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Temperatures are warm, with highs in the ’70s and low ’80s (and rising, thanks to climate change). On the downside, cruise ships tend to be booked to capacity, and Alaskan cruise prices are at their highest. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent.
Where Do Alaska Inside Passage Cruises Stop?
Note that cross-gulf cruises almost always start or end in Vancouver, and flying in or out of Canada requires a passport, though arriving at a Canadian port via a cruise ship doesn't. The high demand for Inside Passage cruises can be partly attributed to the convenience of ending a cruise in the same place you first set sail. Plus, they can be less expensive than cross-gulf cruises, which typically require a pricey flight to Anchorage (the gateway for nearby Seward and Whittier). 100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip. [I most enjoyed] Watching the Sawyer glacier calving and hanging out with the sea lions and eagles. This trip exceeded our expectations (and that isn't an easy thing).
Alaska Cruise Packing List with PDF Printable Checklist
The majestic landscapes of Alaska are an unmissable bucket-list experience for any adventurous traveler, and on an Alaska cruise, you won’t just hit the highlights like Juneau. From the comfort of your incredible cruise ship, you’ll sail across 500 miles of Alaskan wilderness known as the Inside Passage. This coastal waterway is filled with glacial mountains, lush pine forests, and unforgettable wildlife sightings. Along the Inside Passage, cruise passengers can see countless wildlife in the water (whales, orcas, sea lions, and seals), on the ground (bears), and in the air (eagles, raptors, and many water birds). In 1881, the first cruise drifted into the still waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage — but, these seafarers did not experience the wonder of modern-day cruises. In the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, these passengers were making history, not reliving it.
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Paul, Shane, Caroline, Michael and new trainee, Jimmy, made a wonderful team. Always professional, yet very personable and engaging as individuals. Paul was great at spotting wildlife, getting the boat in the best position and allowing us to linger and watch. Caroline was always enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable about all things animal, plant, and other. Shane never failed to entertain and demonstrate/explain the running of the boat. [I chose this destination and trip based on the] Reputation and expertise of National Geographic and adventure to somewhere I’ve never been.
Inside Passage vs Glacier Bay
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
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And my daughter loved using the rope to climb a steep, slippery section as I stayed back to photograph the surreal scene. The Last Frontier Adventure sometimes departs from Sitka, but ours began in Juneau. So our first excursion was a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, part of the Tongass National Forest.
What Towns Can I Visit On Inside Passage Alaska Cruises?
There’s also an unmaintained section of the trail, which adds an additional 1.4 miles to the trek and takes you to the remote Lake Eva cabin. But that only made hiking the Cascade Falls Trail that much more of an adventure. The roaring waterfalls created a crazy mist that gave the entire trek a haunting feel.
Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park. After cruising the Inside Passage, you’ll continue on to Juneau, where you can visit the 13-mile-long Mendenhall Glacier or go hiking in the Tongass National Forest during your day in port. This remote capital is also famous for dog sledding and incredible glaciers.
5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024 - The Points Guy
5 best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024.
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Ever changing, Glacier Bay National Park is still one of Alaska’s most popular coastal attractions and most visited national parks. Glacier Bay National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska’s real gems. Stretching for 105 kilometers (65 miles), the many beautiful glaciers are a wondrous sight. The John Hopkins, Marjerie, and McBridge Glaciers are especially popular. Immerse yourself in Tlingit culture and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. Refer to the Dates & Pricing itinerary for specific details by departure date.
The largest national forest in the country, Tongass National Forest, blankets the entire southeast Alaska portion of the Inside Passage, and many glaciers can still be seen. Many adventurous cruisers join an Inside Passage Alaska cruise visit or view majestic glaciers. The opportunities to land on pristine rainforest bay areas with untouched wilderness was simply magnificent. My best day was Kelp Bay in Baranof Island, where we had a fantastic encounter with 2 bears in the salmon stream. I was hoping to see more marine wildlife, but that did not turn out to be the case during our week.
And then there’s the Hubbard Glacier, one of the largest tidewater glaciers in North America, known for its stunning blue ice and frequent calving. These glaciers and the icebergs they produce offer a once-in-a-lifetime visual feast for visitors. Haines is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering rafting, hiking, and eagle-watching opportunities. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a must-visit, especially during the winter months when thousands of eagles can be spotted. As the capital of Alaska, Juneau offers a mix of urban and natural attractions.
On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise. We also liked that this Alaska cruise itinerary covered more of the Inside Passage territory than any of the other cruise holidays we compared it to.
Today, Alaska’s incredible nature and beauty, not to mention cool and sunny summers, have made it a popular vacation destination. Why not extend your vacation with a Cruisetour of Alaska’s interior? A Cruisetour gives you the chance to combine your seven-night sailing with a trip inland to remote Alaskan towns, including the breathtaking Denali National Park. Tasting the local varieties is a must once you’ve docked in Ketchikan. Don’t miss the Totem Heritage Center and the Southeast Alaska Discovery Set, where you’ll discover thousands of years of Alaskan history and culture.
They're usually one-way trips starting or ending in Seward or Whittier, Alaska. Simply put, cruisers aboard these sailings witness some of the most astounding wildlife and scenery. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. Got some great photos of dolphins, jelly fish, otters, seals, bears, and Orcas. Glaciers were excellent, and all of the many beautiful views along the way.
Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. When you cruise to Alaska from Seattle, encounter unique ports of call that are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Entire families of orcas and humpback whales swim the waters along the Alexander Archipelago, and you may be lucky enough to spot them on your Inside Passage cruise.
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