Alaska attracts millions of tourists every year due to its stunning beauty, abundant wildlife, and snowy glaciers. It has become a popular place, especially during the summer season. Planning a cruise trip to Alaska is a different and enriching experience. With its comfort and luxury, nothing comes close to an Alaskan cruise trip.
From multiple onboard activities to varied off-ship experiences, cruises have a lot to offer. This blog discusses different cruise lines. You will find in-depth information about glaciers, the wildlife of this region, and its various seasons. Decide which is the best Alaskan cruise for you and prepare to embark on an exciting journey to Alaska.
30-Second Summary
With its many natural wonders, Alaska stands as one of the most popular travel destinations. People from all parts of the world have this state on their Wishlist. From breathtaking glaciers to enchanting wilderness, this place stands out for travelers.
You will learn about the top cruises that will make your Alaska trip worthwhile. This blog has in-depth insights about the weather of this state, the Big 5 animals, and famous glaciers. Let’s dive straight into it.
Cruise Lines for Alaska Adventures
Alaska has rightfully secured its position on the travel bucket list of adventure-seekers. Its unspoiled wilderness and diverse landscapes offer an adventurous trip like no other place. Majestic mountains and awe-inspiring wildlife attract all outdoor enthusiasts.
Thrill-seekers opt for Alaska adventure cruises that take them to various places full of exciting adventures. Let’s move forward and see some of the top Alaskan cruises offering an escapade in this region’s wilderness.
Wilderness Adventurer
Wilderness Adventurer cruise offers both action and comfort to the passengers. The deck has a hot tub and fitness equipment, allowing passengers to relax comfortably. You can experience breathtaking views from its observation deck. It comes equipped with a library filled with wildlife encyclopedias and binoculars to spot wildlife.
This cruise has almost all the gear for your expedition, including kayaks, inflatable boats, snorkeling gear, trekking poles, and overnight camping gear. Passengers experience a perfect thrill with this cruise ship.
Alaskan Dream
When docking at Hobart Bay, the Alaskan Dream gives passengers the opportunity to explore the region. You can kayak, drive small jet boats, and use Rugged Terrain Vehicles. The extra-large windows in cabins and the observation deck allow travelers to spot wildlife while enjoying their comfort.
The ship also provides motorized skiffs to let travelers enjoy the view of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. All in all, the Alaskan Dream offers an exceptional adventure into the icy and wild beauty of Alaska.
Safari Quest
This cruise provides an all-inclusive expedition experience. With only 21 passengers and nine crew members onboard, a comfortable bond develops instantly. You feel the joy of a party onboard while also observing the stunning views around you. From remote villages to wildlife locations, you can observe Alaska in its glory.
Passengers use kayaks or Zodiacs to explore glaciers and pristine wilderness closely.
National Geographic Sea Bird
A fleet of 16 kayaks, 6 Zodiacs, and standup paddleboards allows passengers to discover wildlife up close on this cruise. National Geographic Sea Bird is an expedition cruise and easily reaches places inaccessible to larger cruises. It accommodates 62 guests in its 31 outside cabins, establishing a sense of community.
This cruise offers a memorable trip to Alaska for people seeking its adventures.
Alaska Cruises for Families
The scenic views in Alaska offer a chance for exploration. The unspoiled wilderness creates a sense of wonder and intrigue. Cruises offer Alaska cruise itineraries exploring towering peaks and lush rainforests. The all-inclusive programs also have kid-friendly activities, nurturing the young minds with the beauty of nature.
Holland America
This cruise line provides multiple days for scenic viewing. It sails through Tracy Arm Inlet, where passengers disembark on various shore excursions. Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan in Alaska are ports of call in this cruise’s itinerary.
Holland America has dedicated family staterooms with beds for five guests and two bathrooms with extra closet space. Young cruisers get engaged in supervised, kid-friendly activities. Meals have family-friendly options, providing a wholesome vacation experience.
Uncruise Adventures
Uncruise has a fleet of adventure-style ships equipped with expedition necessities. Kids and adults can explore glaciers and abundant wildlife directly from the vessel through kayaks and Zodiacs.
