Alaska Cruises 2024-2025 Award-Winning Cruises to Alaska
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Small ships generally run between towns in Southeast Alaska, usually Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. 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.
Fishing
Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.
New to cruising
Landmarks like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites. The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush. You’ll also find a more intimate experience with personalized shore excursions and better service. With fewer passengers on the ship, you won’t need to fight through the crowd for a prime sightseeing spot.
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Ketchikan Alaska
These guided excursions are filled with other stops and offer plenty of opportunities to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife. No matter which dock your cruise ship stops at, all three are just a short walk to Skagway’s shopping, dining, and the town’s Gold Rush Era historic sites. Nestled right in the heart of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and coastlines is Skagway Cruise Port. The cruise port’s ideal location along Alaska’s Inside Passage makes it one of the primary gateways to Alaskan adventure, history, and natural beauty.
New To Cruising
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. Temperatures in Alaska can change considerably from one destination to the next. That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. While you might not be sunning yourself to a stunning shade of bronze on an Alaska cruise, you and everyone on board will want to take in the scenery.
Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions
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Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland. Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the area’s deep history and culture. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush. Inside Passage cruises typically have a”scenic cruising” day at a Fjord or glacier.
Best Alaska Cruises from Seattle
(Inquire about permits and maps at the Ounalaska Corporate Office.) Known for stunning wildflower displays, rare birds and scenic vistas, a walk into the treeless (and bear-free) landscape is a must. At Glacier Bay, marvel at the snow-covered mountains, fjords, and waterfalls while waiting for that iconic Alaskan experience – ice “calving” from the glacier. Stop at the Cannery Museum to see the importance of salmon and fishing along the waterfront communities. Walk the beach in search of small treasures, and sit at a table with a view for some delicious local seafood meals.
Icy Strait Point is also one of the best ports in Alaska for whale watching. It’s located near Point Adolphus, home to Alaska’s largest population of humpback whales in the summer. Other than humpback whales, you may spot orcas, sea lions, otters, and seals. Other recommended activities in Ketchikan include a visit to the Misty Fjords National Monument, exploring the town’s hiking trails, and tasting local, freshly caught seafood. Nature lovers will flock to the Sitka National Historic Park, a 113-acre park in a lush rainforest of Sitka Spruce Trees. At the park, you’ll find Tlingit and Haida totem poles, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
King Island
Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. The town is the former capital of Russian America and offers a glimpse into the past with Russian landmarks and museums.
Meanwhile, patterned butterflies flutter throughout their very own 12,000 square-foot tropical paradise — home to symphonic birds and serene koi ponds. To experience true royalty, visit Craigdarroch Castle where wooden antiques and furnishings line the Victorian-style halls. No matter what you choose to do, your time in this Alaska cruise port will be nothing short of colorful. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. In addition to freshly caught seafood, chefs forage ingredients, and breweries experiment with local flavors to create delicious food and drink.
Because of the popularity of Alaska cruises and the short sailing season, cruise fares tend to be more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings. It’s always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise. And with cruise lines sending their latest and greatest ships to the region, you’ll find enough entertainment for the whole family. Guests don’t need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. If you embark in Seward or Whittier, you’ll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port.
With all that remains in this lively port of call, it’s no wonder why Ketchikan is one of the most sought-after destinations in Alaska. It’s important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If the weather conditions aren’t perfect, the captain may cancel the scenic sailing or sail to an alternative destination. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries, and you’ll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days). While many travelers flock to popular Alaska cruise ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. The main attraction by starting or ending a cruise in Seward, however, isn’t the town itself, but the proximity to some of Alaska’s most popular destinations. Those cruising from Seward will usually spend several days in Alaska’s interior before (or after) their one-way cruise, visiting places like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna.
Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours. Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. The round-trip sailings have four or more sea days, a scenic day, port visits along the inside passage, and a call at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia. From soaring seaplane tours to thrilling zip-lining adventures, Alaska’s cruise ports provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
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