Fjords, glaciers, waterfalls, forests and picturesque towns await you in Alaska. May kicks off the Alaskan cruise season and is the ultimate destination for those with an adventurous spirit and a deep love of nature. Whale spotting, bald eagles, and who knows, maybe on an excursion you’ll be able to spot a moose or an elusive bear!
Take a steam train through the Alaskan frontier, kayak or take a river boat to get up close and personal with the wilds of Alaska. Immerse yourself in learning the local native culture by visiting the totem poles. There is so much to do on an Alaskan voyage. And even if you never leave your ship, sailing the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm, Endicott Arm or Glacier Bay will have you surrounded by vast beauty that no picture can truly capture. Get ready to set sail and head into one of the best cruise itineraries offered in North America.
On Board Experience and Weather Expectations
Alaskan Cruise itineraries are my absolute favorite offerings you can find on most major cruise lines. As a former cruise employee, I had the joy of spending months in Alaska.
This destination is a great choice for those that are weary of sailing due to fears of being in the ocean because the bulk of the time, land will be visible once you reach the inside passage. Whether you are sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, your first day at sea will be in open ocean and then you will be nestled into the calm waters of the passage. Depending on weather conditions, you may experience rough seas on that first day, but the remaining days will be much calmer.
Cruise lines will have a variety of Alaskan specific activities on board. I’ve traveled on several cruise lines to Alaska and have experienced talks from naturalists, environmental and Alaskan experts, and even park rangers who have brought on polar bear pelts and eagle talons.
When sailing to Alaska, this isn’t the cruise where you will be in the pool constantly. For those traveling at the start or end of the season (Early May or September) you will have colder temperatures. I have always taken the first sailing in May because the money savings are typically drastic because you run the risk of rain. All the times I’ve done it I’ve been blessed with sunshine and 60–62-degree temps, with the occasional drizzle. In June-August you can expect temperatures to average in the mid-60s to low 70s.
For those wanting to see the salmon run when visiting Ketchikan, they will be out toward the end of May, peak in June-July and end late August.
My favorite part of an Alaskan cruise is the amount of daylight hours! Sunsets are around 9:45pm. This allows for ample light hours to view all the glorious sights from the ship as you sail through the passage.
Booking, Towns and Inside Passage
When you are booking your trip, depending on the cruise line and the length of time, your destinations will vary. Most will have you sailing the Inside Passage. The Inside Passage is a coastal route with plenty of wildlife and scenic views. I have seen pods of orca or humpbacks every single time I have cruised. Pack those binoculars and be on the lookout! You will find many animals along your journey.
My favorite Alaskan 7-Night itineraries start in Seattle, sail the Inside Passage and include a day of sailing through Endicott Arm or Tracy Arm and have their international stop in Victoria, BC, Canada.
Other itineraries can start in Vancouver, BC, Canada. While I absolutely love Vancouver and recommend that if you are starting your voyage here that you book yourself extra days to enjoy the city, Victoria is a treasure that must be visited.
The most common places to stop are Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan along with a scenic sailing day to a fjord or glacier. Some cruise lines will also offer Sitka, Anchorage (Whittier), and Icy Strait Point. You really can’t go wrong with any itinerary.
Fjords and Glacier Viewing
When it comes to scenic sailing, my favorite destinations are the fjords. Waterfalls, glacial ice, bright blue water, and wildlife are all abundant withing Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm. As a former cruise employee, it was always my favorite sailing day and as a guest, that remains true. I can sit on a longue chair and sit in awe of the majestic size of it all for hours. It is hard to capture the vastness of the fjords, and they must be seen to be believed. If you spot either of these on a cruise itinerary, book it immediately. They aren’t always offered.
Glacier viewing is stunning but comes with a less close-up view than the fjords. Often, the weather can prevent you from sailing to certain glaciers if it isn’t safe. Glacier Bay National Park was a glorious 360 experience of mountains, shorelines, and temperate rainforests.
