Alaska Cruises

If you are looking for something entirely different, then an Alaskan Cruise has to be at the top of your list. Set against a stunning backdrop of soaring snowy peaks and glacial waters, you are able to observe nature at its rawest. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of eagles hungrily surveying the coastline or even hump-backed whales playing in the icy channels. You will also visit a whole host of historic ports and be able to learn about many ancient native traditions.  A truly remarkable experience!



Summer cruises are the ideal season to enjoy Alaska. You can either fly cruise; fly into either San Francisco or Seattle or even further north in to Vancouver and then meet up with your ship bound for Alaska, or you can avoid flying all together and embark directly from the UK sailing straight from Southampton.  Complete your unique Alaska cruise holiday with a luxury cruise offering top quality services and facilities

Be sure not to miss: First ever P&O cruise from Southampton to Alaska!

Many of our Alaskan cruises include a land tour section, allowing you the time to see more of the stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife that make this the holiday of a lifetime.

 

Alaska Cruise Lines

Top Alaska Cruise Holiday Destinations and Shore Excursions :

Alaska cruises depart from either Canada or the USA, giving you a great opportunity to explore these countries before or after your cruise. Explore the cosmopolitan fusion of American, Asian and Native American cultures that is Seattle, renowned for its sumptuous sea food, coffee shops, Microsoft, Kurt Cobain and the Space Needle.  For a more spectacular start to your Alaska cruise from the USA, why not fly to and then enjoy some of the delights of San Francisco where you can literally shop til you drop into your luxurious floating base. You may also be lucky enough to cirle the island prison of Alcatraz and then leave through the Golden Gate Bridge



In Canada, make a trip ashore to discover the big city attractions and brilliant outdoor pursuits of Vancouver (shown left).  Enjoy the glittering views of the Puget Sound and the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver's old part of town that features restored heritage buildings, housing many antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.






A few days sailing from Vancouver lies the awe inspiring Juneau where you can marvel at the mighty Mendenhall Glacier set against the imposing backdrop of Mt. Juneau.  In KetchiKan (shown right) you can visit the Totem Heritage centre, where you can find the largest collection of Totem poles in the world. For the most breathtaking views of the local wildlife, Glacier Bay is where you can frequently spot humpback whales splashing around.
 

 

 

Alaska Cruise Tour add ons:

Part of the glory of an Alaska cruise is the ability to extend and enhance the holiday with an add on tour at the beginning or end of the cruise voyage. For cruises which sail from Vancouver or Seattle, an add on tour of the Canadian Rockies is a must. Varying from 4-7 nights, typically the tour will take in beautiful, scenic areas such as Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise - where you'll travel though either by snow coach or Rocky Mountaineer train.
The alternative area for an add on tour is Denali National Park - an Alaskan highlight not to be missed. Here you can enjoy a 4-6 night immersive tour of one of the worlds most stunningly untouched destinations. Particularly enchanting places here are Mount Mckinley, Copper River and Denali itself from the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge - available with Princess Cruises.

Alaska Cruises - Best Time to Go

You can't go too far wrong in the Spring and Autumn time - specifically during September and May. One of the main reasons for this is that the waters tend to be a little calmer around these months , meaning your time at sea is that bit more comfortable. Flora and Fauna, though delightful year-round will also have the russet tones of Autumn in September, as the seasons in Alaska are a little ahead of our own. 

The peak summer months though, do tend to bring warmer weather, and this is the best time for Humpback Whale spotting.  No matter when you choose to go, you can't fail to be impressed!

 
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If  we have whet your appetite for the Big Wild West and if you love the sound of exploring the natural wonders of Canada plus the exciting, cosmopolitan cities in the USA, then alternatively North American cruises are well worth a look.  From one extreme to the next, a South America cruise is a great alternative for those looking for something completely different with just as many exciting sights yet with a gloriously warm , tropical climate.

More About Alaska Cruises