Navigating the Last Frontier: Unveiling Common Facts for Your Alaska Cruise Adventure
Embarking on an Alaska cruise is a voyage into the heart of untamed wilderness, where icy fjords meet towering glaciers, and wildlife roams freely against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. As you dream of setting sail on the pristine waters of the Last Frontier, there's a wealth of fascinating facts waiting to enhance your journey.
In this blog post, I invite you to join me on an exploration of the common and some uncommon facts that define the allure of an Alaska cruise. From the mesmerizing natural wonders to the unique marine life that graces these icy waters, uncovering these insights will not only deepen your appreciation for the rugged beauty but also ensure you make the most of your unforgettable Alaskan adventure.
So, let's embark together on a virtual expedition, unveiling the captivating details that make an Alaska cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
GETTING THERE: Most cruise passengers fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) or Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Depending on when you arrive, you may have the opportunity to explore the city of Anchorage or Vancouver on your own before boarding your cruise ship.
LANGUAGE: English, the primary language of Alaska’s population, will be the main language on your cruise.
CLIMATE: During the day in summer, highs range from 60°F - 80°F with refreshingly cool lows dropping into the 40s - 50s at night. May and September are considered the low season, and September usually presents a 50% chance of rain on any given day. The Northern Lights are best seen August 20th through April 20th – an ideal time for a Winter Aurora Vacation.
If you’re looking for a unique Alaskan visit with fewer tourists, October is a great time. November is a challenging time of increasing darkness and it’s cold (20s and 30s), but there isn’t enough snow for a lot of outdoor sports.
January starts out pretty bleak but is a great time for a winter visit since towns like to throw “cabin fever reliever” festivals and there’s finally enough snow for winter sports. March is the top time to visit Alaska as the days grow longer and warmer, and the Iditarod sled dog race starts the first Saturday.
April is probably the hardest month to visit due to melted snow and limited activities. How- ever, April is a nice time to see the spring Gray Whale migrations.
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS): On your Alaskan cruise, American cash is the main currency used and accepted. It is advised to bring enough cash for dining, shopping, spa services, and such to save yourself the hassle of finding and using an ATM.
Keep in mind any excursions you plan to take and bring cash for tipping the tour guides. A good rule is to tip 10% - 20% of the tour cost or tip based on the length of the tour. For instance, $5 - $10 for a half-day excursion or $10 - $20 for a full-day. Plan to spend $50 - $100USD per day, plus an additional $20 per day for tipping crew members.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are generally accepted, and it is a good idea to notify each of your credit card companies of your intended travel dates and locations to avoid holds and/or fraud alerts. Being aware of the above should make for smooth sailing.
ELECTRICITY: Staterooms are equipped with standard 110 AC and 220 AC outlets near the desk, and you may want to bring converters and/or adapters for your post-cruise hotel stay.
5 FAST FACTS
1. Alaska is home to a whopping 3 million lakes, including Lake Iliamna, which ranks as the eighth-largest lake by area in the United States.
2. Alaska is also home to 17 of the United States’ 20 highest mountain peaks. Denali, also known as “The Great One,” is the highest, measuring an astounding 20,320 feet above sea level.
3. Glaciers cover 5% of the state of Alaska, and there are approximately 100,000 of them.
4. Visitors have a chance to see the Northern Lights 243 days per year in Fairbanks, Alaska.
5. Juneau, the capital, covers 3,108 square miles and is the only US capital city that is accessibly only by boat or plane.
5 ITEMS TO PACK
1. For the best pictures, pack a telephoto camera with extra memory cards.
2. Remember to bring sunglasses – so you don’t have to squint when looking at the incredibly bright scenery.
3. Pack lightweight t-shirts, thin sweaters, waterproof jackets, scarves, and warm hats. Think layers to put on and pull off easily as you go indoors and outdoors.
4. Sturdy, all-weather shoes or boots for glacier-walking, trekking through mud, and outdoor sports excursions are a must for your Alaskan cruise.
5. A daypack for carrying personal/ souvenir items on and off board will come in handy on your trip; be sure to bring one!
TOURS/EXCURSION IDEAS
Race Across the Glacier: Experience the thrill of dog sledding, Alaska's beloved pastime, in a way that takes your breath away. Picture yourself racing across a glacier, pulled by a team of eager sled dogs, after a scenic helicopter ride over the Juneau Icefield. It's an unforgettable adventure that immerses you in the beauty of Alaska's icy landscapes while enjoying the company of these incredible canine athletes.
Marvel at Mendenhall Glacier: Embark on a journey to Mendenhall Glacier, a stunning natural wonder featuring a river of ice adorned with mesmerizing azure blue hues. Family-friendly and easily accessible, this glacier tour allows you to explore the captivating crevasses and even venture into the surrounding trails to catch glimpses of salmon and local wildlife.
Crab-Catching in Ketchikan: Don your crab-catching gear and set out on an exciting adventure in Ketchikan, the "Salmon Capital of the World." Experience the thrill of pulling up king crabs from the icy waters, getting a hands-on taste of Alaska's rich maritime culture. It's a must-try activity for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.
Gold Panning in Skagway: Step back in time to the era of the Klondike Gold Rush with a gold panning excursion in Skagway. Channel your inner prospector as you sift through riverbed gravel and pan for gold, just like the daring fortune-seekers of the past. Unearth the excitement and history of Alaska's gold rush days.
Humpback Whale-Watching Extravaganza: Set sail on the Alaskan waters for an incredible humpback whale-watching experience. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat as they breach and play in the ocean. Fun fact: humpback whales can grow up to an astonishing 52 feet—longer than a Greyhound bus! It's a captivating adventure that brings you up close to Alaska's marine giants.
And there you have it—a digital journey through the awe-inspiring wonders of an Alaska cruise! From the jaw-dropping glaciers of Tracy Arm to the quaint charm of Ketchikan's Creek Street, Alaska weaves a tale of untamed beauty and natural marvels. Whether you're dreaming of watching humpback whales breach in the Inside Passage or envisioning the rugged grandeur of Denali National Park, an Alaska cruise promises a voyage into the heart of pristine wilderness.
So, adventurer, are you ready to make waves in Alaska's crystalline waters? Imagine the thrill of witnessing a calving glacier or the joy of spotting playful otters along the shore. Ready to turn these daydreams into your next great adventure? Shoot me a message and request a personalized quote tailored to your Alaska cruise dreams. Let's craft an itinerary that blends the excitement of wildlife encounters with the comfort of luxury cruising.
Seize the moment, click the button below, and let's embark on this Alaskan odyssey together. Your dream cruise awaits, and we're here to make it a reality!
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