Alaska. Alaska is definitely a bucket-list cruise for so many cruisers. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are typically considered the “best” cruise lines in Alaska; however, more than 20 cruise lines and ships of every size sail in the region. Itineraries in Alaska are destination-rich and offer breathtaking natural landscapes, wildlife, glacier viewing, adventure, history, and unmatched exploration of “The Last Frontier.”
Here is a look at 7 of the best destinations an Alaska cruise has to offer:
First, the state capital, Juneau. Did you know that Juneau is the only U.S. state capital that can only be reached by water? Juneau is bordered by glaciers and mountains and is a fan-favorite. One of the top excursions in Juneau is the Mendenhall Glacier. This glacier is 13.6 miles long and accessible by road. Excursions allow for exploration of the glacier along specific trails of varying lengths. Guests can also choose an excursion that combines the Mendenhall Glacier with whale watching, another bucket list option for many. Cruise lines also offer helicopter flights to the top of a glacier, dog sledding, whitewater rafting down the Mendenhall River, and so much more.
Next is Glacier Bay National Park. Glacier Bay National Park is located in Southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are no roads leading into the park, and entry by cruise ship is limited to two large cruise ships daily to protect the environment. Ships typically spend a full day of scenic cruising which includes stopping for about an hour in front of active glaciers like the Margerie Glacier for the visual and auditory experience of calving–a process where massive chunks of ice break and plunge into the sea.
Skagway, Alaska, was a booming town during the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush, and is located at the northern end of the Inside Passage. The history of the town has been preserved giving cruisers the chance to experience Frontier Life today. It offers the must-do excursion of riding on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. This historic “Scenic Railway of the World” follows the steep path taken by gold-seekers. It is a breathtaking excursion offering views of glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls.
Ketchikan, which is typically the first or last port of call, is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is the home to the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. The port is easily walkable and guests can explore native heritage sites or watch a wild salmon run as they explore Creek Street, a boardwalk built on pilings over Ketchikan Creek.
Sitka is located on the outer coast of the Inside Passage. This is the only port of call in Alaska that showcases Russian-Alaska history. In the heart of downtown Sitka, passengers will find St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the earliest Orthodox cathedral in the New World. Guests can explore the cathedral as they walk along the Sitka Seawalk, a 1 1/2 mile paved and cedar-boardwalk trail. The Seawalk connects the downtown Harrigan Centennial Hall to Sitka National Historical Park where guests can then take the famous Totem Trail Loop. Along the way, guests can enjoy Crescent Harbor as well as stunning views of Sitka Sound. Other excursions will allow for viewing of wildlife like sea otters, seals, sea lions and humpback whales, deep-sea salmon fishing, and volcanic hikes.
Icy Strait Point is privately owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation and is located on Chichagof Island near the Tlingit village of Hoonah. With the destination being native-owned it allows for the protection of its authenticity and customs. It is known for its whale watching, kayaking, brown bear sightings, authentic experiences, and adventures. Icy Strait Point is also home to the world’s largest ZipRider–a 5,495-foot zipline with a 1,300-foot vertical drop.
Lastly, is Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier. Located off the coast of Yakutat, Alaska, the glacier is a “galloping” glacier, meaning it is advancing rather than retreating. As a result, guests are likely to experience ice calving crashing loudly in the waters. Cruise ships that sail into Disenchantment Bay typically spend several hours and make a 360-degree turn allowing every passenger to take in the 7-mile-wide, 350-foot-high wall of ice. It is possible with some cruise lines to take an excursion that allows for a closer look of the glacier.
The Alaska cruise season is from late April to September, with its peak in July and August. Itineraries typically embark from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, BC; and Whittier/Seward, Alaska. The major cruise lines in Alaska are Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line.
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are considered the premier cruise lines in the region as they have cruised there the longest, have docking priorities, and own private lodges for guests who enjoy cruisetours. But, no matter which cruise line you choose, an Alaska cruise will be an unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.