Cruise Destination: Alaska
Alaska is America’s Wilderness State. It has remained relatively untouched by modern day technology and feels like a different continent. It boasts breathtaking views – including mountains and glaciers, as well as phenomenal whale watching.
Summer is the best time to visit Alaska by cruise ship, when the cruise lines operate from May to September. The temperature is mild (rarely reaching 80 degrees) and the days are LONG (it’s still daylight out well past 9 PM). The wilderness animals are plentiful (bears, whales, seals, etc.) and the salmon run all summer long. Overall, it is such a fun experience.
The most popular destinations in Alaska are Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, and a variety of Fjords (a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs). You can usually see all of them during a seven-day cruise if you sail out of Seattle or Vancouver.
Alaska also offers up one of the most famous experiences in the world. The Northern Lights! Although you likely won’t catch them in the middle of Summer, you might get a glimpse in late September. The further north you are, the better your chance.
If you are an adventurer, one of the excursions that I highly recommend is glacier trekking! Hiking to the top of a glacier and drinking pristine water from a mountaintop stream? Yep, it’s a once in a lifetime experience that will make you feel ALIVE! It will be physically taxing, but you will see some of the most incredible scenery on this earth.
Just want to take in the scenery? A trip on the old railroad will do you good! With a 470 mile distance, there is bound to be an option that suits your cruise’s itinerary.
If you are a garden lover, if you have a stop in British Columbia, you MUST see the Butchart Gardens! Butchart is actually a collection of gardens with various types of plants and flowers in each. Everything from fragrant garden roses to zen-full bamboo. They have an awesome restaurant on site that has the most fabulous high-tea. I prefer the bubbly, myself, but it’s super fun to munch on tea sandwiches and cookies while overlooking the bountiful plants and flowers. It’s very peaceful!
Project Expedition offers great excursions that you can book in advance of your trip. Not to discredit the excursions offered by your cruise line, but the offerings are more varied and, dare I say, more exciting too! These are some of my favorites:
Juneau Glacier Dogsled Tour via Helicopter Experience: Dogsledding on the Herbert Glacier is a one of a kind experience! Working in cooperation with our dog camp, we orchestrate a thrilling adventure over vast expanses of Alaskan snow on the Herbert Glacier. You’ll spend an hour at the dog camp, learning about the lives of mushers and the lifestyles of their dogs and mushing an authentic racing team. On the trail you’ll have plenty of stops to ensure that each passenger has the opportunity to actually mush the dogs, you’ll wish you could be up there year round! About 1.5 hours from liftoff to landing.
Saltwater Expedition: Begin your Saltwater Expedition from Ketchikan’s oceanfront. Capture the beauty up close and personal as you cruise the awe-inspiring coastline that wraps around the charming city. View the scenic waterfront, harbors, and local wildlife aboard our custom-designed 30’ Aluminum Chambered Boat.
Premium Scenic Tour – Bears, Raptors, & Totems: We have put together Sitka’s top five visitor attractions into one amazing tour! Let our local guides take you on one of the best tours of Sitka. Our 2.5-hour Sitka Scenic Tour – Premium package is the ultimate private small group excursion where you discover why so many visitors claim Sitka as the best stop on their Alaskan cruise.
Princess and Holland America cruise lines offer some of the most robust itineraries and excursions. Plus, if 7-10 days isn’t long enough, you can also add a land package to your trip and fly home directly from Alaska!
Ready for more information on Alaskan Cruising? Shoot me a message! I’d love to share the options with you.
