What You Need to Know to Do Alaska Right
Why are more travelers than ever heading to Alaska? Maybe it’s the stunning glaciers, the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, or the sheer thrill of exploring America’s “Last Frontier.” For many, it’s a chance to trade palm trees for pine forests and Caribbean breezes for crisp, glacier-fed air.
No matter what draws you north, one thing is certain: to make the most of your Alaska cruise, planning ahead is essential. Here’s how to do Alaska right.
Serene views of glacier-carved College Fjord, framed by snowy peaks and icy blue waters.
Choose the Right Cruise Line (and Itinerary)
Most Alaska cruises visit the “Big Three” ports: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. But if you want to experience the true magic of Alaska, your itinerary matters.
Only a handful of cruise lines are permitted to sail into Glacier Bay National Park, an experience that’s not to be missed. Park rangers board the ship and narrate your journey through this protected area, home to thunderous calving glaciers, floating ice fields, and harbor seals sunning on the floes. Keep your eyes out for humpback whales, dolphins, and orcas, too—this is their playground.
👉 Pro Tip: Ask your travel advisor if your cruise includes Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.
Plan Your Alaska Shore Excursions Early
Ride through snow-capped peaks and gold rush history aboard the White Pass Scenic Railway.
Alaska’s ports aren’t just scenic, they’re rich with history. Gold Rush towns like Skagway and Sitka feel frozen in time, filled with tales of rugged adventurers, saloon brawls, and entrepreneurial pioneers.
Want to truly experience the destination? Excursions are key, and they book up fast. Here are just a few unforgettable options:
🚁 Land on a glacier via helicopter
🐾 Visit a musher’s camp and ride a dog sled
🐋 Go whale watching to see humpbacks, sea lions, orcas, and more
🚂 Ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
🔥 Enjoy a wild-caught salmon bake over an open fire
Whether you're into wildlife, wilderness, or history, there's an adventure with your name on it.
When Is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
Colorful boardwalk shops in historic Ketchikan welcome visitors to Alaska’s rich frontier past.
The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, and each part of the season offers something different:
May–June: Fewer crowds, longer days, and wildflowers in bloom.
July–August: Peak wildlife viewing, warmer temps, and more salmon in the rivers.
September: Fall foliage, possible Northern Lights sightings, and end-of-season deals.
👉 The best time to go depends on your budget, travel goals, and flexibility.
Thinking about Alaska for a future trip? Here’s why it might be smarter to cruise Alaska sooner rather than later.
Extend Your Trip with a Land Tour
Majestic views of Denali, the tallest peak in North America, from within the national park.
A cruise-only vacation shows you the coastline, but Alaska’s heart lies inland. Only a couple of cruise lines offer curated land-and-sea tours that include Denali National Park and the rugged interior.
Want to see “The Great One” (Denali) up close? Add a stay at a wilderness lodge and experience:
🦌 Wildlife viewing and nature hikes
✈️ Flightseeing tours
🛶 River rafting
🛌 Cozy lodges in the heart of the wilderness
If you’re coming all this way, don’t miss the opportunity to go deeper.
Ready to Plan Your Alaska Cruise?
Taking in breathtaking views of Denali on a clear evening from Princess McKinley Wilderness Lodge — a memory to treasure.
Whether you’re dreaming of glacier views, bear sightings, dog sledding, or railroads through the wilderness, we can help you design the perfect Alaskan adventure.
At Castaway Destinations, we know which cruise lines offer the best routes, the most immersive excursions, and the ideal balance of comfort and exploration.
📩 Let us know when you're ready to start planning—Alaska is calling!
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