There is something about Alaska that awakes aspirations for the Adventures in us. The towering mountains covered with sky-blue glaciers, the misty forests and the enchanting wildlife meet you here. Ready to go deeper?  Most of the cruises may include the following activities: Alaska wildlife viewing, whale watching, glacier tours, wilderness hikes, shore excursions, and more.

Visiting Alaska by cruise ship has become one of the most popular ways to experience Alaska's magnificent beauty and diverse culture. Cruises include all that Alaska can offer as well as glaciers, wildlife, exotic ports of call, entertainment and fine dining.

Glacier cruises are among the most popular Alaskan cruises. Much of the Alaskan terrain consists of stunning, terrific glaciers and ice fields which cover over 5% of Alaska's land surface. This natural magnificence can be seen from many top tourist destinations of Alaska that include Juneau, Valdez, Seward and the Matanuska Valley, but it can be fully appreciated only with an up close and personal view that only a cruise can provide. From this advantage point you will stand awestruck by tidewater glaciers that may be over 100 ft. in height and the wildlife such as humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, dolphins, brown bears and bald eagles.

The Gulf of Alaska is also a popular cruise option. Most cruise lines cater week-long cruises from Seward to Vancouver or vice versa. While sailing you visit such highlights as Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and interesting ports of call: Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. At each port you can experience unique and thrilling land activities such as helicopter glacier landing, guided tours, and sightseeing.

Owing to climate the Alaskan cruise season lasts from May to September.  In May and September cruise cost less and are better available, while the weather is warmer during summer months. Don’t forget that you’ll have more daylight hours to observe the Alaskan wonders if you cruise closer to June 22nd.  The summer brings humpbacks to Alaska, the best months to watch the Orca are perhaps June and July.

Off shore excursions are extra paid, although it’s hard to imagine Alaskan cruise without them. Commonly prices vary from $50 to $500. You can book when getting your tickets or you are on the ship. Of course, you may save money when buying the excursions off shore, but you may find out that they are all sold. Especially it is true with such excursions as dog sledding and glacier heli-tours. As to what concerning the Alaska cruise ships they vary in size from those which carry less than 100 passengers to those with more than 2000 passengers aboard. Small ships offer more personalized service and may navigate through rather narrow passages. Large liners can offer different onboard activities.

Most of Alaska cruises last for 7 days. 11 and 14 day sailings are rather few and they include more ports of call and more glacier touring. Generally, 2 different types of cruises are available. The first one is inside passage. It usually lasts for one week. This roundtrip cruise departs from Vancouver and sail through the islands from British Columbia and Alaska. The port of call will probably include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. You will probably spend two days at sea, viewing wildlife and glaciers. The second type of cruises is the Glacier Route Cruise. You will sail northbound from Vancouver or south from Seward, only in one-way. On this cruise you will view more ice in College fjord and/or Hubbard Glacier and visit extra ports of call (one or two).

As you can see, there are many Alaska cruises to choose from, and each promise memories of adventure and excitement to last a lifetime. Which one is for you? That is for you to decide.