Imagine sitting on your private veranda, wrapped up in a warm blanket, sipping hot cocoa, watching humpback whales, orcas and bald eagles drift past. That is a regular day cruising in Alaska.
From the smell of the fresh, crisp glacier air, to the unique taste of local cuisine every day provides countless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and luxury.
There are four main elements that we believe make cruising in Alaska a life-changing experience
Scenery
There is jaw-dropping scenery is around every corner in Alaska.
Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Glacier Bay National Park, you will have the opportunity to see the largest active calving glacier in the world. When a piece of ice breaks off the calving glacier and plunges into the ocean, it is a sight and sound that you will never wish to forget.
The pristine Kenai Fjords is also a rare spectacle, cruising through the fjords you will spot ice walls, glaciers, and snowy mountain peaks. This remarkable passage gives passengers a unique perspective on the beautiful, biodiverse turquoise waters that surround Alaska.
Besides the spectacular glaciers, there is plenty more ‘must see’ scenery along the way. Alaska is also home to various of wildlife species including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, bald eagles, elk, and moose.
Cuisine
Holland America, Princess, and Oceania Cruises all provide authentic cuisine, unique to the area of travel as a selection onboard, among many other traditional favourites. When travelling throughout Alaska, you have the opportunity to explore at each port. The warm, welcoming culture of Alaska has a rich cultural history dating back to the Gold Rush, and there is plenty of delicious cuisines to try.
Some of our favourites include salmon in every way possible (smoked, cured, jerky, candy and grilled), fresh Dungeness crab, bear, moose and if you are feeling a bit adventurous, the famous reindeer dog is actually a very tasty treat. Everything is fresh, local and bursting with flavour.
Adventure
Exhilarating adventure is not hard to find. If you prefer to stay on the ocean, try the energizing jet-powered catamaran to further explore the Fjords or world-class salmon and halibut fishing with local fishing experts.
If you prefer to stay on land, there are lots of other adventure excursions including dog sledding, Gold Rush tours, cultural arts, cooking classes and wildlife tours.
Whatever kind of adventure you seek, Alaska has the landscape to get you there.
Luxury
One shouldn’t talk about an Alaskan cruise without mentioning luxury. With a variety of staterooms available, guests can opt to have floor to ceiling windows, private verandas, in houses spa services and personalized service.
I’m not sure there is anything more decadent than having a warm aromatherapy stone massage while watching the world’s biggest glaciers pass by or, enjoying onboard yoga surrounded by snow capped mountains and ice walls.
Princess Cruises has been voted ‘Best Cruise Ship Spa’ by Spafinder Wellness 365 and #1 ‘Cruise in Alaska’ by Travel Weekly for 9 consecutive years. Their Lotus Spa features a number of treatments including my favourite the detoxifying ocean wrap, the perfect way to end an epic day in Alaska.
Cruising Alaska is a revitalizing experience for all five senses.
After a cruise to Alaska, you will feel balanced, whole and awestruck by its natural wonder. If you have any further questions about Alaska or other cruise routes, our travel specialists would be happy to help.