Discover the Wonders of Alaska

19 Jan 2016 | by Marcus Harvey

Updated July 2017

FOCUS ON: THE GREAT LAND OF ALASKA

Adventure into the Wilderness.

Planet Cruise introduces you to Alaska, one of the most breathtaking places on earth. Here you can experience wildlife up close, the thrill of dog-sledding over a glacier, or sample a local crab feast as you mingle with the locals; there are a million reasons to visit, and every one of them will create memories to last a lifetime.

A true bucket list destination, Alaska has become one of the most popular places to cruise in the world. With sailing routes delving deep into the Inside Passage, past glaciers, waterfalls and through winding fjords, you can visit the unspoilt and uncrowded treasures of the region. Gaze out from the top deck and let the spectacular nature and wildlife come to you. Watch from your balcony and you could see humpback whales, orcas, grizzly bears, moose and bald-headed eagles. Sailing along an icy blue fjord with snow-capped mountains rising around you on all sides, you can see the natural wonders from an angle that you just can’t replicate from the shore.

The Inside Passage

This network of winding passages weaves its way from south eastern Alaska, through British Columbia, to the State of Washington. The Inside Passage epitomises a trip to Alaska for most travellers. The spectacle of the landscape is constantly changing, from narrow waterways to wide open bays. On a typical itinerary, you’ll spend a few days sailing this dramatic route as you make your way to the ports nestled inside.

Icy Strait Point

Combining enchanting local culture and natural landscapes, Icy Strait Point is uniquely Alaskan. Nearby Hoonah is the largest native Tlingit Indian settlement in Alaska, where you can find traditional arts and crafts and learn more about the culture. Alternatively, take a high-speed cruise to Point Adolphus, a premier Humpback whale viewing spot, or Chichagof Island for brown bear spotting.

Ketchikan

Ketchikan is known for its picturesque wooden huts, salmon canneries and sawmills, as well as an outstanding collection of totem poles. It’s also the gateway to the Alaskan wilderness, so you’ll enjoy a wide choice of excursions. Some of our favourites include a hiking expedition into the Tongass Rainforest, an authentic Lumberjack show, and a picturesque cruise of George Inlet followed by a crab feast.

Glacier Bay

This aptly named port is home to the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in the world. Not all cruise lines can sail into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but for those who can it is a real highlight. Cruise through the emerald waters as glaciers drop colossal icebergs into the water. Breathe in the fresh air and look out for the abundant wildlife including humpback whales, black bears, porpoises and sea otters.

Juneau

Home to three of the biggest mines of the gold rush, Alaska's capital city - Juneau - is famed for its gold. As a result, you’ll find a large number of jewellery shops here – the perfect stop to pick up a special souvenir. It’s also the access point for the breathtakingly beautiful Mendenhall Glacier, with many excursions centred on this. Take a dog-sledding tour, helicopter ride, or hiking tour to fully experience the natural beauty.

Skagway

With echoes of the gold rush era still ringing out from this historical and sleepy town, Skagway has plenty of fascinating attractions to keep you entertained. This town was once the gateway to the gold fields, and you can relive this bygone era by panning for gold or with an incredible ride on the White Pass & Yukon railway route, also known as the ‘Scenic Railway of the World’.

For more information on Alaska, be sure to sign up for our brand new Alaska and Canada brochure.

Discover Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line

The popular, family-friendly Norwegian Cruise Line offer some incredible itineraries in Alaska with the two youngest ships of their fleet – Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. These sister ships are near identical, sharing many of the same onboard features and facilities. Here are a few of our favourites;

Race track – this exhilarating attraction can keep all the family entertained, as moxie is put to the test on hairpin bends as you race new found friends or indeed your own family!

Onboard shows - from a stunning production showcasing the four elements with music and dance, to a 1920s prohibition themed extravaganza, NCL ships are known to offer some outstanding entertainment. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy are no exception.

Aqua Park – with a designated area for little ones, cruisers of all ages can have fun and make memories in the onboard waterpark – complete with testing slides.

Los Lobos – among the generous array of onboard choice when it comes to dining lies this little gem. Serving some fantastic Mexican food along with a tasty margarita, an evening spent here will be one to remember.

Both ships offer Alaskan itineraries visiting the aforementioned ports, during which you can have amazing experiences. Imagine waking up to see a school of whales passing by, or spotting a majestic bald eagle flying way overhead? If you’re feeling inspired, take a look at our range of Norwegian Cruise Lines Alaska cruises.