DESTINATION ALASKA – IS IT FOR YOU

Over the past two weeks I have been writing about Alaska on my cruise Facebook Page, as on many peoples buckets lists for not only this year but also for 2015, so if you have always wanted to go to Alaska then this  is for you.

An Alaskan cruise is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cruise experiences that you can choose to embark on.  As you cruise through the inside passage you will be mesmerized by constant  stunning scenery changes before coming across wildlife consisting of Whales, Eagles and so much more. Of course many icebergs will come into view as well as all the small pretty colourful towns you will also pass. Combining the luxury of your cruise ship, with sumptuous delights to tempt you in the restaurants followed by first class entertainment in the theaters whilst being  apart of something so magical   then Alaska is for you!!

So where do you start looking is this is for you, there are so many options for Alaska including land based tours and of course the ever so popular Rocky Mountaineer. I wont be covering all this today but giving you an insight of what to expect and  then please feel free to call me if you wish to know more. Lets start with my top tips and answers to many questions I am asked when a customer wishes to visit Alaska.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

You can’t go wrong visiting Alaska anytime between May and September .  You will find the temperatures in Alaska in Summer are surprisingly pleasant. Daytime highs range from 60°F – 80°F. Night times  though can be refreshingly cool, reducing  to  40’s – 50’s so I suggest plenty of layers for when the nights start to draw in.

WHAT CLOTHING DO I TAKE?

Alaska is very casual both in the evenings, as well as the day.You’ll want comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, as you will likely be enjoying tours and activities outdoors and plenty of layers to take you through  sunny afternoons to chilly nights. I guess if you have been to the Norwegian Fjords in the summer the weather will be similar.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE WILDLIFE?

Early June the is more wildlife viewing as this is when young are born, and migrating to better feeding areas in the summer. If you are interested in seeing other wildlife such as Moose, Dall sheep, Arctic Fox, mountain goats and bears, try to extend your stay to include a few nights in Anchorage or Denali National Park. Whales can usually be seen June through September. You may see Humpback, Orcas, Sea Otters, Beavers, Dolphin and Porpoises.

CAN I SEE THE GLACIER CLOSE UP?

Cruise ships carry their passengers close to the glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park, at Hubbard Glacier near Yakutat and Columbia Glacier near Valdez.

WHICH SIDE OF THE SHIP IS BEST FOR VIEWING GLACIERS?

While I can understand that you may think that the right side of the ship (Starboard side) is better for scenery on a Northbound cruise and the left side (Port side) better on a Southbound cruise,  this isn’t true. When cruising the inside passage, there is scenery on both sides of the ship and when you are entering the fjords in Alaska, the viewing will be equally good irrelevant of which side you are on.

ITINERARIES INCLUDE EITHER THE TRACEY ARM FJORD OR GLACIER BAY, WHICH DO I CHOOSE?

It depends on when you are going as most ships can’t make it to the glaciers in Tracy Arm until mid-July or later due to icebergs (though some offer small boat cruises to do that). If you wish to go later in the year Tracy Arm Fjord is highly recommended , some say its more scenic, where you can have a much better chance of coming across wildlife. Both are truly magnificent though. Glacier Bay is the destination of an Inside Passage cruise as it has the most glaciers against a fabulous background. If you book an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay, you can always book an excursion to see Tracey Arm Fjord from Juneau by small boat which is an absolute must to see close up so you really wont miss out whatever you choose. 

WHICH CRUISE SHIPS SAIL AROUND ALASKA

Princess, Holland America Line and Celebrity all have cruise ships in Alaska from May to September. Although mid sized ships they still make sure they get as near to the glaciers as they can for some terrific views and photo opportunities. All three are a different cruise experience on board but for me Princess has the edge. voted best cruise line in Alaska for over 10 years and being a Princess fan I can see why. Their land based add on’s are superb and really put you not only in the heart of Alaska but also the heart of Canada and the Rockies. Most cruise itineraries are for 7 days and leave from various ports normally Vancouver or Seattle, which is great as I would very much recommend an additional night pre and post cruise to really make the most of these amazing destinations. PORTS OF CALL AND EXCURSIONS. I will list the 3 most popular ports of call on many itineraries and also what excursions you can do from there. These ports of call are stunning settlements that really bring you into the heart of Alaska with the friendliest people you will meet.

