Why an Alaska Cruisetour Is the Best Way to See Alaska
An Alaska cruise shows you the coast: glaciers, whales and charming port towns. An Alaska cruisetour takes you further, into the wild heart of the state, where Denali rises over the tundra and moose wander past the train window.
If you've ever wondered whether to add a land tour to your Alaska cruise, here's why I think it's the most complete way to experience Alaska.
What Is an Alaska Cruisetour?
A cruisetour pairs a 7-night Alaska cruise with a land tour of three or more nights, all in one package. Most sail one way between Vancouver and the Anchorage area (through Whittier or Seward), so you never have to backtrack.
You can take the land portion before or after your cruise. Most cruisetours run about 10 to 17 nights in total, and every route centers on Denali National Park.
See Denali and Alaska's Wild Interior
Denali is home to North America's tallest peak and some of the most breathtaking wilderness on earth. A cruise alone can't take you there, but a cruisetour puts you right at the park's doorstep.
You'll stay in a lodge near the park entrance, and many packages include a guided tour into the park itself. On the six-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour, guides help you look for moose, Dall sheep and grizzly bears across the wide-open tundra. Some routes also add Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula or even the Yukon.
Ride the Rails in a Glass-Domed Train
The train is one of the highlights of a cruisetour. You travel in railcars with glass dome ceilings, so you can take in mountains, rivers and forests in every direction, and many have outdoor decks for photos.
Some lines run rail service from the ship straight into the wilderness. It's a relaxing, scenic way to cover Alaska's long distances while someone else does the driving.
Everything Is Taken Care Of
Alaska is huge, and planning a land trip on your own can take a lot of work. With a cruisetour, it all comes together in one easy package:
Lodges are booked for you, including wilderness lodges just outside Denali National Park.
Transfers are included between the ship, the train and your lodges.
Your luggage travels ahead of you. Leave your tagged bags outside your door, and they'll be waiting in your room at the next stop.
Guided options are available, with some packages including a tour director and most meals on land.
More Wildlife and a Fuller Picture of Alaska
On the cruise, you'll watch for whales, sea otters and eagles along the coast. On land, you add moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears roaming the interior.
Together, they show you both sides of Alaska: the glaciers and fjords of the Inside Passage, and the mountains, rivers and tundra inland. It's the kind of trip people talk about for years.
Who Will Love a Cruisetour
A cruisetour is a wonderful fit if you:
Have Alaska on your bucket list and want to see as much as possible in one trip
Love wildlife, national parks and wide-open scenery
Want the adventure of the backcountry with the comfort of lodges and planned transportation
Are traveling with family or friends and want everyone's plans handled in one place
Cruisetours run during Alaska's summer season, roughly May through September. Popular dates and lodges fill up early, so it pays to plan ahead.
Let's Plan Your Alaska Adventure
There are cruisetours of every length and style, from independent trips to fully escorted ones. I'd love to help you find the one that fits how you like to travel. CLICK HERE, and let's start planning your Alaska cruisetour!