ALASKA
The Last Frontier
We chose to cruise to Alaska because it was our first time, and Alaska is REALLY big. Many of the ports are only accessible by boat too. Next time we go we will do a land trip. If you have the money, there are now tour packages that are a combination of cruise and land stays. That way you can see the ports but also Denali and Anchorage. In an effort to be completely transparent, all pricing is below so you have some bartering power when you book. Contact me if you have any questions!
WHERE TO VISIT
Here is a map that I put together of all of the places that Google and other bloggers said were enjoyable. Since everyones' taste is different, I wanted to give you options.
Below were my favorite locations and what we did in each place.
OUR ITINERARY WITH PRICING
The items in yellow are excursions that we actually did, and the other items are options for that city.
Our trip without flight or excursions was $1,224/person (TAXES INCLUDED).
I BOOKED IT LATE IN THE YEAR, BUT THIS WAS THE BEST DEAL I FOUND. HOPE YOU CAN DO BETTER!
all excursion pricing is above.
SKAGWAY
excursions
Train Trip up to the Yukon (White Pass Railroad)
Suspension Bridge
Reid Falls (free)
Watch Glass Blowing (free at a few restaurants)
JUNEAU
EXCURSIONS
Nugget Falls
Mendenhall Glacier Trek
See bears by Mendenhall Glacier
KETCHIKAN
EXCURSIONS
Sea Plane
All You Can Eat Crab
Salmon Ladder
Walk Creek Street (free)
victoria, canada
EXCURSIONS
Walk around (free)
See Street Performers (free or a tip)
Carriage Ride
See old buildings and the Water
WHAT NOT TO FORGET
So many blogs tell you what to bring to Alaska, but I think you are smart people and know the basics. Here are some items that many people forgot on our trip, and I'm glad we didn't!
- Binoculars - get a really good magnification because whales can be far away
- Down/Winter coat
- Soft shell coat
- Waterproof boots - Hunter boots are my favorite
- Hiking boots - make sure they are waterproof
- Hat for the mornings
- Rain gear - it rains a lot and you won't want to carry an umbrella
WEATHER
Every day was around 60-70 F, but it was really cold in the mornings around 40 F.
THE BIG QUESTIONS
BALCONY OR NOT?
All of the blogs that I read advised for a balcony, but it's double the cost of an inner room. The balcony is amazing. We got to see whales almost every morning without going to the upper deck. We didn't pay for a balcony though, we were just blessed and got upgraded for free. I still wouldn't have paid for the balcony because it's not worth $1000 to me. You'll want to get up early (5am-6am) every morning to see whales though.
INSIDE PASSAGE?
You'll have different tour options to do the inner passage or outside passage. The outside passage is really rocky because of the waves. Many people got sick on our tour, so if you get sea sick, try to stick to the inner passage the whole trip. Both are really pretty.
Which Glacier?
Tracy Arm Fjord or Glacier Bay. It was difficult for us to decide because we didn't know anything about the surroundings. Glacier Bay will take you to see 4 different glaciers. You can't get really close, but they are awesome to see. If you go to a single glacier, you'll get closer but only be able to see one. We chose Glacier Bay because we got to see more of the glacier blue.