Alaska Ports of Call Top Alaska Cruise Ports
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Some cruises depart from further afield, including ports in Hawaii or Australia. Whittier is the other main embarkation and disembarkation port in Alaska. It is even smaller than Seward, a little enclave within the big, marine landscape of Prince William Sound. Most seven-day cruises that list Anchorage on their itinerary actually call on Whittier, which is about an hour away by motorcoach or 2.5 hours by train.
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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. The journey offers countless opportunities to capture the beauty of Alaskan landscapes, ice formations, wildlife, and, of course, the grandeur of Hubbard Glacier itself. The journey to Hubbard Glacier and the waters surrounding it provide opportunities to spot wildlife.
Q: Can you provide some planning tips for an Alaska cruise vacation?
Alaska offers two popular cruise itineraries that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the region – Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. Each itinerary offers unique experiences and highlights, allowing travelers to explore different parts of this breathtaking destination. The Valdez Cruise Port is a charming destination known for its picturesque surroundings, wildlife, and outdoor activities. The town's history is intertwined with the Gold Rush, the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and the unfortunate 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Avoid the Cruise Crowds and Travel During Alaska's Shoulder Season
At Kroschel Wildlife Center, experience encounters with some of Alaska’s furry residents — including bears, moose, foxes, and reindeer — like never before. Or, head to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve to see over 200 of these classic creatures soaring through the crisp air and resting amidst undressed trees. However you choose to spend your time on land, walk away with unforgettable adventures and ever-lasting memories. Explore the valleys and surrounding hillsides along the same trails indigenous people used for thousands of years. If you’re traveling on a small ship, your ship may call at Wrangell, Petersburg or go ashore at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park.
Consider an Alaska Cruise Tour
The most-popular shore excursion in Skagway is the White Pass and Yukon Route railway “Scenic Summit” experience. This narrow-gauge train covers a scenic route into the mountains to see glaciers, waterfalls, tunnels and gorges. Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes.
What to pack for an Alaskan Cruise?
Immerse yourself in the history of the Gold Rush era with interactive exhibits and ranger-led tours. A popular tour leads visitors through the quirky Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum. Free same-day tickets are required and available on a first-come first served basis. Ride this historic narrow-gauge railway through picturesque landscapes, steep cliffs, and mountain passes, retracing the paths of gold rush prospectors.
Sitka Alaska
Instead I recommend deciding this based on how many days you have and if you just want to see Denali as opposed to seeing other places in Alaska off the cruise ship. Small ships generally run between towns in Southeast Alaska, usually Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. Just be sure to book your excursions in advance, as many of the more unique experiences will sell out quickly in the bigger ports. Ships will either anchor or Point Adolphus, particularly when the waters are rife with feeding whales, or they will dock at Hoonah where guided tours are available on foot or by seaplane. Nome is a picturesque town with many of its gold rush buildings still standing intact, making for a very scenic walk as you explore.
Visitors typically explore this natural wonder via floatplane tours or boat cruises, both of which offer unparalleled views of the monument's rugged beauty. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot bald eagles, brown bears, mountain goats, and a variety of marine life in this majestic landscape. Today, Skagway's history as a Gold Rush town is preserved through its well-maintained historic district and museums, attracting tourists interested in the fascinating era of Alaska's past.
Best Shore Excursions in Valdez, Alaska
Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing) or Talkeetna (best place for Denali views and cool eats). Cruise tour land packages are also available to spots like Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula and Canada's Yukon Territory. On either end of your sailing, you can tour on your own or book a cruise tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. Embarking and disembarking in Seattle or Vancouver can make air travel easier and cheaper than one-way Alaska cruises, which require flights to smaller, more expensive airports in Alaska. Luxury cruises to Alaska on smaller ships can be a great option for those looking to pair remote wilderness with a bit of pampering. Your best high-end bets are Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar.
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. If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. Almost all Gulf of Alaska cruises visit to Hubbard Glacier and spend some time scenic cruising in College Fjord. You’ll want to carefully consider Alaska cruise packages and itineraries as the scenery, price and length of time all vary considerably.
OPINION: I decided to give an Alaska cruise a try. Then I got fined. - Anchorage Daily News
OPINION: I decided to give an Alaska cruise a try. Then I got fined..
Posted: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
From reeling in pink-bellied salmon to touring underground gold mines, there are endless opportunities to experience true Alaskan culture. Guided tours of historic downtown are free, and the Alaska State Museum contains over 23,000 artifacts of nature, history, and culture. The maze of narrow streets with historic buildings is one of the most walkable cruise port areas on any tour.
There is a show, several exhibits, and even a totem carving station where you can learn about this sacred carving from a local Elder. Seeing the varied landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and tidewater glaciers by cruise ship is one of the top ways to travel to and around Alaska. You won’t leave the ship on a scenic day, but you’ll have an incredible view of Alaska’s scenery. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isn’t as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports.
Less common than Seattle or Vancouver, but there are occasional departures from Los Angeles (Long Beach), especially for longer cruise itineraries. Sunsets and sunrises are particularly magnificent, casting a warm glow over the waters and landscapes. Hubbard Glacier is particularly active, and there's a good chance you'll witness calving – a process where massive chunks of ice break off the glacier and crash into the sea. The sound, often described as "white thunder," accompanies these dramatic displays of nature. Delve into Haines' intriguing past, particularly its role during the Gold Rush era.
Visitors can delve deep into stories of the indigenous peoples, the 1964 earthquake, and the influence of World War II on the town. Saxman Native Village is a cultural hub where visitors can experience the rich heritage of the Tlingit people. The village boasts the world's largest collection of standing totem poles, many of which tell stories of Tlingit legends and history. During a visit, guests can witness traditional dances, learn about carving techniques, and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture. We will try to list some of the best Alaska shore excursions in Juneau, Alaska. To save money on shore we recommend booking with a local vendor or with a provider like Viator or Get Your Guide.
The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage.
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