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The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.
Alaskan Dream Cruises
As such, hydrophones are used onboard Zodiacs to listen to the voices of Alaska’s whales in real-time. Guests will also learn about and participate in whale tracking through fluke identification by uploading their own photos from the vessel to a scientific database following their seasonal movements. Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback.
Cruises
9 Best Cruise Lines For Couples: A Guide to Romantic Cruises - Cruise Critic
9 Best Cruise Lines For Couples: A Guide to Romantic Cruises.
Posted: Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
They can try their luck at various table games and slot machines while enjoying a drink and the lively atmosphere. Mini-suite cabins are a budget-friendly option for couples who want a little more space and privacy than a standard cabin. Kayaking is a popular activity in Alaska, and couples can take a guided tour to explore the beautiful coastlines and waterways. They may even spot wildlife such as sea lions, otters, and whales during their excursion. Amenities you will find on board the ship include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, The Nordic Spa, restaurants and more.
Best for families: Disney Wonder
We’ve also called attention to cruise options that do an impressive job of showcasing nature, offering local experiences, providing endless onboard entertainment, or catering to foodies or luxury travelers. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind. (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon).
The Best Alaska Cruises
The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler.
Posted: Sat, 06 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.
If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. When you choose an Alaskan cruise honeymoon, you have the opportunity to explore even more of the state's natural wonders.
Best Cruise Line for Gay and Lesbian Couples: Celebrity
Life aboard Alaskan Dream Cruises’ five ships is casual and relaxed, meals feature fresh Alaskan fare, and everyone strives to provide opportunities for guests to make personal connections to the region’s places and people. Make the most of your cruise by keeping an eye out for pop-up sales that can save you even more money—you can even use those savings to indulge in a pre- or post-cruise tour. In addition to shore excursions, Norwegian also offers 10 Alaska Cruisetour options that take cruisers inland to Denali National Park & Preserve and as far north as Fairbanks. In many cases, cruisers are transported via a domed railcar on the famed Alaska Railroad, which promises to take anyone’s Alaska experience to the next level. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October.
For those seeking a unique experience: UnCruise Adventures
Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. Book a spa treatment or work out in the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, play nine holes of golf on the putting greens, shop the three boutiques, and unwind, help yourself to afternoon tea with all the accouterments at 4 p.m. Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places.
Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. You can choose to add extra days to your stay in Alaska before or after your cruise. This time will give you the opportunity to stay at an exclusive Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. The longer sailings allow for calls in a broader mix of coastal Alaska towns than you'll find on the seven-night itineraries that are more typical for cruises to Alaska. Many of the ships that sail on such itineraries have permission to visit Glacier Bay National Park, a highlight of any Alaska trip.
For those couples who want to stay active all day and night, Carnival is an excellent choice with all of its nightlife options. You can start with a cocktail hour before heading to dinner, then hit up a comedy show before heading to the piano bar to finish off the evening! If you need to relax for a day or two, the spa or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat has you covered. Once you get to Alaska, expect the fun to continue off the ship as well, with a plethora of excursions to fill your days. You can go whale watching in Juneau and watch the Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan to round out your trip. Enjoy yoga classes and spa treatments as you cruise through the inside passage.
In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking. If adventure is what you crave on an Alaska cruise, you should seek out the small ships of UnCruise Adventures. All of the line's itineraries boast an active component, but its "Wild, Woolly and Wow" itinerary claims to be "the most active back country itinerary" of UnCruise's 2024 Alaska cruises. Royal Caribbean's 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures. It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. Duty-free shops on board Alaska cruise ships offer a variety of products such as jewelry, cosmetics, and alcohol, all at tax-free prices.
From t-shirts to keychains, there are plenty of souvenirs to choose from on an Alaska cruise ship. Couples can pick up a small token to remember their trip or splurge on a more significant souvenir to commemorate their romantic getaway. For couples who enjoy a little excitement and risk, casinos are a popular entertainment option on Alaska cruises.
These restaurants offer gourmet cuisine, elegant ambiance, and impeccable service, making it the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. They may include amenities such as a private balcony, a sitting area, and a whirlpool tub, making it the perfect choice for couples looking for a more indulgent experience. The best time to visit Alaska depends on what activities and experiences couples are looking for. For those interested in seeing the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is between September and April. For warmer weather and the chance to spot humpback whales, May through September is the ideal time. However, keep in mind that peak season is from June to August, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
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