Alaska cruise vacations are among the most unique travel experiences in the world. No where else do the majesty of ocean glaciers loom so close to cruise ships, or the intrigue of wildlife exist so near to Alaska’s most popular tours and day trips. From white water rafting tours to hiking and fishing, Alaska cruise tour vacations offer a chance to the best of Alaska from the comfort of a private guestroom on board a ship captained by knowledgeable guides. Alaska cruise discount vacations are an excellent way to enjoy the fun of a cruise at a lower cost.
Alaska cruise vacations can last anywhere from 4 days
to more than 10. Many Alaska cruise tour vacations move
through the Inside Passage, touring Prince
William Sound and Sitka. Tours
of the Inside Passage of varying lengths are the most
popular. Specific Alaska cruise vacations with particular
themes can be booked for wildlife lovers, fishermen and
more. These specific cruises and tours are meant to last
for a day and are usually an additional cost.
The Resurrection Bay Cruise is one of the best Alaska cruise tour vacations for wildlife lovers. This is a one-day cruise lasting from 7:30am until 7:30pm, and costs between $35 (children) and $139 (adults). Resurrection Bay is off the coast of the Alaska town of Seward, where the cruise departs. Touring the area and watching for wildlife, passengers will see sea lions, mountain goats, otters, bald eagles and often whales. The cruise makes a stop during the day at the Alaska SeaLife Center, which is a marine research facility where guests will see puffins, seals and even more local marine life. Lunch is included in the cost of the cruise, which runs February and September.
A tour of Mt. McKinley by helicopter is another great
addition to Alaska cruise vacations. This day tour will
cost about $300 per person (2 person minimum) and takes
travelers up and over the incredible Mt. McKinley on a
3 hour flight. Along the way, passengers will see Denali
and the Denali foothills,
the Great Gorge and the Ruth Glacier. This is one of the
most popular additions to Alaska cruise vacations and
fills up quickly, so be sure to book this tour well in
advance.
Other activities in Anchorage, Sitka and Juneau can be added to your cruise, such as day-long snowshoeing trips, ice climbing tours and fishing trips. For Alaska cruise discount vacations, try booking these additional tours with your main cruise ticket price to take advantage of the lowest costs for everything. You can also combine the cost of your flight with your cruise and day tour costs.
In general, there are some things travelers can expect from any Alaska cruise they book. Breakfast lunch and dinner are standard amenities and will be included in the cruise cost. For the most part, extras like white water rafting tours or some of the tours mentioned above will not be included, so be sure to book these in advance if you want to take part. When packing for your cruise, be sure to bring many layers. Temperatures on board cruise ships can change quickly, from very cold to sunny and warm, so it is good to have layers on so you can adjust with the weather. You also want to bring plenty of extra socks (socks often get wet in Alaska conditions), comfortable clothing, and plenty of fleece and wool outer garments. You will need to bring items such as toothpaste and shampoo; in general these are not provided on the ship. Bring hats, sunglasses and plenty of sun block, as well.
