Monday, April 1, 2024

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

alaska cruise ports of call

Take a cruise into the Bering Sea and tender to shore at this destination of Nome, famous for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Learn about the long history of indigenous people at the Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum, then test your skills on a guided fishing tour of the area’s 14 rivers. Explore the valleys and surrounding hillsides along the same trails indigenous people used for thousands of years. For a memorable view of the area, get back on the waters of nearby Uyak Bay via a small boat, canoe, or kayak trip. Eagles in the air, whales and otters in the ocean, and urchins, starfish, and anemones through the clear water below make this a wildlife adventure. Try local flavors at a variety of eateries, from fine dining to food trucks, and experience what “real” fresh seafood tastes like.

Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound, Canada

alaska cruise ports of call

The Strait of Georgia is a stunning body of water located between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia in Canada. The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the U.S. state of Washington known for rural Pacific Northwest landscapes and wildlife. Port Angeles is a city in and the county seat of Clallam County, Washington, United States. Port Angeles is the epicenter for the Olympic Peninsula and smallish seaside-meets-mountain town with... Cruise the Outside Passage through the open blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Typically, this is a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, then back to the same port, with stops at three or four...

Dutch Harbor (Aleutian Islands)

Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

Unique Theme Nights You Shouldn’t Miss When on a Cruise Ship

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. When planning an Alaska cruise, you have a range of options when it comes to cruise lines.

When it comes to choosing a departure port for your Alaska cruise, you have the options of Seward, Juneau, Vancouver, or Seattle. Each port offers its own unique advantages and attractions to enhance your cruise experience. Whether you’re starting your journey in the heart of Alaska or setting sail from a bustling city, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty that awaits.

The New Archangel Dancers — dressed in crimson skirts and patterned aprons — gallop and twirl across the wooden stage to the sounds of 18th-century folk music. Outside, festive fishermen cast their frayed nets into the open sea, eager to reel in delectable treasures amidst this sportfishing paradise. With artifacts aplenty, travel in the path of Alaskan ancestors through these enchanting grounds. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and marvel at the grand stained-glass windows, hand-painted biblical scenes and lustrous gold crosses that embellish the interior. Or, admire orphaned cubs as they meander through enclosed habitats at the Fortress of the Bear sanctuary.

Frederick Sound

Embellished in vibrant colors and chiseled faces, hand-carved totem poles stand tall around the replica Native clan house, inviting visitors to experience Alaska’s past and present. Down on Creek Street, dollhouse-style homes line the wooden boardwalk inviting visitors to explore what’s left of the city’s red-light district days. With all that remains in this lively port of call, it’s no wonder why Ketchikan is one of the most sought-after destinations in Alaska. Most of a day here is spent sailing to Marjorie Glacier, 55 miles inside the park -- or farther if sea ice allows. Calving glaciers are a reward for the patient, while brown bears and mountain goats along the shoreline are badges of honor for the lucky few.

Seasonal Weather Conditions in Skagway

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's history here you shouldn't overlook. Planning a cruise to Alaska involves careful budgeting to ensure you have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. The cost of an Alaska cruise can vary greatly depending on factors such as the cruise line, itinerary, and cabin type. On average, prices range from $500 to $8,000 or more per person. Tour the Victorian era Baronial Mansion built in 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir. Located at 1050 Joan Crescent, walkable from Wharf St. along Fort St. Admission based on age.

See the plants of the temperate rain forest along with a creek that runs through the property. The Timberline offers a menu focused on the seafood of the region along with a selection of beer, wine and cocktails. As  a National Forest site, Mendenhall Glacier offers several hiking trails, like the .25-mile Photo Walk, suitable for most. The Nugget Fall hiking trail is a one-mile trail that leads to the falls close to the glacier. Cruise passengers can arrange a flight seeing tour to witness the majesty of the Misty Fjords National Monument, located nearby. A bonus for first time cruisers, the waters of the Inside Passage are relatively calm compared to open ocean cruising.

Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats. Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Alaska has become a top cruise spot and for good reason Sandy Fenton - PennLive

Alaska has become a top cruise spot and for good reason Sandy Fenton.

Posted: Sat, 23 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Located along the 1,100-mile Aleutian Islands chain is a unique addition to our list of best Alaska cruise ports. This village makes regular appearances on popular television shows alongside the captains and vessels that harvest the seafood bounty around this top fishing port in the country. Guided tours of historic downtown are free, and the Alaska State Museum contains over 23,000 artifacts of nature, history, and culture.

Instead, watch for handicrafts like herbal soaps; artisanal foods and drinks such as berry jams and jellies; and Tlingit and native Alaskan carvings and masks. Favorite shore excursions include the Sea Otter and Whale Quest, and guided kayak excursions through the idyllic Sitka Sound. Or, check out Sitka from end to end in a vintage 1973 Checker Marathon cab with longtime resident Jeff Budd.

On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history.

Part of the fun of cruising to Alaska is the potential to see a lot of wildlife. Binoculars will get you even closer to the beautiful creatures around you. The type of experience you want can influence your choice of Alaskan cruise line. This blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. There are so many things you can see or do in Alaska that you’d need a couple of cruises just to tick most of them off.

No comments:

Post a Comment

20 Stunning Black and Red Hair Color Ideas That Will Spice Up Your Look

Table Of Content Brown and Red Ombre Hair Ideas for 2023 #11 Platinum blonde highlights on black hair. #12: Short Black Bob with Indigo High...