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On my last NCL cruise (to Antarctica/South America in December) I missed skillet cornbread night in the MDR because it was my son’s birthday and he wanted to celebrate at Teppanyaki. I’ve regretted prioritizing my kid’s happiness over that cornbread ever since. So I was NOT going to miss it tonight even though we were scheduled to cruise through the Endicott Arm fjord during dinner. It was so quiet in the dining room it was like being in church and let me tell you, that cornbread was a religious experience.
Day 2 Sea Day Activities
Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above. As part of the American Queen Voyages expedition experience, the line has partnered with Dr. Michelle Fournet, an acclaimed acoustic ecologist and leading expert in the communication of North Pacific humpback whales. As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements. Oceania cruises introduce Alaska to guests by offering local experiences in partnership with native tribes for a more meaningful connection to the area beyond sightseeing.
Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts
Here I'll share my best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your Alaska cruise experience. Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. On every voyage, guests will find guides from Alaska Native Voices, sharing the cultural history and lore of the local Huna people to Sit’ Eeti Gheeyi (Glacier Bay National Park), and guest speakers from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Review: Alaskan Dream Cruises - TravelAge West
Review: Alaskan Dream Cruises.
Posted: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Day 9 Alaska Cruise Review: Day at Sea
This is not a cruise you want to sleep through — and even if that's your plan, you may have difficulty accomplishing it. Long hours of daylight, excursions and glacier viewings that start early and even your own fear of missing out can have you out of bed early and staying up later than you might on any other cruise. The best souvenir advice I've received is to buy a cozy throw or blanket at your first port stop.
The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
Embarking on a 10-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard the Norwegian Sun was an adventure we’ll never forget. From the awe-inspiring landscapes of Juneau and Skagway to the cultural richness of Sitka and Ketchikan, each port of call offered something unique. Icy Strait Point was a standout, offering a less crowded experience and incredible whale-watching opportunities. For the check-in counters, it’s essential to have your ID or passport and credit card readily available.
Tutka Bay Lodge
I also appreciated some warm soup after a chilly, drizzly day at port. Tonight is “Dress up or Not” night (see the second photo for a description of NCL’s “formal night” policy). Now seems like a good time to educate you on what we Seattleites consider formal. This is pretty much as dressed up as we get with rain boots mandatory from about October through May (hat is optional, but I hate being cold and this is Alaska in April, so I figure better safe). From capturing the state's breathtaking landscapes through her lens to hiking its rugged trails or observing bears and whales in their natural habitat, her firsthand experiences are your compass to all things Alaska. Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog.
An Expert's Guide to Booking the Perfect Alaska Cruise in 2023
The key to your Alaska cruise packing list is bringing and wearing a variety of layers. Consider as a starting point three layers of clothes — such as a T-shirt, sweater and outer layer — as you head off on tour. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and so is rain gear, especially in July and August. Consider too that Alaska is a market that is a very long drive from anywhere, meaning most travelers fly in, leading to limited space on planes as the season gets going. Off-season in spring is a chance to see how people in small Alaskan towns and the local wildlife wake up after a long winter or how they prepare for the colder months.
My Port (Half) Day in Juneau
You need to get all the details right, from booking the cruise and packing your bags to what to do and see during your cruise. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. On a cruisetour, you'll sail a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.
Even though the Perseverance Trail is part of a trail system I discovered a few years ago within walking distance of Ward Cove (where NCL ships dock outside of Ketchikan), the name has so far discouraged me. When I think “perseverance” I think of some self help nonsense promising mental strength as a result of physical or psychological pain with no certain outcome. If you want a more serene spot to enjoy your buffet breakfast without having to walk all the way back to your cabin, go one deck down to the Observable Lounge. It’s not crowded in the morning, there are plenty of nice spots to eat, there are beverage stations, and there’s a continental breakfast set up to supplement your buffet items (fruit, pastries, cereal, deli meats, and cheese). We were particularly impressed with the ship’s amenities, comfort, and cleanliness. The staff were friendly and always willing to help, making our journey even more enjoyable.
For those looking to elevate their experience, the Mountaintop Forest Tram is a must. This tramway takes you to the peak of Hoonah Mountain, offering sweeping views of Port Frederick, Spasski River, and the lush Alaskan wilderness. As we paddled through the serene waters, we were greeted by local residents—sea lions and bald eagles. It was a surreal experience, paddling while these majestic creatures went about their day.
You’ll never feel nickeled and dimed on American Queen Voyages because everything you want—from guided tours to drinks—is already included in the price. Between the gentle rocking of the ship and the Ultra Tranquility Bed, you’re sure to sleep like a baby. We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your room location) to save more.
If you're interested in Alaska's Gold Rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson's mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era.
All in all, we found it to be excellent value for money, adding to the overall comfort of our vacation. And on the Norwegian Sun, that journey is packed with amenities and dining options that cater to every taste and preference. One of the standout features was the freestyle disembarkation, allowing us to exit the ship at our leisure.
Cruisers can try his flavorful seafood dishes during their sailing. While the kids enjoy Discovery Princess' spacious children's and teens' clubs, the adults might linger over a craft cocktail or enjoy a massage in the onboard spa. The family can come together for meals in a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants, and enjoy original production shows as the ship sails between ports. The two-year-old Discovery Princess sails round trip to Alaska from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to. Its "North to Alaska" program will delight kids with sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, and lure their parents and grandparents with local seafood on restaurant menus and onboard cultural programming with Alaska residents.
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