The Alaskan experience is unlike any other. Nature lovers rejoice on America’s last frontier, and there’s plenty to see and do when you experience this territory from the vantage point of a cruise ship. A range of activities across land and sea make this cruise destination an unforgettable experience. This is the perfect trip for couples, solo adventurers, and families. Here’s our roundup of attractions and cruise experiences. From the lush rain forests of the Inside Passage to panoramic glacier views and Northern Lights sightseeing, you’re bound to have the experience of a lifetime here.
Top Attractions For Alaska Cruises
Glacier Bay: Home to nearly 5,000 glaciers, this bay is unlike any other. It has abundant wildlife, including bears and seals, and only permits a certain number of visitors yearly to preserve its beauty and conserve its wildlife.
Whale Watching: Humpback whale sighting are one of the most popular and breathtaking activities in Alaska. Their waterspouts can rise ten feet high, and they generally surface after a few blows. On-site staff will help you locate where whales are and guide you in that direction. Fortunately, whale sightings are fairly common on cruises through Alaska.
Denali National Park: This breath-taking national park allows cruisers see the widest range of Alaskan wildlife. It’s not exactly an excursion, but rather a cruise extension. If you enjoy hiking and nature, be sure to consider cruise ships that stop for the night to check out this add-on.
Skagway’s Gold Rush Relics: During the Gold Rush, fortune-seekers passed through Skagway in hopes of getting rich quick. This excursion will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the late 1800s as you walk through Skagway’s saloon-style craft town.
Budgeting For A Cruise To Alaska
Whether you’re an experienced cruiser or going on your first cruise adventure, having a knowledgeable and accredited cruise travel agent can do wonders for your trip. Many people believe that eliminating a travel agent when it comes to cruises is a cost-effective way to better manage your dollars, but this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, according to Fodor’s 78% of cruise bookings are handled through travel agents — and for good reason.
If saving money is troublesome, there are other ways to go about it. With Superior Cruise & Travel’s cruise payment plans, there’s no cruise journey unattainable. Use layaway vacation packages to help manage your complete trip in micro doses that help you live your life and live out your adventure.
Picking Your Cruise Ship
There are a variety of cruise lines that go to Alaska, from mainstream options like Carnival and Norwegian, to luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea Cruises. Even family-oriented cruises, like Disney Wonder, make their way towards the glaciers of Alaska. With so many cruises to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
The perfect cruise for you depends on several factors, including your budget and cruise style preference. Here’s a breakdown of different styles of cruises:
Carnival: This mainstream ship has it all: nightclubs, casinos, theatres, waterparks, and a variety of onboard activities. Like other mainstream cruises, it’s designed to appeal to the widest variety of travelers.
Norwegian: Though this is also a mainstream cruise, it’s most notable for its family-friendliness. With premier entertainment and a focus on specialty dining, it receives high reviews for its vast appeal to people of all ages.
Silversea Cruises: If you’re all about luxury, you’ll want to consider Silversea, where each suite is assigned its own butler. This is the cruise where pampering gets taken to a new level.
Regent Seven Seas: This luxury liner is one of the best all-inclusive options around. And unlike other all-inclusive choices, all-inclusive is truly all-inclusive — including offshore excursions, too.
Oceania Cruises: You’ll hardly want to leave your cabin when aboard Oceania. It takes a small number of passengers onboard, lending an intimate feel to a medium style ship, and offers fine dining and high-end service.
Princess Cruises: With some of the best outside cabins, this is the perfect option for those eager to see the Alaskan views any time of the day.
Celebrity Cruises: For the best cuisine, modern aesthetic, and sheer beauty, Celebrity Cruises has it all. Spa lovers will rejoice in all the pampering options, including a hydrotherapy pool and variety of treatments.
