When we think of cruising most of us initially picture the Caribbean islands and lounging with a cocktail by the pool. However, rapidly growing in popularity and with definitely, a far more ‘bracing‘ climate is cruising the rugged and remote coast of Alaska on the extremity of America’s northwest.
Cruising Alaska is not a new idea, the Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for over 70 years. In recent years they have been joined by a number of other cruise lines but which one offers the best itinerary for you and what do you need to know before visiting America’s last frontier on your cruise to Alaska in 2020.
Which Alaskan Cruise To Choose
When it comes to Alaskan itineraries there are two main routes, “The Inside Passage” and “The Gulf Of Alaska”. The Inside Passage cruises tend to be round trips departing from Vancouver or Seattle. They follow the coast of British Columbia winding their way through islands and coastal settlements of the Alaska panhandle.
The Gulf of Alaska cruises initial follow the Inside Passage route but instead of returning to Vancouver or Seattle continue along Alaska’s south-central coast through the Gulf of Alaska to Whittier or Seward near Anchorage, these cruises tend to be one-way.
The main cruising season runs from May to September with the peak period predictably being the summer months of June and July.
What To See And Do
It is important to check the cruise’s itinerary in detail especially if there is a specific destination you are hoping to visit. For example, Glacier By is an iconic Alaskan location but as it’s a National Park, only two cruise ships a day are allowed to enter.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan sits on the southernmost entrance to the Inside Passage and is often the first port of call on cruises departing from the south. Originally a centre for logging and fishing it now attracts sports fishermen and hikers. You must visit historic Creek Street where wooden houses sit on stilts over the creek. It used to be famed for a certain kind of ‘entertainment‘ for loggers seeking some female company but nowadays the bordellos have been replaced with restaurants and art galleries.
Ketchikan is also known for its totem poles and its native Alaskan culture. Visit the Totem Heritage Center not far from downtown Ketchikan or the beautiful surroundings of Totem Bright State Park.
Juneau
Juneau is Alaska’s state capital and although being on the mainland, it is only accessible by boat or plane. There are no roads connecting the city to the rest of the country.
From the cruise ship dock, you can take the six-minute ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. From the top, 1800 feet above sea level, you’ll get beautiful panoramic views of the city, mountains and the Gastineau Channel.
For an unforgettable experience, you must take a helicopter tour over the glaciers and the Juneau icefield to the Herbert Glacier. Then it’s time for a dogsled ride as a team of excitable huskies take you racing across the snow.
Skagway
The small town of Skagway is a quaint stop off for cruise ships but in the late 1800s during the days of the gold rush, it was a wild frontier town with some very unsavoury clientele. Skagway was the gateway to goldfields of the Yukon and Klondike.
One of the most popular trips to take while in Skagway is a ride on the narrow-gauge White Pass Railroad. You’ll get stunning views of the mountains, glaciers and gorges as you follow in the tracks of the early stampeders but in far more comfortable surroundings than those seeking their fortune back in 1898.
From here, the Inside Passageway cruises will start to return south but the Gulf of Alaska cruises will continue north past more wild Alaskan coastline and glaciers to Whittier and Seward.
When cruising Alaska, you may get rain, it may be cold but whatever itinerary you choose, the sheer beauty of the Alaskan wilderness will never fail to impress.
