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Less often visited by cruise lines, Sitka and Haines are two of Alaska's most unique ports of call. Sitka showcases Alaska's past as a Russian colony, while Haines is a quiet community full of art galleries, abundant outdoor adventures, and the world's largest seasonal concentration of bald eagles. The thrill of exploration greets passengers every time their cruise comes to port. There's new history to explore, new sites to see, and new excursions to take. It's particularly true in Alaska, where an array of ports of call welcome Inside Passage cruises throughout the summer season. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
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But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships. Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours.
Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska: Overview and Guide - Cruise Hive
Juneau Cruise Port, Alaska: Overview and Guide.
Posted: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Juneau – Gateway to Glaciers and Gold Rush History
Learn about Alaska's political history by visiting the capitol building and its surrounding gardens. Visiting the Alaska State Capitol Building in Juneau offers a unique blend of rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. The modest and functional design of the building, in contrast to more opulent state capitols, reflects Alaska's rugged individualism and frontier spirit.
Glacier Bay National Park & Hubbard Glacier
Then, visit the Crooked Creek Information Site for naturalists’ recommendations on outdoor activities. Hear Alaska Native artists speak about their works of art and demonstrate their skills at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. And see the creatures of the deep waters at the Sitka Sound Science Center aquarium. Then, walk to St. Michael’s Cathedral for old-world architecture and the historic Sitka Pioneer Home. Follow the Waterfront Promenade to read historical markers, rest on whale-tail benches and enjoy the harbor’s scenery.
Seward
Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. Remember to factor in additional costs such as gratuities, onboard amenities, and any pre- or post-cruise accommodations. By carefully budgeting and planning your shore excursions, you can make the most of your Alaska cruise while staying within your desired price range. This tiny island is uninhabited and offers dramatic scenery along with many exciting bird species.
You’ll also find a more intimate experience with personalized shore excursions and better service. Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours. Because the tours venture farther north than most cruise itineraries, they provide the best opportunity to see the northern lights. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October. Most cruise tours begin as one-way Alaska Gulf cruises before passengers embark on a bus tour through northern Alaska. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canada’s Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours.
Eagles in the air, whales and otters in the ocean, and urchins, starfish, and anemones through the clear water below make this a wildlife adventure. At Glacier Bay, marvel at the snow-covered mountains, fjords, and waterfalls while waiting for that iconic Alaskan experience – ice “calving” from the glacier. At 300 feet tall above the waterline and a half mile wide, Dawes Glacier is another of Alaska’s most spectacular glaciers.
Visitors have the opportunity to view and learn about native animals up close, including bears, moose, bison, and eagles, in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The center's picturesque setting amidst the scenic backdrop of mountains and glaciers offers a unique and immersive experience of Alaska's natural beauty and biodiversity. Nestled between snowcapped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, many of Sitka’s shore excursions are meant to bring you closer to the island’s natural beauty.
The terrible toll of the cruise ship industry - High Country News
The terrible toll of the cruise ship industry.
Posted: Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Independent explorers can immerse themselves in dance performances, storytelling sessions, and more, all aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Alaska's native heritage. The Lumberjack Show is a popular port-adjacent tourist attraction that showcases the competitive and historical logging skills of real lumberjacks. Audience members can watch as participants compete in events like log rolling, chopping, and tree climbing. Set in a unique outdoor arena, the show combines athleticism, humor, and a touch of Alaskan history to entertain visitors of all ages. The New Archangel Dancers — dressed in crimson skirts and patterned aprons — gallop and twirl across the wooden stage to the sounds of 18th-century folk music. Outside, festive fishermen cast their frayed nets into the open sea, eager to reel in delectable treasures amidst this sportfishing paradise.
With artifacts aplenty, travel in the path of Alaskan ancestors through these enchanting grounds. Visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral and marvel at the grand stained-glass windows, hand-painted biblical scenes and lustrous gold crosses that embellish the interior. Or, admire orphaned cubs as they meander through enclosed habitats at the Fortress of the Bear sanctuary.
The historic architecture, cultural attractions, and scenic beauty continue to attract tourists and visitors to explore the city's rich history and vibrant present. Icy Strait Point Cruise Port, located near the village of Hoonah in Alaska, is a popular stop for cruise ships exploring Alaska's Inside Passage. The area is known for its pristine wilderness, rich Native Tlingit culture, and abundant wildlife. Typically Icy Strait Point is only open on days when a cruise ship is in port. It’s best to book with your cruise provider or in advance with our partners Viator or Get Your Guide.
However, with the discovery of gold on the mainland, many settlers moved away, causing economic challenges for Victoria. Indigenous Coast Salish peoples, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, have lived in the region for thousands of years, relying on the area's resources and establishing trading networks. Try your hand at gold panning in the very streams where gold was discovered in the 1890s. This is an interactive excursion where you can actually find small gold flakes to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. The Gold Rush fervor eventually subsided, leading to a decline in Skagway's population and economic activity.
While this time of year brings the great thaw and a rise in wildlife activity and wildflower blooms, you still need to pack appropriately. With that said, if you do depart from Skagway, the most popular way to travel to the town is to take a roughly 45-minute commuter flight from Juneau, Alaska. Some will also choose to fly into Whitehorse, Canada, then drive the 110-mile journey along the Alaska Highway. Unlike those in Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska, the Skagway Airport does not have the runway facilities needed to deal with larger planes. This is one of the main reasons why most Alaskan cruises list Skagway Cruise Port as a port of call rather than their original departure point. You won’t find any Diamonds International, Del Sol or Little Switzerlands.
In 1799, the Russians established a settlement called Novo-Arkhangelsk (New Archangel) on the site of present-day Sitka, making it the capital of Russian America. Homer's deep-water harbor provided a natural advantage for maritime activities, particularly fishing. The town's fishing industry grew, attracting commercial fishermen and processing facilities. This will allow you to see its key highlights, including the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Earthquake Park, and Lake Hood, the busiest seaplane base in the world. The city's port facilities expanded over the years to accommodate growing maritime traffic, including cargo shipments and naval operations.
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