Guests can go for hiking along coastlines, observe sea life up close, and see tidewater glaciers. The trip includes a seven-night itinerary and is offered between April and September.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises‘ Alaska trip offers immersive programs for families. The programs provide opportunities to learn about the history of this state. Younger cruisers also participate in various activities for an exciting trip.
The onboard activities, as well as curated shore excursions, make this cruise line popular for families looking to have a good time in Alaska.
Alaska Cruises for a Luxurious Trip
Alaska is home to the longest coastline, which is perfect for a luxurious cruise trip. The comfort and style of luxury cruise ships offer passengers an unforgettable travel experience. Depending on the cruise line you choose, you get a taste of upscale traveling.
Let’s see some cruise lines offering a luxurious trip to the charming landscapes of Alaska.
Cunard Line
Embarking on a journey with the Cunard Line is a one-of-a-kind experience. The Art Deco style of interiors makes every moment stylish. The tea and food are served by white-gloved waiters. Passengers enjoy cocktails inspired by glacial scenery.
Shore excursions include more than 140 programs, including salmon fishing and dog sledding. This line’s partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society provides expert speakers on every trip.
Oceania Cruises
This cruise line is perfect for nature lovers. As Alaska is blessed with awe-inspiring scenery, the itinerary of this cruise line includes visiting many stunning places. You can observe Russian influence on Sitka’s architecture and enjoy meeting locals in Juneau.
Oceania Cruises serves perfect cuisine to the passengers, providing an exceptional dining experience. Moreover, kids can participate in immersive and culture-focused activities included in the kid-friendly programs.
Viking Cruise Line
Viking is the world’s largest river cruise line. However, it has started into ocean cruising with a fleet of adult-only ships. Each ship caters to upto 930 travelers, offering a luxurious journey. The interior is in sophisticated Scandinavian style, without any loud entertainment or casinos.
Voyages to Alaska also come with the bonus of a free shore excursion at every port and no charges at restaurants. Guests have the option to discover the history of Alaska through traditional music and dances in the Tlingit village of Hoonah.
Exploring Breathtaking Alaskan Glaciers
Alaska is the world’s heavily glaciated region apart from the polar regions. Almost 23000 square miles of this state is covered in glaciers. Glaciers exhibit the history of Earth. They also shape Alaska, forming valleys and influencing its ecosystems.
Many wild creatures have homes in these Alaskan glaciers, from wolves to sea lions and fish. Another significant quality of glaciers is that they attract nature lovers. The icy beauty can be seen up close, and their towering presence bewitches visitors.
Some important glaciers in this state are:
Hubbard Glacier
Hubbard Glacier is the largest in North America. It is seven miles high, 76 miles long, and as tall as a thirty-story building. Seeing its massive facade is an exceptional experience. Hubbard Glacier was named after the founder of the National Geographic Society, Gardiner Hubbard.
Hubbard Glacier continues to grow, in contrast to other glaciers, which are shrinking. This process of continued thickening is known as advancing. It calves every day as its ice dramatically drops in the Disenchantment Bay.
Glacier Bay
Glacier Bay encompasses stunning scenery and wilderness. This glacier is in a national park and considered a living laboratory. Glacier Bay is a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve. This place offers quiet solitude and a chance to observe remote wildness.
In Glacier National Park, tourists enjoy spotting vibrant marine life, eight enormous glaciers, and floating icebergs. However, with 60 miles of melted ice, the glaciers are now considered “hanging glaciers.” They have receded back to the mountains with fewer chances of calving.
Dawes Glacier
Dawes Glacier opens up into Endicott Arm Fjord, a stunning gem in Alaska. You can opt for glacier cruises Alaska, which is the best way to enjoy the scenery. Cruises sail through the 30-mile stretch of Endicott Arm. You can see gushing waterfalls, gigantic graphite cliffs, and various wildlife.
At the end of the journey, you reach the stunning Dawes Glacier, which is 600 feet high. Dawes is half a mile in width. Travelers see this mammoth glacier calving ice into the sea below.
