Gulf Of Alaska Cruise

Gulf Of Alaska Highlights

The Gulf of Alaska is home to several unique cities, many incredible land formations, and some of America's most interesting history. From the highest peak in North America to the continent's largest glaciers, a Gulf of Alaska cruise will stimulate your senses like no other experience on Earth.

Gulf Of Alaska Ports Of Call

Gulf of Alaska cruises (also known as Alaska Glacier cruises) tend to sail one-way, so plan on flying into (or out of) either Anchorage or Vancouver.

Popular Gulf of Alaska cruise destinations include:

Anchorage: The best-known city in Alaska, Anchorage is a perfect combination of commercial attractions and natural beauty.

Fairbanks: Nicknamed the "Golden Heart of Alaska," the state's second-largest city became famous once gold was struck there in 1902. Because it's situated less than 200 miles below the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks experiences unusually long summer days (21 hours of sunlight).

Glacier Bay: This Alaskan National Park and Preserve is home to the planet's highest concentration of tidewater glaciers. When it comes to "calving," these glaciers are the most active in the world.

Juneau: The capital of Alaska is also its third-most populated city.

Haines: A quaint town located in Southeastern Alaska. Not all cruises stop here, but ferries traveling to and from Skagway – which are the fastest in the world – are available.

Ketchikan: Nicknamed the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is home to Creek Street, quite possibly the most photographed street on the planet. It's also home to the largest collection of totem poles in the Northwest.

Seward: One of the state's oldest settlements, Seward is the point of departure for many southbound Alaska cruises.

Sitka: The former "Russian Capital of North America," Sitka is the only city in Southeast Alaska that's located on the Pacific Ocean.

Skagway: The "Garden City of Alaska" became a popular destination during the 19th century's Alaskan Gold Rush. Many historic buildings have been restored to help recreate the look of the city during its heyday.

Vancouver, British Columbia: This Canadian city is a popular point of departure for many Alaskan and Pacific Coast cruises. One of Vancouver's most famous attractions is the Seawall, a magnificent pathway that stretches for over 13 miles.

Whittier: This small Alaskan port is located near Anchorage and is often used as a substitute for Seward's more distant port of call.

Gulf Of Alaska Activities & Attractions

Anchorage Sites: Highlights include the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Imaginarium Science Center, and Resolution Park.

Anchorage Excursions: Options include flight tours, glacier cruises, and bear or whale watching.

Begich Towers: The entire town of Whittier is essentially one fourteen-story building that houses apartments, a grocery store, and a medical clinic.

Denali National Park: This 6-million acre park, located north of Anchorage, is home to Mt. McKinley, the highest point of elevation in North America.

Denali National Park Golf: A 9-hole golf course is also part of this famous Alaskan park.

Denali National Park Activities: Options include camping, day hiking, dog kennel tours, helicopter tours, mountain climbing, sightseeing, the Tundra Wilderness Tour, the Denali National Park History Tour, and white water rafting.

Fairbanks Attractions: Highlights include Alaskaland Pioneer Park (a theme park), the El Dorado Gold Mine, and live entertainment at the Malemute Saloon.

Fairbanks Excursions: Choose from cultural tours, flight tours, guided river tours, mining tours, and Sternwheeler Riverboat Discovery rides.

Glacier Bay Sites: Highlights include Tarr Inlet, Johns Hopkins Inlet, and the Takhinsha Mountains.

Haines Activities: Options include museums, biking, sightseeing, and historic Fort Seward.

Haines Golf: Tee off at Valley of the Eagles Golf Links.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: Live entertainment/events. Available in Ketchikan.

Juneau Attractions: Highlights include Mount Roberts Tramway, the Red Dog Saloon, the Alaska State Museum, the Gastineau Salmon Hatchery, the Governor's Mansion, the Alaska Gastineau Mill, and the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center.

Juneau Excursions: Choices include helicopter tours, flight tours, sport fishing, glacier hiking, kayaking, panning for gold, goldmine tours, canoeing, white water rafting and whale watching.

Ketchikan Attractions: Activities include self-guided hiking, biking, sport fishing, whale watching, cultural tours, semi-submersible boat trips, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Ketchikan Excursions: Options include hiking (Deer Mountain), deep sea fishing, fly fishing, Misty Fjords flight tours, cultural performances, jet boat tours, snorkeling, narrated helicopter tours, motorcycle tours, forest hiking, canopy tours, mountain biking and kayaking.

Ketchikan Shopping: Shops are available on Creek Street and Stedman Street.

Sitka Attractions: Highlights include the Alaska Raptor Center, St. Michael's Cathedral, the Russian Bishop's House, totem poles, Sitka National Historical Park & Visitor Center, Tlingit Fort, Tlingit Clan House, Sitka Pioneers' Home, the Baranof Castle ruins, Castle Hill, Eagle Flight Center, Whale Park, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

Seward Activities: Options include hiking, fishing, kayaking, the Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise, the Resurrection Bay Wildlife cruise, and whale watching.

Seward Attractions: Attractions include the Alaska SeaLife Center, Chugah National Forest (America's northernmost national park), Exit Glacier, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Skagway Excursions: Options include historic walking tours, canoeing, flight tours, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, helicopter tours, nature hikes, biking tours, streetcar tours, and the chance to pan for gold.

Vancouver Shopping: Great shopping opportunities are available at the Pacific Centre and the Sinclair Centre, as well as along Robson Street and Granville Street.

Vancouver Attractions: Highlights include False Creek, the BC Sports Hall Of Fame Museum, Queen Elizabeth Park, the Museum of Anthropology, Capilano Canyon, the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Lonsdale Quay, historical Gastown, Chinatown, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Yaletown, Coal Harbour's waterfront area, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Grouse Mountain, and the Steveston fishing village.

Vancouver Excursions: Choices include gondola rides, biking, hiking, kayaking, city tours, and the Grouse Mountain Skyride.

Victoria Activities: Options include "high tea," daytime walking tours, lantern-lit walking tours, vineyard tours, scooter tours, biking, kayaking, and canoeing.

Whittier Activities: Travel into town via the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, then choose from fishing expeditions, glacier adventures, kayaking excursions, and boat tours.

When To Visit Alaska

Unlike popular cruise destinations located south of the continental United States, Alaska does not enjoy pleasant weather year-round. May is generally considered to be Alaska's driest month, while the region's warmer months – April through September – are considered the peak season for Alaska cruise travel. The weather can be quite unpredictable, so pack for both warm and cool temperatures. Raingear is also recommended when you're packing for an Alaskan cruise.