5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ON AN ALASKAN CRUISE
Alaska is an amazing place to visit and should be on everyone’s bucket list. These five aspects will give you some detailed insight on what to expect.
The Best Scenery is at Night – In Alaska, there are several types of ‘wake-up’ calls you can request. The best by far is the Northern Lights wake-up call. In Fairbanks and Denali, you can request to be contacted when the aurora borealis is at its peak. It’s best to go between August and October to get a full view. This is right between their blackout season and their 82 days of straight sunlight. Other experiences that are beautiful and unique to the darkness include night photography and Christmas lights (if you visit during that time).
Riding the Rails – Riding the Alaskan Railroad is the perfect way to take in some remarkable scenery. There are two main routes, the first is the Denali Star Route and goes between Anchorage and Denali. You can view the gorgeous Mt. Denali which is the tallest peak in North America and over 20,000 feet high. The other route is the Coastal Classic which runs between Seward and Anchorage. Both are picturesque and have many points of interests.
Rustic Surroundings – When traveling on an Alaskan cruise, lodges are typically preferred over chain hotels. You should be prepared to hike and enjoy a ‘campy’ atmosphere. You will have access to Wi-Fi and if necessary, you can probably rent a golf cart to get around. Most lodges have wooded trails on site that lead to dining areas or other buildings within the campus.
Culture is Taught – There are a myriad of ways to learn about the culture in Alaska. One of the best is to visit the Anchorage museum which has an informative exhibit on Alaskan heritage. In Fairbanks, there is a river tour that you can take which includes sled-dogs and float plane demos. Another fun tour to take that’s also in Fairbanks is the El Dorado Gold Mine. There you can experience mining operations to the tune of Johnny Cash being performed by your conductor.
Wildlife is Encouraged – Alaska is very well known for its wildlife and majestic sightings. You can see everything from Orcas, Dall sheep, and polar bears to bison, goats and an array of beautiful bird species. It’s a photographer’s paradise. Take a cruise through Kenai Fjords or Resurrection Bay in Seward to experience whale watching. The best time to visit is between early May and early June.
Now that you are equipped to be adventurous and learn new things, have fun exploring this gorgeous state and all it has to offer.
