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What You’ll See on an Alaska Cruise
Written by Sabina Sobczak
Combining landscapes bursting with towering fjords, extraordinary wildlife and vast glacier-filled bays, an Alaska cruise promises a journey into the extraordinary.
Breathtakingly still waters, charming heritage towns and easily accessible glaciers: Alaska is the perfect playground for nature-lovers and travellers eager to venture off the beaten path, and a cruise is the perfect way to soak up the region’s beauty. Breathe in the crisp Arctic air as you glide through untamed waters, and keep an eye out for grizzly bears, whales and northern lights along the way.
Read on to find out exactly what to expect from an Alaska cruise.
Glacial wonders
Prepare yourself to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays of power and beauty as you sail icy waters and marvel at the ice formations towering above you. The thunderous sound of calving glaciers – chunks of ice breaking off and plunging into the ocean – as you sip on a hot chocolate on deck makes for a surreal experience. When passing through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Glacier Bay, keep an eye out for the strikingly powder blue Margerie Glacier, or the massive Johns Hopkins Glacier, set dramatically against a backdrop of rugged mountains. A cruise ship makes for the ideal viewing deck as you sail past some of the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
Captivating wildlife
Despite being home to extreme environments and climates, Alaska is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Spot frolicking humpback whales and orcas as you pass through the remarkable Inside Passage (home to over a thousand islands), brown and black bears ambling in the wilderness, and bald eagles, puffins and kittiwakes soaring high above. If you’re lucky, you might sight wild moose while you’re off the boat, or sea lions basking on ice floes or swimming close to the ship. Dolphins and dall’s porpoises are often seen riding the bow waves of ships, while sea otters leisurely float on their backs in the water, instinctively reducing heat loss. The best time to spot wildlife on an Alaska cruise is from May to September – local fauna are at their most active during the summer – so pick a date, grab your binoculars and watch like a hawk.
Quaint towns
With rugged landscapes and crystalline waters as a backdrop, Alaska’s coastal towns and cities are overflowing with charm. Sitka’s Russian heritage, indigenous Tlingit influences and incredible setting – backdropped by the awe-inspiring Three Sisters Mountain ranges – will leave you in awe. Juneau captivates with striking glaciers and unrivalled whale-watching opportunities, while Skagway enchants visitors with meticulously preserved 19th-century architecture, remnants of the town’s colourful gold-rush years. Artisanal shops, vibrant cafes and a variety of restaurants line the streets of many of Alaska’s towns, with fresh seafood taking centre stage – don’t miss a chance to try local-catch salmon, halibut and king crab.
Mountains and fjords
The extraordinary scenery that unfolds around you on an Alaska cruise is one of the highlights of this journey, and your ship offers front-row seats along the way. Included in many itineraries, the Inside Passage is a network of fjords and channels surrounded by soaring mountains and dense forests, adding a dramatic backdrop to your dream cruise. Tracy Arm Fjord is particularly impressive, with steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the twin Sawyer Glaciers stealing the spotlight. These natural gems are guaranteed to leave you speechless as you sail the narrow, glacier-carved waterways.
Northern lights
For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, keep your eyes peeled for the famed aurora borealis. If you sail at the right time, with the right weather conditions – typically from late September to early April – you may be lucky enough to see this spectacular phenomenon, particularly the closer you get to the Arctic Circle. Clear skies and dark nights are key for best visibility, so aim for these months to increase your chances. As the starry sky is illuminated with vivid streaks of green, pink and purple, it’s impossible not to be left breathless.
Cultural treasures
As you navigate through Alaska’s icy waters and take in unique natural wonders along the way, you’ll be presented with the perfect opportunity to dive deep into Alaska Native culture and history. Totem poles in Ketchikan and Sitka showcase the rich artistry and historical narratives of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian peoples, while cultural shows and landmarks provide insight into tradition and heritage. In Sitka, catch Tlingit dance performances reflecting historical events and cultural tales; in Skagway, explore the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which preserves the history of the gold rush era and its impact on Native and settler communities.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Which Cruise Line is the Best for You.
