An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is perhaps the most popular of all the itineraries any cruise line has to offer because of its spectacular and unbeatable scenery. This area of Alaska is also known as the Panhandle because of its history as an active center of gold mining. This is only one of the historic moments you will learn about when you visit this incredibly beautiful part of the state. Inside Passage cruises depart only from Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver.

This Alaska Inside Passage cruise is almost always taken as a round trip from Seattle or Vancouver and this is just one more reason it is as popular as it is. Economical round trip airfare to and from either of these cities is extremely affordable for any travel budget. The duration of this passage option is seven days on average and this is enough time to get a great taste of all there is to see within this part of Alaska. If you are looking for a longer cruise they are sometimes offered out of California but the extra three to four days are generally spent at sea, therefore this extra time is time spent aboard the ship and not within Alaska. On the other hand shorter cruises of four to five days are offered as well from Klondike Cruise tours directly within Alaska.

Let’s go through what an average Alaska Inside Passage cruise itinerary would include. Your first day is often spent cruising through the Inside Passage of Alaska and taking in the sights of breathtaking glaciers, mountains and wildlife of all kinds. You will then spend the next three to four days exploring different cities and ports of Alaska including Juneau, Skagway, Misty Fjord, Glacier Bay National Park and several others. Your final day is spent retracing your path to your port of origin.

If you are debating on a family cruise vacation, it is not uncommon for families to travel to Alaska this way. There is a great deal for children to see and learn about this part of the United States and many of the land excursions are child friendly which makes for a great family vacation.

The best time of year to take an Alaska Inside Passage cruise is anywhere from the beginning of April until the end of September. This is when the weather is most agreeable and wildlife is everywhere to see. The migration of the whales is one sight many travelers never forget when they take this cruise during the spring months of the year. Always consider the time of year you choose to travel so you will be sure to see the sights you want to be able to see.

There is nothing like an Alaska Inside Passage cruise, especially if you are interested in seeing something truly different. Take in air so fresh you will feel like you have never breathed before, see mountains that go on for miles and miles and witness whales leaping from the sea and bears lumbering along the shore. Really see nature for the first time when you visit Alaska. An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is one you will want to take again and again because there is so much to see–seven days is just not enough!

J. David Rogers travels the world and has a passion for uncovering the best deals in every destination. What you just learned is the tip of the iceberg. To learn even more about taking an Alaska Inside Passage cruise and always get the latest news about discounts, be sure to visit the only blog exclusively dedicated to Alaska cruise deals.

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Flying to Alaska is one way to start your adventure, making side trips from your hotel room, but a cruise to Alaska is by far more relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you start from Los Angeles or San Francisco, you can make port calls in places like Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, then further North to Skagway and Haines and of course, the breath-taking Glacier Bay National Park and beautiful Hubbard Glacier.

The cruise ships have plenty of on-board activities so you can work out in the gym, cool off in the spa, dance, play the casino games, watch movies or live shows, drinking and eating are also favorite activities.  You can also spend your time watching for such wildlife as humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

You can select from a wonderful array of international dishes including vegetarian, diabetic and low calorie foods.

Once you’ve reached Alaska, you can choose to stay at some of the luxury hotels while touring other locations where you can try dog sledding, hiking or climbing.

The large Alaskan cruise ships will have a passenger list of more than 2000 passengers. Room rates cost from $750 to over $3000 for the shortest trip of about 7 days. You may be able to get discounts for special events such as a wedding, birthday party or other celebration.

If you don’t want to travel with so many people, try traveling on one of the smaller vessels which typically carry 120 passengers each trip.

It is recommended that you make your reservations well ahead of time especially if you want to travel during the peak season from May to September.  Your cruise will depart from either San Francisco or Los Angeles.  Contact your travel agent to arrange not only for transfers from an airline to the ship, but for side trips and an interesting itinerary once you arrive in Alaska.

The time spent on the ship and the time spent on side trips can be structured in such a way as to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone in the party.  Just be sure you allow for extra time in your schedule so that you can try other experiences on your vacation.   You won’t regret taking a few extra hours here and there to fully explore your Alaskan vacation.

An Alaskan cruise will provide you with the opportunity to view scenery of breathtaking beauty, and to see wildlife, and glaciers that you won’t see elsewhere. There are many activities which will please all members of your family both on the cruise ship itself and on the many side trips you can schedule.