Alaska is known for its incredible wide open spaces, mountains, never-ending coastlines, historic gold mining past, railroads, and abundance of wildlife. The opportunity to explore these untamed lands and experience nature at its best are some of the top reasons why Alaska is such a popular tourist destination.
While there are a variety of ways to experience Alaska, a cruise ship provides a number of advantages compared to traditional land-based travel. One of the main benefits of cruising is exploring Alaska by sea, among the best ways to see the incredible glaciers and marine life that call this northern region home.
Cruising can be an incredible way to tour Alaska. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Incredible views
People come to Alaska to take in the majestic scenery of the “Last Frontier." Mountains, endless trees, ice-blue glaciers, and wildlife are some of the best things to see when visiting.
A cruise ship provides many ways to take in these sites, some of which can only be seen by water. Many of the modern cruise ships that sail to Alaska were designed with this in mind. Floor to ceiling windows and plenty of observation decks make it easy to get out and enjoy the breathtaking views.
A popular cruise destination, Glacier Bay offers views of thousands of glaciers, and cruisers often get to spend the whole day there. The North and South Sawyer glaciers of Tracy Arm Fjord are spectacular. Cruise ships navigate routes as little as ½ mile wide with 3000-foot cliffs. These tight corridors provide some of the best views in Alaska.
Ease of travel
At twice the size of Texas, Alaska is the largest of U.S. states, covering well over a half million square miles. What makes Alaska so appealing is its grand size, which also makes it harder to travel around.
Cities and towns can be thousands of miles apart, making travel more challenging at times. In fact, Juneau, the state capital, is inaccessible by car due to its rugged terrain. Anyone coming and going does so by boat or plane.
Cruising makes visiting popular ports like Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway much easier, with the complex logistics taken care of. There is no need to pack up, travel, and book a new hotel; just stay on the ship and enjoy the vacation.
Price
Flights to Alaska, including popular destinations like Anchorage, Sitka, and Ketchikan, can be quite pricey, even thousands of dollars depending on when you go, and may require more than one stop.
The cost of expensive flights goes a long way when compared to competitive cruise fares. A standard cruise fare will include food, entertainment, onboard activities, and basic drinks. In comparison to flying, renting cars, boat rides, hotels, and food, cruising offers excellent value.
There is also a large selection of cruises available to Alaska, meaning there are more options for various itineraries and types of cruise experiences. For those flexible when traveling, shoulder season (spring and September) can provide even better prices.
Wildlife
In addition to Alaska’s magnificent scenery, wildlife is a massive draw for many people. Bears, moose, wolves, deer, seals, and of course, whales are commonly sighted animals that can be seen during a cruise.
Among the many marine species that frequent Alaskan waters are humpback whales, who feed on krill. Famous for their swimming talents, these large whales can sometimes propel themselves into the air, putting on quite a show. At the same time, lucky passengers may have the opportunity to see whales from their cruise ship, with Icy Strait Point, Juneau, and Sitka all being great options.
The views from the upper decks give cruisers great panoramic views to best spot local animals. In addition, cruises often have lectures and other immersive experiences to provide more understanding of local animals and the environment.
Numerous itinerary options
As cruises to Alaska have become more popular, the number of cruise options has grown. There are numerous departure ports, with Seattle and Vancouver, Canada, among the most popular. In addition to this, some cruises depart from Los Angeles and Seward, Anchorage, and Juneau in Alaska.
Travelers can choose from expedition cruisers, smaller vessels, and larger ships with plenty of amenities. Many ships travel a route along the Inside Passage, a more southern course, whereas one-way cruises explore the Gulf of Alaska.
There is also a range in the length of itineraries, everything from a 5-day shorter sampler cruise to longer cruises that can span 14 days, with the option to include post-cruise land tours for a more in-depth experience.
Great for multi-generational groups
For those who want to travel to Alaska but have a group that encompasses a range of ages and interests, a cruise is a fantastic way to go. There are plenty of onboard activities for any age, and many immersive experiences can be great for kids and families who want to learn more about the animals and the region.
A variety of excursions means there are great options for every traveler in the group. The more adventurous can take a helicopter ride to see a glacier, go hiking or kayaking. For those who want something different, they can explore many of the charming towns, learn about the area's gold mining past, or delight in some local Alaskan cuisine.
A cruise lets everyone have their fun, both on and off the ship. It can be a thrilling or relaxing vacation.
A chance to see the Northern Lights
As ships move away from towns and travel thousands of miles north, there are lots more opportunities to see the Northern lights. With plenty of outside space and unobstructed views, cruisers can find numerous spots to gaze at the sky for the spectacular show.
Northern Lights, formally known as aurora borealis, is nature's spectacular light show. Although commonly green, the sky can also illuminate with shades of pink, red, yellow, blue, and violet. They are a highlight of a trip to Alaska for many.
September is among the best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. With clear skies, some may be lucky enough to see them from the ship, or a viewing experience in Fairbanks is a good choice.
