At the 2018 Travvy Awards, the beautiful state of Alaska received the gold for Best Expedition/Adventure Destination - Domestic, and its representatives are proud.
"It's an honor that Alaska has been recognized by the Travvy Awards as the best expedition/adventure destination. It's really true that Alaska offers an adventure for everyone, whether you're traveling by cruise ship or RV, on a family vacation or girl's getaway, on a fishing trip or a multi-day hike," reflected Alaska Travel Industry Association President and CEO Sarah Leonard.
As a cruise traveler, I too have always held the belief that Alaska is one of the best regions in the world in which to sail, and that's true regardless of ship size. Certainly, expedition cruises offer the most intimate seagoing experience, but even mega ships bring guests relatively up close to the dramatic sights of calving glaciers.
The big ones easily dock at ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway while smaller vessels can anchor in secluded inlets and bays for kayak and pontoon boat adventures immediately off the stern. Still, the smaller you go, the fewer choices there are for onboard dining and entertainment. So, it all depends on what it is you're looking for specifically.
TravelPulse's Michael Schottey traveled to Alaska last year and notes, "There's so much to do in Alaska that cruising to the location once or even cruising the same route means you'll be missing on a whole lot. Agents should focus on upselling their customers with extensions and pre- or post-trips and, of course, getting them back there as soon as possible.
Among such lodges is Holland America Line's upgraded McKinley Chalet Resort. Already the property features the recent Denali Square addition for shopping, dining, entertainment and relaxation, and by 2019, it will sport 99 extra new rooms including 55 junior suites.
For 2018, though, the biggest new thing cruising in Alaska will be Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Bliss. At 167,800 gross tons, it will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail in the region after it's christened in Seattle in May. The Bliss will feature the aforementioned classic trio of ports plus Victoria, British Columbia on weeklong voyages.
Of course, other Alaskan cruise ports not to be missed include Anchorage, Haines, Icy Strait Point, Nome, Seward, Sitka, Valdez and Whittier. Also, making the rounds to some of the tighter waterways of the Inside Passage are small-ship expedition operators like UnCruise Adventures.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
