royal caribbean alaska land tour

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

The Best Alaska Cruises

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Alaska Cruise Tours: 8 Things You Need to Know

Many Alaska cruises tend to explore the same southeastern ports of Ketchikan , Juneau , Skagway and Sitka . Yet to immerse yourself in the land of sled dogs and Arctic tundra (and even get a chance to see the northern lights), a trip to Alaska's northwest interior is required. Cruise lines have the answer so you can do it all: Alaska cruise tours .

A cruise tour is a land tour of interior destinations before or after a cruise. In conjunction with Alaska cruises, land programs extend each trip with visits to interior destinations, such as Anchorage , Denali National Park , Talkeetna , Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula. Some visit the Yukon in Canada (only Holland America offers cruise tours to the Yukon ).

Cruise lines with the most established cruise tour programs in Alaska include Holland America Line , Princess Cruises , Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian and Royal Caribbean , each with its own hallmarks.

It's hardly a cruise on wheels. The go-go-go pace might have you putting luggage outside your doors at 6 a.m., leaving the hotel an hour later and not arriving at the next destination until the evening. But, that's not all you need to know about Alaskan cruise tours. Here are eight things you need to know about the best Alaska cruise tours ... and the worst.

1. Wildlife Is a Highlight on Alaskan Cruise Tours, But Not Always that Easy to See

Visiting Alaska is all about the wildlife, but you have to know where to look. Spotting orca whales, caribou, moose and grizzly bears requires cameras and binoculars at the ready while staring at scenery all day.

The trick is to look for movement. If it's not moving, it's often a "spruce moose" or "rock bear." Using this advice in Denali National Park, you might find a mama and baby bear along one slope, Dall sheep next to a sheer cliff drop and caribou with huge antlers among the shrubbery. Also be on the lookout for lesser-known creatures like the spotted lynx or red-tailed fox.

2. Not All Destinations Are Built the Same: Choose Your Alaska Cruise Tour Itinerary Carefully

Each and every possible destination on an Alaskan land tour is unique, so be sure to choose wisely. Below are some hot spots and a brief summary of what makes them so enticing.

Anchorage : Many cruise tours begin or end in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Acclimate yourself to the state's indigenous culture by visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center , or spend time outdoors by taking a day trip to Portage Glacier or biking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Alyeska Resort : Outside Anchorage in the town of Girdwood, Alyeska serves as Alaska's biggest (and only) ski resort during the winter and an activity and relaxation hub in the summer.

The biggest attraction is a gondola ride to the top of 2,300-foot Mt. Alyeska, where you can get stunning views of Turnagain Arm. Other excursions include hiking, mountain biking, dog mushing or glacier trekking.

Homer : A quirky fishing town on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is known for art as it is for nature, and you can visit many galleries. That said, this part of the Kenai Peninsula offers bear-watching opportunities, as well as fishing excursions for halibut and salmon.

Denali National Park : Alaska's premier national park, Denali National Park is prized for a reason; with more than 1.3 million acres of wilderness, it's one of the country's best-preserved swaths of forest and tundra.

Most cruise tours give you a choice of one-, two- or three-night stays here; you need at least two to get the most out of your experience. Hop on a Park Service bus to seek out bears, moose and caribou, splurge on a flightseeing trip around Denali, or take a rafting trip on the Nenana River.

And don't be too disappointed if you never see the mountain, as only 30 percent of the park's visitors are lucky enough to glimpse it.

Fairbanks : Fewer than 200 miles from the Arctic Circle , Fairbanks is the gateway to Alaska's Far North. There, you can view the famed Trans-Alaska Pipeline, explore the state's Gold Rush history at Gold Dredge No. 8 and raft along the Chena. You can also take a flight to communities at the base of the Brooks Range, such as Coldfoot or the Athabaskan town of Fort Yukon, accessible only by plane.

Dawson City : The epicenter of the Klondike Gold Rush, Dawson City has maintained its historic atmosphere by renovating its old facades and developing first-rate tours and programs. Don't miss the informative historic walks put on by the city's tourism office or the cabaret show at Diamond Tooth Gerties .

If you're really adventurous, go to the Downtown Hotel, and try the Sourtoe Cocktail -- a shot with a real human toe in it. (You'll get a certificate and membership in the "Sourtoe Cocktail Club" for your efforts.)

