Thursday, April 11, 2024

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

alaskan cruise ports

No matter what type of fishing you choose, you’ll enjoy the pristine backdrop of Alaska’s rugged and untamed wilderness. Skagway sits on the Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Numerous tour operators can provide safe and guided rafting experiences. This 200-foot suspension bridge sits above the rapids of the Tutshi River, offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Crossing it is perfectly safe, but it will get your adrenaline pumping. Since the bridge crosses into Canada, you will need a passport or passport ID card.

How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips - Royal Caribbean Blog

How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:23:24 GMT [source]

Sitka – Best Alaska cruise port to explore on your own

Alaska offers two popular cruise itineraries that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the region – Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. Each itinerary offers unique experiences and highlights, allowing travelers to explore different parts of this breathtaking destination. Alaska offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, making it an ideal location for a cruise.

Juneau

Holland America's 'Glacier Day,' fresh catch, special drinks enhance Alaska cruises - Seatrade Cruise News

Holland America's 'Glacier Day,' fresh catch, special drinks enhance Alaska cruises.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:30:50 GMT [source]

The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion.

Seward Alaska

From Native Alaskan art to exhibits on gold mining and wildlife, there is something to pique the interest of every visitor. Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. No trip to Skagway is complete without a visit to the iconic Red Onion Saloon. Today, it serves classic American dishes, has a fully stocked bar, and even has a brothel museum. Located on the corner of 2nd and Broadway, it’s just an 11-minute walk from the cruise port. For those with limited time or looking to explore further afield, shuttle services and taxis are available from the cruise port.

alaskan cruise ports

Visitors may enjoy tours to spot black bears and bald eagles, while there is a 60-foot totem pole worth seeing too. Nome is a picturesque town with many of its gold rush buildings still standing intact, making for a very scenic walk as you explore. Situated at the northern tip of the Inside Passage, guests will have enjoyed a stunningly scenic approach to Skagway before disembarking to explore for the day. There are a number of things to explore here, including a museum and stores related to the local fishing trade. Arriving at this deep-water fjord, the world’s tallest coastal mountains greet passengers.

alaskan cruise ports

If budget is a concern and you don’t mind cooler temperatures, April, May, and September offer more affordable options. Regardless of when you decide to cruise, Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife will surely leave you in awe. Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. You might have heard someone refer to the Alaska ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) as a local’s cruise or a cheaper cruise and I want you to know that is not accurate.

The Juneau-Douglas City Museum and the Alaska State Museum are two prominent institutions that showcase the captivating history, heritage, and artwork of the region. Cruises through Alaska's gulf also tend to pass through the Inside Passage, with typical stops including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Some will also call on more off-the-beaten-path ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines.

Alaska Inside Passage Cruises: Calmer Waters and Big-Ticket Destinations

Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, here’s what to expect on an Alaskan cruise. When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind. There are so many things you can see or do in Alaska that you’d need a couple of cruises just to tick most of them off. Hike the Horsetail Falls Trail for the coveted experience of seeing this and other small waterfalls along the way. Travel to the Portage side of the tunnel to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. Here you can explore a simulated ice cave, touch an actual iceberg and see the miraculous creatures known as ice worms.

From wildlife viewing and glacier tours to hiking and kayaking, there are endless options to make the most of the daylight hours. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the stunning scenery and wildlife that Juneau is renowned for. This guide will provide you with an overview of the Juneau cruise port, including essential information on its convenient location, popular excursions, must-see sights, and cultural riches. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as we delve into the wonders of the Juneau cruise port in Alaska. She lived in Ireland for 4 months and has taken over a half-dozen multi-city vacations in Europe (primarily relying on train and public transit).

The town also has hiking trails, a waterfront park, aquarium, and downtown center with shops, bars, and restaurants. Seward, Alaska is a port found only on one-way Alaska cruise itineraries. One-way cruises to Alaska start in Seward and end in Vancouver (and vice versa).

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby LeConte Glacier, known as the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. With its small-town charm and rich maritime history, Petersburg is a hidden gem worth exploring. These are just a few of the must-see attractions in Alaska cruise ports. Each port has its own unique offerings, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your Alaskan adventure. I recommend choosing the cruise line that has the itinerary you like best or the type of experience you’re looking for.

As a cruise destination, Alert Bay offers visitors the chance to experience the rich history... If you’re interested in venturing beyond downtown Juneau, the port offers convenient transportation options to help you explore further. Taxis are readily available and offer a quick and easy way to reach nearby attractions or destinations. If you prefer a more unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation, consider hopping on a pedicab.

Nestled amidst the towering mountains of Southeast Alaska, Haines offers a quieter and more intimate experience. This picturesque town is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from lush forests to snow-capped peaks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the great outdoors through activities like hiking, wildlife spotting, and kayaking. Haines is also home to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, where visitors can witness the annual gathering of thousands of bald eagles, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. In addition to the stunning natural wonders, Juneau is also known for its cultural riches that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and heritage.

You’ll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line. Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord. Mountains with rounded peaks were once submerged beneath the glacier, eroding their sharp edges. By carefully looking at the structure of the mountains, you can see just how massive the past glaciers were. But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August.

The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season. We have the answers so your first  time will be nothing but smooth sailing. One of the best options is to cycle through the surrounding rainforest. While it may seem strange to think of such a notoriously cold area with a rainforest, the dense forests surrounding the town are classified as temperate rainforests.

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