Alaska Cruises

Alaska is America's last great true frontier, an unspoiled wilderness of glimmering glaciers, abundant forests, towering mountains, exotic wildlife, and waterfront communities. It is a part of the world that could take months, if not years, to thoroughly explore. However cruising Alaska offers travellers the comfort and convenience to see many of the top sights of this beautiful American state in one all-inclusive package.

There are plenty of Alaskan cruise options to choose from. However, it is important to book quickly as the cruising season is short (from May to September) and the demand is high. Although July and August are the warmest months to experience this Alaska, as most cruising experts would agree, autumn and spring are the most fun, the most beautiful seasons to travel – and the savings are the best!

Your Alaskan cruise options include roundtrips that usually begin and end at the same port of call. Typically these Alaska cruises are around seven nights and depart from and return to Seattle or Vancouver. These cruises are very popular with travellers who are on a budget or have time constraints.

Unlike roundtrip cruises, northbound or southbound one way cruises do not repeat their route by doing a U-turn back to the original departure port. These cruises are one way itineraries that sail from north to south or the other way round and allow you to spend more days in Alaska ports or National Glacier Parks at Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. These sailings are nearly all between Vancouver at one end, and Seward or Whittier at the other. They are ideal for travellers who want to maximise glacier viewing and time on land.

Both roundtrip and one way cruises nearly always call at Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with some rarer alternatives for Haines, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and/or Sitka.

For those seeking a more adventurous and intimate exploration of off-the-beaten track waterways, narrow channels and tiny ports that passengers on large ships will never see, there are small ship expedition-style cruises. There are also luxury cruise options where you can watch eagles perform aerial acrobatics or a pod of playful whales swim by as you're eating breakfast on your private balcony.

Nearly every major cruise liner sails to Alaska, with most of them adding more ships and itineraries to this route given its popularity.

Among the family friendly cruise lines that sail to Alaska are Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line – all offering a wide range of activities on board to keep both the kids and adults happy. Those travelling with teenagers or as a couple may enjoy the premium cruise lines that offer a sophisticated ambiance along with an array of entertainment options. Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises are ideal for this style cruising.

Those seeking luxury from their Alaskan cruise travels will enjoy sailing with Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. When not in port, relax in the opulent settings of your vessel with gourmet meals and other indulgent touches.

Whichever cruise ship and itinerary you decide is right for you to cruise Alaska, remember to keep your camera with you at all times – you never know when you may just be passing by a deck and see a wild animal or perfect photo opportunity.

To book your cruise call us today on 0800 400 450 or email: info@letscruise.co.nz