Help me choose: which Alaska Cruise is right for me?

As do most of my long-haul trips, getting to Alaska from Florida also began with Amtrak. All I had to do was a one-hour drive plus a couple of local errands along the way to reach the Winter Park, Florida Amtrak station. While we have a full list of dozens of tips and things to know about sailing to Alaska, below we cover some of what we think are the most important items. That said, we’ve found the crowd does have fewer young adults that make a trip to the Caribbean more lively. All in all, expect an atmosphere that’s a lot quieter than what you would see on a four-day cruise from Miami.

Best Shore Excursions On An Alaska Cruise

This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling. Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

Planning A Trip To Alaska: Land Vs. Sea

Alaska cruise combined with an Alaska tourHere you have the option of sailing a northbound or southbound cruise itinerary. Northbound itineraries typically begin with a 7-night Alaska glacier cruise departing Vancouver and ending in Seward or Whittier, where the land portion of your Alaska vacation begins. Plan your own shoreside activitiesThere is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience.

Night Alaska ExplorerDetails

There’s no better way to see the natural wonders of this awesome region than sailing along the Alaska coast on a cruise ship. Adventurous travelers can enjoy shore excursions by train to the Yukon and Denali National Park and stay in exclusive wilderness lodges. The top three Alaska cruises are offered by Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Holland American Cruise Line. Read on to find out more about planning the perfect cruise to Alaska. From Alaska to the Caribbean, boarding a cruise ship can be a ticket to fun and excitement for all ages.

The state is one of the last unspoiled places in the United States. Maybe you’ve sailed the Caribbean, but we can tell you that the experience of sailing Alaska is completely different in what you see, the experience onboard, and even your other passengers. In fact, there are many people who may not have any interest in cruising, but do consider taking a trip to Alaska. Whether it’s in the popular, premium, or luxury sector of cruising, it’s important to choose the right cruise line for your Alaskan cruise. Learn more about the cruise lines that can take you sailing through Glacier Bay and so much more by clicking one of the pictures below.

In Alaska, even when you’re sailing, there’s still plenty to experience. The Inside Passage, which is the inner route that takes you all around the southeast of Alaska, takes you right next to the stunning landscape all day long. From Seward, you head north into Alaska's wildly beautiful interior via luxury motorcoach and board Wilderness Express glass-domed train cars. Visit Denali National Park, home to North America's tallest mountain and more than 200 species of wildlife, from grizzly and brown bears to moose, caribou, wolves, dall sheep and birds galore. Wander around the historic village of Talkeetna and marvel at the backdrop of Anchorage, Alaska's biggest city, as well as the majestic snow-capped Chugach Mountains.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Ships have lots of open deck space for you to watch the mountains and water go by, so it’s not a huge loss if you don’t have your own private balcony. As well, with the long daylight hours, an interior cabin (which gets plenty dark) may help you sleep better. Be Ready for Long Daylight Hours (Messes With Your Sleep)Maybe you “know” that daylight hours during the summer in Alaska are long. Depending on the month you visit, the sun can rise as early as 4 a.m. After a few days, don’t be surprised if the lack of rest catches up with you.

Head deep into the wilderness of Denali, immerse yourself in the exciting contemporary culture of Anchorage, and spend time in quirky, arty Talkeetna. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. We have a 50-year legacy of sharing the best places and experiences with our guests.

Ready to set sail? Royal Caribbean announces summer cruises from Texas, Florida ports - USA TODAY

Ready to set sail? Royal Caribbean announces summer cruises from Texas, Florida ports.

Posted: Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:00:00 GMT [source]

In addition, daylight hours are from around 4AM to 10PM in May, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy Alaskas attractions. Temperatures can be quite comfortable as summer approaches, with highs in the 60s common in mid to late-May. Smaller cruises max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into Southeast Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit full of exploration. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans.

These excursions sometimes include cleaning, vacuum packing and shipping the fish back home for you. This luxury brand offers small ships that allow you to explore less traveled ports for unique experiences. Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

You can cruise for less (or more), but this should give you an idea of what you’ll pay. Unlike places in the continental United States, much of Alaska is not easily accessible via car. That means seeing multiple locations — even if they are relatively close to each other — often means traveling by plane or boat.

Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver are all great starting points for a cruise where you’ll hopefully spot bald eagles, trek on a glacier and possibly pan for gold. A few cruises begin in the great wilderness of Alaska in cities like Anchorage and Juneau and the picturesque port city of Sitka. All of these ports offer an insight into different aspect of Alaskan culture like totem poles, fisherman and dog sleds.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore. Royal Caribbean International is known for ships with a wow factor. From ice skating rinks to zip lines, if you can think of it, you can find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Offering a completely all-inclusive cruise, Regent Seven Seas is known for exquisite service on beautifully designed intimate ships, classic cruising at its best. Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields.