Alaska Cruises
Alaska is still a land of unspoiled beauty, despite the huge amount of tourist traffic it receives year after year.
Unlike most other regions that the cruise ships sail to Alaska is unique in that people visit the area not for its man-made tourist attractions (it has relatively few of these) but for its natural beauty that has been luring travellers here for many years. Majestic glaciers abound and most cruise itineraries include a day of cruising to view them. Wildlife sightings are commonplace here and there is nothing as wonderful as standing at the rail of the ship, watching a group of humpback whales breaching not more than 50 yards away. As you sail close to the shoreline, sightings of bear are not uncommon. The sight of a bald eagle, with its huge wingspan, circling overhead makes Alaska a truly magical place.
There are several ports in Alaska cruises that cruise ships will make day stops at. There’s Juneau, which boasts the Mount Robert’s Tramway, which provides a unique six minute ride 1,800 feet up the mountain. From there you can enjoy amazing views of the city and of the Gastineau Channel. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Red Dog Saloon, which has to be the most talked-about pub in the United States, complete with honky-tonk music and good wholesome fun and wonderful food.
Skagway is another main feature of Alaska sailings. Take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad as it follows the same photogenic route the gold-seekers of old (who made this region famous) took, though they did it the much more difficult way – on foot!
Sitka is probably most famous for its Alaska Raptor Centre. This non-profit facility dedicates itself to restoring the health of various birds of prey, primarily eagles, who have been injured or stricken with various illnesses, many unique to the birds in this region. The goal is to restore these birds to health and then return them to the wild, though some who are too badly injured are housed in the Centre’s permanent facility. Comprehensive tours are offered of the Centre, with all proceeds raised going toward the vital work of this organization and its many volunteer workers. Sitka contains many remnants of Alaska’s Russian heritage, including St. Michael’s Cathedral. The Russian Bishop’s House, containing a historic park in which can be found totem poles and story boards detailing the past of the region’s Tlingit Indians, can also be found in Sitka.
There are also many smaller towns in Alaska, though many of them are too small for the larger cruise ships to access. However, some of the smaller lines routinely visit these ports (such as Haines) and provide tourists with some unique perspectives of the region not available to the big ship passengers.
Weather on an Alaska cruise is generally mild all spring and summer, though it is best to always dress with several layers. Visit in early spring or late summer if you want to experience Alaska in less crowded conditions, though you will have a greater chance of colder weather or rainy conditions at these times. But even at the beginning and end of the Alaska season, it is not unusual to have very, very mild weather, and cruisers have been reported touring Alaska towns in shortsleeves and sunglasses at these times.
See all the great destinations you can visit as part of an Alaska cruise holiday
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