Glacier Bay National Park: The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. From the ship, its fun keeping an eye on the water for local whale pods or searching the shoreline for bears, moose, or sea lions. In addition, I highly recommend the Captains Lady, with lots of locally made items as well as Ray Trolls studio. High Seas Cruising is for those who love to cruise. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. Skagways most popular attraction is the White Pass railway. The three to seven-night land tour allows passengers to explore destinations not accessible to cruise ships. You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer. Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people. September 17, 2018 0 1277 A cruise to Alaska allows you to trade in your hectic daily commute for a slice of calm. The cruise lines offer kids clubs, from babies to teens, catering to all ages. ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The cruise ship with about 1,000 passengers anchored off Nome, too big to squeeze into into the tundra city's tiny port. An Alaska cruise allows guests to explore multiple ports of call and experience the state through hands-on shore excursions. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. Activities can be booked in advance or on board through the cruise line, or arrangements can be made with private charters at the ports. If youre doing a shorter trip, or want to focus on seeing more in a smaller area, then a round trip cruise will be best for you. Join a Tasting Session at Alaska's Wildest Kitchen 7. Sure in Alaska you arent going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. Theres no question that Glacier Bay National Park is absolutely stunning. That means those trying to get off the elevators are stuck while those wanting to get on move out of the way. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about. The activities are often included in the tour price, though you may need to pay extra for some excursions. When applying for an ETSA for a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then back to Vancouver for a return flight to UK, how do i fill in 1. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canadas Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields). Your budget is an important first consideration as small ship cruises are generally at least double the cost of big ship cruising. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Several luxury cruise lines are sailing in Alaska, including Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Cunard Line, and Seabourn Cruises. Cruise ships sell staples everything from candy bars to cough medicine but there is an insane markup on the prices. I love to share my passion for cruising and travel with readers. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. In Alaskan ports, the sun can rise around 4 a.m. and set after 10 p.m. (We were also entertained by an otter playing on an iceberg.). Take the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Fishermen's Tour 4. You can stay at a hotel offering a parking package, but other than that there arent many ways to get around the parking fee if youve got to leave your car somewhere. You can make your head spin by searching site after site for the best cruise deal. Most cruise lines stop at Marjorie Glacier, located 55 miles into the park. Much of the gold rush history is preserved. Thats on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (its four hours behind the East Coast). Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the areas deep history and culture. Skagway also has lots of great history to explore and several excellent hikes that leave from downtown and you can easily walk to. Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze One of the first things youll need to decide when looking at itineraries and best Alaska cruise ports is whether you are going to travel on a big ship or a small ship. Unless you like doing things really early in the day or late at night, reserve as soon as you can. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers. When I say best weather I mean less rain than most other ports (except Skagway) but it doesnt have the wind that Skagway has. My second favorite city in the world (after Seattle) in Vancouver, BC! Even if its sunny when youre on the ship, you can expect the weather to change at a moments notice. Is it better to do an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver? This article is all about the highlights and best Alaska cruise ports to help you decide which Alaska Cruise itinerary is best for YOU. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. If you can, do this. Bring water and snacks for the humans in your party - not the wildlife. Flying in for your cruise? It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon. Located approximately 15 minutes drive from Juneau cruise port, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is the largest Salmon Hatchery in Southeast Alaska raising over 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon annually. Eagle Island Sea Kayak Tour 9. Ive spent many seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and visit all of these ports frequently and even lived in two of them. New! Save. Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. It is possible to have much hotter days but definitely be ready for some chilly and damp days, even in the middle of summer! Misty Fjords National Monument. Make sure to visit Crazy Wolf Studio, which is Alaska Native owned and features Native art from across the northwest coast. Other possible glacier cruising areas include: No matter where your ship sails for glacier viewing, it is sure to be absolutely stunning. Dressing in multiple layers prepares you for any weather. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities. Alaska is an excellent destination for families with kids. Popular excursions include exploring the local wildlife, such as bald eagles, whales, and sea lions, as well as taking a scenic boat tour of the surrounding islands. Yeah, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind. Those May and September trips when families that have kids in school cant sail are usually cheaper due to lower demand. The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is as early as possible. The park is home to over 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. Treat yourself to festive fun with Halloween on the High Seas sailings or Very Merrytime cruisesplus discover the wonders of Lighthouse Point, Disney's newest island destination in The Bahamas. Theres no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style. But Alaskan cruises? Add in port fees and taxes, gratuity, and charges for double occupancy, and you can expect to spend $2,000 at a minimum. I have a whole post about what to pack for Alaska, including if youre taking a cruise! Absolutely, and Heres Why, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if its clear out especially with sun reflecting off of the water. Both Seattle and Vancouver are wonderful cities to sail from and spend an extra couple days if you have it. Its just the way things are. Youll likely have to choose a one-way cruise if you want to travel further north on your Alaska cruise. When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. If youre an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, youll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. There are several options for the train: you can take a round trip summit excursion right from the cruise ship dock, or you can go one way by train and one by bus giving you additional views of this stunning location. Fairbanks. Last updated on June 13th, 2023 at 03:31 pm Prepare to be enchanted by Ketchikan, a quaint Alaskan town nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls. With the ship underway there is a constant breeze blowing, combined with already cool temperatures. Its a drive that can take an hour or two. If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. You can also do a hike from the train getting dropped off at Denver or Laughton Glacier as part of a tour. No enduring evidence of man's existence whatsoever. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that wont take up a ton of space in your luggage. The peak season for Alaska cruises is July and August. So, if youre f youre adding some time before or after your cruise in Vancouver, check out my top recommendations for Vancouver here. You wont leave the ship on a scenic day, but youll have an incredible view of Alaskas scenery. So much of taking an Alaskan cruise is about the scenery, but you cant spend all your hours outside watching nature go by. Visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and forests. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator. If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure thats both fun and educational. 28 Amazing Things to Do In Sitka Alaska Cruise Port - High Seas Cruising Cons: Watch out for additional costs, especially the cost of shore excursions. Have questions about sailing to Alaska? Just because youre not going to the Caribbean doesnt mean you can leave the sunglasses at home. Pier 66 is near downtown and is home mainly to Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Don't veer off the trail and be mindful of signs about recent wildlife activity, including bears. There are cruise lines of all price ranges sailing in Alaska, with budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and luxury cruise lines like Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer, weve found that the prices are almost always the exact same, See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here, Rates are $30 per night to park at the ports, Heres some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise, sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here, Can I Use My Phone? For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Small ships generally stop in fewer ports and do more exploring with kayaking and hiking instead of in towns. And its essential to keep in mind that you wont be able to book round-trip airfare, which means youll have to pay more for flights. That means transportation is always a big issue. July is the most popular time for cruising in Alaska and it is still the height of summer with long days. See The Rock 2. Home / Cruise Tips / Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And you get to wake up in a new stunningly beautiful place every day without having to repack! In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship. The 8 Best Things to do on an Alaskan Cruise There are lots of things to do in Alaska. This is despite the fact that the two cities are just over a hundred miles apart. One thing thats very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Are you a cruise addict? On the Joy and sister ships like Encore, there is the Observation Lounge and it is a multi-story sitting area with large windows that provide a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery. Get more information on the Red Onion Saloon website. Macaulay Salmon Hatchery. Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More While a balcony is nice, its not like there arent places around the ship to take in the scenery. Just dont pack one with a surge protector as they arent allowed on ships. If you like to explore on your own, Sitka is the port for you! 5. by Indy1. Drink packages make things extremely simple. If youre sailing in an interior cabin, then do yourself a favor and pack a nightlight right now. In my opinion, Juneau is the best Alaska cruise port overall. They fold up into a small square so that they take up hardly any space in your luggage. In Alaska, many of the biggest "attractions" -- breathtaking mountain landscapes, glaciers, fjords, breaching whales and feeding bears, for instance -- are related to the Great Outdoors. Most Alaska cruises have a day of cruising near a glacier but its not always Glacier Bay. Its inevitable that youll think of something that you forgot to pack while on the ship. Guide to Alaska Cruises: What to Do In Alaska Cruise Ports Part II I recommend the cross gulf (one way) trip if you are also adding a land portion of your trip to other parts of Alaska, such as Denali National Park, Anchorage or Fairbanks. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room. At the end of the 30-mile-long fjord sits the South Sawyer Glacier and the North Sawyer Glacier. Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. See Bears at the Wildlife & Bear Search 5. The most popular scenic cruising destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isnt as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. Shore excursion nirvana: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise Youll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line. Kayaking is unique in Haines because you can take a tour for sea kayaking or you can kayak in Chilkoot Lake, giving options for every preference and every skill level in a kayak. Hubbard Glacier: The largest glacier visited by cruise ships. This will allow you to get stunning pictures of the beauty of Alaska, even if you are quite a distance from your subject. These two spots are about two miles away from each other. We were fortunate enough to sail beside the glacier and were awestruck by the blue ice wall that stood before us. Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species. Ive been cruising since I was 11 years old. Expect to spend significantly more. For example, the four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver only cost us about $40 when we took it. Big ships offer lots of amenities and entertainment such as multiple dining and restaurant options, shows and spa treatments. Alaska can throw a lot of different weather at you in a short period of time, meaning different clothing is needed. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Explore the Beach and Nature Trails 8. These are all wonderful and intimate ports with lots to see and do. Sitka has far fewer ships than many other ports so its fun for an independent minded traveler to explore. Its important to remember that Alaska is home to the worlds largest temperate rainforest, and you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your cruise. Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids. Great news to get started you really cant go wrong here as all the Alaska ports of call are interesting and different in their own ways and all are surrounded by life affirming natural beauty! 12 Things You Absolutely Need to Do on an Alaskan Cruise Find travel tips, news, and advice to make your next cruise your best vacation yet! This is a wonderful place to try kayaking for the first time! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. That leaves a longer and darker time for you to be able to see the spectacle. If youre sailing from the United States and sailing to another U.S. state why do you need a passport or birth certificate to travel? Book a shore excursion or cruise tour if you want to explore Alaskas wilderness or venture beyond the town center. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska - Royal Caribbean Cruises You can bring your own, however. Jun 29, 2023, 10:43 PM. Its more straightforward and usually less expensive to fly if you do a round trip from the same port. Cruise fares are often the cheapest when first released to the public. If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, youll want to look at expedition cruises. We also saw a whale out there in Prince William sound. Gold Panning at Alaska 360. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter. Its well-heeled tourists had to shimmy into small . Im not sure about that. Theres nothing we love more than sipping a coffee on our balcony while admiring the picturesque views. Even during the summer months, some days can be chilly in Alaska. They often offer cash you can use in the store as an incentive. Excursions include activities such as whale watching, kayaking . As a born and raised Seattleite, here are my absolute must do things in Seattle, as well as a three day itinerary for this beautiful city. Ketchikan, Alaska is a popular cruise port destination for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Read more about how to do this in the sections below). Alaska Ports of Call - Top Alaska Cruise Ports - Princess Cruises Now it doesnt take a genius to know that any time you gamble the edge always goes to the house. 11 Things to Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is one of the most natural cruise ports that you may ever visit. Skagway was put on the map by the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898 and has a colorful history. 20 Amazing Things To Do In Icy Strait Point - Forever Karen Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into Americas Last Frontier. Take a look at a recent schedule to get an idea of what you can expect: Flying in for your cruise? They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord. In particular, weve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals. All told however, the differences are usually small. On our last 7-day cruise, we could spot pods of orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles without leaving the vessel. Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze Season: May 15 - Sep 10 $939+ per person 8 hrs. It's best to research what activities fit within your interest, fitness level, and budget. In addition to the scenery that every Alaska town has on offer, Haines is positioned to have the best weather in Southeast Alaska, making it ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking! Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! If youre prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal. Not sure which itinerary to choose? Most likely your ship will dock a few miles outside of town, but theres a free shuttle downtown that goes every 15 minutes while a ship is important and its easy to zip around. Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world. Alaska Cruises: Things to Do - alaskancruise.com This is a destination that speaks to visitors through its history, wild natural beauty, fresh seafood and the native culture of the Tlingit and Haida people. However, there are plenty of other glacier cruising areas that are every bit as beautiful, just different. Small ships do not generally have programming specifically for kids. Dont forget the cost of flights to the port as well and excursions, which are a must. Most Alaskan cruises include at least one scenic cruising day. While phone cameras are great for most shots, they often lack in the zoom capability. 