50 Essential Cruise Tips For Alaska

If you've never cruised to Alaska before, you probably have a boatload of questions. That's why we created this indispensible first-time Alaska cruiser's guide, filled with useful Alaska cruising tips, expert advice, and more. Find answers to your most pressing questions, get advice on how to choose the perfect ship, cruise line, and stateroom, use the Alaska cruise destinations guide to plan your trip, and learn more about the action-packed activities that await onboard and ashore. Get your sea legs before you sail to Alaska with our first-time cruiser tips.

 
  1. All About Cruising Alaska

  2. The Top Ten Most-Asked Questions About

    Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours for 2012

  3. Alaska Insider Tips
  4. Four Great Ways to See All the Best of Alaska
  5. All About Denali National Park Tours.
  6. All About Optional Alaska Land Excursions
    and Sightseeing Tours.

  7. Why is FALL is the BEST time to see Alaska?

  8. Denali Explorer &

    On Your Own Cruise tours

    Signature Denali Explorer cruise tours that include up to four nights at our Princess wilderness lodges at Denali. Most tours include our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service and all include the Natural History Tour into Denali National Park. 

    Find out More About Denali Explorer Cruisetours »

     On Your Own options have no scheduled activities so you can customize how you want to spend your free time.

  9. Off The Beaten Path Cruise tours

    These cruise tours include key benefits of our Denali Explorer itineraries, plus visits to less-frequented regions like Copper River and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, the Kenai Peninsula or Prudhoe Bay above the Arctic Circle.

    Find Out More About Off The Beaten Path Cruisetours »

  10. Connoisseur Escorted Cruise tours

    These deluxe escorted cruise tours represent the highest level of service with a tour director on land and most meals included. They include up to four nights at a combination of both Mt. McKinley and Denali Princess wilderness lodges, with enhanced sightseeing experiences, such as the longer Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park. Plus, there are options to visit the Kenai Peninsula and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. 

    Find out More About Connoisseur Cruisetours »

  11. Spotlight on Alaska Lodges:

    What to see and do, dine and more.

    Learn More About Princess Wilderness Lodges

  12. FAQ's: The Cruise Answer Place

    What You Must Know When Planning Your Alaska Cruise

  13. Best Time To Visit Alaska Guide
  14. What's Included on a cruise tour? What's Not.
  15. Spotlight Feature: Alaska Destination of the Month
  16. 2012 Alaska Cruises and Cruise tours Blog -Newsletter
  17. Featured Articles about Alaska:

  18. The Yukon's Men in Red

  19. Great Land Classics
  20. Back to Nature
  21. Alaska's Ark
  22. Personal Wilderness
  23. More Alaska Travel Resources
  24. Alaska: Things To Know Before You Go
  25. Alaska Cruise Routes
  26. Alaska Fun Facts
  27. Ships to Alaska
  28. Princess Rail Service
  29. Alaska Ports-Of-Call

  30. Alaska's National Parks

    Denali National Park

    Glacier Bay National Park

    Gates Of The Arctic National Park

    Kenai Fjords National Park

    Wrangell-St.Elias National Park

  31. Choose Your Own Park Tour!

    Only we offer Denali National Park with your choice of one of four exciting tours of the park. Which exciting National Park tour experience is for you! (Find out. Get more Info)

  32. Experience Denali with Alaska Geographic

  33.  Natural History Tour

  34. Tundra Wilderness Tour

  35. Kantishna Experience

  36. 141 Page Alaska Cruise Traveler Report

    Discover important travel savings advice and get ALASKA Ports-of-Call Information, Destination Overview, Alaskan History, What to See and Do in Alaska, Dining, Hotels, Cruises, Alaska Fun Facts, Local Events.  Get your FREE copy of the "Alaska Cruise Traveler Report"

    right here....

  37. Skagway Alaska and The Gold Rush 
  38. Can The Caribou Come Out And Play?  
  39. Alaska’s only wilderness port, Icy Strait Point offers cruise visitors the experience of authentic Alaska
  40. Best Alaska Shore Excursion Experiences based on passenger feedback
  41. What You Must Know When Planning Your Alaska Cruise

  42. Best time to visit Alaska

  43. Best places to visit in Alaska

  44. Best things to do in Alaska

  45. Best shipboard cuisine for Alaska

  46. Best ships to be pampered in Alaska

  47. Best ships for families visiting Alaska

  48.  Best shore excursions of Alaska

  49. Best direction to cruise

    Learn About Princess Cruises and Cruise Tours To Alaska. Voted "Best Cruise Line in Alaska"

    by Travel Weekly for Sixth Time

  50. Alaska Packing Tips  for an Alaska Cruise

     

    More Things To Know Before You Go.

