Originally a once-in-a-lifetime destination, Alaska is now a popular cruise destination for both young and old with companies like Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises operating a weekly schedule of holidays around the once inaccessible wildernessaid hes. Offering deep fjords, magnificent glaciers and an abundance of lush green forests, it’s hardly surprising that tourist visits are on the increase to this beautiful country with many travellers returning year after year to experience the tranquillity, stunning scenery and local wildlife Alaska has to offer. Here are just a few of the excursions you can experience when cruising around Alaska:
- Alaska Foter
Misty Fjords National Monument
Covering a massive 2 million acres of land the Misty Fjords National Monument is a wilderness area which has been shaped by glaciers and incorporates sea water lakes as well as other natural waterways. It is home to a wide selection of wildlife including mountain goats, deer, grizzly bears and black bears amongst other species. You can experience this stunning landscape of waterfalls, rainforests and granite cliffs from the port of Ketchikan by taking a two hour flight. It is also possible to access this remote area by kayak in the hope to catch and glimpse of its wild inhabitants.
Juneau Ice Field
Juneau is home to a 1,500 square mile ice field that really has to be seen in order to appreciate its awesome size. From the port of Juneau you can experience this unique area by air thanks to a 30 minute helicopter ride. You can also touch down at one of the three dozen glaciers in the area where a professional guide will teach you the basic mountaineering skills required to explore this area on foot use trekking poles.
Bear Watching at Traitor’s Cove
One of the iconic local species to Alaska in the Brown Bear and this cruise excursion is the ideal way to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. This excursion involves a flight from the port of Ketchikan over the beautiful mountain lakes to Traitor’s Cove where you will meet a naturalist who will take you by van to Margaret Creek. Here you will trek for a quarter of a mile to an observation platform which overlooks Margaret Creek Falls, a great fishing spot for Black Bears to catch salmon. Whilst on this excursion, you might also be able to see bald eagles, deer and mink.
Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest
From the port of Sitka, you are able to experience a sightseeing trip to view sea otters and other species in their natural habitat. This cruise excursion involves a three hour cruise where you will be taken to areas which are commonly frequented by sea otters. You may even be able to spot a whale, bald eagle, bear or Sitka black-tailed deer whilst on this excursion too.
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Another way to view the spender of Alaska is by cruising through the Kenai Fjords National Park. Leaving from the port of Seward, this six hour excursion sails you through Resurrection Bay to view the rocky coastlines and glacier topped peaks of the mountains. You will be given the chance to sea nesting puffins, sea lions, sea otters and harbour seals – plus on rare occasions orcas and humpback whales can be spotted too.
With so much to offer, you’ll be wishing to return to Alaska time and time again.