When someone tells me, “I want to go to Alaska,” my next question is usually, “What do you want your Alaska experience to look like?”
Because simply saying “I want to take an Alaska cruise” doesn't tell me nearly enough.
I've been fortunate to experience Alaska more than once, and I've learned that the itinerary matters at least as much as the ship. Two seven-night Alaska cruises can look very similar at first glance and deliver very different experiences.
I pay particular attention to how you will experience the glaciers, not simply whether “glacier viewing” appears on the itinerary.
Mendenhall Glacier, near Juneau, is rapidly receding, and the view has changed considerably over the years. But here you can get off the ship and explore on foot, with trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, including the popular trail to Nugget Falls.
Glacier Bay is completely different…
This is a full scenic-cruising day, with National Park Service rangers coming aboard as the ship travels through the park toward its tidewater glaciers. You experience the landscape's enormous scale right from the ship.
Other itineraries may let you leave the larger ship and continue aboard a smaller vessel for a much closer look at a glacier. That can be extraordinary. If you are lucky enough to see a glacier calve, hearing the crack and watching an enormous piece of ice crash into the water is something you don't forget!
And Alaska isn't only about what you see from the water. Denali, Talkeetna, and the interior can completely change the trip. For travelers with enough time, I often like combining a cruise with several days on land. After an active land itinerary and changing hotels, there is something very appealing about unpacking once and letting the ship do the moving.
For some travelers, the right Alaska trip may be something completely different: a smaller expedition-style ship, a lodge-based stay, wildlife viewing, fishing, flightseeing, or a more active adventure.
If summer 2027 is on your list, I would not wait. I am already seeing many Alaska sailings fill up, especially popular dates and more desirable stateroom categories. Land accommodations and some of the best experiences are limited, too.
Alaska deserves more than simply choosing a ship and a date. Start with how you want to experience it, and we can build the right Alaska trip from there.
Warmly,
Lisa
