Ahhh, Alaska. It isn’t just a state—it’s a state of mind. Its raw, untamed nature takes on a life of its own, almost like a living, breathing entity that seems to have it’s own punchy personality. (That may sound strange–but once you go to Alaska, it’ll make sense.) From the towering peaks of Denali National Park to the thunderous calving of glaciers, Alaska demands your attention at every turn. The land feels personal, as though it’s speaking to you in a way only a pioneer can understand. And there’s no better way to experience this majesty than on a smaller cruise ship, where the stunning landscapes unfold right before your eyes.
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Starter Tips
Before you leave home, here are some key tips to help you make the most of your first time you’ll ever spend in the Last Frontier:
- Invest in a Good Camera and Zoom Lens
Alaska’s beauty is in the details—whether it’s a soaring eagle, a humpback whale breaching, or the intricate patterns of a glacier. A zoom lens of at least 150mm for a cropped sensor will allow you to capture those moments in detail. And a solid camera will ensure those photos last a lifetime. - Learn How to Use That Good Camera and Zoom Lens
You’ll be surrounded by incredible scenes, so make sure you know how to use your camera beyond full-auto mode. Understanding how to adjust exposure, focus, shutter speed, and white balance will let you capture the essence of Alaska’s ever-changing skies and landscapes. Also–the majesty of the surroundings you’ll encounter in Alaska will be breathtaking, but composition is key. Otherwise, you may end up with a bunch of boring photos. Check out some online photography classes–you don’t need to go in-person to do this–there’s excellent classes on LinkedIn Learning (oftentimes available through your local library for free. I specifically recommend the classes from Ben Long), or there’s a ton of resources on YouTube. - Shoot in a Raw Format
Hopefully that good camera you picked up earlier will allow you to do this. (Not being able to shoot in a RAW format would be a deal-killer for me on a camera, at this point.) You can recover so many more details from a raw format from your digital camera. You can take a 6/10 shot to a 9/10 shot easily in many situations if you have the raw. (Also, with post-processing in mind–specifically Lightroom–I’d recommend setting your camera to use the Adobe Colorspace if your camera offers that setting.) - Get a Balcony Room
While interior rooms can save you money, there’s nothing quite like having your own private balcony to witness Alaska’s splendor. There is something nice about having your own little space to look out at the fog over the trees along side the boat of the Inside Passage as you navigate the strait. The ever-changing views of fjords, glaciers, and wildlife you’ll see on your cruise are too great to miss. Also–if you don’t have a balcony room, plan on spending some quality time up on the deck. It’ll be worth it. - Bring Good Hiking Shoes
Alaska is a hiker’s paradise, and many excursions, such as visiting glaciers or taking nature walks, require sturdy, comfortable footwear. Prepare for muddy, rocky terrain that might not be friendly to flip-flops, or even nice running shoes. - Be Prepared for Seasickness
You’re probably on a smaller ship (which makes sense, because the bigger ships aren’t going to be able to navigate these waters too easily), and I’ve found that smaller boats means a smaller inertial frame, and therefore bumpier waters. I don’t normally have problems here, but I remember getting woozy on this cruise a time or two. You should probably pack some Scopolamine patches and/or some Dramamine. - Budget for Expensive Excursions
Alaskan excursions are incredible but can also be pricey—often more expensive than in the Caribbean. From whale watching in Juneau to the iconic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway in Skagway, budget wisely if you want to make the most of your time off the ship. These excursions are expensive, but worth it. - You Aren’t Going to See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are generally visible from late August to April, so don’t expect to see them on a summer cruise. However, depending on your timing and location, you might just catch the elusive midnight sun, which is a (somewhat less impressive, but still cool) sight to behold. Use tools like the “Sunseeker” iOS app to track the sun’s movement, sunrise, angle, and sunset times. - Pack Warm (And Layer)
Even during the summer months, temperatures in Alaska can dip unexpectedly. Bring a light jacket and layers for those chilly mornings and evenings. A waterproof layer will especially come in handy. - Seeing Mt. McKinley’s Peak is a Crapshoot
