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It’s also important to note that, because of the nature of an Alaska cruise, ports often change or are inaccessible due to weather and other factors. It’s great to have a few ideas in mind for your cruise so you don’t miss out on something you’re very interested in. The stops are usually predetermined by the cruise line based on which cruise you select. The South Sawyer Glacier is difficult to access as it is at the very end of Tracy Arm Fjord, so the North Sawyer Glacier is much more commonly visited.
Fishing
Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. Depending on the cruise line and ship, passengers can enjoy the view from various vantage points, including open decks, balconies, and lounges with panoramic windows.
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises - TravelMole
Holland America Line to debut 'Glacier Day' on all Alaska cruises.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:49:31 GMT [source]
Skagway
Experience the state’s most prized possessions when you sail into this Alaska port of call. Less often visited by cruise lines, Sitka and Haines are two of Alaska's most unique ports of call. Sitka showcases Alaska's past as a Russian colony, while Haines is a quiet community full of art galleries, abundant outdoor adventures, and the world's largest seasonal concentration of bald eagles. With a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, a range of outdoor activities available as excursions, and visiting wildlife including orcas, sea lions and seals, there are many things to enjoy.
Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Alaska?
It's a haven for nature lovers, where, depending on the season, you might encounter bears fishing for salmon, eagles soaring overhead, or simply enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the Alaskan wilderness. With guides knowledgeable about the local fauna, these tours offer the chance to spot bears, moose, eagles, and more in their natural habitats. The waters around Icy Strait Point are one of the best places in Alaska to see humpback whales. These tours often guarantee whale sightings, and you might also spot orcas, sea lions, and other marine life. Join guided (or self-guided) walks to explore the rainforest, learn about local flora and fauna, and potentially spot wildlife like brown bears and Bald Eagles. Paddle through the serene waters of Kachemak Bay State Park, observing marine wildlife like otters, sea lions, and even whales.
Whittier
There are a core set of ports that most of the major cruise lines always visit, but if you want to get off the beaten track then smaller ships and luxury cruise lines are the way to go. It is surrounded by glaciers, and it is home to a huge wildlife refuge covering most of the island and home to the brown bear. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June.
The Inside Passage is home to several Indigenous groups, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Many cruises offer excursions that allow passengers to visit local communities, learn about their rich history and traditions, and purchase authentic art and crafts. The Valdez Museum offers visitors a profound insight into the rich history and culture of the region, including the infamous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and the early Gold Rush days. Its diverse exhibits, ranging from Native Alaskan artifacts to contemporary art, capture the essence of the area's evolution and resilience. The museum stands as a lasting symbol of the community's spirit, ensuring that stories of triumph and tragedy alike are preserved for future generations. Passengers can view tidewater glaciers, stunning fjords, and a plethora of marine wildlife, including whales, seals, puffins, and sea lions.
Cruises for families
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and you'll likely spot sea otters, sea lions, and even whales. For the adventurous, hike the challenging Mount Marathon trail for panoramic views of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Mount Marathon trail in Seward, Alaska, is a challenging trek renowned for its annual Mount Marathon Race, which draws daring runners for a steep and technical ascent. The trail offers hikers breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay, downtown Seward, and the surrounding alpine landscapes. While the trail is only about 3 miles round trip, the steep incline and rugged terrain require good physical fitness and preparation. Local guides will often share stories, history, and traditional knowledge, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the land and its people.
Typically Icy Strait Point is only open on days when a cruise ship is in port. It’s best to book with your cruise provider or in advance with our partners Viator or Get Your Guide. Today, The Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port remains active, serving as a hub for tourism, commercial fishing, and maritime transportation. This iconic Mendenhall Glacier is easily accessible from the Juneau Alaska cruise port and offers breathtaking views of ice formations, waterfalls, and the surrounding landscape. We created a guide for visitors to See Mendenhall Glacier on Your Own that includes a hike to a glacier viewpoint and to nearby Nugget Falls.
Guide to Alaska Cruise Ports (With Map)
Victoria Cruise Port is known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a mix of both Indigenous and British colonial influences. It's a popular stop for cruise ships traveling through the Pacific Northwest. We recommend booking a local tour or visiting one of our partners (Viator or Get Your Guide) to find the best deals. You can, of course, always book directly with your cruise ship’s shore excursions desk. Here are some of the best shore excursions you can book on board or with our partners at Viator or Get Your Guide. The Seward Cruise Ship Terminal is in a picturesque harbor town that serves as the gateway to the Kenai Peninsula and the Kenai Fjords National Park.
The city's waterfront area developed into a bustling port, with piers, warehouses, and other infrastructure to support maritime activities. The main attraction by starting or ending a cruise in Seward, however, isn’t the town itself, but the proximity to some of Alaska’s most popular destinations. Those cruising from Seward will usually spend several days in Alaska’s interior before (or after) their one-way cruise, visiting places like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield.
Seward, Whittier, and Vancouver are the beginning and ending ports for most Glacier Route Alaska cruises. The town of Seward sits on the southern side of the Kenai Peninsula near beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park. It's nestled between bay waters and mountainsides, an environment that's rich in wildlife and best enjoyed by day cruise or kayak. 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. On a clear day, passengers can see eight glaciers in a stunning array of blues and greens at the former stop.
In Gastown, walk in the footsteps of bygone settlers as you wander down groomed streets and listen for the regal chimes from the steam clock each hour. With Vancouver at your fingertips, experience authentic European flair without ever leaving the Western hemisphere. The vibrant British Columbian city adds a touch of the cosmopolitan to a lineup of quainter ports of call. A port city on the west of Baranof Island, Sitka is a quieter location than the bigger ports of Ketchikan and Juneau .
Silversea is the primary cruise line visiting, offering float plane excursions to the Misty Fjords and guided tours showcasing the local Tsimshian culture. The capital of the state, Juneau is a major cruise and fishing port and this is reflected in the fantastic excursions and the great seafood restaurants that visitors can enjoy. Popular trips include exploring the Mendenhall Glacier area on foot or via various water sports activities.
The best of Alaska's glaciers and ports are yours on the ultimate Alaska cruise, with perfectly sized ships that get you closer to all the wonder... Victoria, British Columbia offers visitors a chance to explore an enchanting blend of old-world charm, lush gardens, and vibrant coastal culture. Seattle is a popular departure point because it offers round-trip Alaska cruises, making flight arrangements more straightforward for many passengers. The journey is both educational and profoundly moving, reminding many of the raw power and beauty of nature.
Indigenous peoples, including the Tlingit, inhabited the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Russian explorers in the 18th century. In 1799, the Russians established a settlement called Novo-Arkhangelsk (New Archangel) on the site of present-day Sitka, making it the capital of Russian America. You can also travel by rail on The Alaska Train which is a beautiful way to get to Anchorage and can serve as a stand-alone shore activity.
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