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