Alaska Cruise Common Starting and Ending Destinations & Flights

The below cities have airports that connect with the continental US and Canada and are the embarkation or disembarkation points for Alaska small ship cruises. They are also some of the most frequently visited destinations on an Alaska cruise:

• 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. 
• Seattle & Vancouver: travelers embark upon small ship cruises visiting the archipelago of Inside Passages of Canada and Alaska. These are also sometimes referred to as repositioning cruises as the ships sail from their home in Seattle in the spring, spend the summer sailing the waters of Alaska, then return home to Seattle in the fall. 

Not sure which destinations, itinerary, or ship to choose for your Alaska adventure cruise? Just contact a trip planner for expert advice. We are happy to help you plan the perfect trip.

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 (only in the far north) are sights to behold, as well as moose, caribou, and smaller furbearing animals like marten, mink, wolves, and dawes sheep.
• Marine mammals: Humpback whales, orcas, belgua whales, bowhead whales, harbor seals, , sea lions, sea 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 Cruises from Seattle & Vancouver

A popular route for Alaska cruises starts or ends in Seattle, Washington and/or Vancouver  and navigates through British Columbia en route to or from Alaska. These are frequently referred to as "repositioning cruises" as ships transition from other regions to or from Alaska and frequently are a good bargain.

You'll likely get to explore:

• Seattle - Washington's biggest city, right on Puget Sound and surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
• Friday Harbor - a tranquil seaside town with the fascinating Whale Museum.
• San Juan Islands - an excellent place to spot orcas

Alaska Cruises from British Columbia
Get a taste of the pristine Canadian wilderness as you either embark or disembark along the Inside Passage of British Columbia, where you'll see whales, dolphins, bears, deer and other wildlife on hikes, kayaking, and motorized raft excursions. The popular ports of call here include:

• Vancouver - a major Canadian port city on the Pacific & British Columbia's biggest city.
• Prince Rupert - North America's deepest natural harbor and the "Gateway to the North."
• Johnstone Strait, Alert Bay, & Seymour Narrows - not only an excellent place to spot orcas, but also a treasure trove of well preserved indigenous culture.
• Gulf Islands - a wildlife paradise in the Strait of Georgia.
• Princess Royal Island - fjords & inlets define the largest island in British Columbia.
   

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!).