Looking into Alaskan cruises this summer? Despite the growing number of people interested in taking an Alaskan vacation, the cruising patterns have remained relatively unchanged. The most traditional Alaskan cruise is an “Inside Passage” route that takes passengers from Vancouver to southeast Alaska and back in seven nights and eight days, with port calls in two to four towns, which might include Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Juneau, Haines and Skagway, or Glacier Bay National Park. The second type of cruise is the seven-night, one-way “Gulf and Glaciers” route that leaves from Seward or Whittier and tours the inside passage sights, with the addition of Prince William Sound. Thirdly, some cruises are just one-way, seven-night trips between Alaskan towns, such as Juneau and Sitka. Lastly, an expedition voyage can include Aleutian island, sub-Arctic ports and Russian territory as well.

Whether you are saving for Disney World or planning a family vacation with “something for everyone,” it can be quite a feat. However, Alaskan cruises are a no-fail option. Kids as young as pre-schoolers are entertained by the White Pass & Yukon train ride in Skagway, panning for gold and other ship activities aboard Holland America or Carnival cruise lines. Grammar school aged children and teenagers enjoy the more active adventure trips like hiking, dog sledding and glacier viewing. Seniors are never disappointed with the delicious Alaskan king crab and salmon dinners, gorgeous scenery and shows right on the ship. In seven days, you will see so much and experience a lifetime’s worth of memories for a reasonable price.

There are, of course, many other activities that draw people to Alaskan cruises. Some say “Why Alaska? Wouldn’t you rather go somewhere warm like the Bahamas or Hawaii?” For starters, you can’t see glaciers somewhere warm. Sure, they’re cold — but for people who live near the mountains already, nothing compares to mountains of ice that have existed since pre-human times. If Al Gore’s predictions are accurate, these behemoth ice caps may one day disappear. Also, where else can you pan for gold, catch a 4.5-pound salmon, traverse by dogsled or purchase traditional Huna native artwork?

This summer, you can find some great deals on Alaskan cruises if you know where to look! Since so many people flood Europe during the summer, you can find great savings. For instance, Holland America Line offers 7-night premium cruises (with stops in Juneau, the Hubbard Glacier, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria), with prices starting at $699, down from $1,629! Summer is actually a great time to visit Alaska because the bears are out catching spawning salmon, there are many summer festivals, the flowers are in bloom, the days are longer and the weather’s mild.

If you’re looking to book Alaskan cruises, then you can choose a mega-ship like Holland America, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean. Or you may want a mid-size vessel like Regent Seven-Seas Cruises or Silversea Cruises. Smaller vessels include American Safari Cruises (36 passengers), Cruise West (120), Discovery Voyages (20), Majestic America (220), Maple Leaf Adventures, Lindblad Expeditions or The Boat Company.

Alaskan cruises are a great way to get around the 49th state. Cruising.org can point you in the right direction for a cruise in Alaska. Or try the Online Vacation Center at (800) 329-9002, which offers sharp discounts; as low as $699 for a seven-night excursion aboard premium cruise lines like Holland America. To board the ship, you may need to fly to Seattle or Vancouver, although flights are less expensive than flying directly to Anchorage, Alaska.

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Tags: Alaskan cruises, Travel

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