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Thinking of visiting
Alaska early in the Season?
Here are some things to know before you go.
1) Wildlife
is abundant in the early season! Two important factors help us see
more critters in May: A) new arrivals in the way of cubs, calves and
kids and B) the low snowline. Moose, Bears, Goats,
Sheep and even Whales give birth in the mid-spring. That coupled with animals
being concentrated in the lowlands while the mountains defrost have always led
to my most memorable wildlife sightings in the spring. It's a photographer's
dream!
2) Natural
Vistas are amazing. Mountain snow, while non-disruptive to guests,
allows for amazing topographical contrast with tormented evening shadows.
Mountains are more stunning with snow and May is the best month to experience
this while still dressing comfortably without need of parka or mukluks.
3) The
daylight will nearly be as long as it gets. Summer solstice this year
is on June 21. As one incrementally moves away from that date daylight
decreases proportionately. This means that Alaska enjoys as much daylight in May
as they do in July give or take a few minutes. The mid-night sun is not a one
day occurrence. Travel early in the season for great values and
abundant daylight for explorations and photography.
The amount of daylight Alaska depends upon where you
are and when you travel. Here are the number of average daylight hours in
Alaska/Canada major cities and locations during the Alaska cruise season:
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May |
June |
July |
August |
September |
|
Anchorage |
18
hrs |
19
hrs |
18
hrs |
16
hrs |
13
hrs |
|
Fairbanks |
20
hrs |
21
hrs |
20
hrs |
16
hrs |
14
hrs |
|
Denali Park |
18
hrs |
20
hrs |
19
hrs |
16
hrs |
13
hrs |
|
Juneau |
17
hrs |
18
hrs |
17
hrs |
16
hrs |
11
hrs |
|
Ketchikan |
17
hrs |
18
hrs |
17
hrs |
16
hrs |
11
hrs |
|
Vancouver |
14
hrs |
15
hrs |
16
hrs |
15
hrs |
13
hrs |
4) Speaking of
daylight... it is only useful when it's not raining. On
average, May is one of the 2 driest, sunniest months of the year no
matter what part of the Great Land you visit. Compared with September,
Anchorage only receives a third as much precipitation in the spring. As a
general rule, this is true in every port city and interior village we traverse.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must this time of year. Be prepared!
5) Finally,
Alaskans and Yukoners are most upbeat, personable and hospitable in May.
While it is true that some of the staff are still learning their rolls at the
local gift shops, Alaskans cherish the spring like no other people we know.
Their months of Seasonal Affective Disorder have passed, the roof made it
through another winter and summer sports boost endorphins statewide. Talk to
the locals in May and you'll be amazed at the tales they have of a harsh winter
life just past.
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A
nugget of private railroad history in Alaska
There’s lots of history and many companies
spotlighting the beauty of rail travel in Alaska today. It all started with the
completion of the Alaska Railroad back in 1923. Then Tour Alaska introduced
luxury sightseeing in Alaska via rail in the 1980’s followed by Holland America,
Princess Tours, and most recently by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Tours. When
you look at the consist of the Alaska Railroad today, you will see a long line
of fully domed passenger observation cars that offer dining, expert narration,
knowledgeable railcar staff members and over 300-miles of one magnificent sight
after another.
Did you know? The Alaska Railroad track is laid along a National Scenic
Byway that stretches from Seward on Resurrection Bay all the way to Fairbanks
just 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. It crosses the Continental Divide,
spans 300-foot deep Hurricane Gulch, hugs the Million Dollar Curve and passes
through more than 500 miles of glacier-carved mountains and river-cut valleys
penetrating deep into Alaska’s vast Interior.
Taking Home a Piece of Native Culture
Native art and culture flourishes in Alaska due
to the large population of Native Alaskans. Pacific Northwest Indian tribes are
the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Athabascans live in the Interior. Coastal
waterways of southwestern Alaska are home to Yup’ik Eskimo and the Inupiat
Eskimo reside above the Arctic Circle. The Unangan Aleut live in the Aleutian
Islands.
Visitors looking for the perfect souvenir will find crafts using local materials
like gold nuggets, precious stones and porcupine quills. Carvings -- of animals,
spirits, masks and traditional activities -- are typically of wood, antler or
aquatic ivory (walrus or narwhal). Clothing can be made from a wide variety of
pelts, skins and furs.
Insider’s Tip:
The Made in Alaska
symbol indicates that a resident artist, craftsperson or manufacturer made the
article in Alaska. The Silver Hand emblem guarantees that the article was hand
crafted by an Alaskan Native. Wherever possible, these items have been made with
Alaskan materials.
Gold Fever in the Yukon —
the Rush is On!
The country was reeling from a depression. Then steamships
carrying tons of gold from the Klondike arrived on the west coast. Within days,
over 100,000 men and women dropped everything to join the stampede. The first 26
miles of the Chilkoot Trail from Dyea, one of seven routes to the Yukon, became
the most notorious strip of up-and-down real estate in the world.
