Alaska Cruise - Sailing Through a Wilderness

Tracy Arm Fjord

Alaskan cruises are not the same as any other cruises. People are not up to all hours partying, for a start. Most of the time, they're up pretty early. You can also forget splashing around in outdoor pools and posing in bathing gear. Most people out on deck are in pullovers, warm, waterproof jackets, winter hats and gloves. You'll also find that most people do not have lazy mornings where they aren't up before the clock strikes double figures. Instead, people are generally out on deck early, trying to keep warm and gazing out towards the sea, the shore and the sky through binoculars.

Why?

Because this is Alaska.

Because everywhere you look, there are stunning natural views, whether it's ancient forests, even older glaciers, icebergs or small human settlements, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

Because there is always the chance to see wildlife, like bald eagles, bears, seals or even whales.

Because this is an experience like no other.

It's not cheap. It's even less so when you have to swap your normal cruise gear for a sturdy pair of walking shoes and a winter jacket,

But it's absolutely worth it. No doubt about that.

How to get there

Tracy Arm Fjord

There are multiple lines that provide cruises in the Alaskan Inside Passage. Our suggestion is to choose your line by price, date, ports of call and the facilities you will need.

Alaskan cruises mostly leave from Vancouver, Canada or Seattle, USA. Vancouver appears to have the cheaper flights from the UK, but these are still pretty expensive.

Tracy Arm Fjord

How we did it

We flew from Reykjavik, Iceland with IcelandAir to Vancouver, and back via Toronto with WestJet. They are budget carriers, so don't expect luxury.

We cruised with Royal Caribbean on the Brilliance of the Seas. It was a family-oriented ship and a little on the old side, but the crew were fantastic.

Our Top Tips

• Take warm clothes, but use layers. When you're up at the glaciers, the view will be spectacular, but it will be cold. The ports may be warmer (and possibly wetter).

• Cruise companies offer tours of the glaciers by helicopter or by small boat. You can go on them if you wish, but there is no need, as you will get an excellent view of the glaciers from your cruise ship, especially if the cruise ship is smaller.

• Alaska is in the US, but due to American tax regulations, you will enter Canada at some point even if you leave from Seattle. This means that you will have to obtain both an American ESTA and a Canadian ETA before you travel.