2. If you are coming from a hot climate, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. Tourists worldwide come to see athletes wield axes and saws while competing in lumbering activities. Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageway and towering mountain landscape. A land tour is expensive between cars, trains, ferries, and hotels. Small ship cruising is ideal for outdoor adventurers and those who want to focus on experiencing Alaska with less focus on the ship itself. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun. Spending a few days before or after your cruise in Seattle? Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More, 24 Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port, Royal Caribbean Ultimate Guide: Ships, Itineraries, and More, Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List (Printable), Best Cruise Lines for Long Alaskan Sailings, Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids, https://highseascruising.com/things-to-do-in-haines-alaska/, 7 Best Cruise Lines for Couples (Guide to Romantic Sailing), Cruise Ship Engine Room (Everything You Want to Know), White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway), Glacier tours in Glacier Bay National Park, Waterproof bag for kayaking or rafting excursions. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. As you pass through the passage, youll notice the unique footprint of the glaciers that carved the mountains and waterways. Subscribe to receive travel tips delivered straight to your inbox. Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. If youre taking any vacation, but especially a trip to remote regions like Alaska, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer. Best things to do on an Alaska cruise | Royal Caribbean Blog Big cruise ships either sail one way from Seattle or Vancouver to Whittier or Seward near Anchorage, or they sail round trip in the inside passage from Seattle or Vancouver. Pros: The biggest benefit of a big ship is its less expensive and airfare is also usually less expensive if you are flying round trip to Seattle. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries. You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep. In general you can find a lot more to do on the bigger and newer ships say those built in the past 10-15 years. Driving into Seattle for a cruise to Alaska? Some people wouldnt consider Alaska a family-friendly cruise destination. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland. Related: DIY travelers guide to having a blast on a cruise. Some ships like the Norwegian Joy have observation areas. 1. 44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets Icy Strait Point near the town of Hoonah is a unique port in Southeast Alaska. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony. That makes it hard to charge devices. The best things to do in Alaska with kids - Lonely Planet That can mean fewer people in ports of call. And for even more on Alaskan cruising, dont forget to see our list of things to pack, what to consider when selecting the right ship, and our best cruise deals to Alaska. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, youll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September). One site that can be a little different is CostcoTravel.com if youre a Costco member. Since Alaska is part of the United States, your cell service provider may also offer service in this area with any additional charges. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. You might use it more than you realize. You can expect long lineups and higher prices at popular attractions if youre sailing during peak season. The best hike in every Alaska cruise port, complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here, DIY travelers guide to having a blast on a cruise, my top recommendations for Vancouver here, https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. Think of all the recent headlines regarding travel and health and then add on all the everyday occurrences like missing a flight or getting hurt or sick. Because we are! Alaska 360, known as Dredge Town, is one of the most popular attractions near Skagway downtown located approximately 15 minutes drive from the end of the port Skagway. Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight. Pros: The biggest benefits of small ships are the small number of guests and the intimate setting as well as the opportunity to explore smaller inlets and places where bigger ships arent able to go. Alaska cruises come in two forms; one-way cruises and round-trip sailings. Grab Lunch at the Alaska Crepe Co. 5. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. Above & Beyond Alaska: Fortress of the Bears Kayak Adventure. But if youre most interested in seeing Alaska and not the ship then most cruise lines offer similar routes. While the cruise lines often sail similar routes and see similar things, there is a difference between the cruise lines and what they offer passengers. Cruising to Nome: The first U.S. deep water port for the Arctic to host Photo by Scott Johnson These week-long sailings embark in either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia. The scenic destinations may include College Fjord, Glacier Bay, or Hubbard Glacier. You wont leave the ship on scenic days, but its a chance to witness some truly incredible scenery. But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior cabin. The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. The best month to take an Alaskan cruise is May or June. To make things simple we have a drink package calculator here that can give you a better idea of the package is worth it for you. What might change are the incentives to book. Its always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise. 4. Prepare for wet and cold weather, and dress accordingly so you can enjoy your hike. This is one of the questions I get frequently from my readers and clients. Six Best Cruise Ports in Alaska, and What to Do When You Get There Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather.
Carl Junction Mo To Springfield Mo,
Proverbs 30:29-31 Explained,
Halifax River Fish Species,
Articles A
