Giants of The Sea

For most, the concept of Alaskan wildlife doesn't extend beyond polar bears and salmon. But those who venture north know there's nothing like the sight of a 40-ton humpback whale breaking the surface of the water for air. During the summer months, more than 2,000 humpbacks are known to feed in the waters off Alaska, offering visitors plenty of chances to enjoy the splendor of these magnificent giants of the sea.

Putting on A Show

Killer (orca) and beluga whales are equally abundant, as are the sociable Pacific white-sided dolphins, which often entertain with their acrobatic leaps and somersaults. In Prince William Sound, seals and sea lions congregate along the shore and on chunks of glacier ice floating in the water. But the animal that seems to be enjoying itself the most is the irresistible sea otter, which often can be seen swimming on its back or hugging a friend as they frolic together in the water.

Salmon-Rich Waters

Another active denizen of the sea is the salmon, famous for its gravity-defying leaps up waterfalls and streams in order to spawn. While this arduous trek only occurs at the end of an adult salmon's life, it never fails to coincide with feeding time for the brown bears that inhabit the Alaska coastline.

Denali Big Five

Grizzly and black bears can be found farther inland, in places like Denali National Park and Preserve, where a plethora of berries keeps these permanent residents well fed. In addition to bears, Denali is an ideal place to observe the wide-antlered caribou, moose, gray wolves and Dall sheep, the latter identified by its curled horns. Together, these wondrous animals constitute the "Denali Big Five," a sightseer's dream.
 

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Flying high above it all is the majestic bald eagle, which boasts a wingspan of up to eight feet. Some 40,000 bald eagles reside in Alaska today, with most nesting near water for easy fishing. They are one of more than 300 species of birds that can be found here, each a delight to observe and photograph. Other signature birds include the horned and tufted puffins, which thrive on the western end of Prince William Sound and along the Kenai Peninsula; the docile kittiwake, which nest in colonies along Glacier Bay; and the red-tailed hawk, a fixture at Wrangell-St. Elias.

Escape to Alaska with Princess Cruises—and experience the wild wonders of this spellbinding land.

Insider's View of Alaska

Libby Riddles comes aboard in Juneau to share her adventures as the first woman to win the grueling 1,100-mile Iditarod sled dog race. In Skagway, you'll enjoy the entertainment of an Alaskan storyteller. And in Ketchikan, a U.S. Forest Service naturalist will present a program about the largest forest in the country, Tongass National Forest.

Rangers and Naturalists

Alaska's intriguing flora, fauna and geology come to life by the full-time onboard naturalists who sails with you the entire length of the cruise. While in Glacier Bay National Park, rangers from the National Park Service will board the cruise ship to serve as tour guides and answer questions about this national treasure. Rangers also lead our Junior Ranger and Teen Explorer programs in Glacier Bay, which teach kids about the wildlife and scenery in a fun and entertaining way.

Alaska Signature Specialties

Our Signature Alaskan Cuisine showcases local specialties like fresh Alaskan Seafood. We also treat you to a Taste of Alaska Buffet, a festive on-deck Fish Barbeque and a Reindeer Chili and Rockfish Chowder Cook-Off. The Chef's Alaskan Dinner and Glacier Bay Gala Buffet are highlights not to be missed. Or indulge in our Glacier Bay Champagne Breakfast served on your own balcony onboard Princess Cruises.

800.365.1445 "An authoritative voice for Alaska vacation planning." -- Cruise Traveler Magazine

Raye & Marty Trencher's Cruise Blog At Alaska Cruisetours Online, we specialize in Alaska cruising. We have the knowledge and expertise to answer all your questions so that your Alaska holiday is the best cruise vacation you have ever experienced. It is often said that Alaska is too big to see and experience in one lifetime, let alone a single vacation. All the more important to enlist the help of experts. The best of Alaska with knowledge and expert advice from people who've been there. At  Alaska Cruise Tours Online we  not only have the largest selection of Alaska Cruise tours available, we've been there. We know how to show you the great wonders of this land.  Our people are experts in Alaskan activities and adventure. So, whether you are landing on a glacier or kayaking across a tranquil bay surrounded by snow-capped peaks, you will find more of the Alaska you came to see. So, take advantage of our experience and know-how, beyond what is commonly available on the Internet. Read more About Us

Family Cruises Online - Cruise Direct Online - Cruise Search Online -

Alaska Cruise Tours Online - Cruise Traveler Magazine -Cruise Hawaii Online