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Alaska Vacation Adventures

Everyone who is interested in Alaskan cruises or vacations knows of the unparalleled scenery you witness on this great vacation. The glaciers and crystal clear waters are awfully exciting; there is very modest sightseeing to be done and the towns in and of themselves don’t offer much amusement. In spite of this, there is plenty to do at every port outside of the town. Anyone who loves hiking, fishing, whale watching, and glacier trekking won’t be bored for a second on their Alaskan cruise excursions.

So what are they like?

The actual ports you stop at are not awfully thrilling; there is very modest sightseeing to be done and the towns in and of themselves don’t provide much entertainment. Nevertheless, there is plenty to do at each port outside of the town. Any person who loves hiking, fishing, whale watching, and glacier trekking won’t be bored for a second on their Alaskan cruise excursions.

Detailed thoughts for port excursions:

Every cruise lines will stop at the following four ports. The ports you stop at after these original four depend on what direction the cruise line you are on chooses to take.

Juneau: This is perhaps the most well-liked port stop on any Alaskan cruise. Even as Juneau has all the standard attractions, such as trekking and fishing, they are mainly well known for their unblemished rainforest which is filled with exotic wildlife. Who can go to Alaska without getting up close and personal with a glacier? Mendenhall Glacier is the biggest and most accessible glacier in Juneau and is located right up the road from down town Juneau. Depending on what time of year it is and howling your port stop will be will dictate exactly what you will have enough time to do and see. The summer months May-December offers up close and personal tours into the rainforest where you are bound to see an abundance of wildlife. If you are not the outdoorsy type Juneau has great shopping with local shops’ housing some of the best local artisans wears. The winter months offer great skiing, and other cold weather sports. Juneau is an outdoor paradise, with plenty of indoor opportunities for fun.

Ketchikan’s biggest attraction is their dazzling Orea beach, which takes you on a charming stroll beside coastal forests. Ketchikan likewise boasts being the leader inzip line excursions. The Herring Cove location is chock full of wildlife. Tours are set out for half days and full days and some are available by the hour. Rental cars are also available by the hour which usually is perfect for short port stops. Presently there are bear and wildlife tour and awesome night tour opportunities to see the Northern Lights. There are fishing expeditions, whale watching and other on sea opportunities as well. The dinning is chockfull of local fare, not surprisingly fish is number one on the list. Shopping, dining and cultural interests are abundantly available.

Sitka: Take a walk all the way through the Open bird habitat, get a pass to set off to the national park, or better yet acquire a jet boat ride across the coastal waters. Sitka enjoys a unique combination of Russian and Tlingit culture. The native home of the Kiksadi Tlingit Indians and used over by Russia before it was sold to America; Sitka features a unique cultural center that chronicles the history of the region and includes ancient artifacts. Likewise home to the Alaskan Raptor Center, where Alaskan birds of prey who have fallen ill or hurt are nursed back to health and released, tourists will be welcome from 8-4 from May to September, call ahead of time in winter months for scheduling. Have a look at the oldest Russian building which is still in one piece, built in 1842 the Russian Bishop House is a living piece of history. No matter what you settle on to do you will not be let down. This is a rich historical area with enough to offer every taste.

Wrangell: Is one of the more recent stops on the cruise circuit. The main attraction at Wrangell is comparable to Juneau in that they have a long rainforest walk which climaxes at a dazzling one hundred foot waterfall drop. Presently there are flight seeing tours, which will soar over the fjords and glaciers. How about golf Alaskan style? Wrangell is the host of the only USGA golf course in Southeast Alaska. Visit the Anan Bear and Wildlife observatory to see black and brown bears lunching on Salmon. The surroundings, the culture and wildlife are amazing. Garnet ledge is where the world renowned Wrangell Garnets come from. A temporary mining pass that is available at the Wrangell Museum will permit visitors to mine a few garnets to get home with them!

Regardless of wherever your cruise might take you from here, just about every port you visit will offer fishing, trekking, and whale watching at the home of the notorious humpback whale.

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