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Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

aaa alaska cruise

This upscale cruise ship is equipped with bars, lounges, ample dining options, a spa, shopping, performances of Broadway Musicals (such as Kinky Boots), go-karting, laser tag and more. Princess-owned wilderness lodges sit at the doorstep of legendary national parks—the ideal location for exploring the wilds of Alaska. On Viking cruises, passengers can enjoy one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.

Chichagof Dream Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic

Chichagof Dream Cruise: Expert Review ( .

Posted: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 14:50:55 GMT [source]

Explore Ireland Off the Beaten Path

With a local guide, discover where orphaned or injured bears, wolves, porcupines, and moose are cared for in a 200-acre rehabilitation site. Arrive in the port of Whittier where you'll embark on your 7-night Holland America cruise aboard a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay on board truly memorable. You will be dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and a myriad of dining options. While on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner and nightly entertainment are included. The Matanuska-Susitna Valley is known to historians as fertile farmland settled by families who came here in the mid-1930s. Arriving at the Musk Ox Farm, our privately arranged visit offers a fun introduction to this Ice Age mammal that roamed the earth alongside saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths!

Combine a 7-day cruise and multiple days touring Alaska and enjoy the best of land and sea.

As a “culinary- and destination-focused cruise line,” Oceania aims to provide passengers with incredible adventures paired with exceptional dining experiences. Tailor this day to your own personal interests and taste for adventure with your choice of an included adventure. The convenient roundtrip 7-Day Alaskan Inside Passage cruise from Holland America Line brings you up close to the legendary Glacier Bay and shores of Tracy Arm.

Digital TourBook

aaa alaska cruise

It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night.

Enjoy Roundtrip Alaska Cruises From Seattle by Norwegian Cruise Line

The scenery, too, is amazing from the Riley Creek Railroad Bridge, a photographer's favorite, to the picturesque Yanert Valley that stretches through the mighty Alaska Range. And of course, there are the breathtaking views of Denali's impressive 20,000-foot peak! There'll be time to refresh and take in this magnificent setting before you sit down to a congenial meal here at our inviting backcountry lodge. After dinner, our Lodge's guides and naturalists will help you plan your activities for tomorrow. Enjoy a top-rated 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise vacation with two glacier-viewing experiences during your time on board. Enjoy scenic rail travel from the ship to the lodge via Princess's Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service for an all-encompassing Alaska cruise tour.

Alaska Vacation

Premier Beverage Package (“PBP”) is valid only for guests who are 21+. Guests under 21 booked under PP will receive the Premier Coffee & Soda Package in lieu of PBP and will not receive any refund for the difference. Bar service charge is only included in the package and is paid on behalf of the guest for qualifying beverages included in the PBP. All internet usage subject to standard Wi-Fi policies, which may limit browsing of sites due to network security and bandwidth usage and is subject to change with or without notice.

Experience Glacier Bay On This 7-Day Cruise by Princess Cruises

Alaskan cruises offered by Oceania Cruises are premium experiences. Aboard one of Oceania Cruises’ ships, you will be staying in luxurious suites and rooms that are furnished in the neoclassical style. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, decadent and authentic Alaskan seafood, upscale nightclubs, and original musical productions aboard the Princess Cruise’s week-long Alaskan adventure. Besides amenities, this tour is ideal for cruisers who want to get up close and personal with Alaskan nature and wildlife. The Alaskan cruises set sail on the Disney Wonder, which is known for its incredible dining and entertainment. On board, you can have dinner at Tiana’s Place—an eatery based on Disney’s Princess and the Frog followed by a performance of Frozen, A Musical Spectacular.

transportation--trainDay 4 - Denali National Park - Talkeetna - Denali

Cunard Line offers two main routes to choose from— the Inside Passage or the Gulf of Alaska—departing from Seattle or Vancouver. Cruising itineraries range from seven to 11 nights, and they also offer longer itineraries that combine Alaska and Japan. Cruise ports you can look forward to stopping at include Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka. Visiting Alaska is sure to be an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and endless adventure.

