The Alaskan journey is one that we must all take one day. Somewhere deep inside us, there is an urge to traverse the most remote parts of the globe and endure the most extreme conditions, to see things for ourselves that we had only previously encountered on the National Geographic Channel, and to delve into the most exotic places on the planet in hopes of coming home all the wiser.
The Alaska you choose to see can be a wild, untamed, unconquered Alaska, full of glaciers, grizzlies, pristine tundra and soaring bald eagles. Or the Alaska you choose can be a rich cultural epicenter, with Inuit artwork and totem poles, gold mining remnants, historic railroad routes and dog sled teams of Malamutes and Huskies ready and raring to go. Choose wisely, but keep in mind that you will probably be back here again one day. When you want it, things have a way of working out.
If it's your first visit, then travel veterans will tell you an Alaskan Cruise is the ultimate way to see and experience the state of Alaska. Do you dream of seven-night cruises in pleasant sixty-to-seventy degree weather, while feasting on fresh-caught salmon, caribou steaks or reindeer sausages, and sipping on local micro-brews?
Wouldn't it be great if all your tours were pre-arranged and you could pan for gold, visit a glacial park, whale watch, take a jeep and canoe safari, watch a 1900s Lumberjack Show and see towering native Inuit totem poles? Or, if you'd like, you can still view the majestic glaciers along the Inside Passage, yet stay on the ship for all your entertainment, including casinos, movies, fitness centers, internet centers, spas, libraries, swimming pools, Broadway-style shows, game centers and educational native Alaskan presentations.
A cruising Alaskan adventure is the perfect option for people who despise the organizing, arranging and "now what should we do" aspects of a vacation but love experiencing new things, all for one inclusive price. During the summer months, you can even find a seven-night cruise for as low as $799!
The Saxman Native Village and The Alaskan Native Heritage Center are great places to learn about the first people of Alaska, some of whom still reside in the state to this day. Kids and adults alike will love the White Pass railroad, as you will see remnants of the great 1898 Yukon gold rush, where over 20,000 people traversed from all around the world to make their fortune.
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the town of Skagway have a lot of cultural artifacts and activities related to the gold rush time period. You can even try panning for gold yourself or following the same route the prospectors took from British Colombia! You'll notice the Russian and Scandinavian influence in a place like Petersburg, Alaska, where you'll be treated to ethnic dances and cathedral tours, if you so desire.
If you're all geared up about The Alaskan hunting and fishing experience, which could add a notch to every serious hunter's belt, then you had better come prepared! Big game hunting licenses and fishing permits are required by law for all excursions and big game hunters who don't live in-state need to be accompanied by a guide for a wild Alaskan excursion.
Moose, caribou, grizzly bears, brown bears and black bears are the most common animals to hunt here, although bison, sheep, wolves, geese, duck, elk, mountain goats, wolverines and musk oxen can also be hunted. You can check with the Alaskan Department of Hunting and Game for more information.
For fishing, you'll have your choice of five different salmon varieties, in addition to halibut, arctic grayling, enormous rainbow trout and 21 other species of sport fish. Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska-Susitna valleys and Prince William Sound are all good places to begin. You may also want to consider a fly-in trip to a remote area or participating in an Alaskan prize-awarding derby in Ketchikan, Juneau, Valdez, Anchorage, Homer, Seward, Unalaska/Dutch Harbor and Kodiak.
Long time Alaskan cruise enthusiasts have been discovering the magical qualities this vast wilderness has to offer over and over again and it's one of the few places left in the world where history has been relatively left untouched.
The Adventure Cruise Of A Lifetime
One of the most enduring and life changing experiences you'll have is the Harriman's Wake tour. Packages of up to 25 days are available as you'll be transported back into time and retrace the footsteps of one of Alaska's most famous pioneers. From Vancouver B.C. to Nome, Alaska, it's an expedition of over 3500 miles and by the end of it, you'll understand why Alaska is regarded as one of the truly great areas on the planet.
You may prefer the shorter 14-16 day trip exploring Alaska's Fjords and Glaciers. Untouched wilderness areas such as Kayak Island can be explored on smaller size boats and you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the few places on earth untouched by human development, Prince William Sound. It's not just marine life you'll see first hand but land mammals as well. The longer Harriman's Wake package will set you back close to $15,000 while the shorter two week trips will be half that but well worth the expense.
Did You Know?
Alaska's Inside Passage is a must see for adventure cruise enthusiasts. It contains some of the world's most pristine landscape and is usually accessible only by smaller vessels.
Then there's the trip along the amazing coastline between Vancouver and Anchorage. It's a long trip and along the way you'll get to see all of the Inside Passage from British Columbia, all the way to the Alaskan Gulf Coast. Adventure cruise specialists include land excursions as part of the packages available and you'll experience some of the Denali National Park and spend one or two nights in the midst of the wilderness in fabulous lodges.
Glaciers despite there enormity and mystery hold a magic fascination for many people. On an Alaskan adventure cruise, you have every opportunity to get close up and personal with the mighty glaciers. Shorter four day excursions from Juneau take you right into the hight of Glacier Bay. Not only will you get a close hand look at one of nature's most awe-inspiring structures but the marine life there to greet you will have you snapping away vigorously on your camera.
Adventure Cruise Prices
These can vary depending on the style and level of package you choose. On the bigger cruise liners, prices start at around $3000 but this is can be higher or lower depending on the length of the cruise and time of the year. For smaller charter operators, you'll need to contact them for an estimate as these adventure cruises can vary. Tailor-made options are also available to vacationers and these are a great way to see and do what you want particularly if time is a factor.
Both Mike Selvon & Dean Caporella are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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