Few vacations offer the kind of jaw-dropping sights and one-of-a-kind experiences that a cruise holiday to Alaska offers. In Alaska, the scenery is larger than life, offering passengers glimpses of whales, bald eagles, glaciers, and pristine forests. Referred to as the Last Frontier, an Alaskan cruise allows passengers to get close to nature, eat some of the best salmon and crab legs, get active with a kayaking excursion, and immerse yourself in the outdoor culture.
There are even more perks to a cruise holiday to Alaska:
1. Nature
Have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with impenetrable wilderness, but in a safe way? Alaskan cruises afford passengers excursions where they can immerse themselves in the spectacular views of Mount Denali and the natural beauty of Glacier Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is the world’s largest non-polar icefield and ships will typically spend a full day here for sightseeing adventures. We recommend splurging on a balcony stateroom to take in the scenery along the Inside Passage, you might regret not seeing these views.
2. Food
When in Alaska, be prepared to dine like a local. Alaska is home to world-famous seafood and a cruise is a great way to sample these delectable treats. From wild salmon, pacific halibut, king crab, spot prawns, oysters, wild berries, craft beer, and even wild game like moose and caribou, the options for delicious meals is truly limitless. Many cruises are happy to accommodate special dietary needs or food allergies, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers freestyle dining, which means there are no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating. We recommend trying the Gold Creek Salmon Bake in Juneau, Alaska for an all-you-can-eat feast of Alaska’s wild salmon followed by a hike along Salmon Creek.
3. Culture
Alaska is a state with a rich and colorful history. Even though it’s a young state, it has been home to dinosaurs and wooly mammoths before it was swept up in the Klondike gold rush of the late 1890s. Alaskan cruises even offer a culture pass, where passengers are provided access to the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage and the Anchorage Museum. These cultural activities offer a deep dive into the eight or so complex cultures that are native to this land. Visit a traditional village and witness storytelling and dancing from the younger generation of native Alaskans or peruse the museum to see native artifacts and handicrafts. Whichever cultural experience you choose, there will be a story to tell so be sure to listen. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offer cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and experts. Be sure to pay attention to these, you’ll learn something amazing.
4. Activities
Alaska is an adventurous place and a cruise is the perfect way to try various outdoor activities. You could try heli-hiking the tundra in Denali National Park or take a ride on the Alaska railroad to catch the scenic views. Have you ever wanted to stand up paddleboard past an iceberg or attend a dog sledding camp to learn about the state sport. You can also try your luck gold panning while you search for your own little nugget of gold. On Princess Cruises you can kayak through a fjord to take in the views of the pristine wilderness.
