Most people picture the perfect cruise to include lounging by the pool and making sandcastles on white sandy beaches. We’ve partnered with leading family travel blogger Erin Bender of Travel With Bender, who has more than 10 alternatives to sun when cruising in Alaska.
Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the most scenic cruises I’ve ever taken. What can compare? I’ve cruised the Caribbean, the Bahamas, the Mediterranean and the South Pacific. All gorgeous locations, but not quite the same as the unique breathtaking icy view from your balcony.
But let’s face it. It’s not the Caribbean. Swimming in warm crystal clear waters isn’t on the agenda. I mean, Alaska has glaciers, a lot of rain and it’s cold. So what do you do on an Alaskan cruise?
1. Visit a Glacier
Whether you disembark in Juneau to hike around Mendenhall Glacier or take a magnificent helicopter tour from Skagway to walk on 800 feet of ice at Meade Glacier, there’s plenty of ice to go around in Alaska. You’ll never forget the first time walking on a glacier, or better yet gazing, into the bright pure blue crevices, which seem to fall for eternity.
2. Polar Bear Plunge
On a Holland America Alaska Cruise you will have the chance to enjoy a fun tradition – the Polar Bear Plunge. Sign up for a jump into the outdoor pool as the cruise ship makes its way through Glacier Bay. After the jump you must stand on the deck in the arctic wind for a full 2 minutes. Will you be brave enough?
3. Dog Mushing
Juneau is the summer home for many competitive mushing dogs. During the winter these dogs are part of epic races through the snowy backcountry of Alaska, but in summer they still need training and exercise. Take a dog sled tour through the gorgeous mountains. And the best bit? Puppy cuddles afterwards!
4. Spot A Wild Bear
If you are lucky and glued to the cool seats on your balcony, you may spot a bear rummaging on the shore with your binoculars. If you aren’t the type of person who enjoys sitting still for too long, then keep your eyes open while walking around the port stops. We spotted a bear crossing the road while visiting the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau.
5. Find A Whale
Again, you may spot a majestic humpback from the ship’s deck. If you don’t, then consider taking a mini cruise or a kayak during your stop in Juneau. And if it’s your lucky day, you might even see humpbacks bubble netting like we did! Very rare and very beautiful. Tip: watch the seagulls swarming, they are the key indicators.
6. Play Basketball… With A View
Love sport? What could be more fun than playing a game of 1-on-1 with beautiful views like this?
7. Soak In A Hot Tub In Arctic Surroundings
It might be too cold for the outdoor pool (except for the Polar Bear Plunge), but it’s the perfect weather for the hot tub. Sit back and soak up the epic views from the warmest spot on the ship.
8. Eat A Baked Alaska
What better place to eat Baked Alaska than on a cruise sailing through Alaska? A delicious must-do.
9. Try Your Luck At Catching Glacier Calving
As the cruise traverses through the scenic Glacier Bay National Park, the captain will stop in front of one of the glaciers. Here the ship performs a full 360-degree turn, slowly circling so guests all over the ship can enjoy panoramic views. During this time, guests flock to the upper decks in the hope of spotting a “calving”. Glacier calving is when a piece of the glacial ice falls into the frigid waters creating a boom and a splash. Better yet, you might even glimpse a rare “corking” when ice breaks off under the water-line and shoots up like an arrow piercing the surface.
10. See Alaska’s Capital From Above
In Juneau you can take the Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway to the top of Mount Roberts for sweeping panoramic views and a bit of education, too. While learning about Alaskan native culture and getting up close with a bald eagle is a highlight for kids, us parents can’t go past the views. Wow!
11. Just Watch
Lastly, if you are cruising Alaska, you simply must book a balcony room. As already mentioned it’s one of the most scenic cruises in the world, so you want to enjoy quiet moments wrapped in your snug blanket sitting on the balcony, just watching. Watching for bears, watching for whales, spotting the small and large icebergs floating by. Just watching, soaking up every tranquil moment.
Cruising in Alaska is seasonal and runs from May to September, with high season between June and August. At the end of the season some activities may close down, but on the upside, most retail shops are on sale offering steep discounts to clear out stock.
Why not plan your Alaska cruise for next year? There are so many firsts to be enjoyed.
Erin Holmes
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Thanks for pointing out that one of the things you can do when on an excursion during an Alaskan cruise is take a dog sled tour since there are dogs that still need training, especially in the summer months. My mom and I are thinking about going on an Alaska cruise this summer, and I think it would be so fun to go dog sledding. Plus, you’d get to see more of the beautiful landscape that Alaska has to offer. Amazing views combined with dogs? Sign me up!
Thank you for the comments about what to do when in Alaska. My husband has always wanted to go to Alaska. I bet I could find a great cruise for us to go on!
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