Table Of Content
Anchorage was previously one of Alaska’s busiest cruise ports, but few ships have returned after the events of 2020. There is also the option to tour the gold panning sights of the region or take on a wildlife excursion via helicopter to see brown bears in their natural habitat. Dog sledding, scenic tram journeys, museums and more continue the incredible selection of excursion options. Order all the Alaskan classics, like Alaskan crab legs, fish and chips, wild-caught salmon, and more. Plus, it’s located just outside the cruise port, so it couldn’t be easier to get to. As always, we recommend booking excursions ahead of time through your cruise line.
When do cruises go to Alaska?
Today, The Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Port remains active, serving as a hub for tourism, commercial fishing, and maritime transportation. Today, Skagway's history as a Gold Rush town is preserved through its well-maintained historic district and museums, attracting tourists interested in the fascinating era of Alaska's past. The port of Skagway continues to serve as a stop for cruise ships and a gateway for visitors exploring the rugged beauty of the region. Visiting the Alaska State Museum is an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of Alaska's history, culture, and natural wonders.
Cruise or Land Tour First?
Located on Baranof Island, on the outer coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka is the former capital of Russian America. That colorful heritage is revealed through the town's beautiful onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral and the restored Russian Bishop's House. A battle between Russian traders and indigenous Tlingit is commemorated at the 113-acre Sitka National Historical Park on the edge of town, with striking totem poles rising amid the pines. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights.
Do cruise ships stop in Skagway?
Walk the beach in search of small treasures, and sit at a table with a view for some delicious local seafood meals. Hubbard Glacier is located further north than the other glaciers on this list. Due to its more remote location, you’ll usually only find Hubbard Glacier itineraries on one-way sailings to or from Alaska.
Over the span of a cruise, one might experience sunny and warm afternoons as well as misty, rainy mornings. In the late 19th century, the Klondike Gold Rush brought an influx of prospectors to Alaska. Haines served as a supply point and transportation hub for those seeking their fortunes in the goldfields, with the Chilkoot Trail being a prominent route to the Klondike.
The bridge takes about one hour to drive on the Klondike Highway, so most cruise passengers will visit by booking a tour excursion. These guided excursions are filled with other stops and offer plenty of opportunities to see Alaska’s iconic wildlife. For those looking to take in Alaska’s stunning natural landscapes, hiking some of the famous Chilkoot Trail can be incredibly memorable. Luckily, some of the main trailheads are located just steps from Skagway cruise port. You can also visit Gold Rush Cemetery, where many famous prospectors and town residents are buried.
Activity Guide & Map
11 things I loved and hated about my first Princess cruise - Cruise Blog
11 things I loved and hated about my first Princess cruise.
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Book excursions directly with your cruise line, save money by booking locally, or find a great Alaska cruise tour with our partners Viator or Get Your Guide. Small white boats, with slender fishing reels suspended over the stern, float together in uniform lines off the coast of Ketchikan. As the “Salmon Capital of the World”, this port of call harvests a collection of personalities, all yearning for the refreshing taste of salmon varieties. Fisherman donning nylon jumpsuits and rubber boots readily trot down the wooden pier to their aquatic abodes. Meanwhile, grizzly bears enrobed in chestnut-colored fleeces meander through the shallow waters in search of their next meal. Past the multi-colored homes lining the tranquil shores lies an emblem of Ketchikan’s antiquities — Totem Bight State Historical Park.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
The sound's clear waters often reflect the surrounding scenery, making it a surreal and serene experience. The Dock Point Trail offers an invigorating hike through a lush forest with occasional glimpses of the glistening Prince William Sound. As you wind your way along the well-maintained path, you're treated to panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and boats drifting in the harbor below.
In the late 19th century, the area around Resurrection Bay, where Seward is located, was inhabited by Indigenous Alutiiq people. The bay was named by explorer Alexander Baranov, a representative of the Russian-American Company, who visited the area in the early 19th century. To learn more about Icy Strait Point read our full Icy Strait Point on Your Own guide. The Tlingit people, specifically the Huna Tlingit, have inhabited the region around Icy Strait Point for thousands of years. The area's natural resources, including abundant seafood and wildlife, sustained their traditional way of life. Indigenous peoples, including the Tlingit, inhabited the area for thousands of years before the arrival of Russian explorers in the 18th century.
This ensures that even evening approaches to the glacier are well-lit and offer great visibility. For many, an Alaska cruise that includes Tracy Arm Fjord is a bucket-list experience. It's a journey that combines adventure with reflection, showcasing the untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. As you journey closer to the glaciers, the waters become a minefield of floating ice, ranging from small chunks to massive icebergs. Their blue hue is especially vivid and makes for fantastic photography. The highlight of Tracy Arm is undoubtedly its twin Sawyer Glaciers, shimmering blue, and seated at the end of the fjord.
It’s important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If the weather conditions aren’t perfect, the captain may cancel the scenic sailing or sail to an alternative destination. As you might expect, the best Alaskan cruise ports are also the busiest.
Instead, watch for handicrafts like herbal soaps; artisanal foods and drinks such as berry jams and jellies; and Tlingit and native Alaskan carvings and masks. Favorite shore excursions include the Sea Otter and Whale Quest, and guided kayak excursions through the idyllic Sitka Sound. Or, check out Sitka from end to end in a vintage 1973 Checker Marathon cab with longtime resident Jeff Budd.
If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s.
Housed in a historic building, the museum captivates guests with displays ranging from intricately carved totems to traditional clothing. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences further enhance the immersion, providing a deeper understanding of Alaska's rich native heritage. Baranof Castle State Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich Russian and Tlingit history. The site, perched atop Castle Hill, provides panoramic views of the harbor and downtown Sitka, making it both a historic and scenic landmark. While no original structures remain, interpretive signs recount the pivotal moments and historical significance of the area, including the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. This trail is an 11-mile scenic pathway that provides panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline of Anchorage.
No comments:
Post a Comment