Many imagine an Alaskan cruise as a journey into icy vistas filled with glaciers, and close encounters with bears. Certainly, these are essential elements of the Alaskan cruise experience, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg of what you can expect! Wildlife viewing is a given. Besides bears, be ready to see extraordinary creatures like rare deer, vibrant seabirds, majestic moose, bald eagles, Alaskan salmon, harbor seals, playful sea lions, and if you’re lucky – humpback whales!
Alaska boasts a diverse landscape that stretches beyond the ordinary. It offers an extensive coastline that exceeds the rest of the U.S., over 100 volcanoes and volcanic fields, more than 3,000 rivers, and lakes – over 3 million of them – each more beautiful than the last! Contrary to expectations of an Alaskan cruise appealing only to a more “mature” audience, it’s a journey fit for the young at heart and family-friendly too. It’s a chance to bring generations together, witnessing the raw beauty of “The Last Frontier.” Cruise ships cater to such experiences with enrichment activities like whale-watching programs, children’s specials, glacier learning sessions and more – it’s a perfect mix of fun, education and nature.
Snow might be your first thought when you think of Alaskan weather, but rain is more common, depending on your timing. First-time visitors might be surprised to find Alaska’s winter quite tolerable compared to other cold regions of the U.S.! As weather tends to vary, it’s best to pack layers of clothing that are easy to put on and take off – t-shirts, sweaters, waterproof jackets, scarves and warm hats will keep you cozy.
With days longer than usually experienced, sunsets might not arrive until 10pm, and sunrises can start as early as 3am. Consider packing a sleep mask for uninterrupted sleep!
I suggest reserving a stateroom with a balcony and scheduling a fair share of excursions – you won’t regret it. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Alaska’s grandeur from your own private balcony, hot cocoa (or an Irish coffee) in hand and snuggled under a warm blanket!
For those frequent cruisers, anticipate a more relaxed environment than your typical beach cruises. Alaskan cruises offer more than fun, they’re an education and an adventure all rolled into one. Learn to anticipate the unexpected, and the true spirit of Alaska will reveal itself. Prepare to come home enriched and invigorated. Make sure your camera is at hand to click away at those priceless moments!
Ready to embark on this Alaskan cruise? Get in touch today to secure your booking! Schedule a time to chat here.
