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Inside Passage cruises venture along Alaska’s southeastern coast, guarded from rough seas by hundreds of islands. Cruise itineraries are generally seven to ten days, typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, BC. The most popular time to cruise is June – August, and cruises typically run May – September. It’s also important to note that most cruise lines do not call at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage. Rather, the large ships dock in Whittier, Seward, or both, where passengers can find transport to the state’s largest city.
THE 14 BEST Cruises to Petersburg, AK 2024 (with Prices) - Petersburg Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 14 BEST Cruises to Petersburg, AK 2024 (with Prices) - Petersburg Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:38:22 GMT [source]
Skagway – Gold Rush Town and Scenic Hikes
These cruises offer the benefits of a wider range of itineraries, shore excursions, departure dates, and availability and take you to all of the must-see stops along the way. They feature a wide range of amenities including multiple dining options, on-board entertainment, fitness centers, pools, different room types to choose from, and plenty of room to spread out and explore. While many travelers flock to popular Alaska cruise ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience. These lesser-known ports offer unique charm and breathtaking landscapes that are often reserved for smaller ships and luxury cruise lines. Travel just 1.5 miles through the picturesque landscape of Hoonah, Alaska. ” and you’re off for the waters of Icy Straits and the ultimate whale watching experience.
Aleutian Islands
Exploring more about the best cruise ports in Alaska will ensure that you’re informed every step of the way. Once you’ve spotted enough glaciers from afar, you’re going to want to get up-close and personal. Strap on your crampons and get ready to explore one of the most unique environments on the planet, from the icy blue deep crevasses to the otherworldly spires of ice. For those looking to take in Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes, hiking some of the famous Chilkoot Trail can be incredibly memorable. Luckily, some of the main trailheads are located just steps from Skagway cruise port. You can also visit Gold Rush Cemetery, where many famous prospectors and town residents are buried.
Alaska Helicopter Tours
Less often visited by cruise lines, Sitka and Haines are two of Alaska's most unique ports of call. Sitka showcases Alaska's past as a Russian colony, while Haines is a quiet community full of art galleries, abundant outdoor adventures, and the world's largest seasonal concentration of bald eagles. Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.
What to pack for an Alaskan Cruise?
Suspended waterfalls paint unique strokes on the surface of the emerald mountains while gentle winds create a collage of ripples in the teal-blue waters. While this small town appears bare on the surface, there's more than meets the eye. As the gateway to Anchorage and Seward, Whittier holds the key to exploration. Travel down the Seward Highway — an "All-American Road" — and relish in dramatic views of Alaska's untouched landscapes. Or, soar 2,300 feet aboard the Mt. Alyeska Tram to marvel in aerial views of the naturally sculpted glaciers within Prince William Sound.
Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide. The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more. Skagway also has lots of great history to explore and several excellent hikes that leave from downtown and you can easily walk to. Nearly every cruise calls at Juneau, so look for a cruise that gives you the maximum amount of time there to see as much of this wonderful town as possible. No matter where your ship sails for glacier viewing, it is sure to be absolutely stunning.
When planning an Alaska cruise, you have a range of options when it comes to cruise lines. Whether you prefer a mainstream experience or want to indulge in luxury, there are several cruise lines to choose from. The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance.
Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska
Exhibits celebrate the storytelling passion in the area to preserve and share “the natural, cultural and artistic heritage” of the island. At Glacier Bay, marvel at the snow-covered mountains, fjords, and waterfalls while waiting for that iconic Alaskan experience – ice “calving” from the glacier. Follow the Waterfront Promenade to read historical markers, rest on whale-tail benches and enjoy the harbor’s scenery. For an adventure, ride one of the two zip lines speeding down 4,600 feet on the side of a mountain. Admiralty Island is another great place for bear-spotting during July and August, plus Sitka deer, bald eagles and more.
Admiralty Island
Skagway is one of the best Alaska cruise ports on many of the lines’ itineraries, including a stop at this Klondike Gold Rush town with over 20 restored historic buildings. In addition to freshly caught seafood, chefs forage ingredients, and breweries experiment with local flavors to create delicious food and drink. Juneau is a popular cruise ship port of call, especially as it’s located in the northern part of the Inside Passage. Each port has its own unique offerings, so make sure to plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of your Alaskan adventure. When planning an Alaska cruise, it’s important to consider the best time to visit in terms of weather and wildlife. The summer months of June, July, and August offer the warmest weather, making it an ideal time to explore the stunning landscapes of Alaska.
Once on shore in Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of rehabilitating and returning wildlife to their natural homes. Up-close views, animal encounters, and hands-on opportunities with marine invertebrates are fun experiences for the whole family. Whilst the best months for Northern Lights viewing don’t match the Alaska cruise season very well, you can maximize your chances by visiting at the start or end of the cruise season. Early May or late September both offer longer darkness hours than summer and a chance to see the lights on a clear night. You can go on an adventure fishing cruise, taste the different local fish delicacies and learn more about the local way of life.
If you’d rather stay near the shore, you can enjoy a small boat or kayak trip around the harbour area. A busy port, Seward serves as the homeport for a large number of cruises in Alaska. It’s also home to the Alaska SeaLife Center – one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world.
Book an itinerary that includes a stop at this best Alaska cruise port of Whittier – a “secret” military installation from World War II. This little-known port of call’s top attraction is the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. It is North America’s “longest combined vehicle and railroad tunnel.” To learn about this engineering marvel, visit the “dynamite kings” exhibit. The newer Sitka Sound Cruise terminal is approximately six miles from downtown. When asked what the best Alaska cruise ports are, this writer (as a former resident) would say…well… all of them!
Pack light, comfortable clothing, but make sure you bring a rain jacket just in case. Each terminal and pier is also wheelchair accessible, so passengers with mobility needs will not encounter any issues navigating the port. Those needing assistance reaching the Skagway downtown area can take a round-trip shuttle service from the port’s drop-off and pick-up zone. The shuttle operates year-round and only costs five dollars for an all-day pass. With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind. The main attraction of the town is the visitor centre run by the coalition of the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
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