Journey to the Last Frontier: Alaska. Home to the tallest mountain in North America, Mt. McKinley. The state that, by far, has the longest coastline than any other state in the US. Experience all of the incredible landscapes and wildlife that Alaska has to offer by luxury cruising. Keep reading to learn more about luxury cruise lines that sail here, ports you can stop at, and experiences you can have on a luxury cruise vacation to Alaska!

Ports of call

The state capital of Alaska, Juneau, is inaccessible by road and must be reached by sea or air. This town was established in the late 1800’s after gold was found on Gold Creek. Take a tour through the downtown, stop by the State Capital Building, or head out further to see the nearby Mendenhall Glacier.

Explore the interesting city of Ketchikan and the surrounding area. Learn more about totem poles and the tradition of carving them. Fly in a floatplane over the Misty Fjords National Monument. Experience Tongass National Forest, “the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world”, from the water in a sea kayak.

Visit Skagway and learn more about the gold rush that happened. Visit the White Pass Trail, walk along the Yukon Suspension Bridge, and look out over the Tutshi River rapids. Explore part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in downtown Skagway.

Seward is the starting or ending point for many cruises. See glaciers and wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park and the Harding Icefield. If you’re in town on the 4th of July, witness the Mount Marathon Race, a race up the 3,000 ft mountain that first began in 1915.

Unique Experiences 

As your luxury travel advisor, we can arrange unique, bespoke experiences for you.

• Experience Alaska from the sky! Take a private helicopter ride over Juneau and explore the Juneau Icefield in a different way.
• Enjoy a private kayaking and hiking adventure through the beautiful landscape. You may see humpback whales, orcas, harbor seals, and other wildlife!
• Go on your own private dog sled tour. Learn more about the teams of dogs and about mushing, then experience dog sledding for yourself!
• The great outdoors is one of the allures of this state. Hiking and kayaking are a great way to explore more. Depending on your location and route, you might spot bald eagles or brown bears.

Luxury Cruising Options

If you’re not into seaplanes or overland driving trips, you can experience Alaska in luxury on these small luxury lines. Here are 5 luxury cruise lines that we recommend you explore Alaska with.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an all-inclusive vacation: from unlimited shore excursions and unlimited beverages to unlimited wifi. Choose between the Seven Seas Explorer and the Seven Seas Mariner. Both of which offer only suite accommodations with private balconies.

Seabourn

Cruise in luxury to places where larger ships can’t access. Seabourn offers all suites on their ships, with 90% of those on the Seabourn Odyssey having a veranda. Joining you onboard is an expedition team, which includes a marine biologist, historian, and naturalist experts amongst others.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises offers luxury cruising across four styles of cruises: ocean cruises, river cruises, yacht cruises, and expedition cruises. To experience Alaska with Crystal Cruises, you have the choice between an ocean cruise on the Crystal Serenity or a smaller, expedition cruise on the Crystal Endeavor.

National Geographic

Explore with National Geographic on an expedition cruise that has features such as expedition landing crafts and kayaks. Learn more with the expedition team of experts that accompanies the cruises. Embark on cruises that have special permission to visit the Haida Gwaii archipelago in British Columbia, Canada.

Silversea

Enjoy smaller ships and all ocean-view suites (with butler service) if you sail with Silversea. Explore sailing on the luxury flagship of the fleet, the Silver Muse, or on the Silver Cloud, an ice class vessel that includes zodiacs and kayaks.

Cruising in luxury is a fantastic way to see and experience this beautiful state. Let Bell & Bly Travel help plan your next luxury cruise to Alaska!