dog sled tours skagway alaska

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Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure

• Feel the thrill of dogsledding and a helicopter flight on the Skagway Helicopter Dog Sledding Tour
• Soar over massive ice formations, deep-blue crevasses, and shimmering ice rivers during your flightseeing tour, guided by our experienced pilots
• Engage in Alaska's favorite sport, dog sledding, on pristine snow fields, with full training and a chance to lead the team yourself
• Spend time at a bustling glacier dog-sled camp, interacting with hundreds of sled dogs, adorable pups, and the dedicated staff
• Book your spot now on this unforgettable shore excursion, providing the highest quality experiences at the best prices, with a satisfaction guarantee

Skagway Dog Sledding & Helicopter Tour

Enjoy an authentic Alaskan helicopter flightseeing and dog sledding excursion in Skagway that combines the unmatched beauty of touring the expansive winter wilderness by air and gliding on ancient yet pristine snow fields by land. If it's your first time in Alaska, discover why this tour is an absolute must for travelers!

Glacier Flightseeing Tour

In Alaska, this helicopter tour is only the first step on this journey straight out of a Jack London novel. Your experienced pilot will fly you over the massive ice formations, deep-blue crevasses, and shimmering ice rivers of Alaska while pointing to the once-in-a-lifetime views out each window.

As you arrive at your destination, the allure of Alaska's favorite sport awaits you: dog sledding. The majestic peaks, sculpted by glaciers, unveil themselves as you draw near the Denver Glacier dog sled camp, where a bustling scene of hundreds of sled dogs, adorable pups, and dedicated staff comes into view.

Sightseeing Dog Sled Tour

Upon arriving at the dog camp, the helpful and professional staff will provide you with training and instructions on the finer points of dog sledding, stories about the famous Iditarod race, and a chance to drive the team yourself. Or, just relax on the sled while enjoying the breathtaking surroundings as the huskies power you through the crisp Alaskan snow.

Your Skagway shore excursion continues with some time to talk with the mushers and play with the 200 or so sled dogs and their husky puppies. Before your helicopter takes you back to the base and civilization, make sure to get some pictures with the Alaskan sled dogs on their snowy home turf.

This Skagway dog sledding adventure excursion includes approximately 30 minutes of helicopter time over the frozen glaciers and breathtaking scenery of Alaska, about 30 minutes with the mushers at the dog camp located on the Juneau Icefield, and approximately 30 minutes of sled time to give everyone a chance to test their mushing and dog sledding skills along professional mushers.

Federal Aviation Safety Briefing

According to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device may not transport the device on any flight on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage, nor offer the device for air cargo shipment.

To ensure security, it is important to note that carry-on bags and water bottles are prohibited aboard helicopters. However, there will be a designated storage area at the office where you can secure personal belongings.

Additionally, for safety purposes, please refrain from bringing any electronic tablets (such as iPads), drones, GoPro sticks, or other extendible items on the helicopter tour. Please do not bring them on the excursion, as there is nowhere else to store them.

Discover Alaska with Shore Excursions

Our Skagway Helicopter and Dog Sledding Tour is the perfect combination of helicopter flightseeing and dog mushing adventure you'd come to expect from Shore Excursions. It's truly the experience of a lifetime for Alaska cruise ship passengers that you won't find anywhere else on Earth. Check out our cancellation policy before you book because space is limited.

PLEASE NOTE: Any guests weighing 250 pounds or more (fully clothed) at the time of the tour will need to pay an additional $150 fee to reserve adequate space onboard the helicopter.

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Skagway Musher's Camp and Sled Dog Adventure

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• Reviews (270)

Excursion Overview

A thrilling excursion through skagway's forests.

Discover the beauty and uniqueness of a true Alaskan pastime dog mushing! What better way to enjoy Alaska than to experience a team of powerful huskies pulling you on a wheeled cart through the great backcountry of a historic Gold Rush Site! Hop aboard our tour van and start your excursion with a full narrative of historic Skagway as you cruise through town on your way to the Klondike Gold Rush National Park. The ride will take you along the waterfront of Dyea - a historic Gold Rush Settlement - full of rich history and outrageous scenery with plenty of opportunities to snap some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. As you near our musher's camp, prepare yourself for the ride of your life on one of our custom made wheeled dogsleds, which are well suited for running on our one-mile wooded trail. Let the team mush on as you grab onto your seat for a truly authentic Alaskan Adventure! After the ride, relax while you cuddle with some adorable Alaskan husky puppies while enjoying a beverage as a guide fills you in on the life of a musher and his team in the Great White North! This is one Alaskan Adventure that you do not want to miss!

Things You Need to Know

Inclusions:.

• Roundtrip transportation

Requirements:

• There are no additional requirements for this excursion.

Duration: 3.25 hours (Roundtrip from cruise ship terminal.)

