I have only departed fro the port in Seattle For Alaska cruises, but there are other ports as well.
Departure Ports for Alaskan Cruises
Alaskan cruises are a popular way to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the state. There are several ports of departure for these cruises, each with its own unique advantages. Here are some of the most popular ports of departure for Alaskan cruises.
Seattle
Seattle is a popular departure port for Alaskan cruises. Pier 91 is the main departure point for cruises from Seattle. It is conveniently located near the city center and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Seattle's proximity to Alaska makes it an ideal starting point for many Alaskan cruises.
Vancouver
Vancouver is another popular departure port for Alaskan cruises. The city is located in Canada and offers a stunning backdrop for the beginning of your Alaskan adventure. The port in Vancouver is easily accessible and offers a range of amenities for travelers.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a departure point for Alaskan cruises for travelers who want to experience a unique journey. The port in San Francisco is located near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and offers stunning views of the city. San Francisco is a great starting point for travelers who want to explore the Northern California coast before heading to Alaska.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a departure point for Alaskan cruises for travelers who want to combine their Alaskan adventure with a visit to Southern California. The port in Los Angeles is located near many popular tourist attractions and offers a range of amenities for travelers.
San Diego
San Diego is a departure point for Alaskan cruises for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean before heading to Alaska. The port in San Diego is located near many popular tourist attractions and offers a range of amenities for travelers.
Overall, there are many departure ports for Alaskan cruises, each with its own unique advantages. Whether you are looking for convenience, stunning scenery, or a combination of both, there is a departure port that will meet your needs.
Alaskan Cruise Destinations
Seward
Seward is a popular departure port for Alaskan cruises. It is located on the Kenai Peninsula and offers stunning views of the Resurrection Bay and the Kenai Fjords National Park. Visitors can go on a wildlife tour, hike the Harding Icefield Trail, or take a scenic drive to Exit Glacier.
Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and a popular destination for Alaskan cruises. It is located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as whale watching, hiking, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the Mendenhall Glacier or take a tram to the top of Mount Roberts for panoramic views of the city.
Whittier
Whittier is a small town located on the Prince William Sound and is a popular departure port for Alaskan cruises. Visitors can go on a glacier cruise, hike the Portage Pass Trail, or explore the town's unique history, including its role in World War II.
Skagway
Skagway is a historic town located in Southeast Alaska and is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. Visitors can explore the town's gold rush history, take a scenic train ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route, or go on a hiking or kayaking adventure.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known as the "Salmon Capital of the World" and is a popular destination for Alaskan cruises. Visitors can go on a fishing excursion, explore the town's Native American history, or take a scenic flight over Misty Fjords National Monument.
Sitka
Sitka is a beautiful coastal town located in Southeast Alaska and is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. Visitors can explore the town's Russian history, go on a wildlife tour, or hike the trails of the Tongass National Forest.
Haines
Haines is a small town located in Southeast Alaska and is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. Visitors can go on a wildlife tour, explore the town's Native American history, or hike the Chilkoot Trail.
Icy Strait Point
Icy Strait Point is a private destination located on Chichagof Island and is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. Visitors can go on a whale watching tour, explore the town's Native American history, or go on a zip-line adventure.
Petersburg
Petersburg is a small town located in Southeast Alaska and is a popular stop on Alaskan cruises. Visitors can go on a fishing excursion, explore the town's Norwegian history, or hike the trails of the Tongass National Forest.
Alaska is a beautiful state with many unique and exciting destinations for visitors to explore. The state's many cruise ports offer a convenient and comfortable way to experience the natural beauty and rich history of this incredible place.
Cruise Itineraries
Alaska offers a range of cruise itineraries that cater to different travel preferences. Here are three basic itineraries to choose from: the Inside Passage Cruise, the Cross-Gulf Cruise, and the One-Way Cruise.
Inside Passage Cruise
The round-trip journey, the Inside Passage Cruise, starts either from Seattle or Vancouver and then continues on to ports like Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and either Sitka, Haines, or Victoria, BC. A 7-day cruise typically features one day spent in an icy glacier area, such as Glacier Bay, as well as two days spent sailing across the open seas. The Inside Passage Cruise is ideal for travelers who want to experience the stunning beauty of the Alaskan coastline and enjoy shore excursions.
Cross-Gulf Cruise
The Cross-Gulf Cruise is a one-way itinerary that takes passengers from Seattle or Vancouver to an Alaskan port, usually Whittier or Seward. It is also possible to choose 14-day itineraries, with one end out of San Francisco or San Diego. The Cross-Gulf Cruise is perfect for travelers who want to explore the rugged wilderness of Alaska and its glaciers.
One-Way Cruises
One-way cruises are either northbound or southbound. Northbound cruises start from Vancouver or Seattle and end in Whittier or Seward, while southbound cruises start from Whittier or Seward and end in Vancouver or Seattle. One-way cruises allow travelers to see more of Alaska's coastline and wildlife. They are also ideal for those who want to combine their cruise with a land tour of Alaska.
In summary, Alaska offers a variety of cruise itineraries to suit different travel preferences. The Inside Passage Cruise is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Alaskan coastline, while the Cross-Gulf Cruise is ideal for those who want to explore Alaska's rugged wilderness. One-way cruises are perfect for travelers who want to see more of Alaska's coastline and wildlife.
