisetours combine an ocean cruise with a land tour into Alaska’s interior. Watch northern wilderness views unfold from aboard our glass-domed train, the McKinley Explorer®. Stay up to 3 nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali National Park. One of the best things to do in Ketchikan, known as the “salmon capital of the world,” is to sample salmon in its many forms.
Alaska Cruise Finder
While you’re in Ketchikan, the “salmon capital of the world,” join a fishing expedition for a chance to catch salmon and halibut, or sample the area’s fresh seafood. Discover which of our main Alaska cruise routes is best for your next vacation. Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch. There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.
WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?
If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.
Have your camera ready and watch with amazement as calving happens, where chunks of the glacier shear off and fall into the sea with a thundering roar. Kick off your Southbound Glacier vacation from Seward to Vancouver with a thrilling Cruisetour. This way, you can combine an unforgettable cruise with a small group tour into the state’s spectacular inland destinations.
Despite the town’s small size, its booming tourism industry means that a diverse array of dining options are available to visitors. Skagway sits on the Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Numerous tour operators can provide safe and guided rafting experiences.
The coastal waters become a playground for orcas, humpback whales, and porpoises. June is also a prime time to observe brown bears catching salmon as they swim upstream, and to spot bald eagles soaring overhead. The Hubbard Glacier, majestic fjords, and remote coastal towns offer a memorable cruising adventure. The Kenai Peninsula route also includes visits to charming coastal towns such as Seward and Homer.
Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip.
These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. 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. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. During a two-year expedition through uncharted territory, Captain George Vancouver sailed into the still waters of what came to be known as the Inside Passage.
On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises. Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents.
Since the bridge crosses into Canada, you will need a passport or passport ID card. Many popular attractions are just a short walk from the town’s cruise port. The town’s historic streets are also pedestrian-friendly, so you can simply stroll the town on foot.
No comments:
Post a Comment