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Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your room location) to save more. Alaska is nicknamed The Last Frontier for many reasons, but mainly because it remains one of the last places left on Earth that is not entirely mapped and explored. And while it has become a more popular destination in recent years, it remains an untouched beauty.
Expedition or regular cruising? How to choose a cruise to Alaska in 2024
Silversea fares include most shore excursions, so you don't have to pay extra to immerse yourself in the best Alaska has to offer. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver.
Alaska: Wilderness & Wildlife
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The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United Status Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class.
ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE
If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. If you book a Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.
Night Alaska CruiseDetails
It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. These cruise itineraries offer the unique opportunity to get up close to the Alaskan wilderness, both in the water and on land for an unforgettable experience.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider
“If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone. According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer, the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time.
What are Alaska cruise excursions?
New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. As a baseline introduction to cruising in Alaska, our Alaska Cruise Guide is a great place to start your research. Our list of Alaska small ship cruise deals will you find the best small luxury Alaska cruise at the best price. There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program.
How do I go about planning my Alaskan cruise?
As an added amenity, guests on the Alaska Cruise are gifted a Seabourn all-weather jacket as a souvenir. If your questions about Alaska aren't answered ashore, onboard guest speakers, such as naturalists, passionately share knowledge about the region's history, culture and environment. Silversea Cruises' newest ship, the 728-passenger Silver Nova, brings the outdoors in with abundant floor-to-ceiling windows, making the ship an idyllic ride for Inside Passage cruising. If you're seeking unabashed luxury and thrills galore, try one of these five best luxury Alaska cruises for 2024.
The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands. While large luxury cruises are often all-inclusive, there is little that compares to the intimacy of sailing the great wilderness on a small, ultra-luxe cruise liner. Founded in 1986, Seabourn prides itself on creating an unforgettable experience where style, history and exhilaration are the frontrunners for exploration. Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are regarded as the Alaska cruise experts, with the most ships in the region and years of experience under their belts. Holland America's suite occupants get perks like exclusive breakfasts in the Pinnacle Grill, free laundry and dry cleaning, priority boarding for tenders and access to the private Neptune Lounge that stocks snacks throughout the day.
All of the line's itineraries boast an active component, but its "Wild, Woolly and Wow" itinerary claims to be "the most active back country itinerary" of UnCruise's 2024 Alaska cruises. If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises. Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.
There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience. We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples. Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too. The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences.
If you're ready to cross Alaska off your bucket list, here are our recommendations for the best Alaska cruises for families. The 22-guest exclusive Motor Yacht Safari Quest cruises Alaska's Inside Passage, Prince William Sound and British Columbia and offers stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Unique among yachts, the Safari Quest’s size enables her to cruise areas restricted to traditional small ships. 100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.
Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Aside from the extraordinary destination list, guests can experience Alaska alongside true experts. Seabourn’s world-class expedition team includes a marine biologist, ornithologist, geologist, historian, photographer and wildlife naturalist expert. Guests can also participate in Seabourn’s Conversation program to learn more about the destination before embarking. In select destinations, the expedition team escorts invitees to view the wilderness up close by kayaking or hiking.