Cruise Lines
When it comes to Alaskan cruises, there are many cruise lines to choose from. Each cruise line has its own unique style and amenities, so it's important to find the one that best suits your preferences. Here are some of the top cruise lines that offer Alaskan cruises:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and couples. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle and include stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore are two of their newest ships that offer Alaskan cruises.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is a popular choice for those who enjoy a more active and adventurous vacation. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle and include stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Victoria, British Columbia. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas are two of their ships that offer Alaskan cruises.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is known for its elegant and refined atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples and older travelers. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and include stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park. Royal Princess is one of their ships that offer Alaskan cruises.
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is known for its classic and traditional atmosphere, making it a popular choice for older travelers. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and include stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay National Park. Their ships also offer enrichment programs and culinary experiences.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its fun and lively atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and younger travelers. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle and include stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Oceania
Oceania is known for its luxurious and upscale atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples and older travelers. Their Alaskan itineraries typically depart from Seattle or Vancouver and include stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Sitka.
When choosing a cruise line for your Alaskan adventure, consider your personal preferences and what each cruise line has to offer.
Alaskan Cruise Highlights
Glacier Viewing
One of the most breathtaking experiences on an Alaskan cruise is viewing the majestic glaciers. The most popular glaciers to see are Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Endicott Arm, and Tracy Arm. Glacier Bay National Park is a must-see destination for any glacier lover. It is home to numerous tidewater glaciers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in North America, and College Fjord is home to 16 stunning glaciers. Endicott Arm and Tracy Arm are both narrow fjords that offer stunning views of glaciers and mountains.
Wildlife Spotting
Alaska is home to a diverse range of wildlife, and an Alaskan cruise provides an excellent opportunity to spot some of these creatures in their natural habitat. Some of the most commonly spotted animals include whales, bears, Dall sheep, eagles, and moose. Grizzly bears can also be seen in some areas, but they are more elusive. Wildlife viewing excursions are available in many ports, and some cruises even offer onboard naturalists to help passengers spot wildlife.
Shore Excursions
Alaskan cruises offer a variety of shore excursions that allow passengers to experience the unique culture and scenery of Alaska. Some of the most popular excursions include fishing trips, dogsled rides, and visits to historic sites like the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. There are also numerous scenic hiking trails to enjoy, and many ports offer opportunities for shopping and dining.
In conclusion, an Alaskan cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the stunning scenery and unique wildlife of Alaska. With its glaciers, mountains, and diverse wildlife, Alaska is truly a nature lover's paradise.
Land Tours and Extensions
For those looking to extend their Alaskan cruise experience, there are various land tours and extensions available that allow visitors to explore more of the state's stunning scenery and wildlife. Here are some of the most popular options:
Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Alaska.Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), North America's tallest peak, can be found in this immense wilderness area. It serves as a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which includes a scenic drive along the Denali Park Road, stopping at various viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery. Other activities include hiking, wildlife watching, and flightseeing tours.
Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the charming small towns of Seward and Homer, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
One of the most popular attractions on the peninsula is the Kenai Fjords National Park, which can be accessed by boat tour from Seward. The park is home to an array of marine wildlife, including humpback whales, sea otters, and Steller sea lions.
Prince William Sound
Located in south-central Alaska, Prince William Sound is a stunning area of fjords, glaciers, and islands. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the sound, which offers opportunities to see wildlife such as sea otters, harbor seals, and bald eagles.
One of the highlights of the area is the Columbia Glacier, which is one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. Visitors can take a kayak tour to get up close to the glacier and watch as it calves into the water.
Overall, there are plenty of options for visitors looking to extend their Alaskan cruise experience with a land tour or extension. Whether you're interested in wildlife viewing, hiking, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, there's something for everyone in Alaska's vast wilderness.
Practical Information
Best Time to Cruise
The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is from May to September when the weather is mild and the days are long. The peak season is from June to August, and prices tend to be higher during this time. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, consider traveling in May or September. Keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to pack layers and rain gear.
Pricing and Budget
The price of an Alaskan cruise can vary depending on the time of year, the length of the cruise, and the type of cabin you choose. Generally, prices are higher during the peak season (June to August) and lower during the shoulder season (May and September). If you're on a tight budget, consider booking a smaller cabin or traveling during the shoulder season. Keep in mind that there may be additional costs for excursions, drinks, and other onboard activities.
Travel Documents
To travel to Alaska, U.S. citizens need a valid passport or other accepted travel documents. Non-U.S. citizens may need a visa or other travel documents, so it's important to check the requirements before booking your trip. It's also a good idea to make copies of your travel documents and keep them in a safe place in case of an emergency.
When planning your Alaskan cruise, consider your travel style and what you want to experience. Do you want to see glaciers and wildlife, or are you more interested in cultural experiences? Are you willing to pay extra for excursions, or do you prefer to explore on your own? Keep these factors in mind when choosing your itinerary and booking your cruise.
Overall, an Alaskan cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning scenery and unforgettable adventures. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, there are other ports that Alaskan cruises depart from other than Seattle. I am intrigued by all of them, and might leave from a different port on my next Alaskan cruise.
Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.
Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.
Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.
Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.
