In Alaska there is a lot of great sightseeing to be had. Unfortunately much of it must be done by water or air. In this article I will help outline the top destinations for day cruising in Alaska as well as what you can expect on your journey.
When you are going to be on a day cruise it is important to remember to make plans for accommodations after your cruise is over. Each of these destinations does offer many wonderful accommodations options from Hotels to the stylish bed and breakfast. It is however important to make reservations ahead of time because during the peak season accommodations can be difficult to find.
The peak cruising season for each of these destinations is May through August. In May and June you can expect a good chance for the sun to be out. In July it will be on and off again type weather and in August there is a good chance you will find the rain. None the less, whether it is sunny or overcast a day cruise in Alaska is still a lot of fun.
Popular Alaska day cruise destinations:
Whittier Whittier is a small town close to Anchorage that is now accessible by car or train. Through Whittier you will have access to all the beauty that can be found throughout the Prince William Sound. It is a well protected port with many amazing Glaciers nearby. There are several day cruise options out of this port and even a ferry that will take you all the way to Valdez if you like.
Valdez From Anchorage you can reach Valdez by air, car or the ferry out of Whittier. Valdez also offers access to the amazing Prince William Sound with its crystal clear waters. Out of Valdez you are likely to see Glaciers, whales, puffin otters and more. Being one of the furthest ports from Anchorage can be a drawback of this day cruise destination but the beauties of the scenery will more than make up for it.
Seward Seward is probably the most popular cruising port in Alaska. The large cruise ships will dock here because of the easy access. From Anchorage you can access Seward by car, tour bus or train. There are many Alaska day cruise options here including stop on private islands such as Fox Island. You will have the chance to see otters, sea lions, puffins, orcas and humpback whales. At this popular Alaska port there is never a dull moment.
Homer Homer is known mainly as a fishing port however, there are still some day cruise options here. Homer can be accessed from Anchorage by car or air. There is a water taxi that will take you from Homer to the secluded town of Seldovia. There are private boats for hire that will allow you access into Tutka Bay and other secluded area nearby. Out of Homer you can expect to see many sea otters, puffin, humpback whales, beluga whales and even the occasional pilot whale.
One thing you will find that all of these great day cruise destinations have in common is the amazing experience to be had by all who participate. You will see sea life, most likely a glacier or two, possibly some orca or humpback whales but for sure everyone will witness the amazing landscapes and scenery Alaska has to offer. A day cruise in Alaska will definitely be an experience to remember.
Ryan T.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/best-alaska-day-cruise-destinations-74533.html
First, you are incorrect to say/think that "most ships go to Alaska" in the summer. There are many ships, cruise lines and itineraries pretty much all over the northern hemisphere during the summer months. Cruises to South America and Australia and New Zealand run during the winter months. The Alaska cruise season is mid-May through mid-September but the other options are:
Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean & Bahamas ….. all year long
Panama Canal …………………………………………………. all year long
Bermuda ………………………………………………………… all year long
Mexican Riviera ………………………………….. all year long
Mediterranean ……………………………………….. all year long
Baltic countries ……………………………………. May through Oct/Nov
New England & Canada ………………………….. July through Oct/Nov
Hawaii ……………………………………………….. All year long (NCL)
(some ships and cruise lines that do Alaska also do Hawaii after the Alaska season is over)
I don’t know what the statistic show about the most popular but I do know that there are more ships and cruise lines doing the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico than any others. Most people like to go to those destinations because there is plenty of fun and sun, all year long. I have cruised the Caribbean in all of the seasons and there are plenty of people and great weather all year long.
I can also tell you from experience that the cruise line’s newer ships are their better ships. Newer would be those launched since about the year 2000. Several cruise lines have ships launched in the past couple years and have others coming out this year and next. I consider these better ships because they have newer technology and very nice cabins with flat panel TV’s, shower stalls with a door that closes, upgraded bedding and other things.
So those are my thoughts based on more than 20 cruises (3 per yr) and to about all of the itineraries I have listed.
References :
experienced cruiser
Best cruise destination, itinerary, and ship?
I was wondering what the most popular cruise destinations, itineraries, and ships are. I’m looking for one in the summer, and most ships go to Alaska in the summer, but I’ve already been on an Alaskan cruise. Any thoughts?