For avid cruisers looking for a truly unique experience, an Alaskan cruise is packed with exciting places to discover, rich history, natural beauty, and wildlife. Even though Alaska is known for its cold climate, there is much to love about America’s largest state.

Departing from popular ports like San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seattle, Alaskan cruises offer itineraries that are tailored to your travel preferences. Whether you prefer private excursions or family-friendly educational experiences, Alaskan cruises offer something for everyone.

Discover Alaska’s Natural Wonders

Alaska’s waters are home to some of the most beautiful wildlife species in the world. Marine animals native to this region include humpback and orca whales, sea lions, walruses, and sea otters, to name a few. Alaska’s rivers and waterways teem with fish like trout and salmon. Many cruises include fishing excursions: both Ketchikan and Sitka offer excellent fishing opportunities, particularly when the chinook, pink, and sockeye salmon are migrating.

Cruisers can view the breathtaking Boundary Ranges that tower above Juneau aboard the ship. Land excursions give travelers access to Alaska’s many national parks, such as Denali National Park and Preserve. Home to Mount Denali – the tallest peak in North America – Denali National Park encompasses more than 6 million acres and is an ideal place for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, nature photography, and more. Helicopter tours are also available, while in the winter, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are popular.

Other popular locations for cruisers to experience Alaska’s natural beauty include Tracy Arm Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park, Katmai National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

See the Inside Passage

Weaving around the islands off the coast of British Columbia and Alaska, the Inside Passage is a coastal waterway populated with humpback whales and orcas. Many Alaskan cruises include tours of the Inside Passage, which is touted as the longest inland waterway in the world. Most cruises that include Inside Passage tours depart from Seattle or Vancouver and stop at various locations along the way, such as Ketchikan, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia. Cruises in excess of seven days typically depart from ports in San Diego, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.

The Inside Passage was carved out millions of years ago by glaciers and is regarded as a haven for wildlife. Home to lush rainforests, steep mountains, and icy glaciers, it is also known for its natural beauty. In addition, the Inside Passage is rich with Native history. Totem poles made by the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida peoples can be seen in the area, and Native tour guides can offer travelers a deeper look at Native Pacific Northwest arts and culture. Russian settlers also made their mark on the region, and their influence can be seen in Sitka, among other towns.

Guided Alaskan Adventures

During part of the year, cruisers can explore Alaska with the help of professionally guided tours. In the summertime, humpback whales are most active, and schools of these playful animals can be seen from your cruise ship.

On land, travelers have the chance to see many animal species in their natural habitat, thanks to guided tours. One of the most popular tours involves viewing Alaskan brown bears from special viewing sites. These small group tours typically include a short hike after guides transport your group to the viewing area in a small plane.

Other Alaskan adventures include on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, which takes travelers on a train ride from Skagway through the mountains. Tour guides provide an in-depth historical overview along the way, and travelers have plenty of opportunities for photo ops.

History and Education

Aside from nature tours, wildlife, and other outdoor attractions, Alaskan cruises offer a chance to explore the state’s history and culture. Visit the Haines Sheldon Museum, which is home to Tlingit artifacts and other objects telling the story of the town’s history. Tourists can view more than 12,000 photos from the 19th century through present day, as well as historical documents.

Another popular educational attraction on Alaskan cruises is the Alaska State Museum, located in Juneau. Popular cruise itineraries feature visits to this museum, which includes Alaska Native artifacts, historic and contemporary art, and natural history specimens. The museum’s Alaska Native collection is particularly impressive: it includes more than 15,000 objects, including items from daily life as well as ceremonial objects and archaeological finds.

Alaska: So Much to Explore

Whether you participate in a planned tour or prefer to go off and do your own thing, there’s almost too much to explore in the great state of Alaska. Get an up-close-and-personal look at awe-inspiring glaciers, trek through the Arctic tundra, and even view the spectacular Northern Lights during certain times of the year.

Work with a certified cruise planner or experienced travel agent to create your dream Alaskan cruise. Identify your cruise must-haves and let your cruise planner get to work. By working with a professional, you can guarantee that you’ll get access to all the excursions, amenities, and onboard perks that make an Alaskan cruise the trip of a lifetime.