Alaska

Experience the breathtaking majesty of Alaska, America's Last Frontier, where towering glaciers calve into pristine waters, snow-capped mountains touch the sky, and wildlife roams freely in one of Earth's most untouched wilderness areas. From the legendary Inside Passage to the dramatic fjords of Glacier Bay, from breaching humpback whales to magnificent grizzly bears, Alaska offers an unparalleled adventure combining natural wonders with charming frontier towns rich in Gold Rush history and native culture.

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Places To Go

Popular Ports & Towns

Juneau: Alaska's stunning capital city accessible only by air or sea, featuring the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, historic downtown, Mount Roberts Tramway, and rich Tlingit native culture.

Ketchikan: Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," this charming town showcases the world's largest collection of totem poles, Creek Street's colorful historic buildings, and exceptional sportfishing.

Skagway: Gold Rush boomtown frozen in time with authentic 1890s architecture, the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, and tales of fortune seekers who passed through during the Klondike Gold Rush.

Sitka: Unique blend of Russian and Tlingit heritage, featuring St. Michael's Cathedral, Sitka National Historical Park, sea otter viewing, and stunning volcanic Mount Edgecumbe backdrop.

Natural Wonders

Glacier Bay National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,000 square miles of spectacular tidewater glaciers, dramatic fjords, and abundant wildlife including whales, seals, and brown bears.

Denali National Park: Home to North America's tallest peak (20,310 feet), six million acres of pristine wilderness, incredible wildlife viewing, and some of the continent's most breathtaking landscapes.

Inside Passage: Legendary protected waterway threading through thousands of islands, offering calm waters, dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and access to charming coastal communities.

Tracy Arm Fjord: Narrow fjord with sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, stunning waterfalls, floating icebergs, and the impressive twin Sawyer Glaciers at its terminus.

Things to See

Wildlife Encounters

Whale Watching: Witness majestic humpback whales breaching, orcas hunting in pods, and gray whales migrating through Alaska's pristine waters during the summer feeding season.

Brown Bear Viewing: Observe massive Alaskan brown bears (grizzlies) fishing for salmon in wild streams, particularly spectacular at Pack Creek, Anan Creek, and Brooks Falls in Katmai.

Bald Eagles: See hundreds of America's national bird soaring above coastal waters and gathering along salmon streams, particularly abundant in Haines and the Inside Passage.

Cultural Attractions

Totem Heritage Center, Ketchikan: World-class collection of authentic 19th-century totem poles, native Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian artifacts, and living cultural demonstrations.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: Historic narrow-gauge railway climbing from Skagway through spectacular mountain scenery, following the treacherous Trail of '98 taken by gold prospectors.

Russian Bishop's House, Sitka: One of Alaska's oldest Russian-built structures (1842), National Historic Landmark showcasing Russian-American colonial history and Orthodox heritage.

Glaciers & Natural Phenomena

Mendenhall Glacier: Massive river of ice just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, accessible visitor center, hiking trails, and opportunities to witness calving icebergs and explore ice caves.

Hubbard Glacier: North America's largest tidewater glacier, six miles wide and 400 feet tall at its face, famous for dramatic calving events that thunder like cannon fire.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): During fall and winter months, witness nature's most spectacular light show dancing across Alaska's dark skies in brilliant greens, purples, and reds.

Notable Places to Stay

Luxury Lodges

Winterlake Lodge: Remote wilderness luxury lodge accessible only by floatplane, offering all-inclusive gourmet dining, pristine lake views, dog sledding, and ultimate Alaska backcountry experience.

Sheldon Chalet: Exclusive luxury chalet perched on a nunatak (mountain surrounded by glacier) in the Alaska Range, offering unparalleled helicopter access and five-star amenities in pristine wilderness.

Historic Hotels

Hotel Captain Cook, Anchorage: Alaska's premier downtown hotel offering upscale accommodations, fine dining, panoramic views, and easy access to exploring Southcentral Alaska.

Historic Skagway Inn: Charming Victorian-era hotel dating to 1897, offering period-authentic rooms, Gold Rush atmosphere, and location in the heart of historic Skagway.

Wilderness Resorts

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood: Four-season mountain resort featuring luxury accommodations, world-class skiing, aerial tramway to mountaintop dining, and stunning glacier and ocean views.

Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge: Secluded riverside lodge on the Kenai River, offering comfortable rooms, excellent fishing access, and proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Best Cruise Lines for Alaska

Premium Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises: Alaska cruise pioneer with over 50 years experience, offering the most diverse itineraries including Glacier Bay, wilderness lodges, and exclusive land tours to Denali.

Holland America Line: Premium Alaska specialist featuring longer itineraries, enrichment programs with National Park Service rangers, exclusive glacier viewing experiences, and Denali land packages.

Celebrity Cruises: Modern luxury ships with premium dining, knowledgeable naturalists, glacier-viewing hot tubs, and excellent service exploring Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.

Luxury & Small Ship

UnCruise Adventures: Intimate small-ship adventures (22-86 guests) offering kayaking, wilderness hikes, close wildlife encounters, and access to hidden coves impossible for large ships.

Lindblad Expeditions: Expedition-style cruising in partnership with National Geographic, featuring expert naturalists, Zodiac explorations, and in-depth cultural and wildlife experiences.

Family-Friendly Options

Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle cruising with flexible dining, family-friendly entertainment, kids' programs, and good value Alaska itineraries on modern ships.

Royal Caribbean: Large ships with extensive onboard amenities, rock climbing walls, entertainment options, and Alaska cruisetours combining sailing with land exploration.

When to Visit

Cruise Season (May - September)

Early Season (May - June): Fewer crowds, lower prices, longer daylight hours, blooming wildflowers, migrating whales, and snow-capped mountains. Cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Peak Season (July - August): Warmest weather (50s-60s°F), best wildlife viewing, salmon runs attracting bears, fullest access to trails and attractions, most sailings available, but higher prices and crowds.

Late Season (September): Excellent value, fewer tourists, beautiful fall colors, active wildlife preparing for winter, Northern Lights possible, though some attractions begin closing.

Land Season (Year-Round)

Winter (October - March): Best Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, winter sports, Iditarod preparation, unique cultural experiences, though most cruise ports are closed.

Cruise Itinerary Types

Inside Passage Round-Trip

Sailing round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver, typically 7 days, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and scenic cruising through Tracy Arm or viewing glaciers. No flying required, relaxed pace, convenient for first-time Alaska cruisers.

One-Way Gulf of Alaska

Sailing between Vancouver/Seattle and Seward/Whittier (Anchorage), typically 7 days, offering more diverse itinerary including Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and access to Denali National Park via land extensions.

Small Ship & Expedition

Intimate vessels (under 100 guests) accessing remote areas, hidden coves, and wilderness locations impossible for large ships. Includes kayaking, Zodiac landings, naturalist guides, and close wildlife encounters.

Popular Shore Excursions

Helicopter & Glacier Landing: Soar over pristine wilderness and land on a glacier for walking tours, dog sledding, or even ice climbing on ancient ice fields.

White Pass Railroad: Historic narrow-gauge railway journey from Skagway through spectacular mountain scenery, tunnels, and waterfalls, retracing the Gold Rush trail.

Whale Watching Adventures: Small boat excursions for up-close encounters with humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

Salmon Bake & Native Cultural Shows: Traditional Alaskan salmon feast combined with Tlingit, Haida, or Tsimshian dance performances, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations.

Kayaking & Wildlife Viewing: Paddle through pristine waters, explore hidden coves, observe seals hauled out on ice floes, and experience Alaska's wilderness at water level.

Alaska Cruise Travel Tips

• Pack Layers: Weather changes quickly; bring waterproof jacket, warm fleece, comfortable walking shoes, and binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Book Excursions Early: Popular shore excursions like helicopter tours and bear viewing sell out quickly, especially during peak season
• Consider Cruise Direction: Southbound cruises (north to south) offer better weather odds; northbound provides growing anticipation and glacier buildup
• Balcony Worth It: Alaska cruising is about scenery; balcony cabins allow private wildlife viewing and glacier watching at any hour
• Add Land Tour: Cruisetours combining sailing with interior Alaska (Denali, Fairbanks) provide comprehensive experience of diverse regions
• Stay Flexible: Weather and wildlife sightings are unpredictable; maintain flexible expectations for the ultimate Alaska adventure