10 Must-See Sights on an Alaska Cruise

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Alaska is a land of natural beauty, with towering mountains, sparkling glaciers, and lush rainforests. It’s also home to a rich history and culture, with many Native Alaskan villages and towns to explore. If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska, there are many must-see destinations that you won’t want to miss.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top things to see and do on an Alaska cruise. We’ll cover everything from the best wildlife viewing opportunities to the most scenic hikes. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Alaska traveler, read on for some inspiration for your next cruise itinerary.

Must See Location Description
Denali National Park Alaska The highest mountain peak in North America, Denali is a must-see for any visitor to Alaska. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and caribou.
Kenai Fjords National Park Alaska Kenai Fjords National Park is a beautiful park located on the Kenai Peninsula. The park is home to a variety of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife.
Glacier Bay National Park Alaska Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southeastern Alaska. The park is home to a variety of glaciers, wildlife, and marine life.

Alaska is a vast and beautiful state with a rich natural and cultural heritage. It is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including towering mountains, glaciers, and lush rainforests. It is also home to a diverse population of wildlife, including bears, whales, and salmon. In addition to its natural beauty, Alaska is also home to a number of fascinating cultural attractions, such as Native Alaskan villages, historic sites, and museums.

If you are planning a cruise to Alaska, there are many must-see destinations that you will want to add to your itinerary. In this article, we will discuss some of the top natural and cultural attractions that you should not miss on your next trip to Alaska.

Natural Wonders

Glaciers

Alaska is home to some of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in the world. The most popular glaciers to visit on a cruise to Alaska include the Hubbard Glacier, the Mendenhall Glacier, and the Columbia Glacier. These glaciers are all located in the state’s Inside Passage, which is a narrow waterway that winds its way through the mountains and glaciers of the Alaskan coast.

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. It is located in Yakutat Bay, on the Gulf of Alaska. The Mendenhall Glacier is located just outside of Juneau, the capital of Alaska. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the state, and it is a popular destination for day hikes and sightseeing. The Columbia Glacier is located in Prince William Sound. It is the third largest tidewater glacier in Alaska.

Mountains

Alaska is home to some of the highest mountains in North America. The most popular mountains to visit on a cruise to Alaska include Mount McKinley, Denali, and Mount Foraker. Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America, and it is located in Denali National Park. Denali is the second highest mountain in North America, and it is also located in Denali National Park. Mount Foraker is the third highest mountain in North America, and it is located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Wildlife

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, and salmon. The most popular wildlife to see on a cruise to Alaska include bears, whales, and salmon. Bears are found in all parts of Alaska, but the best places to see them are in the national parks and preserves. Whales can be seen in all of Alaska’s major waterways, but the best places to see them are in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Salmon can be seen in all of Alaska’s rivers and streams, but the best places to see them are in the Kenai River and the Copper River.

Waterfalls

Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. The most popular waterfalls to visit on a cruise to Alaska include the Taku Falls, the Nugget Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The Taku Falls are located on the Taku River, just outside of Juneau. The Nugget Falls are located in Ketchikan, on the Tongass National Forest. The Bridal Veil Falls are located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Cultural Attractions

Native Alaskan villages

Alaska is home to a number of Native Alaskan villages. These villages are a great way to learn about the culture and history of Alaska’s indigenous people. The most popular Native Alaskan villages to visit on a cruise to Alaska include Ketchikan, Sitka, and Wrangell. Ketchikan is located on the Tongass National Forest, and it is the largest Native Alaskan village in Alaska. Sitka is located on Baranof Island, and it was the capital of Russian Alaska. Wrangell is located on the Stikine River, and it is the oldest continuously inhabited town in Alaska.

Historic sites

Alaska is home to a number of historic sites. These sites are a great way to learn about the history of Alaska and the United States. The most popular historic sites to visit on a cruise to Alaska include Fort Seward, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and the Sitka National Historical Park. Fort Seward is located in Seward, Alaska. It was built in the 1890s to protect the town from Russian attack. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is located in Skagway, Alaska. It preserves the town that was built during the Klondike Gold Rush. The Sitka National Historical Park is located in Sitka, Alaska. It preserves the Russian fur trading post that was built in the 18th century.

Museums

Alaska is home to a number of museums. These museums are a great way to learn about the history, culture, and natural wonders of Alaska. The most popular museums to visit on

3. Outdoor Activities

Alaska is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide variety of activities to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a relaxing camping trip, or a chance to catch some fish, you’ll find it in Alaska.

Hiking

Alaska is home to some of the most stunning hiking trails in the world. From the rugged peaks of Denali National Park to the lush rainforests of the Tongass National Forest, there are endless hiking opportunities for all levels of experience. Some of the most popular hiking destinations in Alaska include:

  • Mount McKinley: The highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley is a challenging but rewarding hike. The 20-mile round-trip hike takes about 12 hours to complete, and hikers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska. The Harding Icefield Trail is a 10-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers through alpine meadows, past glaciers, and to a stunning overlook of the Harding Icefield.
  • Katmai National Park: Katmai National Park is home to some of the largest brown bears in the world. The Brooks Falls Trail is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes hikers to a viewing platform where they can watch bears fishing for salmon.

