Natalie’s Top 5: Destinations to Visit on an Alaskan Cruise

Home to vast wilderness, fascinating native culture and incredibly diverse wildlife, Alaska is a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. However, while Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on earth, it is also very rugged and can be tricky to navigate.

 By exploring the Last Frontier via cruise ship, you’ll be able to reach quaint Gold Rush towns, staggering glaciers and extraordinary national parks in ultimate comfort and luxury. If you’re thinking of embarking on an Alaskan cruise holiday, here are five must-visit destinations.

Juneau

Nestled between icy blue waters and towering mountainscapes, the Alaskan capital of Juneau is a must-visit on any Alaska cruise. With a lively downtown area and plenty of natural splendour, there is something for every traveller to enjoy in Juneau. Interestingly, Juneau is the only state capital to be accessible only by airplane or boat – there are no roads leading to the rest of Alaska.

Despite being Alaska’s capital city, a visit to Juneau is all about the surrounding nature. Don’t miss Mendenhall Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in North America. To witness this breathtaking natural wonder up close, choose from a range of hiking trails or opt for a guided kayak tour or scenic flight.

For sublime views over Juneau, Douglas Island and the Gastineau Channel, catch the Goldbelt Tram up to Mount Roberts. And for museum lovers, Alaska State Museum Juneau offers an intriguing insight into the storied history of Alaska.

Skagway

If you have an interest in gold rush history, look for an Alaskan cruise that stops in the charming town of Skagway. Several buildings in the historic district have been preserved by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the whole town boasts a Wild West feel.

In addition to its fascinating history, Skagway is also home to some extraordinary natural scenery. Get the best of both worlds by embarking on the White Pass & Yukon Railway, which was built in 1898 to transport prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush. Known as the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’, the mountain views offered on this rail journey are simply unreal.

For those seeking something a little more adventurous, Skagway is famous for dog sledding. On a sledding tour, you’ll learn about the history of the sport and how the dogs are trained, before climbing aboard a wheeled cart to experience the thrill of dog mushing for yourself. Despite what you may be thinking, dog sledding isn’t just a winter sport and can be enjoyed year-round.

Ketchikan

Most Alaska cruises will stop in fascinating Ketchikan, sometimes referred to as ‘Alaska’s First City’, since it is often the first port-of-call when cruising through the scenic Inside Passage. Also known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’, Ketchikan is a must-visit for fishing lovers – here you can embark on an adventure fishing cruise or taste various local fish delicacies at the many restaurants lining the colourful Creek Street.

As is the case with most Alaskan ports, the area surrounding Ketchikan is simply breathtaking. Nearby is the United States’ largest national forest, Tongass National Forest, which can be explored via boat, air or on foot. Spot native wildlife like bears, moose and beavers and admire natural wonders like the Misty Fjords National Monument, where you’ll find crystal blue lakes, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls.

Ketchikan is also home to the world’s largest collection of Native American totem poles. To view these intriguing works of art and learn more about Alaskan Native culture, we’d recommend checking out Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Native Village.

Sitka

If you want to see Alaska without the crowds, look for a cruise itinerary that stops in Sitka. Located on Baranof Island, Sitka is surrounded by the emerald forests and crystalline waters that Alaska is so renowned for. But, as the former capital of Russian America and home of the Native Tlingit people, Sitka is also one of the best destinations to immerse yourself in Alaska’s captivating history.

What sets Sitka apart from other Alaska cruise destinations is its fascinating Russian heritage. Marvel at the onion-shaped domes and gold crosses of St. Michael’s Cathedral, the earliest Orthodox church in the New World or check out the Russian Bishop’s House to step back in time and experience what Sitka was like during the Russian-American period.

Sitka is also a paradise for animal lovers. Head out on a whale watching excursion through the Sitka Sound to search for migrating humpback whales, as well as harbour seals, sea lions, sea otters and orcas. Another Sitka must-visit is Fortress of the Bear, a rescue centre that provides protection and care to orphaned and abandoned brown and black bears.

Seward

From otherworldly natural beauty to abundant wildlife spotting opportunities, a cruise to Seward allows you to experience the very best that Alaska has to offer. Situated at the head of the picturesque Resurrection Bay, Seward offers plenty of outdoor adventures. That being said, don’t miss a stroll through the town’s historic downtown, where you’ll find fine dining restaurants, quaint galleries and quirky storefronts.

The highlight of any trip to Seward is a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park. Spanning over 600,000 acres, this extraordinary landscape boasts impressive fjords, tidewater glaciers, towering mountains and a massive icefield. Within Kenai Fjords National Park, you’ll also find the ever-changing Exit Glacier, which is the only glacier in the park that can be accessed by car.

While docked in Seward, we also recommend checking out the Alaska SeaLife Center. This wildlife rehabilitation and marine research facility provides lifesaving help to a range of stranded and injured marine life, including seals, sea lions, puffins, otters and more. A visit here will have you getting up close to these incredible creatures, all while learning more about wildlife conservation and protection.

Explore the Last Frontier with My Cruises

An Alaskan cruise holiday is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re looking to tick this extraordinary destination off your bucket list, My Cruises offers a range of perfectly packaged Alaskan discoveries.

Our Cruise Experts start by hand-selecting the best Alaska cruise itineraries, then package them with exclusive inclusions like flights, pre and post-cruise discoveries, luxury upgrades and so much more. It’s all part of the My Cruises difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Discover My Cruises’ range of breathtaking Alaska cruises here.

– Natalie Gruzlewski, Travel Expert