Unique Alaska Experiences You Can Only Have on a Cruise
Alaska’s glaciers, fjords, and wildlife make it feel like a completely different world. From towering ice walls to rugged coastlines teeming with life, this destination is unlike any other.
While most travelers choose to explore by land, a cruise offers an entirely unique perspective and experience. It’s one of the best ways to see Alaska at its most spectacular.
Glacier Gazing
Nothing compares to the sight and sound of a glacier calving, where massive chunks of ice break off and crash into the ocean. On a cruise, you’re right there in the front row, watching nature’s raw power unfold.
Only from the water can you truly grasp the sheer scale of these glaciers and potentially witness this natural phenomenon closer than most people ever would.
Ships sailing through Glacier Bay National Park or past the Hubbard Glacier often linger longer, giving you time to enjoy these epic views and snap some photos.
Wildlife Spotting
Another one of the joys of embarking on an Alaskan cruise is the chance to spot some unique wildlife. If this interests you, don’t forget to pack some binoculars before boarding.
From the deck, you’ll have a good chance of spotting humpback whales, orcas, and even colonies of sea lions. Overhead, it’s not uncommon to see bald eagles, while along the cliffs, there are often puffins and other seabirds nesting.
Unlike land excursions, wildlife encounters mostly depend on timing and the terrain, but when you’re on the ocean, anything can happen.
Best of all, you can enjoy these moments with a warm drink in one hand and your camera in the other, ready to capture the action.
Remote Ports and Villages
Alaska is a bucket-list destination for a reason, and one of the best ways to truly experience everything it offers is to visit the ports that few people ever reach.
Many villages are only accessible by boat or plane, so a cruise is one of the most convenient ways to reach them.
Sitka, Skagway, and Ketchikan are just a few of the smaller towns you could get to see. You might catch Native Alaskan performances, watch artisans carve totem poles, or dive into the region’s gold rush past through local museums and historic sites.
Scenic Fjord Cruises
Sailing through Alaska’s fjords is an experience that’s almost exclusively reserved for cruise passengers, and it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
The Inside Passage and Tracy Arm Fjord are two of the top picks as they have the best mix of granite cliffs, waterfalls, and a bit of forest in between.
These fjord journeys let you immerse yourself in Alaska’s untouched wilderness without ever leaving the ship. And when the ship’s engines quiet down, the silence is something you have to experience to believe.
The Onboard Highlights
There’s plenty to see once you step out on the deck, but the onboard experience is just as memorable.
Many cruise lines offer Alaskan-themed activities such as salmon bakes, craft markets, and educational talks led by experts, giving you the complete Alaskan experience.
Some even host ranger-led programs, so that you can get the inside scoop on all things Alaska as you cruise along through the fjords and national parks.
Experiencing Alaska By Sea
It’s easy to think that you need to step onto land to have a fulfilling vacation, but this isn’t necessarily the case. A cruise ship has everything you need on board, and when you’re traveling to a spot like Alaska, the destination does the rest. Plus, who wouldn’t want to wake up to a new view every day without constantly packing and planning?
