If your ship calls at Victoria, read all about my suggestions for making the most of a short port call there. Interior staterooms can accommodate up to four passengers, while larger Suites can sleep up to seven. 3. As a born and raised Seattleite, here are my absolute must do things in Seattle, as well as a three day itinerary for this beautiful city. The 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey began sailing in June 2009 and like its sister ships is an all-suite vessel. While younger passengers play at age-appropriate clubs, grown-ups can relax at the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. Your email address will not be published. Which Alaska Cruise Itinerary is Best? Find out now Visit theCDC website for additional COVID-19 cruise ship health and safety data. This website uses cookies. Prepare to be blown away by breathtaking Alaskan scenery while riding in a vintage train along the White Pass and Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway. That landscape is due to Skagways location. Planning a cruise? At night,the ship screens poolside movies under the stars. Nieuw Amsterdamdeparts from ports across the United States and Canadafor sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Pacific Coast and the Panama Canal. Juneau gets a slight edge from me as I mentioned above for the number of hiking trails that are easy to get to from the cruise ship dock. View All Cruises, We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. Tall boots are needed to go bushwhacking on an Uncruise in Alaska. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. Skagway Shore Excursion Reviews - Cruise Critic For many people, visiting Skagway may be a memorable spot because it is the farthest north they will ever venture on the planet. White Pass & Yukon Railroad The White Pass & Yukon Railroad, Originally built in 1898, offers the most popular tour ( book independently ). Odyssey sails to a number of ports across Australia,Alaska,the Pacific Coastand more. Like the majorityof the ship, staterooms are designed with families in mind. To find out more, please. Upscale options include the ship's alfresco steakhouse and Japanese hibachi restaurant, and coffee lovers will be pleased to find a Starbucks on board. For such a small town, Skagway can handle a significant number of ships. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. All at local prices. I love the adventure focus of these tiny, no-frills ships, which hold fewer than 100 people and focus on getting travelers into remote parts of Southeast Alaska for hiking, kayaking, whale watching and other outdoorsy pursuits. Ships with Wilderness in their names are more no-frills and described as expedition vessels; those with Safari in their names are higher-end and touted as boutique yachts. These trips range from 10 to 13 nights in total. It's such a tiny brand that all the customers who sail the line in a year probably wouldn't fill a single giant Royal Caribbean ship. The Rainbird Trail is a wonderful hike through the legendary coastal rainforest of the Southeast Alaska under a canopy of ancient trees. However, there are plenty of other glacier cruising areas that are every bit as beautiful, just different. This is the ultimate Alaskan outdoor challenge. Best Juneau Excursions. Along the way, learn about the women who lived here and perhaps still haunt the halls of their working establishments. The best month to take an Alaskan cruise is May or June. Perhaps the most popular activity to do in Skagway is book a ticket on the White Pass & Yukon Railroad. I force-ranked the excursions by uniqueness. In fact, the line doesnt even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. What you're paying for is where the ship can get you and the adventure of it all. When you arrive to Skagway, you may notice that there are helicopters constantly heading in and out of the area. Related: Guide to Planning a trip to Alaska, Alaska on a Budget, Related: The best hike in every Alaska cruise port. Youll learn about fresh produce and seafood in the Skagway area, the science behind cooking those foods, plus how to prepare that food for maximum delicious-ness. Seven Seas Explorer is the top-ranked ship overall. Cons: Additional cost in airfare of flying to Alaska, not as much entertainment. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). $185.00. The main pool area is expansive, featuring ample lounge seating, a retractable roof and a poolside bar. Park rangers usually come aboard to share about what youre seeing and experiencing. In the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the Yukon a place that to this day can be difficult to reach. 15 Best Cruises to Alaska | U.S. News Travel Juneau - overall best Alaska cruise port! The answer is gold. About 85 percent of Eclipse's accommodations include verandas, and those who splurge on suites and AquaClass staterooms receive butler service and access to exclusive specialty dining. Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ships Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When I say best weather I mean less rain than most other ports (except Skagway) but it doesnt have the wind that Skagway has. Here are the best skagway shore excursions, ranked to help you choose the best one! Sitka has far fewer ships than many other ports so its fun for an independent minded traveler to explore. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog. Follow it and youll easily be able to find your way back. Another potential decision point is the ports that are available on different itineraries, that could also be a reason to choose either cross gulf or inside passage only over the other. Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here. Recent travelers said this spa experience is not to be missed. Skagway is a small city that doubles as a cruise port and is a popular . The Taiya River (also known as the Dyea River) near Skagway, Alaska, flows for 17 miles. Spending a few days before or after your cruise in Seattle? For USD 5 you can ride the S.M.A.R.T. Or a tiny native settlement that is home to just hundreds of people. Read on for the best Skagway cruise excursions! In addition the forest, there are several view points out across the channel where you can see the water and the bustling activity in the channel. Alaska Cruises 2023-2024 - Cruise to Alaska - Best Alaska Cruise Skagway is more of a tourist town. this is the best shore excursion available in Southeast Alaska! Couples who want the ultimate in pampering when exploring The Last Frontier and for whom money is no object might want to look at an Alaska cruise on one of several ultra-luxury ships that sail regularly to Alaska. It sits at the end of a narrow channel of water, meaning in one direction is the channel and the entire rest of the spot is surrounded by mountains. Professional climber guides will help you choose a route, then give you advice to reach the apex of whichever ascent you choose; theyll also provide a safe rappel back down as you enjoy the sweeping views. Even though it isnt in Alaska, many cruises which start or end in Seattle stop in Victoria. Stateroom options range from Inside and Oceanview cabins to Balcony and Suite accommodations. Pack your camera gear for this one! In the evenings, passengers cansip cocktails at one of the bars or loungesor take in a show at the Lincoln Center Stage or B.B. The Alaska cruise season runs from early May through late September. Next, most tours disembark at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake for a bawdy historic reenactment about Skagways history and a meal of fresh Alaska salmon. What is the best Alaska cruise for couples? You'll also find Studios designed specifically for solo travelers, spa-themed cabins and The Haven staterooms, which are located at the top of the ship and feature exclusive luxuries and access to an additional courtyard, restaurant and lounge. Visit the CDC website for additional COVID-19 cruise ship health and safety data. While there were several routes there, sailing to Skagway and then making the trek over the White Pass through the mountains was a popular way. Why Alaska cruises in May are best: May is the driest month in Alaska. With so much to do, make sure you plan ahead! Why? White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad - ALASKA.ORG To break ties, I used top Uniqueness score, since I want to encourage you to try new things in Alaska. Enjoy Mendenhall Mudd or Klondike Walnut fudge at the Alaska Fudge Company and then sip a nightcap at Red Onion Saloon, the oldest watering hole in town. Mejores actividades en Skagway, Alaska - Princess Cruises This itinerary typically includes Alaska's most visited ports of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Every port you visit in Alaska will have some dramatic scenery and landscape. In addition to stops at classic Southeast Alaska cruise destinations such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Viking's 10-night Alaska itineraries include a visit to Valdez, Alaska a less touristy coastal town known . If youre interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, its an amazing experience, but its very different from a cruise! For couples looking for a more in-depth exploration of Alaska's coastal areas than most lines offer, Viking may be the perfect choice. Chilkoot Trail Hiking Trail, Skagway, Alaska. King's Blues Club. (While Disney offers this excursion, I would imagine its better for older children than younger ones.). More active pursuits includetwo swimming pools and sports courts. See Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and Glacier Gorge unfold before you while climbing the 880-metre incline of White Pass. While it . That's even lower than the typical starting prices for Alaska voyages offered by Carnival Cruise Line, which is the low-cost leader for sailings out of most U.S. ports. Big cruise ships either sail one way from Seattle or Vancouver to Whittier or Seward near Anchorage, or they sail round trip in the inside passage from Seattle or Vancouver. 39. To help, Ive reviewed all of the excursions offered by Alaska cruise companies, and have ranked the best 10. White Pass & Yukon Route Railway (Skagway) - Tripadvisor Who Offers This Skagway Shore Excursion? When it comes to dining, past cruisers praised the variety of casual and formal choices. (Generally, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, keeping with its no nickel-and-diming philosophy. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. My picks are the seven-night sailings to the state that Holland America offers out of Seattle. Heading into town is a bit of a walk about 10-15 minutes depending on which spot your ship is docked. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Best Things to Do in Skagway Cruise Port - My Itchy Travel Feet Take a Self-Guided Tour 8. So, if youre f youre adding some time before or after your cruise in Vancouver, check out my top recommendations for Vancouver here. I also keep in mind some of the othertips on choosing Alaska cruise excursions. Related: What is the best month to visit Alaska? Follow in the footsteps of Klondike stampeders as you trek through dense rainforest, enjoy incredible scenery and discover the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. 