Travel insights from Jenna Buege, associate editor of The Compass
Is a journey to the Last Frontier high on your bucket list? If yes, there’s truly no better way to experience this awe-inspiring destination than by cruise. From immersive scenery to animal rendezvous, a cruise is a fantastic way to see the best of what Alaska has to offer.
UNESCO-Worthy Scenery
Not every cruise can guarantee travelers a front-row seat to some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Luckily, an Alaskan cruise isn’t just any cruise. In fact, when you embark on the region’s icy waters, you can expect to come face-to-face with some of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable. Take, for example, Glacier Bay National Park, an icy wonderland where ancient formations tower alongside clear blue waters. Dotted with grizzly bears and other local wildlife, a day of Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. And yes, the park is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site
While Glacier Bay National Park offers plenty of beauty from the comfort of your cruise ship, travelers who embark on a nature-themed excursion will surely be rewarded. Other notable Alaskan parks available to tour include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Wrangell – St. Elias National Park and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.
Amazing Animal Encounters
By sea, by sky and by land, when you take an Alaskan cruise you will have the chance to observe a wide array of stunning creatures. A few commonly seen animals in the area include mountain goats, sea otters, puffins, Steller sea lions, Killer whales, Harbor seals, bald eagles, salmon, bears and humpback whales — many of which you may encounter while cruising.
Of course, the abovementioned animals are just a few of the friends you might spot while at sea. For a more personal experience, book one of the region’s many wildlife excursions such as a bear viewing tour in Anchorage or a Denali Park bus tour where visitors can encounter black bears and grizzly bears, moose, caribou, foxes and wolves. Alternatively, head to Juneau where you can hop on yet another boat near Mendenhall Glacier for one of the area’s popular whale watching tours.
Outdoor Adventures Aplenty
It won’t be long after you arrive at your chosen port of call before you realize that there is simply no shortage of adventures to be had in the Last Frontier. In stunning Juneau don’t miss your chance to be the leader of the pack with an epic dog-sledding tour. During this thrilling excursion, 10 Alaskan Huskies will guide you across one of the region’s jaw-dropping glaciers resulting in a truly unforgettable experience.
If fishing is more your speed, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to reel in a big one during your visit. Hop aboard Ketchikan’s Aleutian Ballard crab boat (as seen on the Discovery Channel’s ‘The Deadliest Catch’) for a comfortable glimpse into the commercial fishing world. Although sailors cannot take home their bounty, as all fish are caught and released, King crab, snow crab, octopus, prawns and sharks are just a few of the marine animals that you might encounter on this seafaring getaway.
For some historic fun, grab a ticket on Skagway’s White Pass Railroad Ride, an informative tour that retraces the steps of gold rushers from the late 1800s. The train ride loops through mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, tunnels and trestles all while educating visitors with stories from eras past.
Arctic Bites and Booze
With hardy meats, incredibly fresh seafood, and plenty of tasty adult beverages, Alaska is home to a unique culinary scene. Meat lovers won’t want to miss fare specific to the area like elk, yak, bison, bear, moose and reindeer. While fans of seafood will want to sink their teeth into a freshly caught salmon entree. To wash it all down, many Alaskans swear by Kaladi Brothers Coffee, a local chain that dates back to 1984. And as for dessert, you need to try a berry cobbler, a delicious treat crafted using a variety of berries — blueberries, cloudberries and lingonberries — that’s best served with a side of vanilla ice cream.
Pro tip: If you don’t have enough time to squeeze in a visit to local bars and restaurants between ports opt for an Alaskan food tour instead.
Visit Cruise Trip Planner to get booked on an Alaskan cruise