Alaska Introduction

The state of Alaska is a vast expanse of forest, snowy mountain and tundra straddling the Arctic Circle, cut off from the rest of the USA and completely different in character. What towns there are perch precariously on the edge of the endless wilderness, where a combination of wolves, grizzly bears, caribou and moose outnumber the sparse population of just 640,000.

A cruise ship is by far the best way to explore Alaska, transporting you in sedate comfort from one adventure to the next. While the destination is suitable for anybody (you can see a lot from the ship, including whales and spectacular scenery), it really comes into its own if you want to try the many outdoor activities, from hiking to sea kayaking, salmon fishing and even husky driving across a glacier.

Cruises depart from ports all along the US and Canadian west coasts, from as far south as San Francisco, or Seattle, or Vancouver. Some are round-trip and some are one-way, flying back from Anchorage. The season is short, from June to September, when the temperatures are pleasant and even hot. But after the season ends, the nights start closing in and Alaska prepares for another icy winter.

Find out more information on your possible ports of call:

Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, College Fjord, Whittier

Top Alaska Cruises

Date	Nights	Itinerary	Cruise Line/Ship	Price
04/09/2010	9	Alaskan Glacier Bay	Norwegian Pearl	£1279pp
10/09/2010	9	Canada	Carnival Glory	£839pp
17/09/2010	9	Alaskan Seas & Sawyer Glacier Cruise	Norwegian Star	£1209pp