2. Head over there for all the details, but the MOST important things to have and bring from home are an excellent rain jacket and waterproof comfortable walking shoes or boots! If you want to write to someone back home, then Skagway offers the perfect opportunity. There are several options for the train: you can take a round trip summit excursion right from the cruise ship dock, or you can go one way by train and one by bus giving you additional views of this stunning location. View All{{ cards[0] && cards[0]['totalGroups'] ? " 6 hours. TRAVEL ALASKA. When you think of the state, you likely imagine small, remote, rustic towns that sit in the middle of soaring mountains. Indeed, Viking is known for catering specifically to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler who is as interested in learning while on vacation as being pampered. Many ports, such as Juneau and Skagway, are nearly impossible to visit by car,. Live performances include various musical acts, from high-energy dance numbers to the Tony Award-winning Kinky Boots Broadway show. In between "zips", you'll land on wooden platforms in the trees, and make your way over four swaying suspension bridges. Top 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Blog The company is known for trips into wilderness areas of Southeast Alaska, where passengers can enjoy hiking, kayaking and wildlife-watching. Newsletter; Write a Review . Not sure which itinerary to choose? All staterooms on the Viking Orion are equipped with balconies, flat-screen LCD TVs and minibars. Meanwhile, staterooms range from Interior cabins to expansive Signature, Neptune and Pinnacle Suites, all of which are equipped with Sealy Premium Euro-Top mattresses and flat-screen TVs. During our stop, we noticed Disney at the Ore Dock (which is furthest west in the port), Holland America at the middle Broadway Dock, and Princess and Royal Caribbean at the easternmost Railroad dock. The vessels carry skiffs for exploring and landings, kayaks, paddleboards and other adventure toys. Experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, trestles & tunnels from the comfort of vintage train cars. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Encore stands out for its unmatched onboard amenities, which include the longest racetrack at sea and a 10,000-square-foot outdoor laser tag arena. If you dock on the easternmost docks in Skagway, then youll be right next to what amounts to a time capsule done in paint. In addition, Princess offers longer and more far-ranging "Off the Beaten Path" routings that add nights at the remote Copper River Princess Lodge in eastern Alaska near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park or the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Kenai Peninsula. The best perk, according to recent passengers? Today, travellers come in search of other riches - to experience yesteryear along Skagway's charming boardwalk lined with buildings that replicate those Gold Rush days. The Grizzly Falls Zipline offers a spectacular adrenaline rush. This tour is presented in multiple foreign languages simultaneously. 13 Best Alaska Cruise Excursions for Families - We3Travel Generally speaking, the larger the ship, the cheaper the initial price tag. Recent cruisers of Eurodamwere pleased with the versatile selection of nine dining venues. In short, there's no one answer to the question of what's the best Alaska cruise for couples. Ketchikan is a very close second for me for the top spot as the best Alaska cruise port! Skagway Cruises: Best Cruises to Skagway, Alaska | Celebrity Cruises Holland America now features a new exclusive amenities program, Club Orange. On most of the vessels, you'll find a single casual dining area, a lounge that doubles as a bar and basic cabins. What about taking a helicopter ride to go land on and explore a glacier? August and September are much rainier, but you can get some good deals at this time of year. This question is worth considering because they are very different experiences. Cabins also feature bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and heated floors. #1 Cruise Line in Alaska* Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land's glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Skagway is extremely easy to navigate. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com. If you like to explore on your own, Sitka is the port for you! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Launched in 2016, the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam is one of Holland America's newest ships and the first in the more contemporary Pinnacle Class. I would recommend making the decision based on logistics such as which city is easier to get to (for most Americans that is Seattle, for most Canadians, Britons and Australians thats Vancouver) or which itinerary works best for your schedule. These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can. Passengers can visit attractions in and around the city that they couldn't see on the sailings offered by almost every other line. Inside, it plays up Skagways past. My favorites are the Wilderness vessels, which are less pricey, on average. As prospectors flooded in, the town grew. Best of Skagway in Skagway, Alaska | Celebrity Cruises < BACK TO ALL EXCURSIONS Skagway, Alaska Journey on the White Pass and Yukon Railway, explore a gold rush camp, enjoy a salmon bake and visit the Red Onion Saloon on this Skagway experience of a lifetime. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Similar to other ships in the fleet, SilverMuse offers a variety of onboard activities and facilities, including a spa, a pool deck and gym, a casino and several lounges. