Cruising Alaska

Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider an Alaska cruise this year:
Cruise Alaska
1. This is a cruise for all ages – from children to seniors. There is something to do and see for everyone. Even if you never set foot on land during this cruise, you will see beautiful vistas, glaciers and wildlife from the ship. You might even be lucky and see a glacier calve – an amazing sight. Alaska and coastal British Columbia are a photographer’s dream. Take a cruise tour (cruise plus land stay), and you will see even more.

2. Fresh air, open spaces, and wilderness – these are conditions hard to find altogether in one spot these days.

3. Speaking of wilderness you may see everything from bears and moose, to eagles and  whales – all in their natural habitat, which in itself is awesome. No zoos required.

Fishing, a popular sport for visitors

4. There’s a spirit of adventure in the air. It is alive and well in Alaska as everyone is close to nature. There are many types of excursions available from zip lining to exploring a glacier to fishing.

5. You can choose between a simple cruise along the Inside Passage ( follows the coast of British Columbia) to a cruise ending or beginning with several days inland at Denali National Park with a spectacular train ride in between. Don’t miss the magnificent Mt. McKinley, one of the highest mountains in the world.

6. Experience unique native cultures from the Haida in BC to the Tlingit. View the Totem Pole in Alaska artistry displayed on totems, and purchase a piece of artwork to take home with you.

7. Enjoy the history of the region from the frontier atmosphere reminiscent of the gold rush era in Skagway to actual excursions based on panning for gold.

Totem Pole

8. If you like seafood, this is the cruise to indulge in crab and salmon like none other. The salmon bake excursions are amongst the most popular shore trips for cruisers.

A few tips:

• If travelling early or late in the season, take layers of clothing. It is north after all and you do not want to miss out on any excursions because you are not prepared for the climate. ( Ziplining in May can be cold!)Watch for Whales
• Bring sensible sturdy shoes as well in case you purchase last minute excursions, many of which will require them. ( Another tip: the popular shore events will be sold out long before the ship sails, so book excursions early with your travel professional.)
• Don’t forget your binoculars. There’s lots to see as you sail (maybe a pod of whales or a bear on the beach.

Whale watching !beach).

• Bring a camera.

Cruise Holidays of Woodinville has an Alaska cruise, Sept 4-11, 2015 which combines special fares on a luxury Celebrity 7 day cruise with a unique experience: Judy Willman , guest for private sessions and cocktail party, will be on hand with the story of her father Joe Rantz, chief protagonist in the best selling book non fiction book, Boys in the Boat by Daniel James – a come-from-nowhere success story of the 1936 Olympics.

Article written for The Navigator blog of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville by Compass Media.