Cruising the Alaskan Coastline
As the US’s largest state Alaska offers endless opportunities to explore it’s incredible, wild and breathtaking landscape. Coming from the native Aleutian the word ‘Alaska’ means the land towards the sea and indeed this state offers incredible experiences both on land and ocean.
Boasting a range of majestic wildlife and pristine landscapes Alaska is now able to offer unique experiences in true wilderness and diversity through one-of-a-kind shore excursions taking guests to different ports like Juneau and Haine along it’s coastline.
Taking a luxury expedition cruise visitors will get the opportunity to see the unique landscapes and unspoiled wilderness from a new perspective. Hugely popular with tourists looking to see the wilder side of Alaska without compromising on luxury the cruises also offer a range of activities and services including gourmet chefs, nature guides and opportunities to get close to the local wildlife. With everything under one roof there’s plenty to occupy you whilst you’re at sea; spas, restaurants and even theatres all at your disposal whilst you enjoy the ride.
The Alaskan cruising season runs from May to September, the time of year that offers the best chance to spot wildlife whilst the colourful fauna is in season and the Winter meltwater becomes stunning waterfalls. Alaska is a particularly popular cruise destination during the Summer month’s when the state becomes the most popular cruise destinations across the globe.
Image courtesy of ©StudioPONANT Laure Patricot
However, this part of the world can be unpredictable at any time of year when it comes to weather so waterproofs, warm clothing and wet weather gear remain essential year round.
The highlights of the Alaskan cruises
• Enjoy the geological wonders such as the active tidewater glaciers or the hanging glaciers. Go through sheer-sided glacial fjords at the foot of those tidal glaciers.
• Witness natural events as vast masses of ice fall from the glaciers into the ocean below.
• Cruise to the hot spot for feeding humpback whales and watch out for, young humpback whales and breaching calves. Alaska’s Fredrick Sound is a popular spot for cruisers.
• See the majestic brown bears in their natural habitat with special access to the remote salmon stream at Pack Creek which is a protected zone for the bears.
• You can take a dip into a soothing natural hot spring at Baranof Island’s Warm Springs Bay during the cruise.
• Cruise along the Inside Passage to see those enormous ice creations of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait
• Dock at popular ports such as Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau which cannot be accessed by road.
• Travel to the Kenai Peninsula which is further north and visit the and nearby Anchorage for further cruise tours to Fairbanks, Denali, and Canada’s Yukon.
• Enjoy activities like dogsledding, gold-panning, flightseeing, and fishing, and everything in between during the shore excursions.
• Take small boat rides for marine mammal viewing, wildlife viewing, and bird viewing alongside knowledgeable crew members and naturalists.
• Take small treks along the shores and explore the beaches. You can spot hot-springs as well as enjoy some kayaking and fishing.
• The Alaskan wildlife boasts of magnificent species, you can spot black bear, brown bear, Dall’s porpoise, killer whale, humpback whale, seabirds, sea otters, bald eagle, and pacific white-sided dolphins.
• Apart from all that nature and wildlife, one gets the chance to explore the culture and history of Alaska that is connected to Russia, Scandinavia, and America. It carries the influences of First Nation, including Haida and Tlingit.
With a wide range of different cruise packages there’s something for everyone: luxury, adventure, seasonal, themed cruises and all-inclusive. Keep your eyes peeled for discounts and special offers to make sure you get the best value deals…and prepare yourself for the trip of a lifetime!
