Alaska

Cruising Alaska

Maasdam in Glacier Bay If you are looking for spectacular scenery, then you cannot ignore Alaska with its ice blue seas, towering glaciers, vast tundra, forests and mountain ranges.

Alaska, America's 49th State is immense, being about one fifth the size of the rest of the United States but with a tiny population in comparison.

Over one million people cruise to Alaska each year, accounting for around 8% of the world cruise market.

Alaska is not a year round cruise destination though, with a relatively short season running from mid May to mid September. High season runs from July through August with low season being May, June and September.

Alaska Ports of Call

Alaskan cruises typically cruise along the Inside Passage, a sea lane protected by groups of small islands that runs all the way from Seattle in Washington State, north to Skagway; a distance of around 950 miles. The islands offer some protection so the sea state is usually pretty calm.

Some cruises venture further north into the Gulf of Alaska, up to Anchorage; actual disembarkation is at Seward or Whittier.

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Shore Excursions

More than many other cruise regions, Alaska has a lot to offer for the "outdoor" types. Amongst the many shore excursions available are trail hiking, ice trekking on a glacier, rock climbing, kayaking amongst the icebergs, fishing for trout, halibut and salmon, rafting (scenic river or white-water), horseback riding, tundra driving, helicopter rides and seaplane flights or train rides to the Denali National Park.

Some cruise companies also offer combined sea/land holidays with stopovers in lodges.

You might also like to consider hiring a car to venture inland though bear in mind, there are not that many roads to travel on in the area !

Essentials for Alaska

When you are thinking about what clothes to take with you on an Alaskan cruise, you need to prepare for all eventualities so the more layers the better when deciding what to pack. Also make sure you have a good jacket, hat and gloves for when you want to spend time on deck or on some of the excursions. Some waterproof layer and/or an umbrella is also a good idea and if you plan much walking, a good pair of hiking boots.

With the abundance of spectacular scenery and wildlife, do not forget to take a camera plus plenty of batteries plus films or memory cards. A pair of binoculars are also invaluable.

Weather in Alaska

The weather in Alaska is never that predictable and can change very rapidly; in fact some say you can get all four seasons in a single day !

Despite the bitterly cold winters, on the coast, the climate is generally milder than inland. Temperatures range from highs in the mid 50s Fahrenheit in May to mid 60s in August with lows from the low 40s to low 50s. However, being that far north, you can expect around 18 hours of daylight in mid summer.

Alaskan Wildlife

One of the many attractions of Alaska cruising is the opportunity to see some of the most amazing wildlife.

Whilst at sea you may well spot breaching whales, both orca (killer) and humpback as well as dolphins, porpoises, harbour seals, sea lions and sea otters.

Other wildlife to look out for include brown bears, caribou and bald eagles.

Alaska Cruise Lines

A number of large cruise lines operate Alaska cruises including Princess, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises.

There are also a number of smaller 'explorer' type cruise lines operating in Alaskan waters including Cruise West, Majestic America Line, Clipper Cruise Line, Glacier Bay Tours and Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions and World Explorer Cruises.