Holgate Glacier
Holgate Glacier is a tidewater and mountain glacier located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Despite being a smaller glacier, it is a popular site to see dramatic calving. Holgate is advancing and continues to thicken, a rare phenomenon in the face of global warming.
Holgate Arm is rich with wildlife, including mountain goats, bears, seabirds, and humpback whales. You can witness this natural formation on a boat tour or via kayaking.
Exit Glacier
Exit Glacier attracts lots of visitors because of its proximity to the road. You can walk to its toe and experience the power of glaciers. Additionally, visitors can see the visible impact of climate change and how much this glacier has receded in the last 120 years.
A guided tour tells you all about the plant life that has taken over the terrain after the ice melted. Adventure seekers can go hiking in the terrain to experience the beauty of this mammoth glacier.
Wildlife of Alaska
One of the many things that makes Alaska an incredible place to visit is its diverse wildlife. This magnificent wildlife attracts many nature lovers. People come from different areas to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s big five: bears, wolves, dall sheep, moose, and caribou. Some impressive marine life you can witness in this state is the humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales.
Visitors do not have to travel far to spot these animals. Traveling through Alaska wildlife cruises offers you an opportunity to spot soaring eagles and marine animals from the shoreline. Moose often roam the city streets, making it a fun experience for all tourists.
Bears
Alaska is home to three distinct species of bears: black bear, brown bear, and polar bear. The unique subspecies, Kodiak bears, are also found in this state. The subspecies of black bear, called glacier bears, can be spotted in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Although bears are easily seen throughout the state, the safest way to see them is on a guided tour. You can go for a ride on the Alaska Inside Passage cruises or opt for a plane ride to safely spot these animals.
Moose
Another member of the Big 5 is the moose. Around 200,000 moose live in Alaska, and they are easy to come across in almost the entire state. However, this creature is abundantly found in Southcentral and Interior regions.
Bull moose is an impressive species, boasting a height of 6 and a half feet and weighing 1600 pounds. Calves or baby moose are born in early summer, and seeing them trying to walk is an adorable sight. You do not have to go for a guided tour to see the moose; simply stay focused during your hiking, especially in the Southcentral and Interior regions.
Caribou
There are 32 herds of Caribou in Alaska. Some have around 200,000 animals. Caribou is a migratory animal that has the stamina to walk up to 50 miles per day. Large herds can be seen in Alaska’s Arctic and Interior regions, which are accessible only by plane.
These animals can be seen all year round. The best places to spot them are the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of the Arctic National Park, and Kobuk Valley National Park.
Dall Sheep
The best places to spot Dall Sheep are the Seaward highway, the Brooks Range, the Chugach National Forest, and Denali National Park. It is a thrilling experience seeing these white, agile animals speedily making their way on the rocky and steep mountainous terrain.
These sheep have distinguished horns. Male Dall Sheep, called rams, have large curled horns, while the ewes (female Dall Sheep) have smaller ones. These animals can be seen at any time of the year. However, they look prominent against the brown and gray mountain rocks with their white fur in summer.
Wolves
People visiting Alaska are excited to see wolves. However, it is uncommon to spot them. In Alaska, around 7000 to 11,000 wolves live. But they avoid people as much as they can. Travelers who spot wolves should count themselves extremely lucky. It is difficult for even locals to catch a glimpse of this animal.
Wolves cover almost 85% of the state and can be found in every region. The best areas to view wolves are Katmai National Park and Preserve and Denali National Park and Preserve.
Other Wildlife in Alaska
The Big 5 is only the beginning of the wildlife in this state. From unique bird sightseeing experiences to witnessing gigantic whales, Alaska’s wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes. Some other wild creatures of this state are:
- Bald Eagles
- Humpback Whales
- Orcas
- Gray Whales
- Puffins
- Sea Otters
- Muskoxen
- Walrus
Shore Excursions in Alaska
If you decide to travel to Alaska via cruise, you can participate in various shore excursions. As a diverse state, Alaska has a lot to offer. Let’s see the most exciting Alaska shore excursions that you can experience in this stunning state.