Juneau

Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. See rugged beauty, Klondike history and Indigenous culture in the Alaska port cities of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

aaa alaska cruise

Examples of excursions include learning about pole carving at Potlatch Totem Park, a sightseeing tour of Sitka and a theatrical performance, a nature walk and a visit to Alaska SeaLife Center. Celebrity Cruises offers trips to Alaska ranging from six to 13 nights at various price points. You can choose from itineraries that sail to Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Denali National Park and Preserve and other areas of Alaska. No matter which itinerary you choose, you’ll be able to experience the scenery, wildlife and culture of the 49th state.

Holland America's award-winning shore excursions, you’ll make unforgettable memories, from kayaking among shimmering icebergs to reeling in a massive halibut. Back on board, immerse yourself in all things Alaska with naturalist programming, Port to Table cooking demonstrations and tastings, and captivating EXC Talks® on whales, the Iditarod and more. Sail from Vancouver to ports of call including Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Enjoy Glacier Bay National Park and College Fjord before sailing on to Whittier, and Denali, with a stay at Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge.

General Princess Plus Terms (applicable to all portions of Princess Plus [“PP”]) – Available to legal residents of the 50 U.S./ DC, Canada, and Puerto Rico. One guest’s participation in PP may be dependent on the other guest in his/her stateroom’s participation, as determined by booking method. PP and its parts are non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash and may not be combinable with other offers. Drinks, Wi-Fi, and Crew Incentive are not applicable to land portion of cruisetours, and expires at the end of each cruise.

Enjoy comfortable accommodations and dining options, an expansive Great Room and unbelievable views at every turn. Only Princess Alaska cruisetours offer Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service that takes you from your ship through the heart of Alaska to Denali-area wilderness lodges. After breakfast, you'll make the return journey along the 92-mile Denali Park Road back to the National Park entrance. As with your inbound journey, the large windows and impressive height of the bus offer the perfect viewing platform as you meander through the Park's wilderness. Our experienced driver guides and wildlife spotters will stop the bus whenever an animal or view of Denali comes into range. In the early afternoon, board the Wilderness Express train and settle into your reclining seat with its 360° views through the full-length curved glass dome.

As a part of your Alaska cruise tour, spend three nights on land at Princess Wilderness Lodges located riverside near legendary national parks. Holland America Line offers a wide range of Alaska shore excursions. These include a crab fishermen tour aboard a ship featured on the hit TV show Deadliest Catch, a visit to a native village, and a dog-sledding and glacier-viewing adventure via helicopter. Whether your travel goals include learning about the local culture, immersing yourself in the Alaskan wilderness, or going on thrilling adventures, there are excursion options available for every type of traveler. This morning's scenic journey takes you around the eastern end of the Turnagain Arm, the site of one of the world's most impressive bore tides. Continuing southward, we'll make our way over the Turnagain Pass, driving through the spectacular Chugach Mountains and the 6-million-acre National Forest that was established more than a century ago.

Being able to relax on your own private balcony and take in the sights is a wonderful convenience. While odds are you won’t be sunning yourself in your bathing suit, a little bundling up is all you need to keep the experience enjoyable. And if the weather changes, it’s so much easier to duck inside your stateroom to grab a jacket rather than hike back and forth to your room from the decks above. Another benefit is that balconies are covered and even in a light rain you can still savor the view.

7-day Alaskan Inside Passage Cruise with Holland America Line AAA Northeast

aaa alaska cruise

Each hotel guest room is comfortably appointed with two double beds, two queen beds, or one king bed, television, and complimentary wifi -- just in case you want to catch up with the outside world. Princess' premier accommodations far outshine average Alaska hotels! You haven’t fully experienced Alaska unless you’ve been to Denali National Park. Its boundaries encompass an impressive six million acres — the size of the state of Massachusetts. Home to Denali, North America’s highest peak towers an unbelievable 20,310 feet in the sky.

Questions About Alaska Cruises?

