Discover the Magic of Alaska Cruises
Sparkling waters, magnificent glaciers and an abundance of wildlife are just a few of the magical things that await travellers to Alaska. Whilst it can seem fun and exciting to travel to the exotic areas of the Caribbean, Alaska offers majestic scenery and will give you a memorable holiday that the whole family will enjoy. When you step outside your cabin, you may catch a glimpse of a brown bear fishing for salmon or you may marvel at the enormous size of a glacier, which is when you will see that Alaska is truly an outstanding place to find magic and majesty. Here are a few of our recommendations for cruising to Alaska.
What is there to do in Alaska?
On the Ship: There are usually two different itineraries for cruises to Alaska; the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage. Both options will give you the chance to view some of the most picturesque spots of Alaska, whilst cruising past glaciers and visiting exciting ports of call. Although there are things to do on land, a large portion of your time will be spent on-board the ship, which will still leave you with plenty of things to do. Depending on which cruise line you chose, there may be live shows, entertainment, clubs, spas and boutiques for exploring whilst on the ship. If you select a balcony cabin, you can simply sit and view the spectacular scenery, and you may catch a glimpse of seals or whales swimming through the water.
On Land: When you reach a port of call, there are plenty of options for sight-seeing and hiking. In Juneau, you can ride the tramway above the city, which will give you a breath-taking view of the area. In Sitka, you can explore historical sites or visit the Alaska Raptor Centre, which is home to birds of prey that are being nursed back to health. The adventurous can fly over glaciers in Juneau or hike through the wilderness in various areas of the region. There are also opportunities for fishing in Ketchikan or Skagway.
What should you pack?
Although Alaska is known for its icy glaciers and cold temperatures, the weather conditions do fluctuate often. The sun’s UV rays are also intense, so it is important to pack sunscreen. I suggest packing a fair amount of clothing that can be layered, which includes both lightweight clothing and warmer fleece clothing. I also recommend taking a camera to capture the remarkable scenery and binoculars, so you can easily spot wildlife during the cruise.
What type of ship should you choose?
Both large and small ships travel to Alaska, so it may seem difficult selecting the best one. Larger ships usually stick to major cities and ports of call, which include ships from Princess Cruise Line and Holland America. Smaller ships will be able to navigate to the hidden areas of Alaska that will give you a better chance at catching a glimpse of wildlife. Silversea Cruise Line is a perfect choice for those who want to go on a luxury cruise, as they have fewer passengers on-board, which mean more personal service and fewer crowds whilst standing on the deck.