It was a super-human effort to transport a ton of
goods up that narrow, slippery, rocky trail — 200 pounds at a time. And the
struggling travelers still had treacherous rapids to face on the Yukon River
before reaching the goldfields near Dawson City. Ironically, by the time many
arrived the rush was over.
Insider’s Tip:
There’s still
time to book a sensational Alaska tour this season — so don’t miss out on a
rollicking good time in Dawson City, the golden heart of the Klondike. You can
kick upyour heels at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s, an authentic turn-of-the-century
saloon and dance hall on the National Register of Historic Sites. And it’s just
one of many restored buildings in this living museum of the Gold Rush.
The wild, untamed Klondike
is on display in the rough-and-tumble towns of Dawson City, Eagle, Whitehorse
and Tok and wildlife and wilderness is boundless in legendary Denali National
Park. Appealing extras like the McKinley Explorer luxury rail cars, a Yukon
River cruise, the historic Gold Dredge No. 8 and the famed White Pass & Yukon
Route Railway make the Alaska a fabulous choice.
Summer Celebration
Warm, seemingly endless days, maybe an afternoon shower, are par for the Alaska
summer. Visitors can see up to 21 hours of daylight, and enjoy temperatures of
up near 90°F during July and August. Here are a few other signs that summer has
arrived in the North.
Flower Power
Wildflowers are in full
bloom. From tiny blue forget-me-nots, the state flower, to towering purple
fireweed and everything in between — chocolate lilies, monkshood, columbine,
wild geranium, lupine, dogwood, shooting stars, iris, violets, chiming bells,
Jacob's ladder, bog rosemary, larkspur and bluebells.
Watchable Wildlife
The humpback whales are returning from wintering in Hawaii. Canadian geese are
coming back to raise their young and the feisty, screeching magpies are
protecting their nests. Bears are fully active and feeding off the numerous
salmon runs to bulk up before the winter. Moose and caribou have their calves in
tow and are frequently sighted at this time of year.
Southeast Alaska Native Culture and Crafts – Made in Alaska!
Much of Alaska’s population
is composed of distinct indigenous cultural groups. In Southeast Alaska, Tlingit,
Haida and Tsimshian cultures take center stage providing visitors with numerous
opportunities to interact with the Native Alaskans best known for totem poles,
hand-hewn cedar lodge houses, canoes and intricate beadwork and basketry. With
their striking designs and colors, totem poles are bold statements of the
identities and stories of the people who carved them. A totem pole generally
served one of four purposes.
- Crest poles
give the ancestry of a particular family.
- History poles
record the history of a clan.
- Legend poles
illustrate folklore or real life experiences.
- Memorial poles
commemorate a particular individual.
Alaskan visitors may
encounter totem poles throughout Southeast Alaska, but the most famous
collections are displayed in Ketchikan at Saxman Village and Totem Bight and in
Sitka National Historical Park.
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Shopping Tip:
Be sure to look for the “Made in Alaska” logo, which indicates an item genuinely
produced in Alaska. The Silver Hand logo identifies the item as a Native Alaskan
handicraft. Great choices include gold nugget jewelry and items carved from
jade. Woven baskets of beach grass, bark or baleen and seal-oil candles, beaded
mittens, fur mukluks and hand-carved masks are just a few native offerings. |
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Alaska Q & A
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?
Anytime between May and September is a good time to visit Alaska, but the
warmest and longest days will be in June and July.
Do I need a passport to go to Alaska?
If a part of your cruise includes a stop ( or departs or returns from ) either
Vancouver or Victoria, Canada, you will be required to provide proper proof of
US citizenship before you are allowed to board the ship. For US and Canadian
Citizens, this can be a passport or a notarized copy of your birth certificate
and picture ID. While a passport is not required for US and Canadian citizens,
we recommend all passengers have a passport. Please note that it is the
passenger's responsibility to provide acceptable proof of citizenship. You will
not get a refund if you are denied boarding due to the lack of proper
documentation.
How long are Alaska Cruises?
Most Alaska cruises are 7 days. Choose an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise that sail
roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver; or a 7 Night Alaska Glacier Cruise sailing
south from Anchorage ( Seward or Whittier ports ) or North from Vancouver. You
can add a land tour to the beginning or end of the cruise. Cruisetours explore
cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, and Denali and other National Parks,
allowing you to visit such places as Mt. McKinley. Cruise tours can range from
three to 16 days in addition to your 7-day cruise vacation.
What is an Alaska Cruisetour?
An Alaska Cruise Tour combines an Alaska cruise with an Alaska land tour. These
cruisetours give you an opportunity experience both the coast and interior of
Alaska. On a cruisetour you can visit Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park. You
may travel by deluxe motor coach and/or specially built sightseeeing trains,
stay at deluxe lodges and view wildlife in its natural habitat. You can join in
adventurous and culturally focused shore excursions.
Should I bring the kids?
Alaska is an unforgettable family vacation destination full of adventure and
educational opportunities. Most cruise lines these days cater to families with
children of all ages including toddlers, youth, and teenagers. They have kids
programs, special facilities, kids menus and planned activities.
Some cabins can accommodate three, four or as many as five passengers in one
cabin. Children can cruise at reduced rates when they share a cabin with their
parents, making it very affordable for the whole family to visit Alaska.
