Alaska Cruises - A Big State in America and Of Mind
December 13, 2005
It may be hard for many Americans to picture themselves taking an Alaska cruise vacation right now. Although winter hasn't even technically begun, its frigid temperatures are now creeping into America's largest state. For instance, at a current daytime high of 25°, Anchorage probably isn't on the top of the list as far as getaways go. (Temps around Anchorage can drop to the other side of the zero during the deep winter; -20s and -30s are not uncommon.)
While southern cities in Alaska such as Juneau and Ketchikan are slightly warmer, they don't come close to the sunbathing temps of the Caribbean world. Although we're sure it's easy to picture yourself under a Caribbean sun, holding a daiquiri while a hammock holds you, it's probably easy to forget about Alaska cruises right now.
But when it comes to future Alaska cruises, you'd do well to get into a more northern state of mind. Because in the late spring and throughout the summer, the bone-chilling cold air of Alaska makes way for very comfortable weather (60s - 80s), which is only one of the many aspects of Alaska cruises that provides passengers with a vacation experience unlike anything else.
Besides the mild temps, there is, of course, an abundance of stunning scenery along the way during Alaska cruises. From Mt. McKinley to Denali National Park to the rending blue-ice glaciers that line the Inside Passage like crystal monuments, beauty is everywhere you turn in Alaska.
But beauty on an Alaska cruise isn't like that of an oil painting - Alaskan beauty is completely interactive. Go hiking, horseback riding, or boating in Skagway, the northernmost point of Alaska's Inside Passage. Take a tour of some authentic Gold Rush saloons in Juneau; one of America's most energetic and beautiful cities used to be home to some of the rowdiest rough-and-tumble miners, gold prospectors, travelers, and hunters.
Step outside the Ketchikan restaurant where you just had the best salmon you ever tasted, and explore some of the Tongass National Forest, which totals an unbelievable 17 million acres of wilderness. Or, as you cruise along the 26-mile winding fjord called Tracy Arm, you'll be able to take awe-inspiring waterfalls and dexterous mountain goats home with you—in photo form, of course.
Alaska is the perfect combination of natural wonderment and man-made excitement.
Of course, right now, Alaska cruises aren't in progress; but that's precisely why you have to start thinking about them now. In fact, there are already many people who have made the call to Cruise Network, booking their Alaskan cruise vacation for the upcoming season, which lasts from May until the end of September.
For a 10-day cruise vacation to Alaska in May or June, for example, there's no better time to book than today (unless you count yesterday). Balcony staterooms, oceanviews, and suites on the ships of cruise lines such as Carnival, Princess, Holland America, and more are being reserved on a daily basis.
And, besides the danger of missing the boat (literally!) if you wait too long, there's a lot to coordinate on your end, such as getting time off work, finding someone to water your plants, and feed Fido, whom we're sure would love Alaska, too, but won't be allowed on the ship!
So while we at Cruise Network know that you might be dreaming of the warm waters of the Caribbean or Hawaii right now (perhaps even some of our Alaskan clientele are thinking the same thing), don't forget about what is, by all rights, just around the corner: the Alaskan cruise season! If you're interested in finding out more about any Alaskan particular port of call that you may encounter - or, that will encounter you - please feel free to review some of the great research that's been compiled for you right here at www.cruisenetwork.com.
