Discover Alaska: Cruisetours That Go Beyond the Coastline!

staceydoby
Jun 6
3 min read

If Alaska has been calling your name lately, you're not alone! 🌄 Alaska Cruisetours are the HOTTEST topic with my travelers right now—and it's easy to see why: they combine the best of coastal cruising plus epic inland adventures like Denali National Park! 🚂🐻 Today, I’m sharing insider tips to help you plan the ultimate journey to The Last Frontier. Let's gooooo! 🏔️🚢

🚢 What Exactly Is an Alaska Cruisetour?

A Cruisetour is the perfect blend:

Cruise: A stunning 7-day sailing along Alaska’s breathtaking coastline (think glaciers, whales, and charming ports!)
Land Tour: An extended journey inland by luxury motorcoach or train to places you can’t reach by ship—like Denali National Park!
In other words: you get the best of both worlds. 🌎

🌞 Best Time to Travel (and When to Snag Lower Prices)

Peak Season: Mid-June to Mid-August➡️ Warmest temps (50–70°F) and longest daylight hours — prime time for wildlife sightings! 🐻🦅
Shoulder Season for Savings: Early May or September➡️ Lower crowds, better pricing, and often great last-minute balcony upgrades! 🍂✨(Bonus: September trips often come with gorgeous fall colors and chances to see the Northern Lights!)

🛌 Booking Tip: Why a Balcony Cabin is a MUST

✅ Seeing Alaska’s rugged coastlines, glaciers calving into the sea, and pods of whales—all from your own private balcony—is a game-changer. 🐋❄️✅ Balcony cabins book up FAST—especially for midship and starboard (right side) cabins sailing northbound.✅ Insider Tip: Book early or consider May/September sailings for better balcony availability AND better deals!

🚢 Must-See Ports & Highlights:

Juneau: Whale watching, Mendenhall Glacier, and charming downtown shops
Ketchikan: Totem poles, Misty Fjords, and the "Salmon Capital of the World" 🐟
Skagway: Step into Gold Rush history and ride the famous White Pass Railroad 🚂
Glacier Bay National Park: Epic glacier sightings (cruise ships must have permits—choose a ship that includes this!) 🧊

🏔️ Going Inland: Explore Denali National Park!

Denali is a must-do for wildlife lovers and scenery seekers!
Take a naturalist-led bus deep into the park to spot bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and eagles. 🦅🦌
Stay at beautiful wilderness lodges
Ride the Alaska Railroad with glass-domed observation cars (bucket-list-worthy!!) 🚂🍃

Bonus: Some cruisetours even offer the chance to explore Fairbanks, take a riverboat cruise, or visit gold mining sites!

🛳️ Choosing the Right Cruise Line for Your Alaska Adventure

You may ask - which Cruise Line is best? Not all Alaska cruisetours are created equal—and picking the right cruise line can make a world of difference! 🌎✨Here’s the scoop:

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are Alaska veterans, with deep roots in the region. They offer seamless land + sea experiences with exclusive wilderness lodges and direct rail service into Denali. Perfect for those craving a polished, immersive adventure.➡️ Cruisetour packages typically range from $1,800–$3,500+ per person.
Celebrity Cruises offers a more upscale, modern feel with luxury accommodations and gourmet dining. Think stylish ships and elevated experiences—ideal for foodies and couples who like a splash of chic with their glaciers. 🥂➡️ Expect $2,500–$4,200+ per person.
Royal Caribbean brings big-ship excitement to the Alaska experience! ⚓ With rock-climbing walls, bumper cars, and sweeping observation lounges, it's a hit with multigenerational families and active travelers. Their land tours explore inland gems like Denali and Talkeetna with high-quality hotel stays.➡️ Cruisetours usually range from $2,200–$4,000 per person, depending on length and timing.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) delivers a laid-back, freestyle vibe, with tons of entertainment and family-friendly fun. Flexible dining and lively ships make it great for groups and first-timers.➡️ Cruisetours typically start around $2,000–$3,800 per person.

Insider Tip:👉 While pricing varies by time of year and cabin type, the experiences bundled in (rail rides, national park visits, guided tours) make Alaska cruisetours a huge value. And that’s where I come in—to help match you with the perfect itinerary and ship! 🙌