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Category: Alaska (page 1 of 1)

husky dog sled cart ride Juneau
We raced through the forest thanks to the speed of Alaskan huskies.
October 17, 2020 / 0 Comments

Choose an Unforgettable Alaska Sled Dog Excursion

Dogs Lovers will love a Sled Dog Excursion!

A sled dog excursion on your Alaska cruise will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. Next to seeing whales, it’s my favorite animal-themed excursion when we cruise!

 

Puppies, Puppies, and more Puppies

I’m a big dog lover, so on each of our Alaska cruises, I’ve prioritized a sled dog excursion. Some I’ve booked through the cruise line, others via private companies. Either way, the excursions were educational, fun, and filled with puppy snuggles.

Are you picturing a  team of blue-eyed Siberian Huskies pulling you across glimmering snow?

Think again.

Here’s why… Read more

Denali National Park snow rainbow
On our Tundra Wilderness Tour in early June it was snowing in the park's interior but not at the lodge. Later the day warmed and brightened to give us this rainbow.
September 28, 2020 / 0 Comments

The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Alaska’s Denali National Park

Showcase of Alaska’s Interior

The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park is my favorite part of our Alaska cruisetour experience.  Read on for why you should include it in your cruisetour itinerary.

I also highlight:

  • how many nights you should stay in Denali National Park
  • the five animals you’ll be searching to see
  • the two most striking geological features
  • what to bring
  • what to wear

Read more

2016 Skagway White Pass & Yukon Railway railroad stream
The White Pass & Yukon Railway winds through forests and past rushing streams. We caught this great view of it while on our van tour into the Yukon.
September 16, 2020 / 0 Comments

White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway

The White Pass & Yukon Railway: the star of your Skagway port day

We love to visit Skagway, Alaska, on our Alaskan cruises. Skagway highlights include the Skagway Brewing Company pub, shops featuring Alaskan artisans, and picturesque scenery via a journey on the White Pass & Yukon Railway.

The White Pass & Yukon Railway is a fitting excursion for all ages and will especially appeal to history buffs and photographers. Read more

Ketchikan Totem Bight State Park clan housee
Many families shared the clan house, and their accommodations were much more spacious than the four of us sharing a verandah stateroom!
September 6, 2020 / 0 Comments

How to Choose Excursions in Alaska Cruise Ports

What are the best ports and excursions in Alaska? And how do I see them all?

“I want to see everything I can since I won’t ever get back to Alaska again,” I anxiously thought while planning our first Alaskan cruise. I felt overwhelmed with trying to figure out which excursions in Alaska to choose in each port: Read more

Yukon Territory British Columbia from Skagway
The bus stopped for a photo opp as we made our way from Alaska into the Yukon Territory, British Columbia.
December 10, 2018 / 2 Comments

Excursion to the Yukon Territory from Skagway

A Delightful Day in the Yukon Territory

On our most recent Alaskan cruise, we elevated our Skagway excursion by booking an excellent tour that took us into Canada’s Yukon Territory by bus. Then the bus dropped us off at the train station in Fraser, British Columbia, and we returned back to Skagway via the White Pass & Yukon Railway.

Other than whale watching, our excursion to the Yukon Territory from Skagway is probably my favorite excursion yet on our Alaskan cruises.

Below are three reasons why this excursion to the Yukon Territory from Skagway knocked it out of the ballpark for us. Read more

binoculars Glacier Bay National Park
You'll get good use from binoculars and a camera inside Glacier Bay National Park.
October 29, 2018 / 6 Comments

Visiting Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Glacier Viewing: Updated for the 2021 cruise season

Alaska cruises sail deep into the Inside Passage to get you to a glacier. And Glacier Bay National Park is our favorite place to see one.

You’ll glide across smooth water through fjords and inlets. You’re surrounded by scenic beauty for hours until you reach a towering, mile-wide glacier. It is our favorite way to spend a sea day.

To help you prepare for your own glacier visit, I highlight which cruiselines are visiting Glacier Bay National Park in 2021, what to pack, and which wildlife to look for. Read more

Tundra Wilderness Tour Denali National Park Polychrome Pass
On the Tundra Wilderness Tour, your tour bus eases around the steep curves of Polychrome Pass in the interior of Denali National Park.
October 15, 2018 / 0 Comments

Six Unique Alaska Itineraries for Scenic Beauty

Alaska Itineraries for New or Returning Cruisers

A first-time visit to Alaska can feature some must-see cruise ports and cruisetour features. A return visit to Alaska can delve into lesser-seen locations.

