Itineraries

• Juneau/Larry Darter
  
  Cruise lines serving Alaska operate both round-trip and one-way cruises. The most common round-trip cruises depart from and return to Seattle, Washington, and are typically seven days in length. One-way cruises travel either north or south from ports of embarkation. Southbound cruises depart from Seward or Whittier, Alaska, and end in Vancouver, British Columbia. Northbound cruises depart from Vancouver and end at Seward or Whittier. The one-way cruises, also generally seven days in length, spend more time in the inside passage and provide more opportunities to view glaciers and wildlife than do the round trip variety.
  
  

Season

• Glacier/Larry Darter
  
  The Alaskan cruise season runs from mid-May through mid-September and according to Alaska Cruises.com, the best deals are available during the "shoulder" or off-peak periods near the beginning and end of the season. The weather is usually most favorable in May when the climate is typically drier.
  
  

Highlights

• Ketchikan/Larry Darter
  
  Expect to see the extensive fjords and impressive glacier formations found along the rugged Alaskan coast. You will have opportunities to sight-see and shop in picturesque coastal cities such as Seward, Juneau (the capital), Ketchikan and Skagway. During port calls, shore excursions are available that run the gamut from the chance to ride in a dog sled to helicopter tours to wildlife viewing excursions to the chance to pan for Alaskan gold. In addition Alaskan cruises can be combined with land vacations termed "cruise tours". Cruise tours allow visitors to explore the interior of Alaska in addition to the cruise experience. Travel during the land portions are by motor coach. You can visit such major cities as Anchorage and Fairbanks and tour Denali National Park where you can see Mount McKinley up close and enjoy more opportunities to view Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitats.
  
  

Inclusions and Exclusions

• Glacier Bay/Larry Darter
  
  Alaska cruise packages prices include ship accommodations as well as the meals and entertainment provided aboard ship. Air transportation, shore excursions, meals and beverages ashore, gratuities and any land tour options that are added cost extra.
  
  

Booking

• Skagway/Larry Darter
  
  All major cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival, offer Alaska cruises. According to Best Cruise Spot.com, Princess is the largest presence in the Alaskan cruise market and is also the leader in the cruise tours segment. Cruises can be booked directly through the respective websites of the cruise lines, from traditional travel agents and from numerous online travel websites. As with any travel option, it pays to do comparison shopping for Alaska cruises to find the best deals.