1. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of any Alaska cruise. The park is home to numerous glaciers, including the impressive Margerie Glacier and the massive Johns Hopkins Glacier. Cruising through Glacier Bay allows you to witness the majestic beauty of these glaciers up close and personal. You may even be lucky enough to see calving, where chunks of ice break off and crash into the water with a thunderous noise. The park is also teeming with wildlife, such as humpback whales, sea lions, and bald eagles. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture these incredible sights.
2. Tracy Arm Fjord
Tracy Arm Fjord is another must-see attraction on an Alaska cruise. This narrow, winding fjord is surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and massive glaciers. As you sail through the fjord, keep an eye out for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and even bears along the shoreline. The highlight of Tracy Arm is the Sawyer Glacier, which calving chunks of ice into the water. The blue hues of the glacier and the surrounding scenery are truly a sight to behold. If weather permits, some cruise ships may offer small boat or kayak excursions for a closer look at the glacier.
3. Skagway
Skagway is a historic town that was once a bustling gateway during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it retains much of its old-world charm with its well-preserved buildings and captivating history. Take a stroll down Broadway Street and soak in the unique atmosphere of this frontier town. Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to learn more about the gold rush era. You can also take a ride on the famous White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. Wildlife Viewing
One of the major highlights of an Alaska cruise is the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for whales, such as humpbacks, orcas, and even elusive or endangered species like the North Pacific right whale. You may also spot seals, sea lions, otters, and various bird species, including puffins and bald eagles. Some cruise itineraries include stops at wildlife hotspots like the Admiralty Island National Monument or the Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can observe bears, sea lions, and marine birds.