If you’re headed to Denali National Park (and I really hope you are), be prepared for the possibility that the towering Mt. McKinley might remain hidden in the clouds. Clear skies aren’t guaranteed, so it’s all about luck whether you’ll catch a glimpse of the highest peak in North America. But–the wildlife you’ll encounter alone will make your trip worth it. - Don’t Sleep On the Formal Dining Room
This is really a big part of cruising–don’t skip your assigned seating. (And if you’re given (L’HORREUR! 😱) “any time dining,” ask the Maître d’ to change to either formal or late dining with a table assignment. - Bring Formal Clothes, and Don’t Look Like a Bum in the Dining Room
This is doubly important in Alaska, which has a WAY more formal vibe than your average 4-day cruise to Mexico from Galveston. (This is generally to be expected, as I think the departure port has a large effect on the people on the cruise ship… and out of Vancouver, things are on the formal side.) Depending on how long your cruise is, you’ll probably want to bring additional formal outfits. Typically for a 4 night cruise, count on 1 formal night, 5 nights should figure 1-2 formal nights. 6 or 7 night cruises should have 2 formal nights (usually the night of the first full day of a cruise, and the last evening of the cruise), and an 8 night cruise should have either 2-3 formal nights. At least look business casual at dinner in the dining room. - Consider the Photo Package
If the cruise line offers a photo package, these can be expensive, but can be really, really worth it if you plan to take advantage of the photo backdrops, souvenir pictures on the ports, and anywhere else they’re taking pictures. (Especially take advantage of every photo opportunity you can on formal nights.) I almost always buy the large (or unlimited–depending on your cruise line) photo package where I get the digitals as well as a stack of 8″x10″s (and the corresponding digital photos) to return home with. Especially consider this before leaving as your cruise line generally gives you a discount if you buy the package before getting on the ship. - Pick Up a Copy of Krakauer’s “Into the Wild”
if you’d like a book to read for your flight up, I recommend Krakauer’s “Into the Wild.” It’s a short but gripping read. The Sean Penn film adaptation of the book is pretty great as well, but I prefer the book. (Note: If you do the Tundra tour in Denali, you’ll be just over 20 miles south of the actual location of “The Magic Bus.” The bus was removed from it’s location in 2020 and relocated into the collection of the University of Alaska’s Museum of the North in Fairbanks, where it is being restored.)
Ports & Recommended Excursions
Many of Alaska’s cruise ports are pretty similar–though each of them offers some kind of pristine natural beauty. Sometimes, it’s more focused on flora, fauna, or glaciers. All experiences are incredible and should be experienced.
A quick note: with the exception of Vancouver (and to a lesser degree, Anchorage), the ports / towns that you’ll experience in Alaska will probably all have a “sleepy town” vibe. When I say “sleepy town,” I’m referring to small, often remote community that goes into hibernation during the long winter months. These towns are typically quiet, with a slower pace of life, where businesses function in multiple capacities to serve the local population. The grocery store might be a Hallmark card shop, camping gear store, and an electronics retailer. The store will usually boast a slogan, and that slogan will be, “if it can’t be found here, you don’t need it” or some derivative thereof.
People in these towns are resourceful (they have to be–wait until you really meet the wilderness… and you’re there in summer, you pansy! Do you even “Iditarod,” bro?), and shops carry a little bit of everything to make sure the essentials are always within reach. During the off-season, these towns take on a peaceful, almost secluded quality, where time seems to slow down—until summer arrives, and the seasonal visitors return to liven up the streets.
Vancouver – City Tour 🔺🔺
Before you even board the ship, consider spending a day exploring Vancouver. Its beautiful parks, neat but idiosyncratic communities, and proximity to the coast make it a delightful starting point for your adventure. (Also, if you have more than an extra day or two, it’s an easy & pretty drive down to Seattle.) A city tour is an excellent way to efficiently see the Vancouver. Many times you can combine one of these with a cruise transfer through your cruise line, and that might be well worth it–but note that you will pay for the convenience of the transfer.
Ketchikan – Creek Street 🔺
Ketchikan is called “Alaska’s First City,” not because it was the first established (that’s probably Sitka), but rather because it’s the first that all the tourists encounter on their trip up the inside passage to Alaska. Still, it is somewhat charming, and there’s some neat history to see, including the colorful historic buildings of the town and the famous Creek Street boardwalk.
