Planning to cruise Alaska? Get ready for an incredible experience – with breathtaking glaciers and charming coastal towns providing some of the most breathtaking vistas and exciting excursions available today. But new cruisers can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all their options.
Make planning easier by consulting the Disney Alaska cruise guide by Mickey Visit, featuring tips on which ports, excursions and items should be packed onboard. Here are five must-see Alaskan ports on your next cruise to help you get the best from this unique state!
1. Juneau – Alaska’s Wilderness
Imagine yourself strolling along an Alaskan dock amidst mountains. Take in fresh ocean air while listening for its rhythmic waves lapping against its shores – this is Juneau, Alaska’s state capital! Juneau offers stunning landscapes year-round! Enjoy exploring Juneau at any time of the year.
Mendenhall Glacier, located just minutes outside Juneau’s city limits and known for its majestic sheet of ice, is one of Juneau’s premier tourist destinations. Hikers will enjoy hiking its winding trails while nonhikers may simply admire stunning views from its visitor center. Juneau also makes an excellent wildlife watching destination; keep an eye out for bald eagles or whales!
As soon as you arrive in town, you will discover an abundance of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions to discover. Visit local museums or simply enjoy strolling the historic downtown district – don’t miss the delicious seafood offerings here, either!
2. Ketchikan: An Exotic Blend of Culture and Nature
Our next stop: Ketchikan. Here history meets nature – its vibrant mix of indigenous culture, colorful totem poles, and vast wilderness is unrivaled anywhere else on the Alaska coast. If history is what piques your interest then don’t miss the Totem Heritage Center which houses some of Alaska’s best-preserved totem poles!
This town is an artist’s delight: built on stilts along a lakeshore and featuring colorful buildings lining docks. You could spend hours wandering its streets, stopping into local stores or having lunch at one of its cozy cafes; yet its natural surroundings really steal the show; embark on a wildlife tour and catch sight of seals, otters or even black bears!
3. Skagway – A Gold Rush Town with Scenic Views
Skagway is a historic gold-rush town located along Alaska’s Coast, once serving as its gateway. Exploring its historic district today allows one to feel that old-world charm of yesteryear; wooden sidewalks, saloons and Old West shops take visitors back in time!
One of the best ways to experience Skagway is aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, an unforgettable train journey that passes majestic landscapes such as mountains, waterfalls and lush forests.
4. Sitka: An Island Paradise for Nature Lovers
Sitka stands out among Alaska’s ports in that it offers something different to visitors – its laidback vibe makes for the ideal setting to disconnect and immerse oneself in nature’s beauty. There’s Russian history mixed with native Alaskan cultures that make for a fascinating journey of discovery!
Sitka National Historical Park offers trails lined with totem poles and stunning ocean views, making for the ideal setting to discover wildlife like sea otters, sea lions and whales – not forgetting over 200 bird species to watch out for as a birdwatcher!
5. Victoria: A Canadian Gem on Your Alaska Cruise
Victoria should be your final stop before embarking upon your Alaskan voyage; its combination of old-world charm and contemporary attractions promises an enjoyable journey experience.
Victoria offers many exciting activities to its residents and guests. Butchart Gardens are among the finest examples, offering tranquil walking paths lined with colorful blooming flora that allow leisurely strolls while admiring nature. Inner Harbour also deserves special mention; here, one can admire breathtaking waterfront views alongside magnificent buildings. Take an organized guided tour or simply wander this area and soak in everything it has to offer!
In Conclusion
Alaska offers something special for every adventurer – from glaciers in Juneau to its gold rush history in Skagway! These five ports represent some of the many adventures to look forward to on a Disney cruise vacation. When packing for this amazing experience ahead, make sure you read up on some packing tips specifically tailored for Disney cruise travel so you’re fully prepared.