Fishing
The best time to catch fish in Alaska is around mid to late summer. That’s the time when the streams have a lot of pink salmon. In Ketchikan, the chances of catching a fish are excellent. If your cruise itinerary includes Sitka, it is also the perfect spot for fishing. After all, nothing beats the thrill of catching your Alaskan fish.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Sitka offers tourists a different experience. Unlike other kayaking adventures that start alongside a road, this tour begins with a boat ride. It is supervised by a guide who teaches you the basics of kayaking. Travelers explore protected inlets and bays as the guide tells you about the ecology of this area.
Snorkel Tours
Snorkeling in Alaska is an excellent way to see unique sea creatures closely. You snorkel with sea stars, sea urchins, crabs, and even whales, seals, and sea lions. You spend 60 to 90 minutes exploring the underwater life while your wetsuit keeps you warm in the chilly waters.
Whale Watching
Juneau has lots of humpback whales as the water is favorable for these creatures. Cruise captains and guides know a lot about these massive marine creatures, and tourists learn a lot about them. You may even witness a whale “breeching” or “lunge feeding”, making this trip memorable.
Different Seasons of Alaka: The Best Time to Visit
Alaska experiences all four seasons, each of which has its own unique charm. Let’s take a trip to see how Alaska is in each season.
January: This month is the coldest in Alaska. Heavy snowfall is expected everywhere, and the temperature is expected to drop extremely low.
February: The temperature in February is a bit high; however, the weather remains cold. Locals celebrate this weather through ice skating, skiing, and much more.
March: The temperature starts to rise in this month. However, there is still ice on the ground, inviting people to play winter sports.
April: April is mildly cold and bright in Alaska. It is the indicator that spring has arrived and the sun is here to stay.
May: May brings the summer season in Alaska. The tours start in the middle of this month. The early days of May are a bit chilly and perfect for a light jacket.
June: Summer picks up its stride in June. The days become longer, and the summer solstice has the peak amount of dazzling sunlight.
July: This month is another prime time of summer. The temperatures constantly rise with plenty of daylight.
August: August comes with lots of rainfall. Tourists deciding to visit the state this month should pack rain gear.
September: The tourist season wraps up in the middle of September. Crowds become fewer as the fall begins.
October: The higher altitudes experience their first snow of the year in October. The temperatures drop, and roads start to freeze.
November: For locals, November is the official start of winter. There is snow and low temperatures in the region.
December: December brings the true chill for Alaskans. The sunlight is at an all-time low. However, the locals keep a cozy atmosphere indoors.
The best time to visit Alaska is July to August. The summer is at its peak, and the animals come out of hibernation. You experience the true glory of Alaska in these months.
Conclusion
Alaska is a famous destination for all travel lovers. With its diverse and expansive landscapes, it is home to numerous species of wildlife. The presence of mammoth glaciers gives it the first place on travelers’ bucket lists.
This blog discusses the best Alaskan cruises that cater to the distinct requirements of travelers. It also highlighted the wildlife, weather, and shore excursions that will give you plenty of memories if you plan to set sail on a cruise journey.
FAQs
Why are Glaciers Important to Alaska?
Glaciers have shaped the entire landscape of Alaska. They still influence the waters, lands, and ecosystems of this state. Because of their significance, National Park Service scientists keep tracking glacier change.
Why is Alaska a Good Place to Visit?
There is so much to explore in Alaska. It has 3000 rivers and around 3 million lakes. There is a rich history and culture with some of nature’s most astonishing wildlife. A trip to Alaska offers a lifetime of memories.
What is the Best Season to Visit Alaska?
The best season to visit Alaska is summer. You get plenty of encounters with the wildlife while also enjoying kayaking and hiking in the scenic atmosphere. July to August is the most famous and busiest time of the year for this state.
Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise
U.S. citizens can cruise to Alaska without a passport on round-trip U.S. cruises but a valid passport is required for all non-US and non-Canadian citizens for all Alaska itineraries, along with proper U.S. visas. and the main thing is Passports must be valid at least 6 months from your departure date.