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However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. There’s heaps of fun on offer and something for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. The largest waterpark at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness center, jogging track and sports court, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat™, day spa and pools and spas.
Real Alaska from local Alaskans
What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2023 - Royal Caribbean Blog
What a Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise is like in 2023.
Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day. Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp.
Get to Know Carnival Spirit
Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm. Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium.
Shore Excursions
The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.
Follow in the footsteps of the Yukon Gold Rush on an Alaska cruise from Seattle to some of the world’s most scenic wonders. With convenient weekend departures and proximity to the Great Land, a cruise to Alaska from Seattle allows you to leave when you want, and spend less time getting there. Plan for wet weatherAlaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars.
THE 20 BEST 3 Day Cruises to Alaska (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 20 BEST 3 Day Cruises to Alaska (Prices & Itineraries) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 20:08:52 GMT [source]
Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience. If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss.
Cruises Leaving Seattle: Learn More
Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing.
Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training. Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience. Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities except for embarking and disembarking – instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike.
Find Cruises Departing from Washington's Seattle Port
It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat. On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed. Brunch is the main attraction at this café, which serves generous portions of global staples like huevos rancheros, Swedish pancakes, and crab cake benedicts throughout the day. Alaska cruises from Seattle depart from Port of Seattle, Terminal 91, located on Seattle's downtown waterfront. Taxis, buses, rideshares, and car rentals are available outside the terminal.
If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. There are wonderful places from which to take in Alaska’s beauty on cooler days, too. Leafy Eden has floor-to-ceiling glass, while the Solarium is the place to lounge in tropical warmth as you glide between forested islands. Victoria, British Columbia’s capital and your final port of call, is a charming and lively place to visit with lots to see and do. Explore Butchart Gardens, a jewel box of vivid floral displays and themed gardens.
Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around.
The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines. There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.
As you embark on your Alaskan voyage, Seattle sets the stage for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Last Frontier. Ships usually depart from the Seattle Cruise Terminal in the late afternoon, allowing ample time for passengers to check-in and settle aboard their cruise ship. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Skagway was an important part of the Gold Rush era, growing in size from a place with only a few small tents to more than 20,000 people arriving in hopes of finding gold.
Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.
Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway.
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