From Glaciers to Grizzlies: The Magic of an Alaskan Cruise Tour
Alaska, the “Last Frontier,” is a dream destination on many travel bucket lists, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes, untamed wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.
One of the best ways to experience Alaska’s wonders is through a vacation that’s a combination of a cruise plus a tour, commonly referred to as a “cruisetour.” By sea, a cruise gives you access to changing landscapes, port towns, glaciers and sea life. While the tour portion takes you inland to the state’s gems not accessible by sea.
If you’re still considering where to take your next adventure, here are 10 reasons why an Alaska cruisetour should top your list.
1. Spectacular Glaciers and Fjords
Alaska’s glaciers are among the most famous in the world, and a cruise tour gives you unparalleled access to these icy giants. If you’re lucky to see a glacier calving—a process where massive ice chunks break off and crash into the ocean—you’ll never forget this awe-inspiring sight. Major glaciers you may see on an Alaska cruise tour include:
Hubbard Glacier: This 76-mile-long glacier is known for its massive size and dramatic ice calving. On clear days, you can see its incredible ice walls reaching up to 40 stories high.
Glacier Bay National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Glacier Bay is a highlight for cruise passengers. Here, you’ll find an array of glaciers in a stunning natural setting, including the Margerie Glacier and Grand Pacific Glacier. The park’s fjords and waterways create perfect conditions for scenic cruising.
Dawes Glacier: At the end of Endicott Arm Fjord, you’ll find this massive tidewater glacier known for its vibrant blue ice and dramatic calving events, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the fjord.
Sawyer Glaciers: You’ll find these two glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord, a deep and narrow passage offering breathtaking views.
Mendenhall Glacier: A 13-mile-long glacier located in the Tongass National Forest, just outside of Juneau. Accessible by road, you can walk trails along the glacier.
Cruise tours in Alaska often position you close enough to hear the glaciers crack and see the shades of icy blue in detail—a view only possible from the water.
By participating in both a land tour and cruise, you have the most opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife.
From top left to bottom right: whale, sea otter, sea lion, moose, seals, dall sheep, caribou, American bald eagle, brown bear.
2. Lions and Whales and Bears…. Oh My!
Alaska is home to diverse wildlife, and a cruisetour allows you to spot these magnificent creatures both from the ship and during land excursions. The state’s coastline is teeming with marine life, and during a cruise, you’re likely to see:
Whales: Humpback whales, orcas, and even the occasional gray whale frequent Alaskan waters. Many cruise tours offer whale-watching excursions for a closer look.
Sea Lions and Seals: These marine mammals are commonly seen lounging on rocky shores and islands.
Bald Eagles: The symbol of American freedom, bald eagles are frequently seen across the Alaskan coastlines and towns.
Brown Bears: Watch carefully, and you may see a brown bear foraging for food along the coastline
Sea Otters: Adorable and playful, sea otters can be seen floating in kelp beds or diving for shellfish along Alaska’s coastal areas.
On the land-based portion of the tour, you might catch a glimpse of grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, and moose in their natural habitats, especially when your tour heads into areas like Denali National Park.
3. Cultural Connections and Indigenous Heritage
Alaska’s Indigenous cultures, including the Tlingit, offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s native history. Many cruisetours incorporate visits to local communities where you can learn about traditional arts, crafts, and ways of life. Highlights include:
Totem Bight State Historical Park: Located near Ketchikan, this park displays towering totem poles carved with intricate designs that tell stories from Tlingit and Haida traditions.
Hoonah and Icy Strait Point: Owned by the Huna Totem Corporation, Icy Strait Point is a port and cultural site that immerses visitors in Tlingit culture through performances, art galleries, and excursions.
Learning about Alaska’s indigenous heritage adds depth to the journey for those visitors who value learning about local culture and history.
4. The Scenic Splendor of Alaska's Inside Passage
The Inside Passage is a coastal route that winds through a maze of islands and narrow fjords, providing one of the most scenic cruising experiences in the world. Lush green forests, dramatic cliffs, and snow-capped mountains welcome you as you sail through the area. The Inside Passage is known for its calm waters and better wildlife viewing.
The Inside Passage is home to popular cruise ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Skagway and Sitka. Each town with its own unique character and attractions.