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs, seatingareasand classic Disney designs. Have you figured out the theme of many Skagway excursions? Skagway also has lots of great history to explore and several excellent hikes that leave from downtown and you can easily walk to. Once youve decided whether to take a big ship or small ship, youll need to decide if youre going to do a one way cross gulf cruise (named because it crosses the Gulf of Alaska) or round trip from Seattle or Vancouver BC, which goes through the Inside Passage and returns to Seattle or Vancouver. The best Alaska cruises for couples - The Points Guy For the 2023 season, the line is sending one of its newer ships, the 596-passenger Silver Muse and the older, 382-passenger Silver Whisper to Alaska. Come nighttime, the ship's theater offers live performances ranging from themed shows to history and art lectures. Silversea Cruises is the leader in this market, with two ships sailing to Alaska in any given year. Other possible glacier cruising areas include: No matter where your ship sails for glacier viewing, it is sure to be absolutely stunning. The ship'scabincategories are also diverse. That's exactly what you get in Skagway. As you plan your Alaska cruise and compare Skagway cruise excursions, its hard to choose one. Norwegian Encore sails from Los Angeles, Seattle andMiami to destinations in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal and more. In any part of Southeast Alaska you need to be ready for rain, any day, all year, but Haines gives you a better chance of a dry day than most. Disney, Oceania, and Viking. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Follow in the footsteps of Klondike stampeders as you trek through dense rainforest, enjoy incredible scenery, and discover the Gold Rush ghost town of Dyea. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Which Alaska 2021 Cruise Ship Is Right For You? - Cruise Critic White Pass & Yukon Railroad. We saw some markings going all the way back to 1982 40 years ago. We can think of nowhere else that its possible but here. Then you can choose between taking a short hike, relaxing by the fire, or watching the on-site chef prepare your meal of a Dungeness crab and shrimp boil with andouille sausage, corn on the cob and potatoes, followed by a roast mashmallow-topped double-chocolate brownie. Each dock has a different shape (purple square, orange circle, blue triangle, and red circle). Members can recieve benefits such as complimentary stateroom upgrade, a dedicated concierge hotline and skip the line priority access. Learn the best things to do at the port of Skagway, Alaska. 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour. Staterooms range from Interior and Ocean View cabins that span from 127 to 282 square feet, to Verandah rooms and three Suite categories. Throughout Free cancellation. If you're a couple looking to see more of Alaska than its coastal areas, a hybrid trip combining a cruise with a multi-day land tour to inland areas is your best bet. I looked at the number of cruise companies offering that excursion in 2022. Read more in my Privacy Policy. That said, an Alaska cruise with UnCruise (so named because its cruises are designed to not be like a typical cruise) isn't for everyone. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. While the ship offers youth clubs for kids ages 3 to 17, most activities are geared towardadults. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingt Aan (traditional lands) of the Tlingit peoples. Its important to read the description for any Skagway excursions youre interested in, since they may actually occur in Haines but all of the ones on this list are actually in Skagway. This fitted, hip-length jacket is made of a polyester . Bus around town all day long. Answered: Do You Need a Passport for an Alaskan Cruise? They can rise 20 or 30 feet above the water on a steep rock face. Set in a historic building by the cruise piers, youll no doubt pass it heading into town. Skagway was an important jumping off point to head to the Yukon over the White Pass during the Klondike Gold Rush. So many photo opportunities and special spots that you were only aware. 116. The 6 best Alaska cruise shore excursions - The Points Guy Ive spent many seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and visit all of these ports frequently and even lived in two of them. *Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings. Cruises to Skagway, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises Specializing in Alaska trips, UnCruise operates a fleet of super-tiny vessels the biggest carries just 86 people that are so small they can go to remote, outdoorsy parts of Southeast Alaska that no big ship could visit. Ketchikan (below) is a very, very close second, but Juneaus many hiking trails that you can get to easily from the cruise ship dock edge it into the number one spot for me. If you really want to enjoy the beauty without going far, then look for the Pullen Creek StreamWalk. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, The two-hour tour runs about $340 per adult, 44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets, How Alaskan Cruises Differ From Caribbean Cruises (And Its NOT Just Colder), 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Can I Use My Phone? National Park Service rangers lead free walking tours of the historic district five times daily. Cruise Guide: 15 Tips and Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska So, if you are doing a one way cruise, you will start in Vancouver and end near Anchorage (either Whittier or Seward) or the other way around. No matter which way you turn, there are gorgeous mountains. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. Haines is a small Alaskan community with Native Alaskan roots and plenty of its own unique history. But, Ive weighed the options and consider these nine to be the bestSkagway cruise excursions.

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