Whitehorse : Yukon's capital, Whitehorse , might not be as cute as Dawson, but there are still several things to do. Meander on the Millennium Trail (the city's gorgeous paved trail along the Yukon River), watch the salmon struggle through what's considered to be the world's largest fish ladder or take one of many active excursions outside town.

For more inspiration, check out our list of the nine best Alaska cruise tour destinations .

3. Pick the Right Time of Year and Length of Time -- But Make Sure Your Cruise Tour Is Land Tour First, Cruise Last

June through August is considered the high season in Alaska , and Alaska shines during this period, with endless hours of daylight due to the midnight sun. Still, the shoulder season has its advantages, beyond fewer crowds and lower prices.

In May, one of the best months to cruise to Alaska, Denali emerges from its snowfall with wildflowers and animals searching for food. Likewise, the tundra starts showing fall colors as early as mid-August, and bears are visible as they frantically beef up for the winter.

No matter when you come, prepare for changeable weather; it can be wet and chilly, even in the middle of the summer. With the exception of flightseeing, excursions generally run regardless of rain, so bring appropriate gear. Conversely, when the sun is out, it can reach the upper 70s in northerly Fairbanks. Bring plenty of layers.

Alaska Cruise Tours Vary in Length, From Three to 18 Days

There are several choices when it comes to your itinerary's length of time, ranging anywhere from three to 18 days. The most basic (and shortest) Alaska cruise tours usually run directly between your ship and Denali National Park, where you'll have a day or two to explore; these typically include a stay in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

If your tour offers it, it's well worth the upgrade to take the longer seven-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour by school bus through the park. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, you have the potential to see bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and more.

If you opt for the longer itineraries (at least seven days on land), you'll have more time to build upon the classic Denali circuit, with perhaps a longer stay in the Denali area. A longer cruise tour can also take you to the Kenai Peninsula, where you'll spend a night or two in a wilderness lodge or at the famed Alyeska Resort, or you might extend your trip into the Yukon instead.

If you're OK with skipping out on the Denali trip altogether, several lines propose an alternative option via a Canadian Rockies trip that takes in scenic spots like Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise.

Why should you tour first and cruise later? Simply because it's nice to have time to relax in your stateroom for a good run after traveling to different hotels every night.

4. Don't Expect Luxurious Accommodations in Alaska

Cruise tours tend to favor Alaskan lodges over chain hotels. The lodges typically feature a carefully created rustic look with exposed-log exteriors and blond-wood interiors. Lobbies are homey with cozy seating, fireplaces and taxidermy mounts of various animal heads, like moose and caribou.

Wi-Fi is often available , and amenities are rather simple. Few lodges have pools, and fitness centers might be tiny.

Guest rooms are either in wings off the main lobby or in out-buildings. Be prepared to walk, though golf carts might be provided for those with mobility issues. In Seward , you might walk along wooded trails to get from your room to the restaurant or lobby, and in Denali, there's a bit of a hike through some properties in order to get to the shuttle bus stop.

And, yes, animals do frequent the premises. From a seat on the back patio of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, you could see a black bear wandering down a walking trail behind the hotel.

5. You'll Learn About Alaska Culture Firsthand

A cruise tour offers myriad opportunities to learn about Alaskan culture, but know that presentations range from sophisticated, interactive exhibits to more touristy attractions.

The Anchorage Museum has an excellent exhibit on Alaska Native cultures, in partnership with the Smithsonian, with fascinating items like a jacket made of seal intestines and a helmet with a human face on it.

There are also art galleries, where rotating modern art exhibits showcase a range of media. Kids will likely love the interactive Discovery Center where they can explore science, art and history.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a short drive from Downtown Anchorage, and fare is included in a culture pass, along with the Anchorage Museum. It's an eye-opening look -- complete with a walkable "village" -- at all of the Last Frontier's native cultures and how they balance tradition and modernity today.

A paddlewheel boat river tour in Fairbanks also offers a floatplane demonstration followed by a sled-dog demo at the home and training camp of an Iditarod champ. Debark in a mock Athabascan village, and receive a culinary demonstration (how to best prepare a salmon for dog food), fashion show (someone models an elaborate fur coat) and open house (a peek inside a typical trapper's cabin).

