Cruising is one of the best ways to explore Alaska since the state’s limited road infrastructure makes access from town to town challenging. From bear sightings to breathtaking glaciers to charming historic gold rush towns, you’ll be in awe. There are many reasons why an Alaska cruise should be on your travel bucket list.
Stunning Glaciers
The glaciers are one of the main reasons I recommend going on an Alaska cruise. Aside from taking a helicopter, there’s no better way to see incredible glaciers like Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay than from the deck of a cruise ship.
Your captain will skillfully maneuver the ship close to these glaciers. They often turn the ship 360 degrees so everyone gets a perfect view. If you’re lucky, you’ll experience the thrill of seeing ice calving—huge chunks of ice breaking off and plunging into the water. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Abundant Wildlife
The wildlife you see on your Alaska cruise will impress you. It’s more abundant than you’d expect. It’s common to see seals and sea otters from your balcony. I’ll never forget the moment I stepped off the ship in Juneau and looked up to see a bald eagle soaring right overhead. You will be wowed by the incredible wildlife sightings both on and off the ship.
Bears in the Wild
If you ever want to see bears in the wild, you need to go on an Alaska cruise. Seeing bears in their natural habitat was a bucket-list moment for me. I watched in awe during the salmon spawning season as a bear fished for salmon swimming upstream to spawn. It felt like something out of a nature documentary. This is a photo of a bear I saw in Haines.
Exciting Lumberjack Shows
If you’re looking for unique entertainment, you’ll love the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I was hooked by the action-packed competition. Watching the lumberjacks throw axes, race up tall poles, and balance on spinning logs was thrilling! It’s an experience that’s as exciting for kids as adults.
Breathtaking Scenery
Alaska’s landscapes are breathtaking. You need to witness them in real life to comprehend the scale. It will take your breath away. You will see snow-capped mountains and glaciers right from your cruise ship! It’s the kind of scenery that makes you pause and feel grateful to witness something so extraordinary.
Adventure Excursions
If you are a thrill seeker looking for adventure shore excursions, go on an Alaska cruise. From dog sledding on a glacier to helicopter rides, there are many exciting outdoor adventure shore excursions you can take. It’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget. Check out What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
Rich Native Culture
Alaska’s indigenous heritage is everywhere. When you see the intricately carved totem poles and attend cultural performances, you will be exposed to the native culture and have a new appreciation for the indigenous people’s culture. Here is a photo of a totem pole in Haines that we stumbled upon on our drive. First time going on an Alaska cruise? You might find my Alaska Cruise Travel Planner useful.
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Salmon Spawning
One of the best times to go on an Alaska cruise is during the salmon spawning season. Watching salmon swim upstream to spawn was fascinating to me, especially knowing the journey they’ve endured. I also saw bears and other wildlife drawn to the rivers for this natural feast. Visiting a salmon hatchery in Juneau gave me an even closer look at this incredible lifecycle. Here is a photo of a salmon hatchery in Juneau. Check out Caribbean Cruise versus Alaska Cruise: Pros and Cons
Breathtaking Views from the Cruise Ship
Few things compare to the panoramic views on an Alaska cruise. One of my favorite memories was sitting on the deck, wrapped in a warm blanket, and watching glaciers and mountains glide by. Whether you’re enjoying the views from your balcony or on deck, every moment feels like a postcard come to life. Here is a photo of my Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise. They give passengers blankets so they can be comfortable out on the deck. Check out 10 Best Things About Going on a Princess Cruise
Skagway Historic Gold Rush Sites
If you want to visit a historic gold rush town, go on a cruise that stops in Skagway. Skagway is like stepping back in time to the gold rush era. You’ll enjoy walking through its quaint streets and seeing the historic buildings. Check out 7 Important Things to Know Before Going on an Alaska Cruise
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
If seeing the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights is on your travel bucket list, then go on an early or late season Alaska cruise. If you’re lucky, you might catch this magical display of colors dancing across the night sky. Check out Will Your Alaska Cruise Be Ruined Without Shore Excursions
Whale Watching Tours
If you want to see whales, go on a whale watching tour during your Alaska cruise. The whales are so abundant that often, these tour companies guarantee that you will see whales during your tour! They are that confident! Note that this is a photo of a whale statue in Juneau. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good whale watching photo to share with you. Check out When is the Best Time to Go on Alaska Cruise to See Bears, Glacier Calving and more
Get Up Close to a Glacier
Juneau is one of the only places in Alaska where you can drive to a glacier! Yes, you can take a tour bus from the cruise port to Mendenhall Glacier. You’ll be amazed at how close you can get to a real life glacier. For even more adventure, you can book excursions to kayak near the glacier! Check out How to Book Alaska Cruise Shore Excursions on the Cheap: Juneau
Ketchikan
Another reason to go to Alaska is to see unique towns. Ketchikan is one of the most unique towns I’ve ever visited. Creek Street, with its boardwalk perched on stilts above the creek, is a photographer’s dream. I loved wandering through the shops and watching salmon swimming below. If you’re lucky, you’ll see sea otters catching salmons in the creek! Check out Alaska Cruise Mistakes to Avoid