Alaska Cruise Vacations

You have two major options for experiencing the spectacular mountain glacier views, the excitement of whale watching, and the beautiful waterways and pleasant communities of the Southern Alaskan coastline and southeast Alaskan panhandle region: Alaskan Cruises and Ferries.

Alaska Cruise Information

Several of the commercial cruise lines offer 4 to 7 day excursions departing from Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, Canada. They usually follow the coastline through the southeast panhandle glacier and island region to the Anchorage area and then to Prince William Sound and back. You will enjoy glacier viewing, whale watching, fresh air, and comfortable transportation in an otherwise rugged state. Be sure to take advantage of the enjoyable stopovers in Sitka and Skagway. If you don't want to spend all of your time on the ship, you can combine land and sea excursion vacation packages to allow a visit to the Denali National Park (Mt. McKinley) and other interior attractions.

Alaska Ferry Information

As a less expensive and more of an adventure travel alternative, try the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway. The best way to think about it is as a bus system on the Alaskan waterways. They depart weekly from Bellingham Washington, 70 miles north of Seattle, or out of Anchorage and other stops along the way. The ferries operate along the entire expanse of the southern Alaska coastline. You can purchase a ticket that allows you to hop on and off the boats at any of the stops. Cabins cost extra, but you are welcome to spread your sleeping bag on one of the many deck chairs (there are lockers, restrooms, a cafeteria, and lounge facilities on most of the ferries) or you can even pitch your tent on the open deck if you decide not to reserve a private cabin.

This southeast Alaskan maze of water, ice, ferries, fjords, and islands is also known as the Inside Passage or as the southeast panhandle region of Alaska. This is one of the most popular ferry destinations because of the scenic beauty, moderate coastal weather, and lack of access to this area by most other forms of transportation. The Glacier Bay National Monument is located in this region. Whale watching is ample.