Alaska - The Perfect Cruise Destination

You may have heard of Alaska referred to as the “land of the midnight sun.” This spectacle of unending light is a sight you can witness on cruises during the Alaska summer. But that’s only the beginning of why this is the perfect time to experience Alaska.

During an Alaska summer, instead of rising and setting vertically, the sun travels more horizontally across the sky — resulting in long days and bright, persisting twilight. And long daylight hours continue for much of the summer, with peak light from late May to late July. In Alaska, you’ll feel invigorated to take in all the sights — even if it’s already 11 pm.

Alaska’s summer temperatures average between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though this varies along the coast. That’s quite warm for this area, considering winter temperatures can go below zero. This is perfect for viewing glaciers from the deck of your cruise ship.

One of the many incredible glaciers waiting for you in Alaska is Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in all of North America. Measuring 76 miles long with a depth of 1,200 feet, this massive glacier looms 40 stories above passing cruise ships.

You don’t want to miss scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and 3.3 million acres in size. One of the enriching features of experiencing Glacier Bay National Park on an Alaska cruise is that you’re able to learn directly from National Park rangers, who provide commentary on natural scenery, wildlife, and conservation efforts going on within the park. So, in addition to viewing some of the world’s best scenery, you receive information from the experts who work hard to protect this natural wonder each and every day. Moderate temperatures and unending light give Alaska’s plant life the chance to flourish during Alaska’s summer. Almost overnight, Alaska awakens, blossoming into a lush green landscape that juxtaposes rocky mountain peaks and glacier fields which makes this the optimum time for experience the wildlife and nature on a shore excursions.

You can go whale watching in Juneau, play with sled dogs at a musher’s camp or climb the famed Yukon from Skagway. Or, choose to go zip-lining in the rainforest’s of Ketchikan or even join a wild-life viewing expedition to spot coastal brown bears in Icy Point Strait, the possibilities are endless.

The peak time for visitors to Alaska is between mid-June and mid-August. This is also when the days are longest, and, consequently, when the most shops, restaurants, and popular attractions are open. During your cruise, take advantage of these bright and warm Alaskan days with visits to local eateries and discover local treasure like, Tracy’s King Crab Shack and the Alaska Fish House.

With so much incredible beauty, an Alaska summer cruise will make memories that will last as long as the summer sun.