No matter which scenic sailing is on your schedule, binoculars will be your best friend on an Alaskan cruise. Spot whales, bald eagles, harbor seals, brown bears and goats! Most scenic sailing days will be anywhere from 6-9 hours long so you will have plenty of time to spot the wildlife from the comfort of a lounge chair.
Excursion Recommendations
My excursion recommendations are solely based on excursions I have either taken as a passenger or worked on as an employee. I never recommend anything that I haven’t experienced firsthand. Which means all my excursion recommendations are for Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan.
Juneau:
Mendenhall Glacier Tour:
You will find that there are several options when it comes to a Mendenhall Glacier excursion. This will be dependent on personal preference, but all will give you the same breathtaking nature and views of Mendenhall Glacier. For those seeking a leisurely pace, you can choose a trolley, bus, or helicopter tour. If you are feeling sporty and adventurous then there are hiking, biking and kayaking tours. Some tours will even include whale watching!
Goldbelt Tram:
This is not an excursion you necessarily need to book through your cruise line but you can for convenience. This is a skyway tram that is located right in the heart of downtown and right near the dock. The entire ride up is 6 minutes in length up Mount Roberts and has beautiful panoramic views of Juneau. For those traveling in the early or late season, you may find yourself ascending into dense fog.
Once you reach the top, you can walk the scenic trails of the mountain. For those traveling in early May, the trails may be snowed out but that didn’t stop my friends and I from playing in the snow!
There is the Tr’Ale House which is a beer garden offering local beers. You will also find Timberline Bar and Grill. Both offer beautiful views while you dine.
Visit the Chilkat Theatre and watch the 18-minute movie “Seeing Daylight”. You will learn about the Tlingit people and their traditions and history in this award-winning film.
There is also a gift shop with wonderful souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
Skagway:
White Pass and Yukon Train Tour:
Follow the path of the Klondike Gold Rush in the comfort of your vintage passenger car. Travel 40 miles round trip through lush mountains and see gorges, waterfalls, and historic sites. Learn about the history of the Gold Rush while enjoying panoramic views from your seat or stand out on the end frame of the train and enjoy the views from outside! I love that they let people walk out and feel the crisp air as you ride the train.
This is in the heart of town and is within walking distance of the dock. It is great fun for all ages. I’ve done this excursion many times and it is always my favorite way to experience the mountains.
River Tour:
The type of boat you can book may vary depending on who the cruise contracts with but anything that floats and takes you to the river will be a wonderful experience. You get up close and personal with the land and wildlife on this type of excursion. After sailing on such a large vessel, it’s nice to get level with the nature around you. On this type of excursion, I have seen plenty of bald eagles. Twice, I have seen a bear. On one incredibly lucky visit, I was able to see a Moose and her calf! Wildlife is never guaranteed but if you go and don’t see any animals, these types of excursions are still fun and adventurous.
Ketchikan:
City Tour:
This is my favorite location on the standard cruise line itinerary. I would spend as much time within and around the town as possible. This is why I recommend seeing and learning as much as you can with a city tour. Learn all about the history and see the beautiful sights with an expert tour guide who will enrich your experience.
Make sure your tour includes a trip to Saxman Native Village where you can see totem poles being made in the workshop and learn how these hand-crafted art pieces depict different stories. Go and see all the totem poles on display in the village and see the totem poles that have been laid to rest to return to the earth.
Kayaking:
Get ready to gear up and kayak in the wilds of Alaska in the Clover Pass! The Tongass National Forest meets the cold waters making this a wildlife spotters dream. Eagles and their nests, sea lions and even humpback whales!
My husband and I had the most magical experience when we were on our kayak tour when our guide asked our group to stop paddling. We raised our paddles and watched in awe as a humpback whale swam by with her calf be her side. Our guide kept the whales and us safe during this close encounter we will never forget.
Bon Voyage!
When you find yourself in Alaska, I hope you take in the majesty and beauty of the landscapes and that you spot the wildlife you wish to see most. I hope that it takes your breath away and leaves you with unforgettable memories. Have a joyous journey!
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