Alaska is like few places on earth. Wild, rugged, scenic, and abundant with wildlife, it is a paradise. We cruised southbound from Anchorage to Vancouver. However, these Alaska cruise tips apply equally to northbound cruises, or those that loop. Alaska Cruise Tips: Planning 1. Plan early. More than other destinations, Alaska cruises tend to book …
Alaska
Ketchikan Shore Excursions: Our Favorite Things to Do in Ketchikan Alaska
The Ketchikan Alaska cruise port is a stop for nearly every ship sailing the inside passage. Generally the first port for on northbound cruises heading to Anchorage, Ketchikan serves as an introduction to the rugged Alaskan frontier for many visitors. A quick glance at the ship’s Ketchikan shore excursions and it is clear that visitors …
Adventure and Other Things to do in Denali Alaska
Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscape on the planet, our biggest decision at Denali National Park was what to do first. Did we want to be active and adventurous, passive and observant, or something in the middle? Like everywhere we went in Alaska, there are so many things to do in Denali National …
Juneau whale watching, glaciers or other shore tours
Juneau Alaska is the largest US capital city by area, yet it’s also the only US capital not accessible by a road. It’s a metropolitan city surrounded by the rugged wilderness that makes Alaska famous. While Juneau whale watching topped my list, there are plenty of other things to do in Juneau for nature lovers, …
15 Free Things to do in Skagway Alaska: Excursions and Alternatives
Skagway is on the itinerary of just about every cruise ship sailing Alaska’s interior passage. Ours was no exception. There are more things to do in Skagway than hours ashore in this former gold rush town. The options range from expensive Skagway Alaska excursions to free tours, hikes and other mini adventures. Skagway excursions: Popular …
Driving Anchorage to Whittier to Cruise Alaska’s Interior Passage
Traveling slowly from Anchorage to Whittier allowed us time to explore the region and spot some native Alaskan animals. We couldn’t get enough of Alaska, and wish we had allowed ourselves more than a week in this rugged state before heading off on our Alaska cruise. As we quickly discovered, there is not an Anchorage …
Hiking Savage River Trail in Denali National Park, Alaska
The name Savage River is deceptive. Rather than a wildly cascading raging river, we found a bubbling stream inside Alaska’s Denali National Park. The river was named for Tom Savage. The park is one of nature’s masterpieces painted across six million acres of wild land. Private vehicles can only access the first 15 miles of …
Panoramic Views as we Ride the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage
As Alaska celebrates the 100th anniversary of Denali National Park, we couldn’t help reminiscing. While Denali is spectacular in its own right, one of our Alaska highlights was the 7-hour train travel from Denali to Anchorage. We rode the Denali Star in both directions. The weather was nicer on the way back, but unfortunately, the …
Hubbard Glacier, Floating Ice, and Other Alaska Cruise Ports
We stood in silent awe as we admired the massive Hubbard Glacier reaching up 350 feet in front of us (with another 250 feet below the waterline). Our Alaskan cruise ship got in close enough to see the ridges and details of the largest calving glacier in North America. In truth, we only saw a …
Icy Strait Point: Whale Watching or Bear Search at this Alaska Cruise Port
We were ready for an outdoor adventure as our Alaska cruise ship entered the inside passage and we sailed into port at Icy Strait Point. Presented with two fantastic options, we knew we couldn’t go wrong. Did we want to enjoy some Icy Strait Point whale watching or head inland for some bear viewing Alaska …
Alaska Native Heritage Center, A Must See in Anchorage
As soon as we walked into the Alaska Native Heritage Center, we knew it was somewhere special. We could see the “Gathering Place” or main stage with the athletes performing, competing and preparing for the upcoming World Eskimo Indian Olympic games. The youth, all Alaskan Natives, demonstrated several of the sports, including the One Foot …
Anchorage Museum – A Great Introduction To This Magnificent State
A few hours at the Anchorage Museum and we quickly discovered that Alaska is much more than the awe-inspiring grandeur of its scenery and the immense array of wildlife. It’s home to people with stories of discovery and hardship, struggle and success, of economy, culture, and wonder. As we continue our travels around the world, …
