ALASKA CRUISES
Glaciers, Fjords, and Coastal Wonders: Your Guide to Sailing Alaska
The Last Frontier Awaits: Discover the Magic of Alaska
An Alaska cruise offers an unforgettable journey along the Last Frontier’s rugged coastline, where massive glaciers meet temperate rainforests and deep, emerald fjords. Sailing through wildlife-rich waters, travelers frequently spot humpback whales, orcas, bald eagles, and playful sea otters right from the ship’s deck. Iconic ports of call like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan provide the perfect blend of rich local history, Indigenous culture, and thrilling outdoor excursions. A major highlight of many itineraries is a scenic day cruising through Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, where guests witness the breathtaking spectacle of massive ice walls calving dramatically into the sea.
Industry leaders like Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean offer expertly curated summer voyages. With long daylight hours, calm seas, and premium onboard comfort, these sailings deliver a front-row seat to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
From Gold Rush Trains to Totem Poles: Inside Alaska’s Ports
An Alaska cruise is defined by its iconic ports of call, each offering a distinct gateway into the Last Frontier’s rich history and rugged wilderness. Juneau, the state’s isolated capital, is a paradise for adventure. Here, travelers can stand at the face of the massive Mendenhall Glacier, take a flightsea plane to a remote lodge, or embark on world-class whale-watching excursions in Auke Bay. Further north lies Skagway, a beautifully preserved town that perfectly channels the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush. Its historic wooden boardwalks lead visitors straight to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train climbing steep mountain passes along the Canadian border.
Finally, Ketchikan serves as the vibrant “Salmon Capital of the World.” Famed for Creek Street—a historic boardwalk built over a bustling salmon stream—it also boasts the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles and serves as the primary jump-off point for exploring the breathtaking Misty Fjords National Monument.
From Dog Sledding on Glaciers to Deadliest Catch Adventures: Step into the Wild
An Alaska cruise is defined by its legendary shore excursions, which take travelers off the ship and place them directly into bucket-list wilderness adventures. For many, the ultimate excursion is a Glacier Helicopter & Dog Sledding tour. Guests take a breathtaking flight over massive icefields, land directly on a remote glacier, and feel the rush of mushing an eager team of Alaskan huskies across pristine snow. In Ketchikan, the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour invites travelers aboard the Aleutian Ballad—a historic commercial fishing vessel. Here, real fishermen share gripping stories while hauling up giant king crab pots right before your eyes.
Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Juneau for custom whale-watching safaris designed to locate pods of humpback whales and orcas, while Skagway offers the iconic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train climbing steep mountain passes along historic gold rush paths.
