Destination: Alaska, USA
Great for: Honeymooners, Couples, Families, Solo Travelers
Alaska, the last frontier. That phrase congers up all kinds of pictures of what to expect on a trip to Alaska. The vastness of the state, the pure nature, fresh air, wildlife. A trip to Alaska will be one you will never forget and a great way to see all of this is by cruise ship or better yet, cruise tour. Spend time on land and on the ship.
Reasons to Consider Cruising to Alaska
Incredible Scenery: Alaska is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including glaciers, fjords, fields and mountains.
Unique Wildlife: Alaska is known for its unique wildlife, including bears, eagles, whales, and sea lions. You'll have the opportunity to see these animals up close and in their natural habitats.
Cultural Enrichment: Alaska is home to several indigenous communities, each with their own traditions and culture. You can learn about their way of life through various shore excursions.
Adventure Activities: Alaska offers a wide range of adventure activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing, which can be organized through shore excursions or independently.
Relaxation: A cruise to Alaska can also be a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. The fresh air and serene surroundings provide the perfect atmosphere to unwind and disconnect from everyday life.
Floating Hotel: One major advantage to cruising is the ability to see multiple places without having to change hotels or repack your suitcases.
Which Cruise Line to Choose
Sailing in Alaska extends from the middle of May to mid-September. During these months, you won't likely see a shortage of cruise line options from a luxury or expedition-style cruise, something a bit more mainstream, or maybe something a little more unique.
There are several great cruise lines that offer voyages to Alaska, each with its own unique features and itineraries. Ultimately, the best Alaska cruise for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Your travel advisor can help you navigate the wide array of options. Here are some of the top Alaska cruise lines to consider:
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is one of the most popular cruise lines in Alaska, offering a variety of itineraries and excursions. They have been sailing Alaska for many years and have connections that allow them into many areas limited by the authorities to help preserve the area. They have several ships dedicated to Alaska cruising, and their onboard programs and activities are designed to highlight the natural beauty of Alaska.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is known for their upscale amenities, gourmet dining, and immersive cultural experiences. Their Alaska itineraries include scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and other iconic destinations.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers a more contemporary cruising experience, with modern design and innovative technology. They have also been sailing there for many years and have experience and connections with the area. Their Alaska itineraries include stops at lesser-known ports of call, as well as opportunities to see wildlife and glaciers up close.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a more relaxed, freestyle cruising experience, with no set dining times or dress codes. Their Alaska itineraries include a variety of shore excursions and adventure activities, such as zip-lining and dog-sledding.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers a family-friendly cruise experience, with plenty of onboard activities and entertainment for kids and adults alike. Their Alaska itineraries include visits to ports of call like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
Hurtigruten Cruise Line
While better known for cruises in Norway, Greenland, and Antarctica, Hurtigruten offers a few Alaska cruises during the summer months. The cruises usually focus on the natural beauty and wildlife of Alaska, with excursions to places like Glacier Bay National Park and the Inside Passage. Hurtigruten is known for its focus on sustainability and expedition-style cruising, so its Alaska cruises may appeal to travelers looking for a more immersive and eco-conscious vacation experience.
Ultimately, the best Alaska cruise for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Your travel advisor can advise on each cruise line's itineraries, onboard amenities, and shore excursions to find the one that best suits your needs. YOU
What Can You Do on a Cruise to Alaska
A cruise to Alaska offers a wide range of activities and experiences, both onboard and onshore. Don't think for a minute that you will be bored on the ship there is too much to do from activities to shore excursions. Here are some of the things you can do on a cruise to Alaska:
Scenic Cruising
One of the highlights of an Alaska cruise is the opportunity to see some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, such as glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. Many cruise ships offer scenic cruising through iconic destinations like Glacier Bay National Park. The type and number of glaciers you will see vary by itinerary and cruise line.
Shore Excursions
There are many shore excursions available on an Alaska cruise, such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, sea plane, and helicopter tours, dog sledding, zip lining and so on. You can also visit historic towns and cultural centers to learn about Alaska's indigenous communities.
Wildlife Viewing
Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as bears, eagles, whales, and sea lions. You can see these animals up close through wildlife tours and expeditions.
Onboard Entertainment
Most cruise ships offer a variety of onboard entertainment, such as live music, theater shows, and comedy acts. In Alaska you may have rangers onboard as well as dog sled puppy talks. Some ships also have onboard activities like cooking classes, fitness classes, art auctions, lectures, and spa treatments. Many have casinos onboard.
Dining
Cruise ships offer a variety of dining options, including gourmet restaurants, buffets, and specialty dining venues. Many ships also offer themed dining experiences, such as Alaska-inspired cuisine or seafood feasts. One line even offers "cook your catch" experience after a fishing excursion.
Relaxation
A cruise to Alaska can also be a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation. You can unwind on deck, soak in a hot tub, or enjoy a massage at the onboard spa.
Overall, a cruise to Alaska offers a wide range of activities and experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, wildlife viewing, or relaxation, there's something for everyone on an Alaska cruise.
A Word About Cruise Tours
Many cruise lines are now adding a land portion to the trip. This may be added before or after the trip and offers an opportunity to ride a scenic train to see the wonderful panoramas of Alaska. In addition, a stay at a lodge in or near Denali National Park including nature walks or added excursions. Here you have the best of both worlds; a cruise line version of surf and turf!
If you have Alaska on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? There's no better way to visit the state than by ship, so contact us now to start learning all the cruise line options. Before you know it, you'll have a one-of-a-kind vacation planned that will undoubtedly bring you memories that last a lifetime.
Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull together all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too.
Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.
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