Camping

Camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors in Alaska. There are hundreds of campgrounds throughout the state, ranging from primitive backcountry sites to full-service RV parks. Some of the most popular camping destinations in Alaska include:

  • Denali National Park: Denali National Park has over 500 campsites, including both backcountry and frontcountry sites. Backcountry sites are only accessible by hiking or backpacking, while frontcountry sites are located near the park road.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park has over 30 campgrounds, most of which are located along the park road. The campgrounds offer a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
  • Katmai National Park: Katmai National Park has over 20 campgrounds, most of which are located along the park road. The campgrounds offer a variety of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

Fishing

Alaska is home to some of the best fishing in the world. The state is home to over 500 species of fish, including salmon, trout, halibut, and cod. Some of the best fishing destinations in Alaska include:

  • Bristol Bay: Bristol Bay is one of the best places in the world to catch salmon. The bay is home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery.
  • Kenai River: The Kenai River is one of the best places in the world to catch king salmon. The river is also home to a variety of other fish species, including trout, char, and grayling.
  • Kootznoowoo National Park: Kootznoowoo National Park is home to some of the best fishing in the world. The park is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and char.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the many waterways in Alaska. There are hundreds of miles of rivers, lakes, and fjords to explore, and kayaking is a great way to see wildlife and scenery. Some of the best kayaking destinations in Alaska include:

  • Kenai Fjords National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Alaska. The park has over 3,000 miles of coastline, and kayaking is a great way to explore the fjords, glaciers, and wildlife.
  • Denali National Park: Denali National Park is home to some of the tallest mountains in North America. The park has over 100 glaciers, and kayaking is a great way to explore the glaciers and wildlife.
  • Katmai National Park: Katmai National Park is home to some of the largest brown bears in the world. The park has over 500 miles of coastline, and kayaking is a great way to explore the coastline and wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing

Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, moose, and caribou. Some of the best places to view wildlife in Alaska include:

  • Denali National Park: Denali National Park is home to some of the largest animals in North America, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou. The park is also home to a variety of smaller animals, including marmots, ground squirrels, and ptarmigans.
  • Kenai Fjord

    Q: What are the must-sees on an Alaska cruise?**

A: There are many must-sees on an Alaska cruise, including:

  • Glaciers: Alaska is home to some of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in the world. Some of the most popular glaciers to see on a cruise include the Hubbard Glacier, the Mendenhall Glacier, and the Tracy Arm Glacier.
  • Wildlife: Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, seals, and sea lions. You’re likely to see some of these animals on your cruise, especially if you take a Zodiac tour.
  • National parks: Alaska is home to several national parks, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park. These parks offer stunning scenery and a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Native Alaskan culture: Alaska is home to a rich and diverse Native Alaskan culture. You can learn about this culture by visiting Native Alaskan villages, attending cultural festivals, and taking cultural tours.

Q: When is the best time to go on an Alaska cruise?

A: The best time to go on an Alaska cruise depends on what you’re looking for. The summer months (June-August) are the most popular time to go, as the weather is warm and sunny and the days are long. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so prices will be higher and the crowds will be bigger.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, consider going in the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October). The weather is still mild, but the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower.

Q: What type of cruise ship should I choose?

A: The type of cruise ship you choose depends on your budget, interests, and travel style. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, consider a large cruise ship with a variety of amenities. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, consider a small cruise ship with a more relaxed atmosphere.

Q: What are the best ports of call on an Alaska cruise?

A: There are many great ports of call on an Alaska cruise, including:

  • Juneau: Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is located on the Gastineau Channel. The city is known for its stunning scenery, including the Mendenhall Glacier and the Tongass National Forest.
  • Ketchikan: Ketchikan is located on the Alaska Inside Passage and is known for its totem poles and Native Alaskan culture.
  • Sitka: Sitka is located on Baranof Island and is home to the Sitka National Historical Park. The park includes the Russian Bishop’s House, which is the oldest standing building in Alaska.
  • Whittier: Whittier is located on Prince William Sound and is known for its narrow passageway, which is only accessible by a single tunnel.

Q: What are some things to pack for an Alaska cruise?

A: When packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll need to consider the weather and the activities you plan on doing. The weather in Alaska can be cold, so you’ll need to pack warm clothes, including a coat, hat, gloves, and boots. You’ll also want to pack waterproof clothing, as it’s likely to rain or snow at some point during your cruise.

In addition to clothing, you’ll also need to pack some other essentials, such as:

  • A camera
  • A swimsuit
  • A towel
  • A hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • A first-aid kit
  • A water bottle

Q: What are some tips for enjoying an Alaska cruise?

A: Here are some tips for enjoying an Alaska cruise:

  • Do your research. Before you book your cruise, do some research to learn about the different ports of call and the activities that are available. This will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Alaska.
  • Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Pack warm clothes, waterproof clothing, and a raincoat.
  • Take advantage of the excursions. There are a variety of excursions available on an Alaska cruise, so take advantage of them! You can go hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more.
  • Explore the ports of call. Don’t just stay on the ship! Take some time to explore the ports of call and learn about the local culture.

    there are many must-sees on an Alaska cruise. From the glaciers of Glacier Bay to the wildlife of the Kenai Peninsula, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are looking for stunning scenery, exciting activities, or cultural experiences, you will find it in Alaska. So what are you waiting for? Book your Alaska cruise today!

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

  • Alaska is a beautiful state with a diverse landscape.
  • There are many different types of activities to enjoy in Alaska, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
  • Alaska’s culture is rich and varied, with influences from Native Alaskans, Russian fur traders, and American settlers.
  • An Alaska cruise is a great way to experience all that the state has to offer.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.