Monday, April 1, 2024

The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024

alaskan cruise lines

The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands. Each summer, scads of ships cruise Alaska’s coastal waterways, ranging from 12-person expedition-style sailings to mega-ships with passenger numbers into the thousands. Some stick to a manageable six-day itinerary within the popular and more easily accessible southeast region, while others head out on epic three-week sailings that cross multiple time zones.

Iconic Alaska Cruise Ports & Destinations

In 2022, the cruise line was the first to receive Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, meaning its Alaska-bound ships serve only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. The 7-Day Glacier Discovery itinerary is offered both northbound and southbound, both of which include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and calling upon Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line. If your idea of a good time includes loads of onboard amenities (like over-the-top spas, nightly theater productions, go-kart tracks, and a water park), this is the sailing for you.

Transportation Options in Skagway

For nearly 30 years, UnCruise Adventures has embarked on voyages with a mission to provide its guests with an enriching adventure travel experience that inspires an appreciation of local cultures and the natural world. Founded in Alaska in 1996, the company has a strong pretense in The Great Land with seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries that set sail April through September. Whichever itinerary you choose, you can be sure to have a plethora of adventurous excursions at your fingertips, right from the ship. One day could find you paddleboarding in the morning and hiking in the afternoon, or maybe kayaking and taking a skiff out later in the day to try and spot wildlife.

Luxury Alaska Cruising

Dog sledding is a popular excursion during a cruise through Alaska, as are helicopter tours. Native American history and cultural experiences are a highlight of exploring this region. That could include anything from seeing Formline art in ports to learning about totem poles and local dance performances. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned.

alaskan cruise lines

Great experiences from the great land

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes, imposing glaciers and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness.

Featured Alaska Cruises

The first full day on the water is spent sailing around Prince William Sound where islets and icebergs are abundant, followed by a day at Tsaa Fjord in the captivating (and appropriately named) Icy Bay for glaciers. Next it’s off to Sitka, a former Russian colony that now has one of the largest totem pole collections in the world. From there it’s the little-visited Elfin Cove and Point Adolphus, two dreamy locations known for their rugged coasts and wildlife spotting opportunities. After a few more days in the Inside Passage communities of Skagway, Kake, and Petersburg, the sailing culminates in Vancouver. According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer, the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible.

Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise. With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream.

If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas. Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises. One day might involve kayaking in Patterson Bay followed by a brisk snorkeling session.

Milestones in Seattle Cruise History - portseattle.org

Milestones in Seattle Cruise History.

Posted: Thu, 04 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Landscapes, water encounters and wildlife are front and center here – with little to no signal for electronic devices most of the time. Despite the town’s small size, its booming tourism industry means that a diverse array of dining options are available to visitors. From cozy cafés that serve warm beverages and comfort food to more upscale restaurants that take advantage of Alaskan seafood and other locally sourced ingredients, you will have plenty of options. These experiences are incredibly memorable and offer plenty of opportunities to take photographs of eagles, bears, glaciers, and other Alaskan icons. 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. The distance from the port to the town’s downtown core is less than a mile, so cruise passengers can walk roughly 18 minutes or take one of the smart shuttle buses, which will take you anywhere in town in less than 10 minutes.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October.

Our final smallest ship recommendation is to experience a truly unique sailing. They also offer itineraries for a catamaran and a converted tugboat – for a one-of-a-kind Alaska cruise. These particular ships take between 1,400 and 2,600 passengers, the perfect size to visit some of the less-frequented ports of call. Even though Holland America Line has much larger vessels sailing Alaska, it also has mid-ship options, such as the 1,300-passenger Volendam.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields.

If you’re about to embark on your dream vacation and don't know what to pack for an Alaska cruise, here is the ultimate Alaska cruise packing list. With over 27,000 glaciers, Alaska is one of the best places to see these majestic pieces of nature up close. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers.

alaskan cruise lines

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Table Of Content Primary Menu Japan’s ruling party loses all 3 seats in special … The Budlong Hot Chicken Add color (and organization) to an...