You can also learn about the Gold Rush and mining with a visit to Gold Dredge No. 8 near Fairbanks. Your tour includes a ride on a replica of the narrow-gauge Tanana Valley Railroad and the opportunity to try panning for gold. If you can get past the tourist-trap atmosphere, the excursion can offer invaluable educational value and even a bit of fun.

6. Riding on the Alaska Railroad Could Be Exciting … or the Opposite

The Alaska Railroad -- which traverses the long distance between Anchorage and Talkeetna, and on to Denali -- is a can't-miss experience, but be sure you know what you're getting before boarding your train car.

You'll pass some beautiful scenery, most notably Hurricane Gulch Bridge, where the train crosses a 918-foot bridge poised some 296 feet above a creek. Unfortunately, the viewing platform can be crowded with other travelers blocking views and viewfinders.

Cruise lines tend to hype the rail portion: double-decker, glass-domed cars with 360-degree views, outdoor viewing platforms, a dining room with regional specialties. Instead, you could spend four hours at a stretch with carry-on bags squashed at your feet watching a bunch of trees go by, hoping that one of them was a moose.

Train hosts provide commentary about Alaska and the railroad's route, which can be enriching (or sleep-inducing). And, depending on your ticket, a spiked coffee to sip while you listen might be included.

7. Dining in Alaska is Uneven, and Sometimes Additional

One of the biggest surprises about the cruise tour is that certain meals might not be included. Some cruise tour programs don't include meals in the price to give travelers the freedom to try local restaurants of their own choosing.

Yet, you might often be compelled to eat at certain times and in certain places. On the Alaska Railroad train rides, you might not be allowed to eat your own food up in the seating area, but since the ride typically takes place smack in the middle of a meal time (the train from Talkeetna to Denali, for example, leaves at 11 a.m. and arrives at 3 p.m.), you are basically forced to eat in the dining car.

And, because the dining car can't accommodate all the passengers at once, you'll have to eat in shifts as dictated by the train host.

Eating dinner at the hotel each night will likely be the most convenient option, especially if you're in a more remote lodge. However, it's likely to be more expensive with limited options.

8. The Knockout Scenery Might Be at Midnight on an Alaska Cruise Tour

Only in Alaska can you choose from an array of interesting wake-up calls. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers a Mount Denali wake-up call. The hotel staff will call you if the skies clear, providing a view of the majestic mountain from the hotel's back deck.

If your trip is blessed with clear skies and sunny weather, you might actually see the mountain several times, say, during a jet boat tour on Talkeetna's three rivers or on the way to board the bus in the morning.

In Denali and Fairbanks, you can request a northern lights wake-up call, and the front desk will alert you in the middle of the night should the aurora borealis be especially active. The heavenly phenomenon is not common during the summer months of cruise season, but don't count out a phone call at 11:30 p.m. to view a ghostly arc of green, shimmering across the night sky. (Your best bet is in Fairbanks, way up north, in late August or September.)

The wake-up call opportunities show just how much scenery is a part of an Alaskan vacation -- in addition to many hours riding buses, trains and boats. One of the most scenic rides is from Seward to Anchorage, along the Turnagain Arm, where snow-capped mountains and rolling hills rise on each side of the bay.

On a clear day in Anchorage, you can see the volcanic peaks of the Aleutians and the faint outlines of Denali before watching a dramatic sunset from your 15th-floor hotel room. And, if you really want to immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska, you can book a flightseeing trip, offered in most destinations, to see the glaciers and mountain peaks up close.

Bottom Line: Cruise Tours Are Unique Ways to Explore Alaska's Vast Wilderness

After days on the road in Alaska, there might be mixed feelings about the cruise tour experience. Some feel a bit trapped by the heavily scheduled tour, long train/bus rides and restrictive meal offerings. Although the lodges are well appointed, they are often off-the-beaten path, leaving sightseers at the mercy of shuttle buses.

In these ways, the tours are very unlike an Alaska cruise, where you travel at night and have full days in port, free to choose activities and time meals that best suit you. However, a majority of the activities on a cruise tour are quite good, while others might seem too touristy.

The biggest impression you can come away with, though, is that Alaska is an indescribably beautiful and intriguing state well worth exploring.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.