Taking an Alaska Cruise is on many people’s bucket list.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I have cruised the Alaska Inside Passage dozes of times.  I am sharing my blog links for Alaska Cruise Ports Guides.  Read on and learn why taking an Alaskan Cruise should be on your bucket list. 

Land and Sea Trips

There are many cruise options, with some including extensive land tours.  Usually, the land tour is to Denali, either at beginning or end of trip.  This is the perfect complement to explore the seaports of the Inside Passage and heart of mainland Alaska. 

Seattle or Vancouver BC for Embarkation

Most cruises embark in either Seattle or Vancouver.  As a Seattleite, I can’t help but recommend you give either of these cities a minimum of 2 days.   

Related:  30 Must-See Places in Seattle, Washington from a Local

Cruising Inside Passage

Most Alaska Cruises go through the Inside Passage to the popular seaports.  The Inside Passage is one of the most beautiful areas in the world for cruising and seeing marine wildlife.  The magical Inside Passage is a water route between Seattle’s Puget Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. 

Alaska’s part of this passage is about 500 miles (800 km) from north to south and 100 miles (160 km) east to west.  It consists of 1,000 islands and endless coves throughout a pristine labyrinth of fjords and mountains. Also, the amazing Glacier Bay makes for epic scenic cruising with abundant glaciers and marine wildlife. 

Related:  Seeing the Awesome Humpback Whales of Alaska’s Inside Passage

Tongass National Forest and Climate

The Tongass National Forest covers most of southeast Alaska. It’s one of the last remaining temperate rainforests in the world. Also, the forest is home to many rare flora and fauna, as well as the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people.   The stunning scenery of southeast Alaska is known for its incredible wildlife. For example, it has coastal bears, moose, bald eagles, humpback whales, porcupines, seals, dolphins, orcas and sea lions. 

The maritime climate is regulated by the Pacific Ocean. It remains moderate with summer daytime highs in the low to mid 60’s F. and nighttime lows in the 40’s F. Winter temperatures rarely fall below 20 F.  Because it’s a rainforest, expect rain and mists at any time. 

Alaska Cruise Ports Guides
Blog Links

I wrote blogs for each popular Alaska Seaport and will include the links below.  After doing these cruises dozens of time. I know a thing or 2 about how to enjoy your port days.  My experiences were a combination of going on cruise ship excursions and exploring on my own. 

Inside Passage Ports and Glacier Bay

Top Things to Do in Spectacular Juneau, Alaska

Incredible Ketchikan, Alaska’s Best 10 Things to Do

Pristine Sitka, Alaska’s Top 10 Things to Do

Skagway, Alaska Attractions – Gateway to Klondike Gold Rush

Fantastic Icy Strait Point’s Wildlife, Ziplining and Cultural Adventures

Haines Highlights – The Best of Wild Alaska

Cruising the Majestic Glacier Bay in Southeast Alaska

A Wonderful Day in Victoria BC at Butchart Gardens and Fairmont Empress Hotel

Gulf of Alaska Ports

Seward
Homer
Anchorage:

  Top 10 Things to Do in Unique Anchorage, Alaska

Wildlife on Alaska Cruise

Alaska is extraordinary for seeing wildlife.  You can potentially see humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, bald eagles and bears.  In Alaska, my best whale watching excursions were in Juneau and Sitka.  All the humpback whales of Inside Passage meet in Sitka Bay in September.  From here, they migrate together to Hawaii for the winter.   

On land, my best bear sitings were in Icy Strait and Ketchikan.  The ultimate for seeing bears is Kodiak, home to the largest brown bears in the world.  I didn’t take the bear tour, so it remains on my bucket list. 

Related:  20 Wildlife Photos that will Inspire You to Visit Alaska

Enjoy Your Alaska Cruise!

Seeing Alaska from the Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska is the ultimate way to see the marine wildlife.  And the incredible port days offer opportunities to explore the mountains, forests and wildlife.  Truly, Alaska is the last of the wild west that remains true to itself as nature unbound.  If your travels bring you to an Alaska cruise, feel free to leave tips or suggestions below. 

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