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When it comes to cruising in Alaska, you’ll be spoiled for choice as no other state has more coastline to explore. The best cruises in Alaska offer unparalleled experiences that will bring you up close to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in the world. From the lush rainforests and tranquil seas of the Inside Passage, to the endless horizon and luminous ice of the Arctic, there’s no shortage of what Alaska offers to cruise enthusiasts. As part of the American Queen Voyages expedition experience, the line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, an acclaimed acoustic ecologist and leading expert in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements.
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line.
Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Holland America Line
Alternatively, Inside Passage cruises in Alaska tend to be calmer as the waters are protected. The advantage of small ships is that they're more nimble than big ships, putting destinations like the Alaska Native village of Kake, the Wrangell Narrows and other tiny inlets within reach. 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. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska. It's known for calm waters and excellent scenery (often including Glacier Bay).
Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
Cruise Critic Reveals Its 2023 Editors' Picks Award Winners - Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic Reveals Its 2023 Editors' Picks Award Winners.
Posted: Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle. Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. Book a spa treatment or work out in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, play nine holes of golf on the putting greens, shop the three boutiques, and unwind, help yourself to afternoon tea with all the accouterments at 4 p.m.
The Best Private & Small Group Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise
The Koningsdam boasts 912 balconied accommodations, which means 69% of the ship has rooms with a private veranda view. You’ll also find massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis luxury bath products, and fresh fruit (upon request) in your stateroom. Anglers will enjoy the cruise line’s Savor My Catch program, which brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level. Plus, guests can catch their own fish during shore excursions and have it prepared and served on board. Say hello to our little friend, the 186-passenger Ocean Victory, from American Queen Voyages. The all-inclusive sailing includes one pre-cruise hotel night, ground transfers, unlimited guided tours, and beverages, open bars and lounges, unlimited food, in-room dining, WiFi, bicycles, walking sticks, and daily live entertainment and enrichment.
Hubbard Glacier is a huge glacier and may have the option of a closer to the glacier small boat excursion. College Fjord is a fjord with several glaciers and wildlife sightings and will probably be available on Princess and Holland America. Many cruise lines also travel to additional locations such as Sitka, Hoonah/Icy Strait Point, and Haines. Programs like Princess Cruises' Cruisetours take the stress out of planning on-shore excursions and curate incredible itineraries for extensive, luxurious travel across the state.
Look through our selection of luxury cruises to Alaska, then reserve your spot to discover the region’s wildlife, indigenous traditions, and unspoiled natural terrain. A boat trip out to this icy behemoth will treat you to calving blocks of ice, and also let you catch sight of different types of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea lions, otters, and whales. Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer is all about luxury, from its all-suite design to its all-inclusive fares, which cover airfare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants, gratuities, Wi-Fi, laundry and unlimited shore excursions. Itineraries can be customized to fit your specific interests, whether you want to take a glacier hike, immerse yourself in Alaska’s history or eat your way through the state.
Based on my experience I would definitely recommend going in May, however if you are interested in seeing the salmon season and capturing photos of the bears fishing for salmon this is later in the season between mid-July and mid-August. Bring some hats, gloves, good walking shoes or boots, and other warm weather gear for your day trips. A rain jacket and umbrella is also advised as Alaska weather can often be overcast and rainy so be prepared for that. The best time to see the salmon spawning on an Alaskan cruise is typically between mid-July and mid-September. However, the unusual heat over the past few seasons moved that timeline up some.
Best Alaska cruise ports
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. It should come as no surprise that the best time to see bears at port in Alaska coincides with the salmon run from mid-July to mid-September and that the best spots to see them are near the mouths of streams and rivers. Perhaps you want to soar over the meringue-like peaks of Taku Glacier in a floatplane and follow the experience with a salmon bake feast at a wilderness lodge reachable only by air. If you're keen to see wildlife, get out into nature or experience native culture, an excursion is a must. Therefore, this is one voyage for which you might want to consider splurging on a balcony cabin. Although you can always find a spot along the ship's rail for viewing, and many ships line deck chairs with cozy blankets and offer hot cocoa on deck, it's an unbelievable treat to sit on your veranda for a private showing.
Alaska Cruises: Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Bucket-List Adventure
Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. Nearly every major cruise line sails to Alaska, so you have your pick of price points and onboard personalities. In our Alaska cruise guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to choose and plan the best Alaska cruise vacation.
Many people consider Alaska to be a bit of a "mature" destination, but there were lots of school-aged children onboard our Princess cruise to Alaska, and they all were having a great time. We saw many multigenerational groups -- mainly older folks traveling with their children and grandchildren. Discover the secrets to affordable cruising, from the cheapest months to set sail to insider booking strategies. Dive into our comprehensive guide and learn how to navigate the high seas without sinking your budget. As you make your way along the river on a sternwheeler, you’ll visit a nearby Athabascan village to experience some of these people’s culture. The Athabascan people have made the interior of Alaska their home for millennia.
Tongass, north of Ketchikan, encompasses approximately 17 million acres of protected islands and mainland forests, which means there’s plenty of elbow room for all—whether you’re talking about humans, bears, moose, or some other species. Some activities include whale watching, fishing, ziplining (featuring the “world’s largest ZipRider”), and wilderness hikes through Tongass National Forest, where you can relish Alaska’s immense natural beauty. You can also spot wildlife in the area, including eagles and bears, or dive into the science of glaciology at the visitor center, where you’ll learn more about what makes this ecosystem tick.
That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing) or Talkeetna (best place for Denali views and cool eats). Cruise tour land packages are also available to spots like Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula and Canada's Yukon Territory. Embarking and disembarking in Seattle or Vancouver can make air travel easier and cheaper than one-way Alaska cruises, which require flights to smaller, more expensive airports in Alaska.
Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer. A hike on Chichagof Island is the perfect opportunity to spot bald eagles in the wild. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team.
Alaska’s vast landscapes and intriguing cultural heritage will leave you breathless. The cruise line has also expanded its onboard programming, so guests can engage with an Alaska naturalist, dig deeper into topics like Alaska’s bush pilots and learn from a National Park Ranger and local Huna Tlingit guides. HAL will let you book if there isn't enough overlap, BUT what I found this past year is the helicopter time slots initially showed only earlier in the day, but they progressively added more and when the later afternoon slots opened up I booked them. So for 2023, I grabbed the tracy arm slot early, and then got the helicopter slot a month or so later. The landscape and views you’ll experience on an Alaska cruise will be unforgettable, so be sure to pack your binoculars and your best camera to capture the incredible sights to share with friends and family. For photo enthusiasts, an assortment of wide-angle lenses, x-factor lenses, multipurpose lenses, extra batteries, memory cards, and even a tripod can help you capture that perfect shot.
Immerse yourself in the onboard activities and entertainment options, which range from live performances to enriching lectures that provide insights into the history, culture, and wildlife of Alaska. Indulge in spa treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind, allowing yourself to unwind and recharge amidst the captivating beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. An Alaskan cruise itinerary is meticulously designed to showcase the remarkable beauty and diversity of this extraordinary destination. One highly recommended option is a one-way cruise that departs from either Seattle or Vancouver and concludes in Seward. This itinerary allows for ample time in port and introduces you to a range of unique and captivating destinations along the way.
