Alaska is the Natural Wonder of the World
Travelers from all over the world have Alaska as one of the most popular destinations on their bucket list. The reason why, simply put, the scenery in Alaska is beyond comparison to anywhere else in the world. Experience amazing wildlife in some of the most remote and rugged terrain around while snow-capped mountains line the horizon as far as the eye can see. Rolling green hills are met by tropical flats in the summertime, and otherwise winter wonderland. The 49th state also features many exciting cruise ports with a wide range of activities for everyone. Cruise itineraries offer various ports with a plethora of different ships to choose from. Read on for a slight glimpse as to why I call Alaska home.
Cruise ships typically sail Alaska starting in May until September. However, each season brings a completely different experience to the last frontier. March is my favorite month for weather since there are typically more clear weather days, and the temperature is starting to warm up. Almost all the snow is gone in the summertime and the landscape transforms into a tropical jungle featuring bugs, mosquitoes, and birds just like you would find in the tropics. Also, most of Alaska experiences twenty-four-hour daylight as well. Sometime in October, the first snow starts to fall, and temperatures get cool and crisp. I love the city and holiday lights in the wintertime, and it is also prime time to experience the aurora borealis (northern lights) since nighttime prevails most of the day.
Visit Southeast Alaska
The inside passage is the most popular to cruise, and a great way to sample Alaska. Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka are among some of the most visited ports. Some itineraries feature other gems such as Haines and Icy Strait Point. Each itinerary features majestic glacier viewing for an opportunity to observe first-hand gigantic rivers of ice that move downhill.
Speaking of glaciers, why not open Alaska with a voyage of the glaciers cruise tour. These itineraries stop at many ports in southeast Alaska, and then continue north with overnight stays in luxurious land-based wilderness lodges that allow you to experience much more of Alaska; including Denali National Park. The land-tour by train features panoramic windows to take in everything!
Anchorage and Fairbanks Alaska
Experience Alaska’s biggest cities! While there aren’t any cruise ports in either of these metropolis locales, you don’t want to miss these popular destinations. They both feature a variety of cuisine and breweries, with a plenty of activities and seasonal events. Anchorage is the most populated, and has that big city feel, while Fairbanks has more of a college town vibe, and a day river boat cruise.
Wildlife sanctuaries and farms are some of the best places to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife all in one place. There are several in and around the Anchorage area including the Alaska zoo, and a sea life center in Seward.
North Pole is adjacent to Fairbanks featuring year-round Christmas decorations and home to the Santa Claus house. Not only can you meet Santa Claus in person, but also his reindeer as well.
North to the Arctic Circle and Beyond
The Alaska tour is not complete with a visit above the Arctic Circle, and up to the Arctic Ocean. This can either be accomplished by air, ground tour, or a combination of both. Experience the unforgiving terrain as seen on popular trucker and wilderness TV shows. Bears, caribou, moose, and a variety of other wildlife inhabit the region as well. Anytime of year, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the wintertime is best to look for the northern lights. The Arctic Circle in Alaska is a pinnacle bucket list item not to be missed!
Looking for Off the Beaten Path?
Alaska is sprinkled with native villages, each with unique heritage and culture. Some villages are accessible by roads, while most can be visited by boat or air. Many people are surprised to find out that there are sand dunes in Alaska just like you would find in the Sahara Desert.
Whatever adventure you’re looking for, Alaska is certainly the key destination to find it. If it’s just a romantic getaway, or crossing some things off the bucket list, Alaska won’t disappoint.
