Alaskan cruises have really taken off the last several years, and there doesn't seem to be an end in site.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have more than a dozen cruise ships in Alaska during the summer, and smaller lines such as Regent, Silversea, and Disney have all entered the fray.
There are plenty of reasons for the popularity.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, it's not too far for most Americans to fly, and as part of the United States, it's less challenging than travel to Europe.
Because of the Jones Act, most Alaska cruises begin or end in Canada, usually Vancouver, British Columbia.
And most cruises last between seven and ten days.
Often, passengers extend their trip and see Denali National Park by rail after disembarking their cruise ship.
There are two kinds of Alaska cruises, those that sail the Inside Passage and those in the Gulf of Alaska.
Peak season is June through early September.
Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by mountains and sea.
It's one of the most beautiful cities to sail from and it sets the stage for the later ports.
Ketchikan is often the first or the last port visited.
Located in the Inside Passage, its pretty harbor is backed by snow-capped peaks year round.
The town has a pioneer feeling, and you can't throw a rock here without hitting a totem pole.
In fact, the Totem Heritage Center is one of Ketchikan's main attractions.
Shore excursions include touring a salmon cannery, kayaking, wildlife spotting trips, and scenic flights to Misty Fjords.
With its Russian heritage, Sitka is one of the most interesting towns in Alaska.
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the must-see here, and with its onion dome and ornate interior, it's well worth a visit.
The views here across the water to Mount Edgecumbe are terrific and many of the shore excursions in the area are active.
You can paddle, hike, bike, fish, or go off in search of bears or birds.
At the far north end of the Inside Passage, Skagway looks like it was frozen during the Gold Rush.
Old stores with false fronts, relics from its mining heyday, and gold-panning excursions add to the flavor.
Skagway is not far from the Chilkoot Bald Eagle Preserve.
Other options include taking a train ride to the Yukon Territory or a helicopter flight over the glaciers.
Juneau, Alaska's capital, is not the largest city in the state.
That distinction goes to Anchorage.
But its setting near the Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier is superb.
Most of the state's museums are here and so is Alaskan Brewing Company, makers of the highly drinkable Alaskan Amber.
Of course, many of Alaska's most impressive sights aren't towns.
College Fjord in Prince William Sound is a spectacular glacier-carved inlet surrounded by forest.
And Glacier Bay National Park is an icy wonderland unlike anything you've ever seen before.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have more than a dozen cruise ships in Alaska during the summer, and smaller lines such as Regent, Silversea, and Disney have all entered the fray.
There are plenty of reasons for the popularity.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, it's not too far for most Americans to fly, and as part of the United States, it's less challenging than travel to Europe.
Because of the Jones Act, most Alaska cruises begin or end in Canada, usually Vancouver, British Columbia.
And most cruises last between seven and ten days.
Often, passengers extend their trip and see Denali National Park by rail after disembarking their cruise ship.
There are two kinds of Alaska cruises, those that sail the Inside Passage and those in the Gulf of Alaska.
Peak season is June through early September.
Vancouver is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city surrounded by mountains and sea.
It's one of the most beautiful cities to sail from and it sets the stage for the later ports.
Ketchikan is often the first or the last port visited.
Located in the Inside Passage, its pretty harbor is backed by snow-capped peaks year round.
The town has a pioneer feeling, and you can't throw a rock here without hitting a totem pole.
In fact, the Totem Heritage Center is one of Ketchikan's main attractions.
Shore excursions include touring a salmon cannery, kayaking, wildlife spotting trips, and scenic flights to Misty Fjords.
With its Russian heritage, Sitka is one of the most interesting towns in Alaska.
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the must-see here, and with its onion dome and ornate interior, it's well worth a visit.
The views here across the water to Mount Edgecumbe are terrific and many of the shore excursions in the area are active.
You can paddle, hike, bike, fish, or go off in search of bears or birds.
At the far north end of the Inside Passage, Skagway looks like it was frozen during the Gold Rush.
Old stores with false fronts, relics from its mining heyday, and gold-panning excursions add to the flavor.
Skagway is not far from the Chilkoot Bald Eagle Preserve.
Other options include taking a train ride to the Yukon Territory or a helicopter flight over the glaciers.
Juneau, Alaska's capital, is not the largest city in the state.
That distinction goes to Anchorage.
But its setting near the Tongass National Forest and Mendenhall Glacier is superb.
Most of the state's museums are here and so is Alaskan Brewing Company, makers of the highly drinkable Alaskan Amber.
Of course, many of Alaska's most impressive sights aren't towns.
College Fjord in Prince William Sound is a spectacular glacier-carved inlet surrounded by forest.
And Glacier Bay National Park is an icy wonderland unlike anything you've ever seen before.
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