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Overview |
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| Whether you have a passion for wildlife, adventure, food, art, or something entirely different, you'll have endless options when sailing on an Alaska cruise. Ever-growing in popularity, a cruise to Alaska is not your conventional cruise. Instead of basking in the sun and lying on beaches, you'll get the chance to hike mountains, see wildlife, and sail through magnificent glaciers. |
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Popular Ports |
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Embarkation Ports for Alaska Cruises typically are Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, but depending on your cruise line and itinerary other ports along the west coast of North America are used as well.
Below is a list of some of the most popular ports that cruise lines go to, including some suggested shore excursions to do while you're there.
Juneau
As Alaska's capital city, Juneau is rugged with a hint of cosmopolitan. Reminders of the city's former gold mining days are scattered throughout and discovering the cities rich past will delight both children and adults.
Popular Juneau Shore Excursions:
- Visiting the Alaska State Museum and brushing up on your gold rush history
- Taking a hike along Juneau's many trails through Alaska's largest temperate rain forest and viewing beautiful waterfalls
- Taking a helicopter ride for an amazing view of mountains, glaciers, and lakes
- Panning for gold in Gold Creek
- Walking through Glacier Gardens Rainforest
- Touring the Alaska Brewing Company
- Dog Sledding
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is a town full of history. The town still carries remnants of its gold-rush past and fish saltery days. In addition, visitors can revel in the town's many educational opportunities to learn about Alaska Natives, including seeing the many brightly painted totem poles around Ketchikan.
Popular Ketchikan Shore Excursions:
- Visiting Misty Fjords National Monument
- Trying your hand at fly-fishing
- Visiting Saxman Native Village, Totem Bight State Park, and Totem Heritage Center to see how Alaska Natives lived
- Taking a floatplane to a prime bear viewing area
- Exploring the backcountry of Ketchikan via boat, canoe, or jeep
- Walking along Creek Street, a picturesque setting of cute little shops built on pilings over the creek
- Visiting Ketchikan's historic areas on a horse-drawn carriage
- Taking a zipline adventure high over the Alaskan forest
- Taking a food tasting tour and trying some authentic Alaskan cuisine, particularly the town's specialty: salmon
Skagway
Skagway is beautiful town at the northern tip of the Lynn Canal and is known as the gateway to the Klondike, a leftover tribute from its gold-rush days.
Popular Skagway Shore Excursions:
- Visiting Glacier Point and traveling around icebergs in 31-foot canoes
- Horseback riding through one of Alaska's most beautiful valleys
- Taking a helicopter ride over the Valley of the Glaciers, and then hiking over a huge sheet of ice
- Dog sledding through the glaciers
- Visiting the Trail of '98 Museum and the Gold Rush Cemetery
- Historical walking tours through the town, a highlight of which is a stop at the Red Onion Saloon
- Taking a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railroad
Seward
Seward is one of Alaska's oldest communities and is full of rugged wilderness and serene beauty.
Popular Seward Shore Excursions:
- Going on a rafting trip down Resurrection River
- Taking a wildlife cruise around Resurrection Bay for a chance to see puffins, seals, sea otters, and whales
Glaciers and the Inside Passage
A highlight for many passengers on Alaska cruises doesn't include a port; instead you'll experience magnificent views as you sail amidst one of Alaska's greatest assets: glaciers. Popular days at sea on an Alaskan cruise include sailing by Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay. Cruising Alaska's Inside Passage is especially memorable, as it includes the massive Hubbard Glacier, as well as the blue-tinged Tracy Arm Fjord and misty forests. It gives you a view of what most people think of when they think of Alaska. |
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More Information |
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Many cruise lines offer cruise tours to Alaska, which combines the typical Alaska tour with a land excursion deep into the heart of inland Alaska. It is a great option for someone who has already sailed on an Alaskan cruise and is ready to see more of America's largest state.
To find out which cruise lines go to the Alaska ports of your choice call 1-800-490-2921 to speak to an AVC Personal Vacation Planner, who can help you pick your perfect cruise and assist you in choosing between the many shore excursions you can partake in while in port. |
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