Due to the events in the Caribbean this week with Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose, I decided it would be best to focus on ports other than in the Caribbean. Some of the Caribbean is heavily damaged and it could be a while before they are back on their feet. Let’s hope it doesn’t take long! Meanwhile, let’s look at an Alaskan cruise and what you can see and do!
Alaska is on many people’s bucket lists. It’s huge and there is a lot to see, so why not see it on a cruise? Ports can vary according to cruise line, but I will give an overview of the popular stops on your typical Alaskan cruise. You can cruise to Alaska on any of the major lines. You can leave from different ports too, whether it be a round trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver, or flying into a city, cruising, and then flying home from another port. I personally prefer the round trip cruises because it just makes airfare easier.
Because you are flying a distance, you’ll want to arrive a day or 2 before your cruise. Some people will fly across the country on the morning of the day the cruise departs, but that is way too stressful for me! I would rather be in the port city for a night or 2, relaxed that I am there, and just spend some time checking out the sights.
Alaskan cruise season typically lasts from May through August. It will be cooler than you will be used to in the summer months with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s. So you’ll definitely want to pack warm clothing, gloves, hats, sunscreen, and don’t forget your binoculars! There will be so much to see just from the ship!
Alaskan Ports
Hubbard Glacier – The largest tidewater glacier in North America, and one of 8 Alaskan glaciers. There is no port, so the ships do not dock anywhere. The experience is the view from the ship. The highlights if this day are when the glacier frequently calves icebergs that are 3 – 4 (and sometimes up to 10) stories tall. Ships keep a safe distance as these icebergs dramatically splash into and shoot out of the water.
Icy Strait Point – Located near the town of Hoonah, Alaska, there is only room for one ship to dock at a time. Wilderness adventures are the main focus. There will be whale watching excursions here. Hoonah also has the highest density of brown grizzly bears found anywhere in Alaska. Thrill seekers will enjoy ZipRider, the longest zipline in the United States. Kayaking and other water sports are available here as well as a small museum and a beach area.
Juneau – Began as a gold mining camp in the 1880s. The last gold mine closed in the 1940s. It is Alaska’s capital. All ships dock within walking distance to town. Mendenhall Glacier is a primary attraction. There are walking trail maps available at the visitor center. In addition to natural features, you may see bears fishing for salmon in glacier streams! The Mt. Roberts Tramway takes guests 1,800 feet up to the peak for a scenic view and more hiking. Carved Alaskan jade is abundant in souvenir shops here, along with other native arts and crafts using stone, wood, and fur.
Ketchikan – Here you will find the largest collection of standing totem poles found both in town and scattered about. Most of them having been created by Ketchikan’s native tribe founders. It is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. The ships dock across from the center of town. The town itself is just 3 blocks long, very quaint. Be prepared for rain though since it is considered a maritime rainforest averaging 6-9 inches of rain a month during the summer. Here is where you can watch a seasonal lumberjack show. There are also several small museums near port.
Skagway – Another town that started as a center for gold exploration. There is no dedicated passenger terminal, so cruise ships dock alongside industrial sea vessels. The good thing is that town is an easy walk from the dock. The whole town is accessible from one main street, Broadway. Here is where you can visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and learn more about Skagway’s gold mining past. You can also take a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which offers scenic views of mountains, waterfalls, and gorges. In Haines, a short ferry ride from Skagway, you can enjoy watching whales and American bald eagles. You can also go horseback riding or dog sledding!
Sawyer Glaciers (Tracy’s Arm) – Tracy’s Arm is a fjord created by glacier movement. It is more than 30 miles long and ice covers about one-fifth of it. Ships do not dock here. It is all about scenery from the ship: granite cliffs, icebergs, mountains, bears, whales, bald eagles, mountain goats, and more. About once an hour, the glaciers calve, sending massive ice sheets into the waters below.
A cruise exploring Alaska is a trip of a lifetime, so don’t miss out! With a short Alaskan cruise season, you’ll want to reserve your stateroom sooner than later! If you have any questions or you would like a free quote, just ask.
Happy Travels! ~Laurie
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215-435-4151 Laurie@fivestg.net
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 