Posted on 3rd Mar, 2026
Unique Exploration: Discover the thrill of Husky Dog Sledding across ancient glaciers and the gold-rush history of Juneau.
Immersive Stays: Learn why swapping a hotel for a Wilderness Lodge offers the ultimate connection to the Alaskan bush.
Iconic Rail: Experience one of the world’s most celebrated rail journeys with the panoramic views of the Rocky Mountaineer.
Alaska is a land of superlatives. As the largest state in the US, covering more than 663,000 square miles, its sheer scale could swallow England ten times over. It is a true wilderness that draws over a million visitors a year, all seeking to experience a world where nature remains the undisputed boss.
This is a destination for the explorer, the romantic, and the traveller who craves the unique. From the thunderous calving of glaciers to the silent dance of the Northern Lights, Alaska is a sensory masterpiece. If you are looking for a reason to make the "Great Land" your next port of call, here are five.
Adrenaline in Alaska often comes in the form of paws and snow. Dog sledding is more than just a tourist activity; it is a deep-seated state tradition and a genuine obsession. Most excursions begin with a visit to an outdoor kennel where you’ll meet the energetic teams before heading out on an expedition across a glacier.
As you glide across the ice, surrounded by dramatic hanging glaciers and snowy peaks, you'll understand why this remains the most iconic way to traverse the Alaskan interior. It is an exhilarating, high-speed way to start or end your adventure, and it certainly makes a standard taxi ride feel rather dull by comparison!
Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, is a geographical marvel - it is only accessible by boat or plane, with more hiking trails within its limits than there are miles of paved road. Natural beauty is at the heart of the city, providing a stunning backdrop the moment your cruise ship docks.
Juneau is a premier hub for marine life; sightings of Humpback whales, Orcas, and Steller sea lions are so common that many tours offer a "guaranteed sighting" promise. History lovers can also step back in time to the 1896 Gold Rush. You can try your hand at panning for gold in the local creeks, taking home a literal piece of Alaskan history as the perfect souvenir.
To truly grasp the magnitude of the "Great Land," you have to step into its National Parks. These vast, protected areas are the crown jewels of the North American wilderness. Glacier Bay National Park is best experienced from the water and serves as a living museum of the Ice Age where guests can watch 200-foot walls of ice calve into the sea with a sound like a cannon blast.
Further inland, Denali National Park offers 6 million acres of pristine tundra and is home to North America’s tallest peak. For those seeking a maritime wonderland, Kenai Fjords near Seward features 40 glaciers cascading from the Harding Icefield into emerald waters teeming with sea otters and puffins.
Alaska and the neighbouring Canadian Rockies are best experienced through the panoramic windows of the Rocky Mountaineer. Often named the "World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train," this journey allows you to glide past turquoise waters and snow-capped mountains in total comfort.
With glass-domed carriages and first-class service, you can explore the wild beauty of the region while enjoying delicious, locally sourced meals at your seat. It is an award-winning way to see UNESCO World Heritage sites and remote landscapes that are otherwise completely inaccessible to the public.
The heart of the Alaskan experience is its wildlife. The state is home to some of the highest concentrations of Brown, Black, and Grizzly bears in the world. While you may have seen these giants in nature documentaries, nothing compares to seeing a Grizzly in its natural habitat, foraging along a riverbank as your ship glides silently past.
The sea is just as lively. Humpback whales are famous for their agile acrobatics, often coming close to ships to show off their tails when diving. From Bald eagles soaring overhead to Moose and Dall sheep navigating the mountain ridges, Alaska ensures that every look through your binoculars is rewarded with something spectacular.
Alaska screams variety, beauty, and adventure. Whether you are embracing the extreme through dog sledding or finding peace in a mountain-side lodge, the traditions and landscapes of the state offer a connection to the wild that is truly life-changing.
Are you ready to embrace the extreme? Contact our expert cruise consultants today to find the perfect Alaskan itinerary, including our exclusive cruise & stay packages for your next adventure.
Author: Naomi Allen
Role: Junior Content Editor