In either case, you’ll enjoy scenic glacier viewing and Alaska itineraries that highlight some of the best the state has to offer.  Read more

Alaskan state flag and American flag
If you're hoping to visit all 50 states, as I am, Alaska is a key bucket list destination!
October 3, 2018 / 2 Comments

How to Save Money when Booking an Alaskan Cruise

Four Tips to Make an Alaskan Cruise Affordable

A cruise to Alaska is on many a bucket list. But it isn’t cheap. Beyond the cost of booking the cruise itself, additional expenses include:

  • flights to/from your embarkation and/or debarkation port(s)
  • excursions
  • on-board spending (drinks, etc.)
  • possible cruisetour days

A cruise to Alaska will probably cost you more than a cruise to the Caribbean. This is especially true if, like me, you live in the eastern US.

Here are four tips to save money when booking your cruise to Alaska: Read more

whale watch Juneau spout
You'll see and hear nearby whales spouting.
April 3, 2017 / 1 Comment

Book your whale watching excursion in Juneau

During our three previous Alaska cruises, we had booked only one of our Juneau whale watching excursions through the cruise ship. On that excursion, yes, we saw lots of whales.

But we didn’t enjoy being on a boat with so many others (about 40 people). They rushed to the railings and windows and held up their tablets and cameras, blocking the views of those of us trying to see around them.

Humanity. UGH!

For not much more money per person, we’ve had great nearly private excursions by booking our whale watch excursions with a local company. Read more

Fairbanks cruisetour excursion
We enjoyed a value-added free excursion during our cruisetour to Fairbanks.
December 5, 2016 / 0 Comments

What to do in Fairbanks on your cruisetour

Unless you purchase a pricey excursion to the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is as far north as you’ll travel on most cruisetours in Alaska.

Visiting Fairbanks gave me a whole new appreciation of how cold their winters are. Example: Our busdriver-guide pointed out the grocery store parking lots’ charging stations that keep folks’ car engines warm while they shop.

Otherwise, I found the city itself to be unremarkable (and admittedly, we saw little, so feel free to comment with your Fairbanks favorites).

Instead, the highlight was the value-added free excursion provided by the cruiseline. Read more

anchorage shopping
We met this gang outside of one of the many shops near our Anchorage hotel.
October 22, 2016 / 0 Comments

What to do in Anchorage on a cruise

Visiting Anchorage on a cruise that begins or ends nearby

Most one-way cruises begin or end in Seward or Whittier, which are 2-4 hours from Anchorage. If you are taking a one-way cruise, you may be flying into or out of Anchorage. The good news is that Anchorage provides plenty of opportunities for dining, shopping, and walking.

Here’s a heads-up: your experience in Anchorage may be impacted by whether it is at the beginning or end of your cruise tour. Read on for our experiences, dining recommendations, and considerations.
 Read more

Denali National Park bus
Two of my many favorite things at Denali National Park - the beautiful stonework on the lodges and the national park's tour bus system.
October 3, 2016 / 0 Comments

FAQ: Cruisetours in Alaska

Frequently Asked Questions about cruisetours in the interior of Alaska

Highlights include Denali National Park + Anchorage and/or Fairbanks

 FAQ’s:

What is a cruisetour?

Where will I visit on a cruisetour?

Where will  I board the ship?

Can’t I just drive around Alaska in a rental car?

Can’t I just buy my own train ticket to Denali?

What’s included in the cruisetour price?

What’s not included in the cruisetour price?

Read more

glacier mountain Alaska
Your glacier viewing is nestled in mountains and rolling clouds. Both Holland America and Princess visit Glacier Bay National Park.
September 28, 2016 / 2 Comments

Wondering which cruiseline to use for Alaska?

Most cruiselines travel to Alaska – which to choose?

Most major cruiselines offer cruises (and/our cruisetours) to Alaska. Only five have permission from the National Park Service to enter Glacier Bay National Park: Holland America, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, and Crystal.

To narrow your choices further:

Holland America and Princess have the longest history and most experience in Alaska.

Read more

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