Alaska, the Last Frontier, is calling with its grand landscapes, glaciers, and wildlife. An Alaskan cruise offers adventure, relaxation, and education all in one. An Alaskan cruise is the chance to see this wild and wonderful place. You can experience various Alaskan activities along with the local culture, eat fresh seafood, and see the natural beauty. Whether you want a peaceful cruise through icy waters or an action-packed adventure, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your Alaskan cruise.
Choosing the Right Cruise Line
When it comes to your Alaskan cruise, choosing the right cruise line is key as it sets the tone for your whole trip. Luxury lines like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises offer all the amenities, spacious suites, fine dining, and extensive entertainment programs. These lines are for those who want comfort and a full Alaskan experience with lectures and panoramic viewing areas. For a more intimate and rugged experience, smaller expedition ships get you closer to nature, more port stops in remote areas, and use zodiacs to get into narrower waterways where larger ships can’t go. Your choice will depend on your comfort level, level of adventure, and the type of excursions you want to do.
Top Alaskan Cruise Activities
1. Wildlife Watching
Alaska is a wildlife lover’s paradise. As you cruise through icy waters, keep an eye out for humpback and orca whales, which breach or glide alongside the ship. Seals and sea otters can be seen lounging on floating ice. On land, you may see brown and black bears, especially near streams during salmon season. Bird watchers will love the many bird species, including bald eagles and puffins. Guided wildlife tours are available at most ports to get expert insight and increase your chances of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
2. Glaciers
The real Alaska is in its glaciers. Most cruise lines show you several major glaciers, including the Hubbard Glacier and the glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. These are dynamic and active, with calving where big chunks of ice break off and crash into the ocean. Some cruise lines offer smaller boat tours that get you closer to the glacier faces or even helicopter landings on the glaciers themselves, where you can walk on the ice and see the glacier up close.
3. Cultural Tours
Alaska’s cultural heritage is rooted in its Native population and the Russian influence in some areas. In Sitka, you can see the blend of Native Tlingit culture and Russian history; visit St. Michael’s Cathedral and Sitka National Historical Park with totem poles and historical exhibits. Ketchikan has the largest collection of totem poles in the world at Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village. These tours give you a deep understanding of the people who have lived in this wild country for thousands of years and the traditions that have endured.
4. Adventure Sports
For the thrill seekers, Alaska’s wild country has plenty to offer. Kayaking along the coast lets you paddle among icebergs and close to marine wildlife. Hiking trails are numerous and range from easy strolls to challenging climbs with views and wildlife encounters. Zip-lining through the Tongass National Forest gives you a bird’s-eye view of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. These activities get your adrenaline pumping and give you a new perspective on Alaska’s scenery.
5. Onboard
While the scenery and excursions are the main events of an Alaska cruise, the time on board the ship is full of ways to enrich your experience. Many cruises have naturalists and historians on board to provide context to what you are seeing. Photography workshops can help you take better photos of the scenery and wildlife. Culinary demonstrations might include Alaskan specialties like salmon and crab so you can taste local flavors. Some cruises also have cultural performances that bring Alaskan traditions right on deck.
Also read: 10 Best Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise
Must-See Destinations on an Alaskan Cruise
1. Juneau
Juneau is only accessible by boat or plane and has Alaska’s raw beauty and history. Downtown Juneau is a small town with lots of historical and cultural sites, including the Alaska State Capitol and the Juneau-Douglas City Museum. But the real prize is the surrounding landscape. Trails to Mendenhall Glacier have hikes from easy walks to strenuous climbs with spectacular views of the glacier and rainforest. The Mount Roberts Tramway has views of the city and Gastineau Channel and is a must-see for first-timers.
2. Skagway
Skagway is like stepping back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush era. The historic district has wooden sidewalks with buildings from the late 1800s that are now part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Visitors can walk through museums, restored shops, and saloons and hear the stories of the adventurers who flooded the town over a century ago. The White Pass & Yukon Route Railway is a must-see, with scenic rides up steep grades past waterfalls, gorges, and old Gold Rush camps.
3. Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point near the village of Hoonah is a more remote and authentic Alaska experience. It’s known for some of the best whale watching in the state, with humpback and orca sightings. On shore, the Tlingit culture is on full display with cultural exhibits and performances. The surrounding wilderness has great hiking and wildlife viewing with less commercialization than the more popular ports, so it’s perfect for those looking for serenity and a connection to Native Alaska.