Chicago Tribune

"The last frontier sizzles and, consequently, space aboard the flotilla of ships that call

Alaska home from May through September fill quickly." ( read the article )  More "In The News"

News...

The ultimate vacation Cruise to Alaska!
Meet Our Alaska Destination Experts
• Certified Alaska Travel Planners

• Certified Princess Alaska Cruise Experts

Read Our Journal of The Ideal Alaska Vacation and View Our Princess Cruises and Lodges Videos

Raye & Marty Trencher

Cruise Traveler Magazine

Publisher and Editors

E-mail the Editors

Raye & Marty Trencher are part of an exclusive group of travel agents who are recognized as Alaska Cruise Experts, earning that distinction for their unique qualifications and knowledge as Alaska cruise planning professionals.

 

Call us at 800.365.1445.

More About Us

Send Us Your Essential Cruise Tip For Alaska. Share Your Experience.

You could be featured as our next  Cruise Traveler story! Tell us your about essential Alaska experience on a cruise or cruisetour. If we use your story, you'll receive $100 onboard credit to use on your next Princess Cruise.
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Thank you for sending us your essential experience!  Due to the large volume of submissions we are unable to respond to each one directly. If we require further information, we will contact you at the email address you supplied, so be sure to watch your inbox! Thank you again for sharing your Alaska cruise or cruisetour story.

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This is the place to find Alaskan Cruises and Discount Alaska Cruise Deals to Alaska.

ALL ABOUT PRINCESS RAIL TOURS
The best way to visit Denali National Park and Alaska's interior is onboard the Midnight Sun Express® Ultradome® rail cars. Riding the rails allows you to relax and truly see Alaska, while Princess takes care of the logistics. Just combine their award winning rail with one of our two Denali area wilderness lodges!

Princess Alaska Rail Tours combine the thrill of traveling aboard the rail cars with one or more nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge—near the entrance to Denali National Park—or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge on Denali's south side, featuring incredible Mt. McKinley views.

TAKE IT ALL IN. Observation platforms and huge wrap-around domed windows provide inspired views of the spectacular sights en route including the towering Alaska Range, scenic Matanuska Valley, the monumental bridge that spans Hurricane Gulch, raging rivers and immeasurable forests. You'll enjoy the ride almost as much as the destination.

RAIL GUIDES. Princess Tours knowledgeable staff offers in-depth narration highlighting the exciting history of this famed rail route while pointing out scenery and wildlife along the way. And, you can track your journey via their onboard Global Positioning System (GPS).

ONBOARD DINING. Enjoy casual dining with a menu of delectable entrées prepared to order by our on board chefs ranging from salads, sandwiches and our prize winning Reindeer Chili. Or you can get comfortable, stay in your seat and enjoy tableside meal and beverage service. Choose from breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on your travel time.

VACATIONS TO ALASKA - CRUISES & TOURS TO ALASKA - ALASKA CRUISE  DEALS - ALASKA CRUISE SHIP REVIEWS

Alaska cruise tours » princess cruises land tours » cruise Alaska »  Denali Explorer Cruisetours »  Off The Beaten Path Cruisetours » Connoisseur Escorted Cruisetours »

50 Essential Alaska Cruise Tips and Four Ways To See The Best of Alaska. Seeing all the best of Alaska has never been more affordable! Princess offers a variety of land & sea vacation experiences, from options that start from just $299 more than a 7-day cruise, up to fully escorted programs that include a tour director and most meals.

