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Most Alaskan cruises depart from one of four ports on the western coast of North America – either Seward or Juneau within Alaska itself, or from Vancouver in Canada or Seattle in the US. Some cruises depart from further afield, including ports in Hawaii or Australia. Stop by the historic Holy Resurrection Church, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in the country. And visit the Kodiak History Museum located in an old former fur storehouse wooden structure.
The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
You will need waterproof outerwear, as well as winter gloves. Due to this strategic location and its proximity to some of Alaska’s most alluring attractions, there is a good chance you will stop in Skagway if you have booked an Alaskan cruise. To help you get the most out of your time there, this comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know. Sometimes Sailing is a cruise-focused website by Dan and Mikkel Woodruff, a couple passionate about cruising. Generally, the larger the ship, the lower the starting price for the cruise. However, it would help to consider what is included in the price.
Our Top Alaska Cruise Excursions
You will find poles from the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian indigenous people scattered around Ketchikan; in the totem parks or by visiting Totem Heritage Centre in Saxman Village. Fishing enthusiasts will already be aware of Alaska’s reputation for having some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing. As you would expect, there is no shortage of tour operators willing to take eager cruise passengers out for a multi-hour fishing experience. If thinking of Alaska evokes images of evergreen trees, blue and white glaciers, bears, and salmon, it's all accurate! But, in addition to this, you may see whales and moose as you sail through beautiful fjords.
16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions - Royal Caribbean Blog
16 cheap and free things to do on an Alaska cruise to avoid spending hundreds on shore excursions.
Posted: Mon, 14 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time to Cruise Alaska: Weather and Wildlife
Take a guided trip along the Spasski River to see bear along with other Alaskan wildlife. On a smaller vessel, passengers get up close to pods of humpback whales as they feed in the Alaska waters. Ride through the Alaskan wilderness and see wildlife in the pristine forest. For plant lovers, explore Glacier Gardens for a guided one-hour tour of its gardens aboard an open-air shuttle.
The Best 3 Day Itinerary for Olympic National Park
First up, watch the interpretive film to learn about the gold rush and how would-be miners climbed the treacherous White Pass Trail. This is the building in which you will board, or disembark, for your cruise. It features sail structures on its roof and an icon of Vancouver. It offers several interpretive areas to explore if you have some time before your cruise. Unakwik Inlet is a stunningly beautiful and remote inlet located in the heart of the Chugach Mountains in Alaska. Known for its rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters, and towering glaciers, Unakwik...
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Skagway
Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. 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. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier.
Cruising Southeast Alaska’s Islands
The historic charm of Astoria, the pristine wilderness of Atka Island, and the rugged beauty of Baranof Island are just a few examples of the diverse attractions that await. These lesser-known ports offer unique charm and breathtaking landscapes that are often reserved for smaller ships and luxury cruise lines. Endicott Arm is a breathtaking fjord located in Southeast Alaska, and is a cruise destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty and incredible wildlife of the... Behm Canal is a scenic waterway located in southeastern Alaska, and is a cruise destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty and incredible wildlife of the... From soaring seaplane tours to thrilling zip-lining adventures, Alaska’s cruise ports provide endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Gulf Islands
Skagway itself offers a rich history and a stunning natural backdrop. There are also plenty of exciting outdoor activities just a short distance from Skagway’s downtown core. The bridge takes about one hour to drive on the Klondike Highway, so most cruise passengers will visit by booking a tour excursion. These guided excursions are filled with other stops and offer plenty of opportunities to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife.
This will ensure that you have timely transportation to and from the cruise port, plus the excursion provider will have been vetted by the cruise line ahead of time. As we mentioned above, the expedition ships that sail in Alaska are really the best way to experience what Alaska has to uniquely offer. Otherwise, in terms of what to pack for the onboard portion of your cruise, check with your cruise to see how formal or informal the ship is. Some cruise lines have formal nights where you get to dress up for the evening.
Blashkee Islands, also known as the Blashki Islands, are a group of small islands located in the Gulf of Alaska, off the coast of Kodiak Island. For a more down-to-earth experience, visit the Alaska State Museum highlighting the state's natural and human history. Juneau is also home to the Alaskan Brewing Co., where craft beer has been a tradition since 1986; the gift shops sells iconic T-shirts and much more. In contrast to most Alaskan ports, Sitka is not chockablock with jewelry shops.
And our Alaska cruise stops will bring you up close and personal with the wildest state of them all. During your cruise, you’ll explore The Last Frontier like never before. Adventure seekers and wildlife lovers will get their fill in Talkeetna, the artsy and free-spirited town with a unique personality. In Juneau, the quirky Alaskan capital, world-class hiking and whale-watching are only minutes away. And if you happen to go on a Celebrity Cruisetour you’ll explore Denali National Park, the jewel of The Last Frontier, six million acres of wildlife calling your name. No matter what type of vacation you choose, you’re sure to see plenty of wildlife as you sail through the Inside Passage and come face-to-face with arctic terns and seals in Tracy Arm Fjord.
Visiting Skagway offers cruise passengers a wide range of outdoor adventure and exploration opportunities. Beyond Skagway’s small-town charm and famed ties to the Gold Rush Era, the surrounding area offers breathtaking views of the rugged Alaskan wilderness. For those looking to take in Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes, hiking some of the famous Chilkoot Trail can be incredibly memorable. Luckily, some of the main trailheads are located just steps from Skagway cruise port. You can also visit Gold Rush Cemetery, where many famous prospectors and town residents are buried.
If you want to sail to the major cities, a big ship (like Celebrity or Royal Caribbean) will stop at Alaskan cities you regularly hear about. But if you want to sail to some more remote areas of Alaska, consider a cruise on a small vessel. Visitors may enjoy tours to spot black bears and bald eagles, while there is a 60-foot totem pole worth seeing too.
Delight in the riches of the Great Land when you set sail with Princess. With pristine gardens sprinkled throughout the city, this vibrant port of call is every bit inviting and inspiring. Butchart Gardens — a 55-acre floral wonderland — boasts alluring walkways, enchanting stairways, glowing waterfalls and floral canopies dotted into vibrant blossoms. It’s no wonder why this fairytale haven is the most popular attraction in this charming port of call. Horse-drawn carriages carry visitors past charming houses and stately buildings that overlook the reflective waters. Meanwhile, patterned butterflies flutter throughout their very own 12,000 square-foot tropical paradise — home to symphonic birds and serene koi ponds.
