Top Alaska Cruise Holiday Destinations and Shore Excursions :
Alaska cruises depart from either Canada or the USA, giving you a great opportunity to explore these countries before or after your cruise. Explore the cosmopolitan fusion of American, Asian and Native American cultures that is Seattle. renowned for its sumptuous sea food, coffee shops, Microsoft, Grunge Music and the Space Needle. For a more spectacular start to your Alaska cruise from the USA, why not fly to and then enjoy some of the delights of San Francisco where you can literally shop til you drop into your luxurious floating home away from home. You may also be lucky enough to circle the island prison of Alcatraz and then leave through the Golden Gate Bridge
In Canada, make a trip ashore to discover the big city attractions and brilliant outdoor pursuits of Vancouver. Enjoy the glittering views of the Puget Sound and the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver's old part of town that features restored heritage buildings, housing many antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.
A few days sailing from Vancouver lies the awe inspiring Juneau where you can marvel at the mighty Mendenhall Glacier set against the imposing backdrop of Mt. Juneau. In KetchiKan you can visit the Totem Heritage centre, where you can find the largest collection of Totem poles in the world. For the most breathtaking views of the local wildlife, Glacier Bay is where you can frequently spot humpback whales splashing around.
Alaska Cruise Tour add ons:
Part of the glory of an Alaska cruise is the ability to extend and enhance the holiday with an add on tour at the beginning or end of the cruise voyage. For cruises which sail from Vancouver or Seattle, an add on tour of the Canadian Rockies is a must. Varying from 4-7 nights, typically the tour will take in beautiful, scenic areas such as Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise - where you'll travel though either by snow coach or Rocky Mountaineer train.
The alternative area for an add on tour is Denali National Park - an Alaskan highlight not to be missed. Here you can enjoy a 4-6 night immersive tour of one of the worlds most stunningly untouched destinations. Particularly enchanting places here are Mount Mckinley, Copper River and Denali itself from the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge - available with Princess Cruises.
Alaska Cruises - Best Time to Go
You can't go too far wrong in the Spring and Autumn time - specifically during September and May. One of the main reasons for this is that the waters tend to be a little calmer around these months. meaning your time at sea is that bit more comfortable. Flora and Fauna, though delightful year-round will also have the russet tones of Autumn in September, as the seasons in Alaska are a little ahead of our own.
The peak summer months though, do tend to bring warmer weather, and this is the best time for Humpback Whale spotting. No matter when you choose to go, you can't fail to be impressed!
If we have whet your appetite for the Big Wild West and if you love the sound of exploring the natural wonders of Canada plus the exciting, cosmopolitan cities in the USA, then alternatively North American cruises are well worth a look. From one extreme to the next, a South America cruise is a great alternative for those looking for something completely different with just as many exciting sights yet with a gloriously warm. tropical climate.
Alaska Land Adventures
If your're looking to cover even more ground in Alaska then an Alaskan Land Adventure might be just what you're looking for. It is a fantastic way to sweep through the Canadian countryside and enjoy luxurious hotel stays in many iconic Canadian cities. If you're interested in a standalone land adventure check out our Vancouver & Trans-Canada Rail Adventure to Toronto. We have more land adventures coming soon, call us for further information.