The Wildlife of Alaska
In the expansive and pristine wilderness of Alaska, you will find some of the country's most majestic animals around every turn. The majority of the wildlife here are mammals, since their thick fur coats or layers of fat in the case of marine mammals allows them to withstand the cold Alaskan winters. From Glacier Bay National Park to the Inside Passage and all of the millions of acres of wildlife reserves and national parks, it seems impossible to visit Alaska without witnessing these impressive creatures:

• Land mammals: Grizzly & black bears and the elusive polar bears are sights to behold, as well as moose & caribou, and smaller furbearing animals like marten, mink, wolves, and sheep.
• Marine mammals: Humpback whales, orcas, belguas, bowhead whales, seals, sea lions, otters, and walrus can all be found here.
• Birds: Bald eagles & golden eagles are the most famous, but you'll also find ptarmigans, loons, owls, swans, and puffins. 
• Fish: There are five species of salmon that thrive in these cold northern waters, making up an important part of the food chain.

Alaska Cruise Destinations - Major Ports of Call & Transportation

Some of the most popular destinations frequently visited on an Alaska cruise include:

• Juneau: The most frequented port for accessing Alaska's Inner Passage, Juneau is a good airline hub for both Delta and Alaska Airlines and you can get direct flights from Seattle if you're traveling from the continental US or catch a ferry of the Alaska Marine Highway if you want a more scenic way to arrive via the enthralling Pacific coast.
• Ketchikan:  The  southeasternmost city in Alaska is the embarkation and disembarkation point for many small Alaska cruises. The city borders the Misty Fjords National Monument where you sail through rocky fjords, snow capped mountains, waterfalls and salmon spawning streams. 
• Sitka: In the northwestern area of Alaska's Inside Passage and a frequent stop on small ship cruises. Many cruises either begin or end here, and you can fly via Delta or Alaska Airlines or even take a ferry from Seattle, Washington or British Columbia.
• Anchorage: This is home to the biggest and most trafficked airport in Alaska, making it an ideal gateway to the country with hundreds of daily flights from global destinations. Denali National Park can be accessed through Anchorage as well as Fairbanks.
• Seward: In southern Alaska, the port city of Seward is a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park where glaciers snake down the valleys where fjords calve into the Pacific Ocean creating exceptional whale and dolphin habitat 
• Seattle: In the US state of Washington, travelers embark upon small ship cruises visiting the archipelago of Inside Passages of Canada and Alaska.

What to Expect on a Luxury Alaska Cruise

Luxury Alaska cruises, the epitome of refined exploration, allow guests to embark on an unforgettable journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the United States' Last Frontier. These exclusive voyages offer a seamless fusion of elegance and outdoor adventure, promising a unique and unparalleled experience.

Luxury Alaska cruises provide a myriad of advantages. Guests enjoy additional perks, including all-inclusive gratuities, complimentary beverages, and gourmet regional dining. Impeccable service, dedicated butlers and concierges, and smaller passenger numbers create an atmosphere of exclusivity.

Luxury small ship cruises offer an intimate and indulgent way to explore remote corners of Alaska, with curated experiences in parks like Katmai, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay. Traverse the breathtaking region of Southeast Alaska, where majestic glaciers like Mendenhall Glacier glisten amidst the rugged beauty of the Alaska Range. Look out for magnificent humpback whales in the Kenai Peninsula's pristine waters, creating moments of sheer wonder. Luxury vessels navigate closer to glaciers and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Impeccable service provided by knowledgeable tour directors and Alaska specialists ensures the discovery of the best-kept secrets, making your journey an enchanting exploration of the Last Frontier. Each day brings new experiences and breathtaking vistas, from exhilarating outdoor adventures to tranquil moments surrounded by nature's grandeur.

What to Pack for your Alaska Cruise
So you've got your cruise booked and your plane tickets purchased, which just leaves one question - What to pack for an Alaska cruise?

Clothes: Pack with plenty of layers, starting with a hooded, windproof, and waterproof jacket on the outside and then a sweater, and shirt. Hiking boots or closed-toe shoes with ankle support are also important. Undergarments and socks that will keep you warm are just as important as a good jacket. Having some decent gloves and a warm hat is a necessity also. On your Alaska cruise, pack for practicality over fashion!

Summer clothes might also be necessary, depending on where you're going and the time of year. Be sure to ask us if you have any questions.

Accessories: Don't forget a camera and all of its accessories, a good pair of binoculars, polarized sunglasses, and alarm clock & watch, a good backpack for day-hikes.

Toiletries & other items: Sunscreen & insect repellant, any special soaps, lotions, or conditioners you use, motion sickness medication (just in case!). 

The Perks of Staying in an Alaska Luxury Resort or Hotel

Immerse yourself in the lap of luxury amidst the untamed beauty of Alaska by staying at a lavish resort or hotel. Alaska's luxury resorts and hotels offer a wide range of advantages and perks that elevate your experience to new heights. Indulge in world-class amenities, including opulent spas, gourmet dining featuring locally sourced ingredients, and lavish accommodations that provide the utmost comfort and style. Impeccable service caters to your every need, ensuring that your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

The true beauty of Alaska lies in the ability to enjoy adventurous excursions like hiking, fishing, or skiing, and then retreat to incredible accommodations that offer decadent comforts. Picture yourself unwinding in a steaming hot tub beneath the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights, filling you with a sense of wonder and awe. Alaska's luxury hotels, resorts, and lodges are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. Whether you're seeking a wildlife viewing adventure, a romantic escape, or a secluded wilderness retreat, Alaska has the perfect setting to bring your dreams to life.

Choose between a secluded luxury lodge nestled in the heart of the wilderness or a sophisticated resort overlooking breathtaking landscapes. Whichever option you select, you'll have exclusive access to curated experiences such as helicopter tours over glaciers, wildlife encounters, and private excursions to remote corners of the Last Frontier. Let yourself be captivated by the allure of Alaska, surrounded by awe-inspiring natural wonders and pampered with the finest hospitality.