Alaska

Imagine pristine forests lining an unspoiled shoreline with eagles gliding overhead . . . this is ALASKA ! The unparalleled beauty of ALASKA must be seen to be fully appreciated and there is no better way to see the wonders of ALASKA than by cruiseship.

Today many cruise lines offer ALASKA itineraries during the summer season, primarily from early May to late September. Most ALASKA cruises are 7-nights and you'll have the choice of an Inside Passage Cruise, round-trip from Vancouver BC, or Seattle .... or a 'one-way' voyage in the Gulf of Alaska between Vancouver and Anchorage (Seward) or vice-versa. Either way you'll experience magnificent scenery and enjoy the quaint and interesting ports-of-call, such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, or Sitka. Each port will offer a variety of sightseeing tours, from a calm motorcoach trip to the glacier or nearby sights, to an exciting helicopter ride to land on top of one of those glaciers, to river rafting in Alaska's icy and crystal waters; it's all yours to choose!

For a more 'in depth' experience, consider an Alaska CruiseTour which combines the cruise with a land package. Here you'll have the opportunity to venture into the heart of ALASKA for such treats as Denali Park for a view of Mt. McKinley and a ride aboard a deluxe railcar (like Princess' Midnight Sun Express). CruiseTours vary in length and choice of itineraries, but many choices combine a 7-night cruise with a 4- or 5-night land package, for a total trip of 11 or 12 nights. One of the most popular choices is as follows:

Day 1 ....Fly to Fairbanks and overnight
Day 2 ....Tour Fairbanks area and overnight same hotel
Day 3 ....Deluxe rail to Denali Park with tour & overnight
Day 4 ....Deluxe rail to Anchorage and overnight
Day 5 ....Board ship for 7-night cruise to Vancouver
Day 6 ....Cruise College Fjord & view Columbia Glacier
Day 7 ....Cruise Glacier Bay
Day 8 ....Port of call in Skagway
Day 9 ....Port of call in Juneau
Day 10 ..Port of call in Ketchikan
Day 11 ..Cruise Inside Passage
Day 12 ..Arrive Vancouver & fly home

The great majority of these CruiseTours are offered with Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity (the only lines with their own railcars and hotels in Alaska). Cruises are also available with Norwegian & Carnival, and from our 'Classic Cruise Collection' : Crystal and Radisson Seven Seas.

Concerned about what to wear? Don't be! Temperatures in Alaska during the summer generally range from lower to mid 40's at night, to upper 60's or maybe lower 70's during the day. Most people will be most comfortable with a windbreaker-style jacket for mornings or at night, with jeans and sweatshirts for out on deck or in port while sightseeing. Remember Alaska gets light showers and misty weather often, so a waterproof jacket or lightweight raincoat may come in very handy. It can often be a bit 'breezy' on deck while cruising, so some folks like a hat or gloves for a little extra comfort! However, you will NOT need to take a heavy winter coat or real bulky cold weather clothing. Daytime dress onboard ship is quite casual, but most lines will have two 'formal' nights on a 7-night itinerary. This means that most gentlemen wear a dark business suit and ladies wear a nice dress or black slacks and 'dressy' top or blouse (You may certainly take a tuxedo and after five dress if you wish, but such formal wear on Alaska cruises is usually no more than 20% of the guests). Other nights are much more casual with men in dress shirts or sports shirts and slacks (Dockers-style will be fine). In summary, it will not be too cold or too dressy!

Either way, CruiseTour or cruise-only, this Alaska adventure will fill your days with memories which will last a lifetime. Contact Cruise Escapes today for all the excellent cruiseline choices and great rates we have to offer!