JUNEAU

The area of Juneau is larger than that of Rhodes Island and Delaware individually and almost as large as the two states combined.  Juneau is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau. Take a trip to the Mount Roberts Tramway during you visit to enjoy spectacular views and stunning local wildlife. Juneau is also home to the Mendenhall Glacier, the most popular visitor attraction in Southeast Alaska and is a short distance from downtown. Visitors may choose from several shuttles, guided tours, and public transportation to enjoy the glacier and the surrounding area. You can also visit the Alaska State Museum. With over 23,000 artefact’s, works of fine art and natural history this is a must see attraction during your trip. So what excursions can you see and do from Juneau:-

You can enjoy a narrated transfer to the spectacular icewall of the Mendenhall Glacier and its adjacent Visitors Center. Roam the grounds, snap photos, take in the interactive exhibits, and turn to a ranger who can satisfy your curiosity about the natural wonders of the Mendenhall. From Mendenhall Glacier you’ll be transported to Auke Bay. There your captain and onboard naturalist will welcome you aboard a state of the art 48-passenger jet boat custom designed for Juneau whale watching with large windows and an outside viewing deck. Juneau has a healthy humpback whale population with some 65 whales returning each season to feed in the nutrient-rich waters and your captain is well versed in locating them. In fact, whale sightings are guaranteed!  If a whale is not spotted during your cruise they say they will refund you $100 ($50 for children).  Your captain will let you know when whales are spotted, but it’s more likely you’ll first be alerted by the collective chorus of “Oohhs!” and “Awwhhs!” from your fellow adventurers as they witness a giant humpback suddenly breach.

KETCHIKAN – Ketchikan is a city in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, United States, the southeastern most sizable city in that state. It is the fifth most populous city in the state. The area encompasses 3 sq miles of land and 1 sq miles of water with an impressive 12ft snowfall per year.  With its abundant population of salmon it is a paradise for nature lovers and fisherman alike. You’ll be fascinated by this town’s rich Indian heritage including the world’s largest collection of magnificent totem poles.  You can also take a trip in a canoe along secluded waters exploring local wildlife or take a floatplane to a remote mountain lake to enjoy your truly stunning natural surroundings. so what else is there to do from Ketchikan?

How about a rain forest Canoe and Nature Trail beginning with a scenic coach tour to a secluded mountain lake where you will board an Indian style 37 foot, 20 passenger canoe, which are fast stable and easy to manoeuvre.  Paddle under the direction of an experienced guide whilst scanning the shore for wildlife.  The guide will teach you all you need to know about the unique natural and Indian history of the Ketchikan area. The lake, part of a lush rain forest, is ideal for canoeing and is surrounded by the Tongass, the largest National Forest in the United States. Then stop ashore for a native-style snack including smoked fish, clam chowder, rolls with wild berry jams and beverages.  The knowledgeable guide will lead a short nature walk highlghting the flora and fauna of the rain forest including a carnivorous palnt, the Sundew, which uses tentacles with an adhesive ‘dew’ to ensnare small insects.  You will then paddle back to the canoe dock and reboard you motorcoach to return back to the port .

SKAGWAY – The port of Skagway is a popular stop for most cruise ships, and the tourist trade is a big part of the business of Skagway. With a population of less than 900 people this is a must see location. Skagway is a Southeast Alaskan paradise, full of culture and brimming with life, With Breath taking local wildlife and astoundingly beautiful Scenery. An all you can eat mouth-watering assortment of warm and cold dishes awaits your arrival in Skagway. Feast on Alaskan-caught WILD salmon grilled over an open alder wood fire as part of this feast in the forest. Enjoy Chilkoot Chicken, Panners Pasta, Prospector Pete’s Reindeer Beans, Liarsville Rice Medley, Sluice Box Slaw and other fresh salads, plus cornbread and blueberry cake for dessert. (Beer and wine are available for purchase.) This delicious meal also includes a visit to an 1898 replica campsite located in the historic Liarsville region. Many excursions are on offer and this is my favourite!

Skagway Glacier Discovery by Helicopter -Leave all traces of civilization behind and experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers.

After your safety brief climb onto the Helicopter and lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys and massive glaciers.  Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily base on the weather forecast to ensure that you will see the best sights that the area has to offer.  Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular “river of ice” known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you will encounter in your 40 minutes of flight time!

Once you have reached your glacial destination, you are given the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels.  Enjoy a walking exploration of the river of ice, while experienced glacier guides answer your questions and explain the awesome forces at work below your feet. With another 40 minutes on the glacier, you have plenty of time to wander, snap some pictures, and revel in the beauty. Is this for you as this would be my favourite for sure.

 HERE ARE SOME OF MY FAVOURITE PICTURES FROM ALASKA I HOPE YOU LIKE THEM AND CAN APPRECIATE THE MAGIC OF THIS STUNNING PLACE ON EARTH.

Want to know more then please do call me on 08004086114 for more information. 2015 is selling really well so if Alaska is on your bucket list then please do get in touch. Holly xx