Whether you’re looking for short Alaska cruises from Seattle or ones that are over a week long, AAA has numerous cruise options for you to choose from — each one capable of delivering memories that will last a lifetime. As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours. Whether you're interested in whale-watching, seeing majestic glaciers or exploring Tongass National Park, there’s plenty of itineraries to choose from. Sailing on an Alaskan cruise with Oceania Cruise Line is a one-of-a-kind experience.

aaa alaska cruise

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If that weren't enough, there's equally impressive Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord also on the itinerary. Shore excursions are a huge part of the Alaska cruise experience, but they are a little more expensive than excursions in the Caribbean, for example. Budget a little extra for these bucket-list experiences, from helicopter rides over glaciers to dog-sledding. Consider options like whale watching in Juneau, taking a jeep tour in the Yukon, or enjoying a scenic ride aboard the White Pass train. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Digital TourBook

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. Please contact one of our travel agents with any questions you may have about our Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle.

Alaska: America's Last Frontier

For up-close views of Alaska's wildlife and wilderness, binoculars are a big plus. When scheduling your cruise, it’s important to consider a few key factors and what's most important to you. The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, with July and August being the most popular months. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars.

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Among the most common shore excursions are hiking and biking trips along with rafting, canoeing and whale-watch adventures. Cruisers can experience indigenous culture during visits to places like Saxman Village in Ketchikan, known for its outstanding collection of totem poles. Another unforgettable outing favored by sporty types is salmon fishing followed by the chef aboard ship preparing the day’s catch for dinner that night. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget.

Best Alaska cruise lines

Cruise the Sternwheeler Discovery and encounter Alaska's diverse culture and rich history. Ride a luxury domed railcar from Denali to Talkeetna, soak in views of the incredible landscapes from glass-ceiling railcars and open-air observation platforms as guides provide expert commentary. Travel deep into Denali National Park for the best opportunities to view the region's wildlife. Cruise through Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage, taking in rugged natural wonders.

Cruise through Glacier Bay, a spectacular national park and preserve that is a treasure trove of tidewater glaciers and scenic coastal islands. Its rich world of marine life and large concentration of tidewater glaciers is Alaska at its best. Traverse the Pacific coast by land and sea aboard one of Holland America Cruise Lines' lovely ships on a breathtaking journey that takes you from Alaska to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Benefits of Doing an Alaska Cruise From Seattle

However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. Take full advantage of all the amenities that accompany a cruise with Royal Caribbean International. Visit the Bionic Bar to get a custom cocktail prepared by friendly robots or enjoy a five-course meal at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.

Labor Day travel is up. Here's where travelers are going and when - USA TODAY

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Posted: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Florida Leads as the Premier Destination in AAA's Spring Break Travel Trends - positivelyosceola.com

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AAA Members also receive up to $235 onboard credit, reduced deposits, and shore excursion credits. Amenities you will find on board the ship include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, The Nordic Spa, restaurants and more. On board, a Viking Resident Historian will also provide informative lectures on topics ranging from glaciers to the indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest.

Canada's third-largest city, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan place with a European feel and a personality all its own. It's a community with a rich ethnic mix - including the second-largest Chinatown in North America - and stunningly beautiful parks. Whittier, approximately 65 miles southeast of Anchorage, lies nestled at the base of the Chugach Mountains bordering Passage Canal. Established as a World War II port for cargo and troops of the Alaska Command, Whittier remained activated until 1960. Today, Whittier's economy and its 290 residents rely largely on the fishing industry, the port and, increasingly, on tourism. For more information about types of cruise lines, talk to your AAA Travel Counselor or read Best Cruise Lines for Kids and Families.

On arrival in Talkeetna, you'll be escorted to our outstanding lodge. Set on a ridge just above this small community, it offers majestic views of Denali. This evening, you can explore the quaint town of Talkeetna at your own pace or just enjoy the ambience of our lodge, with its curated collection of Native art. Princess is one of a select few cruise lines permitted to cruise the pristine waters of Glacier Bay, the highlight of our 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise.

Taking a break from sightseeing, today's lunch features this locally-sourced, farm-to-table bounty. Continue along the Seward Highway, celebrated for spectacular views as it hugs the shoreline between the Chugach Mountains and the waters of the Turnagain Arm. The evening is free and we provide a ticket for the Alyeska Aerial Tram. Departing right from the hotel, the ride up to the 2,300-foot peak of Mt. Alyeska offers sweeping views in all directions. Many large cruise lines offer Alaska cruises, including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCEL), Disney, and Holland America. Smaller ships, like Silversea Cruises, provide a more intimate experience.

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