• 35 minutes - narrated transportation with scenic outlooks
• 10 minutes - restroom break at the camp
• 15 minutes - Unimog transportation to the sled ride location
• 30 minutes - wheeled cart dog sled ride experience and meeting the team
• 25 minutes - Unimog down to the camp with overlook stop
• 20 minutes - presentation of dogsledding history
• 20 minutes - photo opportunities with sled dog puppies and to enjoy the Mercantile, Saloon, and Café
• 40 minutes - transportation from camp to dock

Meeting Instructions:

• This tour meets at the end of the pier where your cruise ship is docked. Fully detailed instructions are included on your finalized ticket vouchers.

ADA Accessibility of Tour:

• This tour is limited mobility accessible. Guests must be able to walk short distances and raise their knee 8 inches to accommodate steps into and out of the vehicles. There is limited space for collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. Please leave a comment during checkout if accommodations for collapsible equipment will be required on tour.

Refund Policy:

• You may cancel for any reason up to seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund.
• Please see our Refund Policy Page for complete details.

Tours can be canceled for any reason up until seven (7) days prior to the date of the tour for a full refund unless otherwise noted on the individual tour product page in the Things to Know section. To cancel a tour, please use the cancelation request link within your e-ticket that was emailed to you OR send an email to  [email protected] with the following information:

- Order number

- Tour you are canceling

- Number of passengers you wish to cancel

Within 0-7 days before the tour date, cancelations are eligible for a full refund only in the following scenarios:

- The tour is canceled by the tour operator for any reason (for example: bad weather or mechanical issue)

- You experience a medical emergency during this window and can provide documentation (documentation must be submitted within 30 days to receive a refund)

- Your ship changes port itineraries causing you to miss an excursion

All refunds are processed through Alaska Shore Excursions, and will not be processed through any cruise line or local tour provider. Refunds will appear under Alaska Shore Excursions on your bank/credit card statement. Credit card refunds are processed within 10 business days of the request. Exceptions to the refund policy include multi-day packages and some day tours. Please refer to the specific refund policy listed on the individual tour product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the dogs love human interaction and the mushers will let you get close and snuggly with their team.

No, for safety reasons you will not have the opportunity to run the sled. You'll be able to sit back and watch firsthand while your expert musher controls their team!

We strongly recommend having a parent or adult guardian, especially for younger kids. This tour is not exclusively for kids and is just as fun for adults! Children may go on this tour alone if they're traveling with someone who is 16+ that will attend to them.

Each sled can accommodate 6 guests.

The trails are on uneven natural terrain in the forest with some boardwalks near the mercantile.

Guests must be comfortable walking short distances on uneven surfaces.

Although this tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair, our Skagway Sled Dog tour, it poses more challenges for wheelchair users. The trails throughout camp are uneven natural terrain.The tour consists of a Unimog ride up the mountain to partake in the dog sled portion, which does not accommodate wheelchairs. The guest must be able to ascend the 5 steps in and out of the Unimog and walk short distances in the sled dog area. For guests with wheelchairs looking to go to the Skagway Musher’s Camp in Skagway, we recommend doing the Skagway Musher's Camp and S'Mores Roasting or Skagway Musher's Camp and Gold Panning , as those both take place at our base camp but do not require the Unimog ride up the mountain.

There are no age restrictions for this tour.

There is no weight limit for this tour. Guests must be able to walk short distances and raise their knee 12 inches to accommodate steps into and out of the vehicles.

All bags must be stored prior to participating on the sled ride part of the tour.

Non-alcoholic beverages in closeable containers and snacks are allowed on tour.

Layered clothing and waterproof clothing are recommended.

Check out other frequently asked questions  here !

Guest Reviews

On sep 2023.

This tour was excellent! Mushers and dogs were friendly and we enjoyed every minute! They even corrected a problem for me when I double booked. Great company all around!!!

We had a lot of fun here. Everyone was nice and happy to work there. The ride up in the Unimog was crazy. That was a great plus. We would do this again. Thank you so much for great memories.

Truly loved this experience. It was a lot of fun. Loved meeting the dogs, the mushers and the guides. My only complaint is that I wish we could have had a longer ride. I would definitely recommend this excursion! So much fun.

My family and I loved this tour! We wished we had more time on the dog sled and with the dogs. The guides were informative and interesting. Gorgeous viewpoints for pictures. I recommend this tour for adults or children.

Carroll James C

This was also amazing! We so enjoyed the ride through the forest and meeting all the dogs and pups. Our guides were funny and kept it interesting and lighthearted. Very informative and even stopped to take pictures of us in the beautiful scenery. Also highly recommend this excursion!!

• Reviews Showing: 270

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Duration: 3.25 hours

Date Required

Time Required

# of Passengers Required

Adult: $ 174.00

Child (ages 2-12): $ 154.00

Infant (Free under 2): $ 0.00

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Gold Rush Dog Tours, LLC

GOLD RUSH DOG TOURS

Skagway and juneau , alaska, where historical mushing meets modern-day racing.