4. Helicopter Tours and Dog Sledding
A helicopter tour gives you an aerial view of Alaska’s dramatic landscapes, including vast icefields and remote glaciers. Landing on the Juneau Icefield allows you to dog sled. This excursion combines stunning scenery with the thrill of mushing on ancient ice. It’s not just an adventure but a way to connect with the traditional mode of Arctic transportation. This is one of the best excursions worth considering on your Alaskan cruise.
5. Fishing Excursions
Alaska has an abundance of life in the water, so it’s a fisherman’s paradise. Guided fishing excursions take you to the best spots for salmon, halibut, and other local species. These tours are for all skill levels and include everything you need: the gear and expertise of local fishermen who know the waters best. It’s not just about the catch. It’s about the experience of fishing in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Also read: A list of the best cruise lines in Alaska
Onboard Activities
1. Lectures and Educational Talks
Many Alaska cruises have lectures and talks by naturalists, historians, and other experts. These presentations will help you learn more about the region’s ecology, wildlife, and history. Topics might include wildlife habits, climate change on glaciers, or native cultures.
2. Photography Workshops
With the incredible landscapes and wildlife in Alaska, workshops onboard are a must for any photography enthusiast wanting to get professional-quality shots of their trip. These workshops cover techniques for shooting in different light and weather conditions, wildlife photography, and even drone photography for aerial shots.
3. Culinary Experiences
Alaskan-themed culinary experiences let you taste the local flavors with dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Salmon, king crab, and halibut are the stars of the menu, often paired with wild berries, mushrooms, and other local produce. Cooking demonstrations and Alaskan wine or beer tastings add an interactive element to dining and make for a delicious and educational culinary adventure.
Planning and Tips for Your Cruise
1. Best Time to Book
The best time for an Alaskan cruise depends on what you want to see and do. May to September is the cruise season, and each month has its perks. May and September are less crowded and often cheaper, plus you can see the northern lights in September. July and August are best for wildlife viewing and excursions, but expect more tourists and higher prices. Book at least six months in advance to get the best rates and cabin availability, especially for popular cruises to Alaska.
2. Consider Cruise Length and Ports of Call
Alaskan cruises range from 7 to 14 days. Longer cruises may have more ports or longer stays so that you can see more of each place. Consider your time and budget when choosing a cruise. Also, look at the ports of call—some cruises focus more on major cities like Juneau and Ketchikan, others on smaller ports like Kodiak or Dutch Harbor.
3. Packing Essentials
Layering is key in Alaska’s unpredictable weather. Bring a base layer, a warm insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are a must for land excursions. Also, pack a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf, as the weather can change quickly, especially near glaciers or out on deck.
4. Binoculars and Camera Gear
A good pair of binoculars will make a big difference for wildlife and scenic viewing. For photography, in addition to your camera and extra batteries, bring lenses for landscapes and wildlife, a waterproof bag, and memory cards. A tripod is useful for northern lights or wildlife shots from a distance.
5. Health and Safety
Ships have medical facilities, but it’s always a good idea to bring a small first aid kit for minor things and enough prescription meds for the duration of the trip. Seasickness can be an issue for some, so pack motion sickness bands or meds if you’re prone to it.
6. Familiarize Yourself with Excursion Options
Before you go, check out the options available through your cruise line. Booking early will get you your first choice, as some have limited capacity. Make sure you check the physical requirements and cost to make sure they fit your ability and budget.
7. Consider Travel Insurance
With an Alaskan cruise being so big and expensive, travel insurance is a good idea. Look for policies that cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. This will give you peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling during more volatile weather or doing adventurous excursions.
Conclusion
An Alaskan cruise is a trip of a lifetime that has something for everyone, from glacier viewing to wildlife adventures. Choose the right cruise, plan well, and you’re all set. Enjoy the scenery, culture, and food, and make memories that will last forever. Alaska is a magical place that will leave you wanting more.
Ready to see Alaska’s landscapes and wildlife? Check out our cruise lines or contact your travel agent today!
FAQs about Alaskan Cruise
1. When should I go on an Alaskan cruise?
Mid-May to September is best. Mid-summer is the warmest and best for wildlife.
2. What should I pack?
Layers, layers, layers! Also, a waterproof jacket, good walking shoes, and warm accessories like gloves and a hat.
3. Are there age restrictions for excursions?
Some more physically demanding activities, like certain hikes or kayak outings, may have age and fitness requirements.
4. What are the best activities for kids?
Family activities include wildlife tours, junior ranger programs in national parks, and onboard kids’ entertainment.
5. How do I see as much wildlife as possible?
Join a guided tour and spend time on deck during scenic cruising days—your naturalist guides and the ship’s crew will help you spot wildlife.
Photo by KrissOdyssey at Pixabay
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