Alaskan cruise vacations are for the adventurous travelers and is usually the next destination for seasoned cruise veterans.  Now that you are familiar with cruising and have developed your sea legs, you might want to experience the rugged wilderness of Alaska.  The perks of traveling by cruise ship is that you can experience all the hardcore beauty of the outdoors yet be in the comforts of a “floating hotel”.  Some things you might be able to see while cruising in Alaska are humpback whales, orcas, otters and brilliant glaciers and icebergs. 

Many popular ports for cruising to Alaska are Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco.  You will have the chance to travel on a variety of cruise ships, however, the smaller the ship, the more expensive it’s going to cost you.

Are you curious about what activities you’ll be able to do while cruising in Alaska?  Here’s a list of the few activities that you’ll be able to enjoy:

1.       Whale-watching

2.       Wild-life tours

3.       Culture and lecturer activities

4.       Glacier excursions

5.       Pan for Gold

6.       Small charter plane tours over Juneau

7.       Helicopter tours over glaciers

When booking your vacation, try to request an exterior cabin so that you can have a window.  It’s definitely worth the extra money to have a window or a balcony as natural beauty is the focal point of the trip.  Also, when looking at prices, try to shop around.  Don’t be intimidated by the prices that are advertised on the brochures and by the travel agents.  There are many cruise ship options and discount prices will be able as long as you shop around.  Summer prices tend to be more expensive because there’s more wildlife and the weather is better.  If you want to save some money, try to book your vacation during off-peak times.  Another reason to go during the end of peak season is because you can get great discounts at shops within the city.  If you do purchase a gift, never buy a gift that is from walrus tusks and whale bones.  These artifacts are not allowed and you can be fined for purchasing such objects.  Make sure that you know the difference between an Alaska cruise and an Alaska cruise tour.  The Alaska cruise tours have trips through Denali while the regular cruise does not have a land tour through Denali. 

Unlike packing for the Caribbean, you will have to pack warm clothes as well as shorts and t-shirts.   The weather is unpredictable and can change at any moment.  Some essential items that you should bring are binoculars, raincoat, waterproof boots, warm sweaters, gloves and comfortable shoes.  Make sure you arrive a day before embarking so that you won’t miss your departure date.  Part of your cruise will go through southeast Alaska, which is known for a generous amount of rainfall. This way you will be prepared for the cruise and you will can explore your departure city.  The best way to stay informed is by staying with the guest lecturers and naturalists that are hired by the cruise lines.  A great way to capture all of Alaska’s beauty is by videotaping and taking as many pictures as possible.  So if you want pure beauty, go on a Alaska cruise vacation.