The Alaska Experience, By Any Means

We have been asked several times about offering suggestions on where to go in Alaska, particularly on cruises.  Karen thought a few words on this subject would be ideal for the blog, but she didn't want to write the blog.   FYI, she contributes significantly, but I, Peter, do the writing...   Except this blog, which we tag-teamed.

If you are interested in experiencing Alaska, but not in possession of nor have the ambition of owning your own boat (a clear sign of intelligence), then here are our suggestions and thinking...

To start, there is nothing wrong with cruise ships. Just adopt an adventurous attitude and make the cruising experience what fits for you. There are small cruise boats where you will make few new friends and experience nature up-close and then larger boats where you and "5000" new friends can be made in short time while enjoying many additional comforts. Many choices, just pick one and go.

Cruising Alaska is how we first discovered Alaska for ourselves. Some people have driven up from the lower states and there is nothing wrong with that either.   Some fly in and stay in hotels or resorts.  I just can't speak to those modes of adventure travel. We love boating, so boating it is, big or small!

Note, we are not going to recommend any one cruise line over another, that part is for you to decide. There are many blogs and reviews you can look at to make an educated decision.

We have only been on a few cruise lines, and they've all been similar yet different.   Some are about the amenities, others the experiences, still others the parties.  Their marketing and brochures speak pretty clearly to the differences.

What makes Alaska a bucket list item is the vast natural environment you encounter. The wildlife is abundant and close.  From the immense geography down to the graceful sea creatures, shy land animals, to gazillions of airborne ones, that's Alaska.   I should also add that if you come here, plan on learning and enjoying the native culture, the people who care for the land, as it is so intertwined in the fabric of humanity here that it bears acknowledgement.

Coastal Alaska is only really accessible by boat. SE Alaska is an archipelago of islands.  Heck, Juneau, the state capital, is on an island and there are no roads to it, just like Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, etc.  So, if you want to see the coastal areas, you do it by boat/ship. There are airports but your ability to get around is limited.  

Some cruise ship lines offer a lot of onboard distractions and entertainment.   I'm not opposed to that, but don't let that aspect interfere with experiencing the Alaskan wilderness.   If you just want the entertainment aspect of cruise lines, then you could be anywhere, so why be here.   If you think kids need entertainment, I'd gently argue against that and suggest they might actually need more nature time.  

Consider the daily or shore excursions.  This is where you find the gems of your cruising adventure. The boat offers excursions, and every town has independent tour operators.  Your choice, but while walking town today, we inquired with a local tour operator, Wild View, Alaska tours. They are a local tour company not associated with a specific ship who loves to share their knowledge and love of all that Ketchikan has to offer.  Rain or shine, get out and explore, who better to do that with than a local.

Yes, local tours are and option if you are willing to wait till you arrive. Find a local you're comfortable with.  Also, know the time your boat leaves and let your guide know when you need to be back.  This helps set everyone up for a fun and enjoyable tour.  

In all Alaskan town destinations, you can see the cruise line influence.  Because most of the towns the cruise ships stop in are heavily invested in by the individual cruise ship companies.  Go figure.  You will find the same stores, very similar trinkets, baubles, sweatshirts, etc. as you walk around. Yes, you can find some special items, but you need to look.  And there are some wonderful finds and great gifts if they can travel home with you. 

As for the restaurants or food, because cruisers have numerous options aboard, what is in town can be limited.  In addition, most ships leave town before you can enjoy a diner ashore anyway.  What eateries are available are specific: coffee shops and bakeries, fish and crab shacks, or taverns/bars.  There are a few restaurants that cater to those who have the opportunity to stay for the evening and experience town without cruisers.  The lodges that cater to fishing offer some really fine and fresh meals.  It is worth a taste if you're willing to try some of the local dishes. 

When we first came up to Alaska on a Holland America cruise ship, we came with our two sons (ages 8 & 13), my sister and her spouse, and my parents.   We took the kids cell phones away and signed them up for most of the daily excursions.   Keep the boys busy was our idea. Today, they still talk about those adventures, what they saw, and what they learned.   They do not talk about missing their cell phones.

As a family, we explored Ketchikan, in Skagway hiked the Lower Chilkoot trail, kayaked in Misty Fjords, in Juneau went on a salmon bake after whale watching, rafted the Taiya River, hiked around Kodiak, and visited a grizzly bear preserve, etc...  We considered a helicopter ride and walk on a glacier, but that didn't happen.   From the cruise ship we saw glaciers galore in Glacier Bay, up around Seward, into Tracy Arm, and around Juneau.  Most evenings we spent aboard in the forward lounge sharing our day and whale watching as they were everywhere. Reminder, it stays light late into the evening during the summer.

We enjoyed Alaska so much, that we vowed to come back on our own boat.   That was a very distant dream back in 2010...  And now it's reality for our second consecutive year.

Dreams do come true...   Expand and follow yours.