Get advice on how to choose the perfect ship, cruise line, land tour and stateroom, then get ready to experience the thrill of an Alaska cruise or cruise tour vacation.
50 Cruise Tips For Alaska
Everything you need to know before you go!
Learn About Alaska Cruises: • 7-14 day cruises • Cruisetours • Ports of Call • Ships That Sail To Alaska • Onboard Experience • Alaska Shore Excursions
 

About This Blog
 Few people have seen more of Alaska than Cruise Traveler Magazine's own destination experts: Raye & Marty Trencher. In the past 30 years that ships have been sailing to all seven continents, Raye & Marty Trencher have logged thousands of nautical miles visiting hundreds of countries, cities and sites while cruising. But of all the placesThey've visited, Alaska holds a special place in their hearts. We’re often asked, “You’ve seen it all. What place do you really like the most?” Alaska is without a doubt, the most beautiful, breathtaking, and adventurous place we have seen. Spectacular wildlife, jaw-dropping glaciers, untouched wilderness and the state’s undisputed star attractions – Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks – are just some of the wonders you’ll experience when visiting Alaska. Come along as we share our 50 Essential Cruise Tips For Alaska.

An Alaska Cruise...
"Where a balcony cabin and a spectacular train ride become front-row seats for one of the most breathtaking shows in nature."

ALASKA

From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know about Alaska and Alaska cruises and cruise tours. We find great Alaska cruise deals for you. Check here for where, when, and how to get them. 

Sponsored by Alaska Cruise Tours Online Featuring Princess Cruises and Tours.

Alaska Cruise Vacations

Explore the rugged Inside Passage and breathtaking Gulf of Alaska, and marvel at spectacular marine life and dazzling glaciers from the vantage of a magnificent Princess cruise ship. Park rangers and Alaska experts come onboard to give you a deeper understanding of this special place.

Alaska Cruises from Seattle, Alaska Cruises from Whittier, Alaska Cruises from Seward, Alaska Cruises from Anchorage, Alaska Cruises from Vancouver, or Alaska Cruises from San Francisco.

Alaska Cruisetours

See even more on an Alaska land and sea vacation. Stay at Princess wilderness lodges and enjoy the benefits of our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service, giving you more time in the heart of Alaska. Best of all, Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks are on every cruisetour.

Top 40 Alaska Shore and Land Excursions For 2012

Why Visit Alaska?

Breathtaking Alaska is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Spectacular wildlife, jaw-dropping glaciers, untouched wilderness and the state’s undisputed star attractions – Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks – are just some of the wonders you’ll experience with Princess Cruises.

We Are Certified Alaska Experts! 

Not only have we been there and done that, we are Certified by the Alaska Travel Industry Association as Certified Experts In Travel To Alaska. Trained and focused on the newest Alaska tour destinations and the most exciting ship experiences to Alaska available in 2012. Take advantage of our expertise when planning your next dream vacation!

 

Alaska Cruise And Tour Specialists. Alaska cruises and cruise tours to Alaska British Columbia and the Yukon. The best of Alaska with knowledge and Certified Expert Advice from people who've been there.  No one knows Alaska like we do.

Alaska Video

ALASKA CRUISES AND CRUISE TOURS FOR 2012 

<• Princess  Cruises & Tours 2012 Land and Sea Adventures 10-16 day Cruise Tours •>

<•2012 Princess Alaska Cruise Tours At A Glance •>

<• Top 40 Princess Alaska Cruise Deals Starting from 5 Days $499!  •>

<• Holland America Line 2012 Great Land 10-16 day cruise tours •>

Alaska Cruise and Cruise Tour Highlights

  • Dazzling glacier and wildlife viewing opportunities on spectacular ships.
  • National Park Rangers and Alaska experts aboard to enhance your experience.
  •  Land-and-sea cruise tours give you the best of Alaska by ship, rail and lodge.
  • Every cruise tour visits Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks.
  • Comfortable Princess Wilderness Lodges at the doorstep of grand national parks.
  • A wide variety of optional and land excursions, from river rafting to nature hikes and much more.
  • Warm, welcoming  service throughout your Alaska vacation.
  • Exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service provides more time at Denali.
Our Certified Alaska Travel Experts and Alaska cruise and Alaska Cruise Tour Experts can help with everything from planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates. Everything you need to know about Alaska and Alaska cruises and cruise tours. We find great Alaska cruise and cruise tour deals for you.  Check here for where, when, and how to get them.  We specialize in Alaskan Cruises and Alaskan Cruise Tours from departure ports such as Alaska Cruises from Seattle, Alaska Cruises from Whittier, Alaska Cruises from Seward, Alaska Cruises from Anchorage, Alaska Cruises from Vancouver, or Alaska Cruises from San Francisco.
 

A New Detailed Alaska Map To Help You Plan Your Trip!

