Alaska

By Cruise

Alaska cruise season lasts from April to September. The whole season can be very rainy, especially June and July.

Holland America and Princess have more Alaska cruises (In 2020 season, they each has 8 ships sailing to/from Alaska). Even though they are premium brands, they can be cheaper than the lower level contemporary brands like Carnival and RCL. Also they are the owner of White Pass Railway in Skagway.

Only 2 ships are allowed into glacier bay per day, make sure it is part of your itinerary.

HAL is the oldest cruise line doing Alaska.

2 types:

  • Round trip from Seattle or Vancouver (about 7 days), San Francisco(about 10 days) or Los Angeles(about 14 days), visiting Glacier Bay and the coastal towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, etc.
  • One way between Seattle/Vancouver and Anchorage (Whittier for Princess or Seward for HAL), either northbound or southbound, visiting the towns mentioned above plus Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, etc. Cruisetours are offered near Anchorage, visiting Denali, Fairbanks, and other places.

Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway System https://dot.alaska.gov/amhs/

Juneau

Juneau has no roads connecting the city to the rest of the state. The only other state capital not connected by road to the rest of North America is Honolulu, Hawaii.

Skagway

White Pass Railway: https://wpyr.com/