While the totem pole carving demonstrations are fascinating, I’d encourage you to explore the town at your own pace. Shop, learn what an Ulu knife is, wonder how you ever lived without one, and after breaking down and getting one, make a special note not to put it in your carry-on for your return trip. (By the way–basic Ulu knives are great for chopping up salad!) Also, try and find some local seafood–now wouldn’t be a bad time to score some of that awesome wild salmon. (More to come on that later.)
Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) – Ziprider 🔺🔺
Icy Strait Point is Alaska’s response to the private islands owned by cruise lines in the Caribbean (like Castaway Cay, Half Moon Cay, Cococay, etc.) Though this port is owned by the Huna Totem Corporation. If your cruise stops here, pay the money and do the Ziprider (zipline). Ever wonder what it’s like to jump from 1,300′? (The top of the antenna of the Empire State Building is 1,454′.) But instead of doing it in a city, you do it over a lush forest and a stunning costal landscape with a panoramic view? Only one way to find out… Other than that, walk around the port a little bit and take some pictures. It isn’t the steepest one in the world, but it’s not far off–and you’d be hard up trying to find one with comparable scenery.
Juneau – Whale Watching 🔺🔺🔺 & Mendenhall Glacier 🔺🔺
Juneau is a must-see, offering an incredible view into nature. Make sure you take a whale watching cruise. You’ll absolutely see whales–though if you’re lucky, you may see a bunch of whales bubble netting–one of the most remarkable things I’ve ever seen in nature. You’ll also see some amazing wildlife. (I shot one of my favorite nature pictures ever here–a picture of a bald eagle landing on a post.) Juneau is also home to the stunning Mendenhall Glacier, where you can witness icebergs calving and hike around a bit.
Skagway – White Pass and Yukon Route Railway 🔺🔺🔺
This historic railway offers a jaw-dropping ride through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park. Prepare for panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and waterfalls as you climb up into the Yukon. Along with the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, other little stops are offered, based upon your interest. (If the Iditarod interests you, there was a really interesting stop that we made where musher dogs were being bred and trained.) However, Skagway is a lot of fun to just walk around in. Try to leave a little extra time to explore the town.
Hubbard Glacier – Sail-By in Disenchantment Bay 🔺🔺🔺
Hubbard Glacier is one of the most magnificent sights in Alaska. Though it’s not a port of call, the sail-by is a highlight not to be missed! Watch as enormous chunks of ice break off the glacier and tumble into the bay. (No–they’re not melting. A glacier is how nature transports ice, soil, and rock. It’s natural for them to chip away into the water in an almost haunting and massive way.)
Check your cruise’s itinerary for the day closely and try to see if they open the helipad on the bow of your the ship so that you can see the glacier a little closer than you’d be able to see on deck. If this is offered, take advantage of it–and bring your camera and at least a light jacket.
Seward – Kenai Fjords National Park Tour 🔺🔺🔺
Seward’s a pretty typical sleepy town–but the Kenai Fjords tour–especially for wildlife lovers–is a must. The tour takes you through the Kenai Fjords National Park, where you can see sea otters, puffins, and whales. The backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glaciers is absolutely stunning. (Note that this is a really small boat, and be sure to be prepared for seasickness, if you have an issue with that.) I recommend Major Marine Tours for this tour.
Whittier/Prince William Sound – Glacier Cruise 🔺🔺🔺
The town doesn’t have much, but the glacier cruise makes the trip worth it. While Major Marine Tours no longer offers this tour, you can still experience the glacial beauty of Prince William Sound with another local company. (Just be sure to plan your trip around the opening schedule of the tunnel if you’re driving to Whittier. There’s only one tunnel that serves both cars and trains, and it’s narrow… so traffic is mutually exclusive at all times, and you have to wait your turn.)
