Captivating Glaciers and Wildlife: What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise

Sailing through the calm waters is among the most vivid experiences you might have. Just think about it, you will sail through some great landscapes and enjoy your whole trip peacefully. Nature has a lot to offer to us. Therefore, we should commit some of your time to do just that. There are not many better locations in the world for doing so than Alaska. It is widely known for its beautiful landscapes and nature.

You can find practically all the most significant nature beauties in this part of the United States. Among many options, you can find massive glaciers, fjords, large forests, and many other things. Not to mention that the seaside offers countless beauties even though not tropical. The commonest cruises out there are cruises Seattle to Alaska, and if you are interested in these, you can find here all the information.

A big misconception about Alaska is that this part of the country has a reputation for being cold. But when you visit it, you will see that some parts are warmer than many other parts of the United States, especially during winter. Today, we want to talk about the Alaska cruise as an experience. Doing so lets you understand what you can expect on this trip. Without further ado, let us begin.

See the Glaciers

Source: alaska.org

The first, and probably the most popular part of the cruise, is seeing all the glaciers. As you can presume, Alaska is filled with glaciers. Captains who head the cruise ships know just how beautiful these are. Therefore, they will allow the visitors to see these from the closest distance possible. Of course, this does not come without danger but only experienced captains work on these routes. So you will not feel any danger.

Ships themselves have numerous verandas you can monitor the glaciers. They are built for seeing practically all the landscapes out there. However, their highest value comes when you reach these beautiful ice mountains. For those who don’t know, glaciers are mobile and often change their size and shape. Seeing them cracking is one of the most fascinating things you will ever see.

Not that Cold

We’ve mentioned that cold is among the most widespread prejudice when we talk about Alaska. But when you visit the place, you will see this is not the case. Sure, some parts of the land are exceptionally cold, but that doesn’t mean you will have this feeling through the whole ride. Those who have experienced Alaska through cruises know just how different the experience is from the official narrative many people have.

The start of the day can be quite cold, followed by rain. But the afternoon is the time of the day when the temperatures usually go high during the summer months. Therefore, you will have the same temperatures as in many other parts of the United States. However, there is the question of moisture. It is important since the local wildlife requires much of it to sustain itself. The work of nature is exceptional in this part of the world.

As you may know, the commonest cruising months in Alaska are June, July, and August. During these months, you cannot experience the same cold as in November or December. But there is one major thing you should remember. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses. The reason is quite simple; the glaciers reflect the sun’s light. To see them in the best possible light and remain safe, wear them.

The Wildlife

Source: princess.com

Lastly, we want to pay attention to one of Alaska’s best things, the wildlife. We are talking about a versatile ecosystem where you can find countless species. Since this is a region where water is in abundance, marine animals are the most numerous species you will find. We are discussing harbor seals, otters, lions, orcas, and countless fish species. Seeing them all is impossible, but you shouldn’t worry about that.

You will have enough opportunities to see the most of them. Another aspect we want to mention is that you should look for animals that live on the shore. You will find countless species like wolves, bears, moose, mountain goats, and many others. Thankfully, there are several national parks close to the shore. So, making a stop and visiting these is a great opportunity for the visitors to experience as many of these as possible.

Some of the species are under the protection of the government. So, the locals invest their best efforts to sustain their numbers so that they will not be endangered by anything. Overall, the number of species in Alaska exceeds two hundred. You will certainly agree that this is nothing short of impressive. With that in mind, Alaska is among the most versatile places in the world regarding wildlife; you can be sure of that.

How Costly is it?

Source: travelandleisure.com

Now that you understand all the most significant things you can experience while on an Alaska cruise, we want to address how costly these trips are. Naturally, many different companies provide these services, and they will offer different experiences. But generally speaking, you can expect that the daily price is between $50 and $500. We are talking about the price per passenger.

Not to mention that many companies have a gradation of possibilities they offer. For example, it is possible to book a place where you cannot experience much of, let’s say, the content. Booking these places will not require you to pay a higher price. But if you want the best possible place and accommodation, then you should expect the price to be quite high. At the end of the day, it is your choice.

The Bottom Line

Experiencing Alaska through cruises is among the most popular touristic options in the United States. You will see many reports and surveys confirming this. Here, you can look at all the most important things you should know before booking a card. Knowing about these things upfront makes it easier to prepare for the overall experience. We are certain you will find the insight helpful.