Exploring Alaska (Part One)

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Alaska is a big state and there is more than one way to explore!  In fact, there are three different types of cruise vacations to Alaska and they are; round trip cruise, one-way cruise, and a cruise-tour.  They all visit similar ports and do many of the same things but there are distinct differences.  So before you can start exploring you need to figure out how you want to explore this treasure of a state.

The round trip cruise is more like the traditional cruises you are used to.  Th cruise will depart from and return to the same port.  For Alaska, most of these round trip cruises will leave out of American ports.  They will generally have similar itineraries to each other regardless of the cruise line you choose.  Main ports of call for the round trip cruise include Skagway, Juneau, Tracy Arm, and Victoria.  Some cruise lines will visit some other ports including Sitka and Glacier Bay; however, the basic itinerary sticks to the main ports of call.

The one-way cruise is a less traditional cruise but has its merits as well.  For Alaska, this type of cruise allows the traveler to explore more of Alaska and its beauties but can be a little more difficult to plan because you leave from one port city and return from a different port city.  Alaska has two basic one-way cruises; Northbound and Southbound.  Most of the northbound itineraries will depart out of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and the Southbound itineraries will depart out of either Seward or Whittier Alaska.  These are itineraries are desirable for their inside passage sailing route.  The inside passage is not only beautiful but also somewhat protected from the rougher waters.  Depending on the weather it is possible to sail the inside passage and have calm water the entire time.  Not always true outside of the passage where the sea can become quite rough especially during inclement weather.  By going one-way you get a couple more ports like Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and/or College Fjord.  These stops all have great merit and are worth the travel inconvenience of not returning to the same port that you departed from.

The cruise-tour option is by far the best option, but due to time, expense, and the number of guests that can be accommodated, it is the road less traveled.  If traveling northbound you would depart your ship and board a train that carries you to Denali National Park and Preserve and other amazing places in the interior of Alaska.  This option adds anywhere from 2 to 6 days to your vacation but allows you to see parts of Alaska that is often missed.  The interior of Alaska is truly a wonderful place to visit and is rich with history as well as beauty.  Some of the sites you will miss if you only take the cruise are; Fairbanks and its history with the Athabascan culture, the gold rush and current mining, and the Alaskan oil pipeline.  You would also miss Denali National Park and Preserve.  This beautiful national park is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire!  Alaska’s interior is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.  As always, consult your travel agent to help you navigate the many options available for a trip to Alaska