Anchorage – A Sleepy Big City🔺
Anchorage may not have the same tourist draw as other Alaskan cities, but it’s a convenient hub for getting to (and from) the wilderness. If you have time, explore the local museums, parks, and nearby hiking trails. It’s definitely the largest city in Alaska–but it’s not as cosmopolitan as a typical US city in the contiguous 48. (Anchorage’s population is 290,000, which makes it much larger than any other city in Alaska–but this gives it about the same population as Plano, TX, Durham, NC, or Fort Wayne, Indiana. Imagine a Plano, TX that’s about as isolated as El Paso (and arguably moreso) but not in a dessert. (Though Anchorage is almost 2 and a half times smaller than El Paso by population, and 7.5 times larger by square foot.) When you’re in town–be sure to drive past the starting line of the Iditarod!
Denali National Park – Bus Tour 🔺🔺🔺 & White Water Rafting 🔺🔺
Denali National Park offers some of Alaska’s most striking scenery. Take a bus tour (through the National Parks Service) to catch a glimpse of wildlife like moose and bears, or go for an exhilarating white water rafting adventure through the wilds of Denali. The bus tour that I recommend (the Tundra Wilderness Tour) is 9 hours long, and you can only really go into the park on the bus. Plan to spend all day on this tour, and plan to spend the night at a nearby hotel at a super high cost.
Before driving back to Anchorage, try to swing some white water rafting. It’s an exhilarating experience in some incredible surroundings.
Food
Alaska isn’t known for any specific restaurants, given the sleepy-town vibe of each location. However, the region is known for its exceptional seafood, particularly wild salmon. 🔺🔺🔺 Be sure to sample some during your cruise.
Also, don’t miss the iconic Baked Alaska 🔺🔺🔺, a decadent dessert that combines cake, meringue, ice cream, and fire. 🔥
The Baked Alaska isn’t unique to Alaska–but it was created as a nod to the state when it entered the union. And no, a baked Alaska isn’t a right of passage in Alaska–it’s a right of passage of cruising–any cruise that doesn’t have a baked Alaska in the main dining room (usually on the last night) is scarcely a cruise at all–they should be embarrassed with themselves and they should do better. (And if it’s on the menu and you’re not ordering it, you oughta be keelhauled, ya scallywag. 🏴☠️)
Regarding general dining: in smaller towns, look for local diners where you can find fresh seafood and regional specialties. You’ll find that the food scene is relaxed but delicious—just like the pace of life here. (You may even see some crazy combinations. One of my favorite signs I saw in Alaska was in Ketchikan–the marquee for the restaurant read, and I quote, “Chico’s Mexican Restaurant – The Best Pizza in Town.” Only in Alaska!
Also–if you have the means, try a cocktail that uses actual glacial ice. Your cruise ship will probably have them, as did the Major Marine small-boat tours that we took. (It was fun to watch them fish an ice cube out of the water, break it up, and put it in our drinks. And the ice was so pure.)
One other tip to note: If you want to go to a popular local restaurant (my experience at the Moose’s Tooth in Anchorage comes to mind), go early. It’s easy to end up with a multiple-hour wait for a popular restaurant on a peak day, and you’ll probably end up at an unremarkable chain.
Conclusion
An Alaskan cruise offers more than just a getaway—it’s an invitation to experience a land where nature is king and every moment feels larger than life. (Don’t worry–the above picture is a bit of an exaggeration. But only a bit.) From jaw-dropping glaciers to the tranquil beauty of the fjords, Alaska reveals a world unlike any other. Each port offers its own unique charm, from the bustling energy of Juneau’s whale watching tours to the quiet allure of Anchorage’s unassuming charm.
But what truly sets Alaska apart is the way it makes you feel—like you’ve stepped into a place where time stands still, where you feel connected to nature, and where each new vista is more awe-inspiring than the last.
While the landscapes are breathtaking and the wildlife encounters unforgettable, it’s the sense of peace and discovery that sticks with you long after you’ve returned home. Whether you’re savoring freshly caught salmon, watching a humpback breach the surface, or simply gazing at the midnight sun, Alaska has a way of making every experience feel extraordinary. And even though the cruise may end, the memory of the vast wilderness, the welcoming towns, and the wild, untamed beauty of the land stays with you—forever etched in your mind as one of life’s most incredible adventures.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and set sail into the heart of the Last Frontier. Alaska isn’t just a place—it’s a journey that will leave you with stories, memories, and a deeper connection to the wild, unspoiled spirit of nature.