Join us in Juneau & Skagway where you'll learn about Alaska's Official State Sport and the thrill of summer training when we trade our sled-runners for wheels.

Summer Cart-Mushing in Juneau and Skagway Alaska

The goal of Gold Rush Sled Dog Tours is to allow all to share in the amazing experience of sled dogs and the mushing world.

What People are Saying

Dog musher Joel made our visit to dog sled camp enjoyable, entertaining and informative. While we did not ride in a sled on snow, we were pulled in a wheeled “sled” by twelve sled dogs and saw the team in action and got the feel of the real event.     Marilyn / JUNEAU DOG CART MUSHING

Very interactive tour of Alaskan sled dog and musher’s camp. We were able to hold the puppies and observe an actual dog sledding. Panning for gold was extremely exciting. Overall tour is highly recommended and very knowledgeable staff.     Mr and Mrs Verzon / SKAGWAY ALASKAN MUSHING DEMONSTRATION & 40 BELOW EXPERIENCE

This was one of the highlights of our trip. Joe did a fantastic job of explaining things and shared his own personal experiences. He was very personable and really enjoyed what he was doing. He really made the experience wonderful for our family.     Renee / JUNEAU DOG CART MUSHING

907-983-2886 [email protected] Facebook.com/GoldRushDogs

Juneau, Alaska & Skagway, Alaska

Juneau & Skagway Alaska

Helicopter & dog sledding tour.

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Alaskan summer adventure, our helicopter-based icefield and glacier dog sledding tour whisks you from the dock to the glacier with  maximum comfort and safety..

Take a scenic flightseeing tour before you land at our dog sledding camp on the glacier. Once settled, you’ll meet our Alaskan Husky sled dog teams and their professional mushers and dog handlers.  You will then ride on a dog sled (in the middle of summer!) and get the opportunity to drive the dog sled while capturing photographs to remember for years!

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Helicopter & Dog Sledding Adventure

Our helicopter-based ice-field and glacier dog sledding tour whisks you from the dock to the glacier with the maximum comfort and safety..

Experience the thrill of glacier flight-seeing prior to landing at our dog-sledding camp. Meet our Alaskan Huskies sled dog teams along with their professional mushers and dog handlers. After learning about the dogs, it’s time for a ride on the dogsled! Opportunities to drive the dog sled on the glacier and capture unforgettable photos are around every glacier turn!

Please join us this Summer for glacier dog-sledding and spectacular flight seeing in either Juneau or Skagway.

limited availability & spaces fill quickly

Want The Dogs But Not The Flight?

Are you a dog lover looking for an unforgettable adventure? If so, you must visit our sister company, Gold Rush Dog Tours. They offer the ultimate dog sledding experience without the glacier flightseeing tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i bring, when should i make my reservation, how do i book, how do i get there, what should i wear, what our customers are saying, exhilarating helicopter ride, definite “must do”, amazing & inforative, just like the movies, get in touch, send us a message, call us: (523) 486-3562.

Skagway Tours

Glacier discovery by helicopter.

Leave all traces of civilization behind and experience the infinite beauty of Alaska’s remote glaciers. Lift off from the historic Skagway waterfront and head into a rugged region of sheer mountains, majestic valleys, and massive glaciers. Once you land on the glacier, you will be given the rare opportunity to explore one of Mother Nature’s greatest marvels on foot. Enjoy a walking tour of a lifetime as our experienced glacier guides answer all your questions and work to explain the awesome forces at work.

Jagged peaks towering over the Chilkat Glacier, cascading waterfalls, surrounding the Ferebee Glacier, or the spectacular river of ice known as the Meade Glacier, may be among the wonders you encounter. Flight routes and landing zones are selected daily to ensure that you receive the best that the area has to offer.

Duration: 2 hours

The tour includes approximately 40 minutes of helicopter time and 40 minutes on the glacier. Times will vary due to weather and glacier conditions.

Tour Dates: May-September

Dog Sledding and Glacier Flight Seeing

Combine helicopter flightseeing with Alaska’s favorite sport, dog sledding. After a thrilling flight over spectacular glaciers, you’ll land at a dog camp on the Denver Glacier.

Experienced guides will introduce you to the world of mushing and the art of dog sledding. Drive the team or relax in the sled while observing the breathtaking environment around you. Meet professional mushers and friendly dogs on this unique Alaskan experience.

The tour includes approximately 30 minutes of helicopter time, approximately 30 minutes with the mushers at the dog camp located on the Juneau Icefield within the Tongass National Forest, and approximately 30 minutes of dog sledding. Allow up to 30 minutes for transportation from dock to dock, viewing our safety video, and outfitting of glacier boots and safety vests.

Tour Dates: May-August

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Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

A laska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The 5 best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

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.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess even owns a handful of its own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: 6 best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dog-sledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: 15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

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 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. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

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.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

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. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dog sled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.