Choosing An Alaskan Cruise

Alaska, the largest state in the U.S., is described as "The Last Frontier" and "The Land of the Midnight Sun," as June daylight can last up to 23 hours. It is home to the highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley. There was a time when traveling to Alaska was a challenge, and its vast frontier, glaciers and mountains were all but inaccessible. Now, the Alaskan Highway, air travel and cruise ships have made discovering this wondrous state more expedient.

If you're not a mountain climber or glacier hiker, and want to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska, you may want to consider an Alaskan cruise. This can be a challenging decision, as there are many types of cruises available. Do you want a small, medium or large ship? Do you want a floating luxury resort, or a small nature oriented ship? Do you want a family cruise? Do you want one that focuses on scenery, one that stops at many ports, or one that incorporates a land tour?

Types of Cruises: There are three main Alaskan cruise itineraries from which choose -- The Inside Passage, the Gulf of Alaska or the Bering Sea cruises.

1. The Inside Passage Cruise: This is considered the classic Alaskan cruise. It consists of seven-days round trip from Seattle or Vancouver to the southeast Alaskan panhandle. It includes Glacier Bay National Park and its sixteen majestic glaciers, including Morse Muir (see photo). Stops may include Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and either Sitka, Haines or Victoria, B.C. These cruises usually include a day in Glacier Bay or another glacier area and two days at sea. This is the trip for you if you prefer spending more time at sea and taking in scenery.

2. The Gulf of Alaska Cruise: This is a seven-to-ten day one-way trip, sailing north from Vancouver to the Inside Passage or south between Vancouver and Seward, and adds the south central coast of Alaska, the Gulf of Alaska and Hubbard Glacier (see photo). It includes many of the same stops as the Inside Passage cruise, but because it is one-way, it requires separate transportation home. This cruise makes more stops, including Valdez, College Fjord and one other gulf town. If your object is to see more of Alaska proper, this is your trip.

3. North Pacific Bering Sea Cruise: If you're looking for a real adventure, this 2,000-mile expedition takes ships far from mainstream Alaska travel, traveling between North America and Russian Asia. These trips can last 15 to 24 days. You'll see some of the most spectacular landscapes and remote islands on earth, rarely visited by most cruise lines.

You will retrace Vitus Bering's 18th century voyage and learn about the Russian conquest of Alaska. Zodiac trips take you to shores where grizzlies roam, and you will be introduced to the traditional native cultures of the Aleuts, Alutiiq, Chukchi and Eskimo peoples of Alaska and Far North Russia. The shores and cliffs are so literally alive with wildlife, they've been described as shifting like a mirage. After days of thrilling exploration, relax while experts on board present evening lectures and slide shows on this extraordinary corner of the world.

Family-Oriented Cruises: Most cruise lines offer age-appropriate programs and activities, and "kids-only" shore tours give parents a break. Holland America and Princess Cruise Lines are the largest Alaskan cruise operators. Children often travel at reduced rates, and Princess Cruise Line offers an 85% reduction for the third and fourth passengers in a cabin, be they child or adult. Holland America offers a significantly discounted fare special for children ages two to 18.

How to choose a ship: Thirteen cruise lines sail the Alaskan waters, ranging from medium sized ships carrying 800 to 1500 passengers, to mega-size ships carrying over 2000. Smaller, nature-oriented ships carry less than 200 passengers. The mega and medium sized ships are floating resorts with nightclubs, casinos, spas and shops, and offer formal, casual and "quick-bite" dining facilities. Shipboard activities are as much a focal point as the glaciers and scenery. Smaller ships do not have the resort facilities of the larger ships, and concentrate more on cultural and nature activities, able to get closer to shore and explore some fjords that larger ships can't enter.

General Tips: The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, and cruises are generally seven to 12 nights long. Alaskan trips must be reserved well in advance. It is recommended that you arrive at your departure port city at least a day or two ahead of boarding. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

Now that you've chosen, planned and paid for your northern wonderland trip, visit my source page and click on "Packing for an Alaskan Cruise."

Sources/Additional Information: How to Book an Alaskan Cruise; Cruise Alaska; Alaska.Org; Bering Sea Voyages; Cruise West Bering Sea Voyage; Family Oriented Alaskan Cruises; Finding a Cruise; Top Ten Quick Tips to Consider Before Taking a Cruise