The exciting 2012 Alaska "wave season" is in full swing! To help you plan for a wide range of spectacular Alaska vacations, we’re proud to offer you this exclusive Princess Alaska map,

This full-color 24" x 18" map is available FREE for viewing online and can be printed out for future reference. It brings the true expansiveness of the Great Land to life and illustrates how we can can show you all the best of Alaska.
Your complimentary map includes:

  • Easy visual location of the Princess-owned wilderness lodges

  • Eye-catching images of a cruisetour experience

  • Details on land & sea activities at each destination

 

 
Travel Direct Corporation is a proud member of the Alaska Travel Industry Association
Not only been there and done that, we are Certified by the the Alaska Travel Industry Association as Experts in travel to Alaska and Certified Alaska Cruise Experts by Princess Cruises and Tours. Trained and focused on the newest Alaska destinations and the most exciting ship experiences to Alaska available in 2012. Take advantage of our expertise when planning your next Alaska dream vacation!

Experience Alaska Video : There remain few places on earth where you can truly breathe. Where space is measured not in feet or miles, but in endless horizons. A place where nature is so powerful, so dramatic, a personal encounter can change you forever. This is Alaska. Click here to view our video and read our Journal "The Ideal Alaska Vacation"

 
Cruise Traveler Magazine
Alaska Cruise Tours Online

Everything's BIGGER in ALASKA,

Including the ADVENTURE.

Find out why!
Alaska Cruisetour Experts : 10-16 Day Alaska Cruisetours : Savings up to 50% : 800.365.1445
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ALASKA RESOURCES

( Best of Alaska Links We Like )

• Alaskan Summer Cruises

• Information on Alaska Cruise Ships

•All Inclusive Alaska Family Cruises

• Wild Alaskan Cruises

• Cruise Vacations to Alaska

• Alaskan Cruises That Include Salmon Fishing

• Alaskan Cruises From Seattle

• Alaskan Cruises With Flights

• Holland America Alaskan Cruise Information

• Alaskan Cruises With Children

• Alaskan Cruises for Singles

• Southbound Alaskan Cruise Tips

• The Best Alaskan Cruises & Tours

• Cruise Vacations to Alaska

• The Best Cruises to the Inside Passage of Alaska

• Affordable Alaskan Cruises

• The Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska

• The Best Time of Year to Visit Alaska

• The Best Months to Go on an Alaskan Cruise

• The Best Time to Visit Alaska

• How Is August for an Alaskan Cruise?

• When to Take a Cruise in Alaska?

• Alaskan Cruise Checklist

• Alaska Luxury Cruises

• Alaska Cruises to See the Northern Lights

• Alaska Cruise Questions

•Alaska Cruises with Land Tour to Denali National Park

• Alaska Cruise & Tour Packages

• Alaska Land & Sea Cruises

• Family Trips to Alaska

• Alaska Land Excursions

• Alaska Scenic Land Vacations

• Alaskan Cruises & Land Tours

• Information on Alaska Cruise Ships

• Alaska Heritage Tours

• The Best Months to Go on an Alaskan Cruise

• Alaska Cruises for Cheap

• How to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

• Alaska Cruise Ship Excursions

• Alaska Sea & Land Cruise Tours

• Cruise Vacations to Alaska

• Alaska Cruise Options

• Alaska Vacation Cruises

• Alaska Motor Coach Bus Tours

• Alaska Heritage Tours

PRINCESS ALASKA LODGES

Fairbanks Lodge
Out of all our Alaska lodges, Fairbanks boasts a most  friendly hotel. Fairbanks Lodge is conveniently located on the Chena River's edge in the interior of Alaska.

Princess Alaskan Lodges: Denali  Denali Lodge
Nestled in a prime location near the entrance to Denali National Park, this gorgeous Alaska lodge is the perfect starting point for your wilderness adventure.

Princess Alaskan Lodges: Copper River  Copper River Lodge
Set on a bluff overlooking America's largest national park, this Alaskan lodge has a 20-foot wall of windows with dramatic views of the peaks.
Princess Alaskan Lodges: Mount McKinley Mt. McKinley Lodge
North America's tallest mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the picture-perfect wilderness retreat just south of Alaska's Denali National Park.
Princess Alaskan Lodges: Kenai Kenai Lodge
Top-notch salmon is only steps away from this well-appointed Alaska lodge, which boasts bungalow-style rooms with private porches

 

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