5. The Thrill of Adventure Excursions
One of the most compelling reasons to opt for a cruise tour in Alaska is the sheer variety of adventure activities available. Whether you’re looking for thrilling or family-friendly experiences, Alaska has something for everyone. Some thrilling experiences are:
Helicopter Glacier and Flightseeing Tours: Alaska’s glaciers are mesmerizing from any angle, but flying over or landing on one is an experience unlike any other. Many tours include a thrilling helicopter or seaplane ride, where you can explore ice caves and take in vast landscapes.
Ziplining in Icy Strait Point: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the world’s largest zipline at Icy Strait Point. Here, you’ll soar above the forest canopy with a panoramic view of the ocean and mountains below.
Salmon and Halibut Fishing: Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts. You can take a charter fishing tour to try your hand at reeling in wild Alaskan salmon.
Dog Sledding: Dog sledding is an iconic Alaskan adventure, and some cruise tours offer excursions to meet the state’s famous husky teams.
6. Alaska’s Inland Heart: Exploring Denali, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Talkeetna
Denali National Park: The land portion of your cruisetour usually includes a visit to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali. This 6-million-acre park is a haven for adventurers, offering guided hikes, wildlife safaris, and unforgettable views of the Alaskan wilderness. Denali’s sprawling landscapes of tundra, forests, and snow-covered peaks make it a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. This park offers the chance to see animals like grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, and moose, as well as breathtaking views of Denali itself.
Fairbanks: Alaska’s second-largest city but with a big town feel gives access to cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. It’s a gateway to the Arctic offering activities including hiking, fishing, and gold panning.
Anchorage: Alaska’s largest city offers a blend of urban amenities and proximity to natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Anchorage also provides cultural experiences, with museums, galleries, and historic sites showcasing Alaska’s heritage.
Talkeetna: A charming, quirky small town which reminds many people of the old TV show, “Northern Exposure.” It’s historic district offers cafes, shops and local culture in a fun atmosphere and has stunning views of Mount Denali.
7. Ideal for All Types of Travelers
Cruise lines offer cruisetours designed for a mix of visitors. Solo travelers, multi-generation families, couples, friends and organizations can confidently book cruises and cruisetours with the expertise of a travel specialist who will match the right options with your interests and needs to create the right fit.
The closer you visit Alaska to the Summer Solstice (June 21), the longer your days will be. Imagine late night sunsets and, only a short time later, sunrises. Northern Lights create a beautiful light show if you are fortunate enough to be there when there is a display. Best chance of seeing this phenomenon on a cruisetour would be in August and October.
8. Experience the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
Timing your Alaska cruise can enable unique experiences like the Midnight Sun in early summer or the Northern Lights in late summer and fall. The closer you get to the summer solstice, the longer the days of sunlight. Can you imagine how magical it must be to watch a sunset at midnight?
If you choose to visit in late August or September, you might be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. Alaska’s remote locations and minimal light pollution provide an ideal backdrop for this ethereal spectacle.
9. Gourmet Dining with a Local Flavor
Alaskan cuisine is a treat for the senses, focusing on fresh seafood, wild game, and locally sourced ingredients. Many cruise lines incorporate local flavors into their menus and, of course you’ll enjoy local restaurant dining in towns. Take in Alaskan specialties like king crab, fresh salmon, halibut, and even reindeer sausage. With everything from gourmet restaurants on board to rustic seafood shacks at port stops, a cruise tour in Alaska promises a fun culinary journey.
10. A Convenient and Stress-Free Way to Explore
Finally, a cruise tour in Alaska simplifies travel logistics by combining transportation, accommodation, and meals into a seamless experience. This is particularly valuable in a place like Alaska, where distances are vast and weather can be unpredictable. Cruise lines and tour companies handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Are you ready to experience an Alaska CruiseTour?
An Alaska cruise tour offers an unparalleled combination of stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or someone simply looking to escape into nature, Alaska has something unique for you. With a cruise's added convenience and comfort, there’s no easier way to explore this extraordinary state.
Dreaming of your next trip? Let’s chat about an Alaska cruise or cruise tour. And if you have the time and interest, consider digging deeper into our 49th state; let’s talk about your Alaska cruisetour. It will be a journey that promises memories as vast as the state itself!
Happy Traveling!
-Connie
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