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A departure from Seattle offers a convenient (and cheaper) city to fly into for U.S. travelers, while Vancouver offers more opportunities to cruise the scenic Inside Passage. 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. Find a cruise itinerary that stops in Ketchikan during the end of summer or beginning of fall in Alaska, when you’ll be able to witness a dramatic salmon run. Kids will be in awe when they spot massive amounts of salmon coming in from the ocean and swimming and leaping upstream in the river, where bears and other wildlife are waiting to feast. For guaranteed bear viewing, head to the Fortress of the Bear near Sitka, which raises orphaned bears in a natural setting.
Celebrity Cruises
Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line. See the best of the Great Land’s glaciers, coastal towns and wildlife on board perfectly sized ships offering superior service and exclusive programming.
25 BEST Alaska Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Alaska on Cruise Critic - CruiseCritic.co.uk
25 BEST Alaska Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Alaska on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:08:06 GMT [source]
Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
An Alaska cruise route that stops in Icy Strait Point is sure to appeal to animal lovers. There, you can trek along the famous Trail of the Bears in Spasski River Valley, where you’ll find brown bears, black-tailed deer, and regal bald eagles. While all of our Alaska itineraries have port stops and excursions that make for a great family cruise, it’s a good idea to research each port of call before deciding which cruise will be the best match for your family. Celebrity’s Alaskan cruises range from six to seven nights, but if you extend your voyage into a Cruisetour, the duration is nine to 13 nights. You could also consider extending your vacation with a night or two in either Vancouver or Seattle, depending on which itinerary you have chosen. Alaska is all about exploring the Great Outdoors with family and friends, learning about US History and enjoying wildlife.
Enhance Your Alaskan Adventure
Experience hiking in Alaska up the trails of the Denali National Park or go on a river rafting adventure down the Nenana River. Victoria in British Columbia is considered one of the best places to spot whales in the wild. Climb aboard an eco-friendly zodiac boat and search for migrating orcas, humpback whales, seals, sea lions, and marine birds.
In Skagway, kids will be delighted to go on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Alaska. Built during the Gold Rush era, this stunning route travels over mountain passes and through gorgeous valleys, climbing almost 3,000 feet above water. If you’re considering a vacation to the Last Frontier, here are some of the best itineraries tailored to the type of experience you’re looking for. Make a point of trying the local cuisine in Alaska, which is famous for its seafood. Black cod and halibut are delicious and often served with fries; fish and chips is a popular dish in Alaska.
The White Pass narrow-gauge railway, Skagway Float Tour, and Gold Rush Salmon Bake all focus on the get-rich prospectors who traveled north searching for gold. Built on stilts, Ketchikan’s Creek Street provides a lovely stroll on a warm day. Its shops and boutique are one-of-a-kind and not the same chains found in other cruise destinations. Book early because these bucket list adventures sell out more than six months in advance.
This unique port of call was developed specifically for cruise ships and serves as a great starting point for shore excursions that show you the wild and rugged side of Alaska. Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm. Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Select cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Cunard have a naturalist onboard.
Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices.
Encounter with Wildlife
Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch. There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience. For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.
Walk among the giants in Alaska’s grand wilderness and discover landscapes that photos just can’t do justice. Ready to dive into the world of Alaska cruises, but feeling a bit lost in the sea of choices? Let’s unravel the beauty and adventure that await you, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned cruiser.
Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles. 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. An Alaska cruise from Seattle will visit the Inside Passage but tends to favor the open (and frequently bumpier) Pacific Ocean.
Understanding the differences between the ships and itineraries will ensure you make the right choice for your family. Solo travelers don't always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person, and the 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises to Alaska. Some travelers demand luxury Alaska cruises, while others don't mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness.
Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city. 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. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier. The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean.
While it may seem pricey, the unparalleled experiences and the majestic allure of Alaska justify the expense, promising an unforgettable journey. The crown jewel of any Alaskan cruise is undoubtedly the Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. If you really want to get the full Alaska experience, you’ve gotta take some land tours or try out other adventures. Each one shows you a different side of Alaska, making your trip even more memorable.
Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord. Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs. 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. The prime time to embark on an Alaska cruise is from April through October.
