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No best places in Alaska list would be complete without a mention of the Great One, the shining jewel of Alaska’s interior. Haloed in clouds and covered in thick ice, Denali is the continent’s highest peak and a breathtaking sight, especially when it is pink with Alpenglow. But this sometimes-shy mountain isn’t the only reason to visit Denali National Park—there are miles of pristine rivers and tundra, plus caribou, moose, grizzlies, and wolves at its base. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Aleutian Islands

Remember to carefully plan your itinerary and consider the best time to cruise Alaska based on your interests and preferences. Whether you opt for a mainstream cruise line or a luxury expedition, the beauty and splendor of Alaska’s cruise ports will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Both itineraries provide opportunities to witness the majestic glaciers, spot wildlife like whales and eagles, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Alaska.
Ketchikan
This one makes the best places list because it’s so darn charismatic and approachable. Hubbard Glacier is massive, stunning deep blue, and the longest tidewater glacier in North America. Beauty and size alone would make it worthy of a “best places in Alaska” list, but it has another distinction—unlike most other Alaska glaciers, it’s growing. It is nicknamed the “Galloping Glacier” because of its fast advancing ice margin—up to seven feet in one day. Here are some of our favorite Alaska cruise stops and sights, in no particular order from our nearly 75 years of experience in the Great Land. Professionally guided stream fishing excursions on the hidden edge waters of Chichagof, Island.
Carnival Ship Rescues 27 People Adrift at Sea in the Caribbean
Anchorage is a seafood aficionado’s dream, with wonderful restaurants offering the freshest catches of the day. If you’re a history enthusiast, Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, will take you to a bygone era with its impressively preserved history. To wind down, look no further than Seward, with its picturesque views and quaint downtown. Enjoy Skagway as well, the perfect setting for relaxing walks through sunlit boulevards flanked by colorful buildings. In Ketchikan, you’ll be immersed in the millenary Haida and Tlingit heritage, and you’ll admire the largest collection of Native American totem poles and stock up on souvenirs. In every Alaska cruise port you visit, from Alyeska to Fairbanks, you’ll find warm and inviting locals welcoming you to their homeland.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. While July and August are the busiest months to go, one of the best times to go is in May when it hasn’t gotten too hot. While you can choose a shore excursion here, it’s also notable for being easy to walk around. Common fish you’ll catch include Chinook salmon, Halibut, Rainbow trout, Northern Pike, and Pacific Ocean perch. You’ll find a number of fjords in the area, and there are plenty of boat tours that will help you get close to them.
Icy Strait Point/Hoonah – Most unique Alaska cruise port
Overall, the best time to cruise Alaska depends on your preferences and priorities. If you’re seeking warmer weather and optimal wildlife viewing opportunities, June, July, and August are the months to consider. If budget is a concern and you don’t mind cooler temperatures, April, May, and September offer more affordable options. Regardless of when you decide to cruise, Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife will surely leave you in awe. These top cruise ports of call in Alaska provide an array of unforgettable experiences, from cultural immersion to stunning natural beauty.
Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Planning a cruise to Alaska involves careful budgeting to ensure you have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank. The cost of an Alaska cruise can vary greatly depending on factors such as the cruise line, itinerary, and cabin type.
The town also has hiking trails, a waterfront park, aquarium, and downtown center with shops, bars, and restaurants. Icy Strait Point has a scenic boardwalk, walking paths, history museum, souvenir shop, cultural center, restaurants, and bars. Adrenaline seekers will love the ZipRider, which features six ziplines exceeding 60 mph over the rainforest. The town's former Red Light District, this boardwalk is lined with shops, homes, and the famous Dolly’s House Museum. It’s also a fantastic place to spot wildlife, as the boardwalk is built over a creek where salmon run each summer. If you’re looking for a blend of history, nature, and culture, Sitka has it all.
OPINION: I decided to give an Alaska cruise a try. Then I got fined. - Anchorage Daily News
OPINION: I decided to give an Alaska cruise a try. Then I got fined..
Posted: Fri, 18 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Gift shops, restaurants, visitor information, and museums are all located downtown. Dating back to the 1880s, Ketchikan is a popular choice for culture-hungry cruisers and hosts the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Visit in summer and you’ll also have the chance to see humpback whales off the coast.
Great news to get started – you really can’t go wrong here as all the Alaska ports of call are interesting and unique and all are surrounded by incredible scenery. One-way Gulf of Alaska itineraries are the best option for Alaska touring, as they begin or end in Alaska. The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season. Spend time walking the shoreline, exploring the unique ecosystems of the surrounding tundra and forests, and go on a berry-picking expedition. Try your luck on a gold panning expedition while viewing artifacts from the famous Gold Rush days at the turn of the 20th Century.
Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. These small ship excursions give you the chance to see some of the quieter communities, which mostly revolve around the seafood trade – with chances to sample the local cuisine. Ships will either anchor or Point Adolphus, particularly when the waters are rife with feeding whales, or they will dock at Hoonah where guided tours are available on foot or by seaplane.
Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska. There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea.
Learn how to fly fish on the rivers surrounding Skagway, or try your hand at fishing from a boat on the deeper waters of the Lynn Canal. Both options are easily accessible from Skagway and require little more than a short walk to an excursion operator. No matter what type of fishing you choose, you’ll enjoy the pristine backdrop of Alaska’s rugged and untamed wilderness. Fishing enthusiasts will already be aware of Alaska’s reputation for having some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing.
It is surrounded by glaciers, and it is home to a huge wildlife refuge covering most of the island and home to the brown bear. In addition to visiting Alaska’s small, scenic towns, most Alaska cruise itineraries also include visits to the state’s colossal glaciers. On glacier viewing days, Royal Caribbean ships sail slowly near a glacier, completing a 360 degree turn to ensure everyone onboard can view the glacier. Due to its small size, Icy Strait Point offers a more serene port experience than other Alaska cruise ports. It’s best for those looking to relax in the nature of Alaska while enjoying local cuisine and gaining insights into Native culture.
Voyage through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and discover the many worlds waiting for you. With less than 1,000 residents, Skagway boasts small-town charm with big-city riches. Offering the shortest route to the Klondike, this port of call was a popular choice among gold-rushers.
This picturesque town has plenty of cultural activities, a rich Russian heritage and many historical attractions to discover. Once you’ve had your fill of bear-spotting, you can take in the plunging fjords from a kayak whilst searching for porpoises, seals and whales. Hikers are spoilt for choice too, with guided hikes along the coast and more hiking options further inland.
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