Should I get a stateroom with a balcony?
If you're sailing along the Inside Passage or viewing College Fjord, you will
have views of the mountains, the wilderness, huge glaciers, and shoreside
communities. You may even spot a whale or two.
On an Alaska cruise, the ship's decks are packed with hundreds of guests
crowding the ship's rail to take a picture. You can enjoy the same view from
your balcony, while having a hot drink - without the crowds. And with a balcony,
you have floor to ceiling magnificent views of Alaska.
When should I book my Alaska cruise or Cruisetour?
Cruise ships sailing to Alaska book up quickly especially for sailings in July
and August. Early booking discounts may be on offer so we recommend booking as
early as possible. Balcony cabins are very popular and tend to sell out first.
Families wanting cabins close together ( adjoining or connecting cabins ) or
"quad" cabins sleep 4) should also book early.
What's the best way to reserve my Alaska
vacation?
Planning an Alaska Cruise Vacation could get very complicated. Planning your
vacation of a life time is not like booking an airline ticket, hotel, rental
car. There's a lot more to it and given the size of your travel investment we
recommend you take advantage of the services of a professional Alaska
Cruise Advisor to help guide you through the process.
With over 380 Alaska Cruise and Cruise Tour options to choose from making the
right choice can make all the difference in the world.
Ask yourself these questions.....
When do you want to go? ...and for how many days?
What kind of Alaska Cruise Vacation do you want? A 7 day cruise or an extended
stay Alaska Cruise Tour?
What do you want to see? What kind of activities do you enjoy?
Viewing Glaciers, Wildlife Wilderness Tours,
Hiking Mountains, learning the local History or participate in an active
Adventure?
Are you taking kids? How old are they? What's there to do for them?
The number of questions about Alaska could number
several pages. What's your question. Just ask us, 800.365.1445
What about Airfare?
You may purchase airfare on your own, or you can get it from the cruise line as
part of your cruise package. vacation.
Unlike buying an airline ticket on your own, when you book your airfare with the
cruise line you do not have to pay for your ticket at the time of booking (
placing a deposit ) , you pay for it only at the time of final payment. If you
have to cancel your cruise before cruise line cancellation penalties are
imposed, you may not be stuck with the cost of airline tickets. Flight
schedules, including connections, are assigned at the descreation of the cruise
line and neither us nor the cruise line make seat assignments.
Can I extend my Alaska Cruise or Cruisetour?
If your ship arrives or leaves from Vancouver, consider spending a few days
either before or after the cruise to enjoy some of the local sights. Most cruise
lines offer pre- and post-cruise hotel programs that give you the opportunity to
experience some of the local flavor.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation coverage. In the event that
your cruise or cruisetour is cancelled due to a medical emergency, you may,
subject to a valid claim, recover the non-refundable portion of your cruise
costs.
What can I see on an Alaska cruise?
An Alaska Cruise or Cruisetour gives you the opportunity to see wildlife, and
explore Wilderness, Mountains and Glaciers, Alaska's natural beauty, plus a
chance to learn about native American culture and the history of the Gold Rush.
On most Cruises and Cruisetours you may see - moose, caribou, dall sheep, bears,
birds, seals, humpback and killer whales, and eagles. To see Mt. McKinley, North
America's largest mountain, you'll need to take a cruisetour that includes
Denali National Park. You may also experience rafting trips, salmon bakes, horse
backing riding, fishing tours and nature hikes that show you some of the most
beautiful and pristine lands in America.
Depending on your cruise you will see one or more of these: Glacier Bay, Hubbard
Glacier, Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, Mendenhall Glacier, or the glaciers
of College Fjord.
Will I get to see Mt. McKinley?
Mt. McKinley, North America's largest mountain at 20,360 feet is located in
Denali National Park, in the interior region of Alaska between Anchorage and
Fairbanks. Tours in Denali National Park are only available to Alaska Cruisetour
guests. Mt. McKinley is so large it creates its own weather, so the conditions
are unpredictable and full view of Mt. McKinley is never guaranteed. But when
the sky is clear, North America's highest peak is in its full glory. Truly
something to see, photograph and talk about!
When's the best time to see whales?
If you visit Alaska between June and early September, you may see Humpback,
Whales, Orcas, Pacific White-Sided Dolphins, and Porpoises. Between June and
July, you have your best chance of seeing the Humpbacks. Consider a whale
watching tour in search of whale pods.
Which side of the ship is best for viewing glaciers?
Where possible, book a cabin on the right side of the ship (starboard side) for
scenery on a Northbound cruise and the left side (port side) on a Southbound
cruise. However, if you have cabin on the "other" side, don't worry, there is
scenery on both sides of the ship and when you are entering the fjords to view
the glaciers of Alaska, the viewing is likely to be good from either side of the
ship.
What about fishing?
You can book a full- or half-day fishing trip in most of the Alaska ports of
call. Fish for King Salmon, Pink & Silver Salmon, Sockeye, Halibut,
Rainbow Trout, Char, or Steelhead.
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