Our 50th state is also the stuff of legend: a history steeped in explorers, a pioneer spirit that still prevails, and a rich native culture. This is America’s last frontier. Alaska’s towns were built on the waterways and coastlines, and some, such as the capital of Juneau, are only accessible by boat or air. The ideal way to visit is on an Alaskan cruise.

BEST ALASKA CRUISE SPECIALS AND ITINERARIES

The typical cruise itinerary is 7-days, either the Inside Passage route round trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or the Gulf of Alaska route, cruising between Vancouver and Anchorage. There are also some 10- and 12-day itineraries round trip from San Francisco.

On the Inside Passage cruise, you’ll enjoy a calm voyage with land on either side of the ship. Because of the spectacular scenery, a balcony stateroom is highly preferred (and sell out first), allowing you the best opportunity to enjoy the views and the fresh, crisp air from the comfort of your stateroom.

The Gulf of Alaska itinerary cruises further north, up to Whittier/Anchorage, and includes cruising in open ocean, generally calm during the cruising season. This itinerary is also the right choice if you wish to explore some of Alaska’s interior on a CruiseTour.

On an Alaska cruise vacation, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of shore excursions, from active to relaxed. There’s salmon and halibut fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, hiking and more. There are sightseeing excursions – including helicopter rides that  land on a glacier. We can custom arrange your excursions.

CONSIDERING AN ALASKA LAND AND SEA JOURNEY

While either itinerary provides a fabulous vacation, one need only to look at a map to realize on either you’re just seeing the tip of the proverbial iceberg. To experience more of the depth and breadth of Alaska requires more than the 7-day cruise – combining an Alaskan cruise with a tour component.

These Alaska CruiseTours can be as few as 10 nights, adding a 3-night rail extension to Denali National Park to a 7-night Gulf of Alaska cruise. While seeing Denali (Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak) on a clear day is one highlight, for many the rail journey, in renovated bi-level domed cars offering unobstructed views, is another.

Other Alaska CruiseTours include the Yukon, the Arctic and the Kenai Peninsula. The Yukon includes two major parks, Tombstone Territorial Park near Dawson City, with its unique geological features, Boreal Forest and sub-Arctic tundra, while Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site outside of Whitehorse, features five of the seven tallest mountains in North America and offers rafting on Class III and IV rapids on the Tatshenshine River.

The Arctic programs transport visitors to Prudhoe Bay along the Dalton Highway, perhaps the state’s best wildlife viewing route. Excursions to see the Eskimo way of life, the Brooks Range, and float trips near Gates of the Arctic National Park are offered.

The Kenai Peninsula features fjords, mountains and the Kenai River, with opportunities to be active, to relax, or look for wildlife.

An Alaska cruise can also be combined with a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation in western Canada, whether on the short visit to the resort of Whistler, or a longer journey across British Columbia and Alberta, to Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise.

No matter what trip you choose, there is something special and unique about our Last Frontier, and it is always satisfying. Whether just to reduce stress or to be active outdoors, whether for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Alaska offers great experiences for everyone.

You can learn more about and search some of our Alaska vacations here.