Best Places to Visit on an Alaska Cruise
Book a Cruise to Alaska
An Alaska cruise is not just a trip—it’s an adventure into the wild, a view of untouched landscapes, and an up-close and personal experience with history and culture. Each of the cruise ships to Alaska offers a different view of this amazing state. This guide will take you to the best places to see on an Alaska cruise—every nautical mile counts.
Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a top Alaska cruise sight with stunning views of glaciers and wildlife. As you cruise through these icy waters, the sheer scale of nature’s artwork is breathtaking. See Margerie Glacier, a 21-mile-long giant famous for its calving events. The park is also a haven for wildlife, humpback whales, sea otters, and a variety of seabirds, making it a nature lovers paradise and one of the best ports to visit in Alaska.
Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and can only be reached by sea or air, making it all the more special. This city is a treasure trove of Alaska attractions, with Mendenhall Glacier and the Mount Roberts Tramway among the many places of interest. For foodies, local restaurants serve up fresh seafood as close to the source as you can get. Outdoor enthusiasts will love kayaking with glaciers in the Tongass National Forest or bear-watching on Admiralty Island.
Skagway: Gateway to the Gold Rush
Skagway still has the charm of the Klondike Gold Rush. This small town is a window into the past with many of the original buildings and the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, an engineering marvel with stunning views. Skagway is not just one of the best places to see on an Alaska cruise; it’s a living museum where every corner tells a story of the past and adventure.
Ketchikan’s Cultural Journey
In Ketchikan, the Native cultures of Alaska are alive and well. Totem Bight State Park has intricately carved totem poles that tell the stories of Native folklore. The city’s arts scene is thriving with many galleries and the annual Ketchikan Salmon Derby, which is a community event. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan is the heart of Alaskan Native culture and one of the best ports to visit on an Alaska cruise.
Tracy Arm Fjord’s Natural Beauty
The trip through Tracy Arm Fjord is a showstopper of nature, with cliffs steeped in green, waterfalls, and icebergs dancing on the water right in front of you. The fjord leads to the stunning Sawyer Glaciers, where you can see ice calving. This peaceful yet active place is a must-see and one of the top things to do while cruising in Alaska.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Sitka, Valdez, and Anchorage
While the main ports on an Alaska cruise are amazing, some of the best experiences come from going a little off the beaten path. Sitka, Valdez, and Anchorage each offer something unique. Here’s what you can find in each:
Sitka: Russian and Native Heritage
Sitka’s setting on Baranof Island is the perfect backdrop for its rich history, which is marked by Russian architecture and Tlingit culture. The onion domes of St. Michael’s Cathedral are a reminder of Russia’s long reach into North America. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park and walk trails lined with totem poles that tell the stories of native legends. It’s one of the top 5 things to do in Alaska while cruising. The park is also a great spot to see eagles, bears, and other wildlife and a peaceful alternative to the more crowded ports.
Valdez: The Adventure Capital
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Alaska,” Valdez is nestled in the Chugach Mountains, famous for their towering peaks and glacial fields. Valdez is the hub for adventure seekers who want to kayak through iceberg-filled waters or hike up to the stunning Worthington Glacier. The town itself was a key player in the oil industry as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. You can take a tour to learn about the 1979 oil spill and its ecological impact, one of the Alaska places of interest.
Anchorage: Alaska’s Metropolis
Anchorage isn’t a typical cruise port, but it’s a great place to start your cruise and worth visiting if your itinerary allows. As Alaska’s largest city, it’s a mix of urban and natural attractions. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center is a deep dive into Alaska’s history, art, and indigenous cultures. For outdoor enthusiasts, the proximity to wildlife and vast wilderness areas is unmatched; bear viewing at Katmai or Lake Clark National Parks can be arranged.
Cruise Information: Planning and Tips
- When to Cruise
May and June are the best months to cruise to Alaska. You’ll see the rebirth of the flora and fauna in the earlier months and the Northern Lights in the later months. Each has its advantages, so choose what’s most important to you.
- Choosing the Right Cruise Line and Ship
The cruise ships to Alaska range from luxury liners with all the bells and whistles to smaller, more intimate ships that can get into the smaller bays and narrower passages. What’s important to you: bigger ships have more onboard activities and dining options, and smaller ships get you closer to nature and more personalized service.
- Packing Essentials
Packing for an Alaska cruise is tricky due to the weather. Layering is key; bring waterproof and windproof jackets, warm underlayers, and good walking shoes for excursions. Don’t forget binoculars for wildlife watching, a good camera for the scenery and extra memory cards.
- Environmental Considerations
Be aware of the fragile environments you visit. Stay on marked trails, dispose of waste properly, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Join excursions that focus on sustainability to help preserve the beauty and integrity of the places you visit.
- Preparing for Off-Ship Excursions
Many of the best experiences on an Alaska cruise happen off the ship. Whether it’s a helicopter tour, a kayaking trip, or a cultural walk, book early to avoid missing out due to limited availability. Always check with your cruise line for partner excursions, as they often provide transportation and will get you back on board on time.
Conclusion
A cruise to Alaska is more than a vacation—it’s an experience that will stay with you forever. From the calving glaciers of Glacier Bay to the historic railroads of Skagway, these are the top destinations to see and do. As you plan your trip on one of the many amazing cruises to Alaska, remember that every stop is an entrance to the extraordinary, every view a work of art in progress.
FAQs for Alaska Cruise Adventure
1. How long are Alaska cruises?
Alaska cruises last 7 to 14 days. Shorter cruises go only inside the Inside Passage, while longer ones go to Anchorage or even cross the Gulf of Alaska.
2. Can I see wildlife on the cruise?
Yes, Alaska cruises have great wildlife viewing. Whales, seals, eagles, and bears are common in Glacier Bay National Park and along the coastal passages.
3. What are the must-see stops on an Alaska cruise?
Must-see is Glacier Bay National Park for the glaciers, Juneau for outdoor adventures, Skagway for Gold Rush history, Ketchikan for Native American cultural sites, and Tracy Arm Fjord for the scenery.
4. Can I take excursions on the cruise?
Most cruises offer excursions that let you go deeper. These can be helicopter tours, glacier walks, cultural tours, or wildlife excursions. Book these in advance, as they fill up fast.
5. Is an Alaska cruise good for families with kids?
Yes, Alaska cruises are good for families. Many cruise lines offer family-friendly activities and excursions for all ages, so it’s an educational and adventurous vacation for kids and adults alike.
6. What kind of rooms are on an Alaska cruise ship?
Rooms vary by cruise line and ship but generally range from cozy staterooms to luxurious suites. Most ships have onboard dining, entertainment, fitness centers, and sometimes even spas and pools.
7. Do I need to take any health precautions?
No special vaccinations are required for Alaska, but be prepared for motion sickness and bring any necessary meds. Also, it would be best if you had medical insurance that covers you while traveling.
8. How eco-friendly are Alaska cruises?
Many cruise lines are taking steps to reduce their footprint. This includes using cleaner fuel, reducing waste, and complying with strict environmental regulations when booking. Look for cruise lines that do.
Photo by Noel_Bauza at Pixabay