Glacier Gazing & Wildlife Watching: Alaska Cruise Adventures

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? An Alaska cruise offers amazing experiences combining breathtaking views of glaciers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes with the luxury of a beautiful cruise ship. Don't miss whale watching and dog sledding experiences! There's truly something for everyone on an Alaska cruise. Indulge in fresh seafood, explore charming towns, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Last Frontier. Here's more

Alaska Cruises:

Scenic Routes: Alaska cruises typically navigate the Inside Passage, a breathtaking coastal route with fjords, glaciers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Typical options include sailing roundtrip Vancouver, BC or Seatttle, WA or sailing a northbound or southbound route between Anchorage and Vancouver. They are all picturesque but with some different port stops along the way.
Ports of Call: Popular stops include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Sitka. Each port offers a distinct experience, from exploring glaciers to learning about Alaska's rich native cultures.
Wildlife Viewing: Cruises provide excellent chances to spot wildlife, including whales, seals, sea lions, and bald eagles. Many ships have naturalists on board to provide insights into the local flora and fauna.
Glacier Viewing: Witness the awe-inspiring glaciers of Alaska, such as the Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. Some cruises offer glacier calving experiences, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the sea.
Excursions: Shore excursions include activities like dog sledding, fishing, hiking, and exploring historic sites. Passengers can customize their experience based on personal interests.

Alaska Cruisetours:

Land and Sea Combo: Cruisetours combine a cruise with a land-based tour, providing a comprehensive Alaska experience. These tours often include stays at lodges and exploration of inland destinations.
Denali National Park: Many cruisetours include a visit to Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). Travelers may take a bus tour into the park for wildlife viewing and spectacular scenery.
Wildlife and Nature: Cruisetours offer more opportunities for in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness. This can include visits to Kenai Fjords National Park, the Yukon, or the Arctic Circle.
Native Culture: Travelers may have the chance to immerse themselves in Alaska's native cultures during land portions of cruisetours, learning about traditional crafts, dances, and history.
Adventure Activities: Land-based components often allow for adventure activities like flightseeing tours, river rafting, or hiking in pristine landscapes.

Tips for Travelers:

Season: Alaska cruises operate primarily from May to September, with peak season in July and August.
Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, including rain. Did you know that the Alaska coastline is in a temperate rain forest? Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential. You may experience ALL the WEATHER in one day. On my Skagway day, I went from rain gear to puffer jacket to short sleeves to fleece with a puffer - all in one day!
Wildlife Gear: Bring binoculars and a good camera for wildlife and scenic viewing.
Booking: Plan and book in advance, as Alaska cruises and cruisetours can fill up quickly.

Alaska cruises and cruisetours cater to a range of interests, making them a fantastic choice for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those wanting a well-rounded Alaskan experience.

What budget is needed for an Alaska Cruise?

While there is a range of pricing and inclusions, I suggest a minimum budget of $3000 per person, double occupancy for an Alaska cruise. Keep in mind you will also need to add air transportation and accommodations for any pre- or post- cruise stays.

What budget is needed for an Alaska Cruise Tour?

This really depends on how many days you will spend in total between the cruise and land portions. For a 10 day Cruise Tour, I suggest budgeting around $5000 per person plus air and insurance.

How many days is an Alaska Cruise or Cruise Tour

A typical Inside Passage itinerary will be seven days. Make sure you plan to arrive in your departure point at least one day in advance. For a Cruise Tour, you can do just 2 days, 3 days or more. There are a lot of options and Trips by Mary can walk you through those to find the best choice for you.

What should I know about Shore Excursions?

There are many options for exciting excursions in Alaska. Be sure to budget for these as some are quite pricey, but truly are bucket list worthy experiences. Dog sledding on a glacier or taking a helicopter ride for tremendous views or fishing for salmon - you want to set aside enough funds to be able to make the most of your time.

What else do I need to know?

US citizens wishing to cruise in Alaska need to have a valid US Passport. In addition, Canada is very strict about allowing visitors who have any felony convictions, including DUI or DWI on their record. Please make sure you are permitted to travel to Canada or you can be denied boarding.

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