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Take an Alaskan Cruise This Summer
Summer is Alaskan cruise season, and despite the enormous
popularity of this particular destination, there are still
some bargains to be found.
Although it's known for glaciers and polar bears, going to
Alaska is a bit like going on safari. This state is 65%
national park, national forest, or national wildlife
preserve. In fact, only one percent of this gigantic state
(3.5 million lakes!) is privately owned.
The result is lots of unspoiled natural habitat for
creatures ranging from the bald eagle to the black bear.
Fishing is great here, so is photography. You can see
moose, elk, wolves, different types of bears, and all kinds
of fish.
An Alaskan cruise is also one of the best way to see some
of the world's most spectacular glaciers. Glaciers are
actually moving rivers of ice. The sheer weight of them
pushes them downward and outward and they move, in inches
usually, over the course of years. Glaciers creak and groan
as they move, providing eerie sound effects. Every now and
then, you may get to witness the spectacular process of
"calving," which occurs when a large chunk of ice breaks
off from a glacier with a resounding crash and splash.
Calving is how icebergs are born.
There was a time when most glaciers had to be observed from
a distance. Most are unsafe for climbers (talk about your
slippery slope) not to mention inhospitable. That's why a
cruise can allow you to drift by these magnificent
creations in comfort and safety and see them as few other
people in history have ever been able to observe them.
Most Alaskan cruises offer plenty of excursions and a
flight-seeing tour is a great way to take in a glacier.
Flight-seeing is very popular in Alaska, since the state
does not have a lot of roads. (You can't drive to the
capital of Alaska, for instance. No roads. Juneau is
accessed by boat or plane, period.)
Alaskan culture is extremely diverse. There is a relatively
large indigenous population in Alaska and cultural
influences on the state range from Eskimo to Russian (the
Russians owned Alaska till 1867).
In history, Alaska has always been a frontier kind of
place. In the 19th century, it played host to the gold
rush. In the 20th century, there was an oil boom. Right
now, Alaska is enjoying what might be called a discovery
bonanza as more and more people are finding out that it is
a great vacation destination.
Alaska sought to woo tourists a while ago with the creation
of a railroad that connected it with the lower 48 states.
(Alaska is one of only two U.S. states that does not border
on another state.) These railroads brought spectacular
scenery to the passengers and allowed them to get in and
out of a state that is sometimes fairly inaccessible.
Today, these railroads are updated and maintained.
The problem with the railroads is that once you arrive at
your destination, how do you get around?
Alaskans have always relied on ferry boats to move between
towns and the Alaskan Ferry is something that increasingly
numbers of tourists are discovering as well. If you have a
vehicle, you can drive it on board and take the ferry (with
your car) to your next destination. The Alaskan Ferry
(http://www.akferry.org) even offers staterooms, food
courts, and some common areas so that you can spend some
time moving around the country. The ferry allows campers to
camp onboard, too.
But the best way for the newcomer or comfort-lover to see
Alaska is by cruise ship. The cruise ship allows visitors
the luxury of remaining in one stateroom as the vessel
makes port here and there, giving passengers time to
helicopter, flight-see, dog-mush, whale watch, shop, or go
on photo safaris by day.
Alaskan cruises typically take place from July to
September, which are the best months to see the state
anyway.
When traveling to Alaska, do take some warm clothing,
including hats, jackets, mittens or gloves, and heavy
socks. Even if the air temperature is not particularly cold
(it can be 40 or 50 by day), the wind onboard ship can make
it seem colder than it is. But don't forget sunscreen, sun
glasses, and a hat with a brim since sun on the water still
reflects and you'll find glare common and sunburn not
unheard of.
----------------------------------------------------
Mandy Karlik is a freelance travel writer specializing in
the cruise industry. She edits the website
http://www.thecruise-shopper.com and keeps up with industry
news at http://www.cruiselinesnews.blogspot.com .
Summer is Alaskan cruise season, and despite the enormous
popularity of this particular destination, there are still
some bargains to be found.
Although it's known for glaciers and polar bears, going to
Alaska is a bit like going on safari. This state is 65%
national park, national forest, or national wildlife
preserve. In fact, only one percent of this gigantic state
(3.5 million lakes!) is privately owned.
The result is lots of unspoiled natural habitat for
creatures ranging from the bald eagle to the black bear.
Fishing is great here, so is photography. You can see
moose, elk, wolves, different types of bears, and all kinds
of fish.
An Alaskan cruise is also one of the best way to see some
of the world's most spectacular glaciers. Glaciers are
actually moving rivers of ice. The sheer weight of them
pushes them downward and outward and they move, in inches
usually, over the course of years. Glaciers creak and groan
as they move, providing eerie sound effects. Every now and
then, you may get to witness the spectacular process of
"calving," which occurs when a large chunk of ice breaks
off from a glacier with a resounding crash and splash.
Calving is how icebergs are born.
There was a time when most glaciers had to be observed from
a distance. Most are unsafe for climbers (talk about your
slippery slope) not to mention inhospitable. That's why a
cruise can allow you to drift by these magnificent
creations in comfort and safety and see them as few other
people in history have ever been able to observe them.
Most Alaskan cruises offer plenty of excursions and a
flight-seeing tour is a great way to take in a glacier.
Flight-seeing is very popular in Alaska, since the state
does not have a lot of roads. (You can't drive to the
capital of Alaska, for instance. No roads. Juneau is
accessed by boat or plane, period.)
Alaskan culture is extremely diverse. There is a relatively
large indigenous population in Alaska and cultural
influences on the state range from Eskimo to Russian (the
Russians owned Alaska till 1867).
In history, Alaska has always been a frontier kind of
place. In the 19th century, it played host to the gold
rush. In the 20th century, there was an oil boom. Right
now, Alaska is enjoying what might be called a discovery
bonanza as more and more people are finding out that it is
a great vacation destination.
Alaska sought to woo tourists a while ago with the creation
of a railroad that connected it with the lower 48 states.
(Alaska is one of only two U.S. states that does not border
on another state.) These railroads brought spectacular
scenery to the passengers and allowed them to get in and
out of a state that is sometimes fairly inaccessible.
Today, these railroads are updated and maintained.
The problem with the railroads is that once you arrive at
your destination, how do you get around?
Alaskans have always relied on ferry boats to move between
towns and the Alaskan Ferry is something that increasingly
numbers of tourists are discovering as well. If you have a
vehicle, you can drive it on board and take the ferry (with
your car) to your next destination. The Alaskan Ferry
(http://www.akferry.org) even offers staterooms, food
courts, and some common areas so that you can spend some
time moving around the country. The ferry allows campers to
camp onboard, too.
But the best way for the newcomer or comfort-lover to see
Alaska is by cruise ship. The cruise ship allows visitors
the luxury of remaining in one stateroom as the vessel
makes port here and there, giving passengers time to
helicopter, flight-see, dog-mush, whale watch, shop, or go
on photo safaris by day.
Alaskan cruises typically take place from July to
September, which are the best months to see the state
anyway.
When traveling to Alaska, do take some warm clothing,
including hats, jackets, mittens or gloves, and heavy
socks. Even if the air temperature is not particularly cold
(it can be 40 or 50 by day), the wind onboard ship can make
it seem colder than it is. But don't forget sunscreen, sun
glasses, and a hat with a brim since sun on the water still
reflects and you'll find glare common and sunburn not
unheard of.
----------------------------------------------------
Mandy Karlik is a freelance travel writer specializing in
the cruise industry. She edits the website
http://www.thecruise-shopper.com and keeps up with industry
news at http://www.cruiselinesnews.blogspot.com .