Why Are Cruises to Alaska So Popular?

It is no secret that Alaskan cruises are incredibly popular. Why is that? Let’s try to find out why.

Scenery

Alaska is all about glaciers, mountains, wildlife and gold rush history. The scenery in this last frontier is breathtaking. Also, some of the most amazing places in Alaska like Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay national park are only accessible by boat. That is probably the main reason to make Alaska Cruises popular.

Glacier Bay National Park

Glacier bay is probably the most impressive place of all in Alaska and it is reached only by boat. On top of that not, every boat or ship can go there.

Being a National Park, with some very strict guidelines it is only accessible to 2 cruise ships per day.

Let me tell you when you reach the Margerie Glacier at the end of Glacier Bay you will be mesmerized! It is quite amazing seeing the giant glacier calving in the ocean making breathtaking noise.

Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is the second most famous glacier visited by cruise ships. It is really majestic! Surrounded by incredible mountains. On top of that, you’ll be able to see thousands of icebergs floating in the water by the glacier.

Mendenhall Glacier

This is the third most popular glacier in Alaska. It is not on a tidal glacier but it is near the port of call of Juneau. It can be reached by bus or on an excursion. There are many excursions by a helicopter that allow people to land on the glacier itself. Other excursions allow passengers to hike the glacier or canoe to it. It is a remarkable site however it can get quite busy during the Alaska peak season.

Other less famous glaciers that can be included in an Alaska Cruise are College Fjord, Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord.

Wildlife

Alaska as an incredible abundance of wildlife. While cruising it is not unusual to see whales jumping out of the water.

While the boat sails the inside passage it common to spot seals laying on the rocks or the beaches. Even more, it is quite beautiful to spot seals resting on a small iceberg by Hubbard Glacier.

In most ports of calls, there is an abundance of birds the most famous of all the bald eagle.

Gold Rush History

Alaska is rich in Gold Rush and Pioneer’s history.  Especially the port of Skagway that is practically frozen in time.  You can still walk in the old saloons, stores or ride the historic White Pass Train.

On a nice sunny day, a twenty minutes walk takes you to the gold rush cemetery where you can see the graves of many pioneers.

The Port of Ketchikan is quite rich in Pioneers history as well. There you can visit the famous Canal Street, where most of the old brothels used to be. Nowadays it is a nice area to walk and shop for souvenirs.

They offer great Excursions!

If you are looking for adventure or you prefer something nice and easy Alaska has an excursion perfect for you.

In fact, you can go dog sled riding on top of a glacier from Juneau or crab fishing in Ketchikan. You can take an easy train ride to the White Pass in Skagway or a canoe ride to a glacier in the same port.

You can fly over majestic glaciers by helicopter. You can even hike the glaciers!

You can visit the famous Red Onion Pub in Skagway or the Red Dog in Juneau. You can go to a King Crab boil at Tracy’s Crab Shack in Juneau. You can watch a lumberjack show in Ketchikan.

You got my point there is something for everyone!

 

Easy and Convenient

Alaskan Cruises are also easy to catch. They run all summer long from Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Anchorage. They usually only last a week (ten days from San Francisco).

The itineraries are either roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle to Alaska, or they can be north and southbound between Anchorage and Vancouver or Seattle.

Almost every cruise line offers Alaska itinerary making this extremely convenient.

It is a great Itinerary for Everyone!

The ocean is usually calm and smooth because most of the journey is done in the Inside Passage. For this reason, Alaska Cruises are perfect for first-time cruisers. Also, it is a great itinerary for people that might be seasick.

Alaska cruises have a very small amount of sea days making it a good itinerary for passengers that don’t like sea days.

Due to the fact that Alaskan cruises are convenient and offer something for everyone they are the perfect cruise for a multigenerational family. For that reason, it is not unusual to see grandparents taking their grandchildren to Alaska!

You can find amazing deals!

Due to the fact that almost every cruise line offers Alaska itineraries, there is a lot of competition to get passengers! For this reason, it is not unusual to find amazing deals for an Alaska Cruise.

If you don’t mind going at the beginning, or at the end of the season you can score some incredible deals. In fact, my favorite time to go to Alaska is the beginning of May. Days are long, it can be dryer, there are fewer people and prices are amazing!

Also when you compare different offers check the perks included in the package. The cruise fare might not be cheaper but you might find out that you have a lot of perks included that other cruise lines are not offering.

Above all Alaska cruises are fun!

In conclusion, Alaska Cruises are a ton of fun! You’ll explore great nature and fun port. Even though the weather might be a bit unpredictable.

I hope that this article inspires you to try an Alaska Cruise. Let me know in the comment below.

Happy Cruising

Andrea