An Alaskan cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shows you the depths of the wilderness to the beauty of the glaciers in the final frontier.  Marvel at the glorious glacier-dotted fjords, spot the amazing wildlife and admire Alaska’s magnificent shorelines.  June and July are the perfect months to visit the land of the midnight sun.  There are so many things to do, see, and experience on an Alaskan cruise.  But, here are my top Bucket List points!

1. Admire the Views from your Balcony

There is nothing like waking up and admiring the stunning views of Alaska and the Inside Passage from your own private balcony.  It is worth it.

2. Appreciate the Magnificent Hubbard Glacier

The Hubbard Glacier is the largest tidewater glacier in all of North America.

3. Cruise the Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is a collection of islands, fjords, and bays that stretches between Skagway, Alaska and Vancouver Island, Canada. It is one of the world’s most scenic areas.

4. Explore the Small Towns

Most likely, your cruise ship will stop at cute, quirky small towns, like Skagway and Ketchikan. After your morning excursion, take some time to explore these towns. 

 5. Experience Denali National Park

Denali National Park is not included in most cruise lines standard itinerary; however, most offer a pre or post-cruise extension.  It is worth taking time to explore Mt. Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

6. Fish for Salmon

Relax and unwind in the beautiful waters during your salmon-fishing excursion.  Bonus if you catch any salmon!

7. Fly High Above on a Helicopter Tour

Appreciate Alaska’s rugged land from above!

8. Go Whale Watching

On this excursion, you will have the opportunity to see sea otters, whales, sea lions, porpoise, and so much more!  There is nothing more exciting to see a whale pop up right next to your boat!

9. Go Dog Sledding

Have a dog sledding adventure with those adorable Alaskan Huskies!

10. Hike the Tongass National Forest

Discover diverse plant life and possibly spot some wildlife during a memorable hike in the Tongass National Forest.

11. Kayak in the Beautiful Waters

Explore Alaska and the Alaskan waters from a different vantage point in a kayak!

12. Listen to an Onboard Seminar or a Naturalist

There are so many opportunities to learn about glaciers, wildlife, the environment, etc.  So, make sure you attend an onboard seminar or pay close attention to a naturalist on one of your excursions.  You will learn so many fascinating facts about the area, wildlife, and the environment!

13. Raise your Adrenalin with Zip Lining

In Skagway, you may have the opportunity to visit an adventure park where you can attempt a ropes course and zip line through the treetops.  For even more adrenalin, you can go on a rock climbing and rappelling adventure!

14. Ride the White Pass Railway

In Skagway, you have the opportunity to ride the White Pass Railway. It travels into the mountain, provides amazing scenic views, and gives you a look at the route the gold miners took on their way to the gold fields.

15. Spot the Wildlife

Moose, bears, caribou, wolves, whales, dolphins, and bald eagles are just some of the wildlife you may encounter on your Alaskan cruise.

16. See Glacier Bay

If you have the opportunity, visit the spectacular fjord that is nearly completely surrounded by mountains.

17. See the Amazing Scenery of the Tracy Arm Fjord

The amazing scenery of the Tracy Arm Fjord is located just south of Juneau!

18. Trek on Mendenhall Glacier

Go on a trekking adventure on one of Alaska’s famous glaciers.  Or, appreciate Alaska’s rugged natural beauty at the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area.

19. Take a Floatplane to Misty Fjords National Monument

The Misty Fjords National Monument is Alaska’s second largest wilderness area!

20. Visit an Animal Rehab Center

In Sitka, Alaska, you have the opportunity to visit two rehab centers – Fortress of the Bears and the Raptor Center.  It is a fascinating excursion to learn about raptors (especially the Bald Eagle) and bears!