With unspoilt nature, incredible wildlife, and scenery that you need to see to believe, Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world. It is somewhere that is often viewed as a once in a lifetime experience, but it is also incredibly accessible due to the fantastic cruising options that are available nowadays. If you are thinking of your 2024 holiday and you would like to experience somewhere totally unique, or perhaps you’ve cruised many other areas of the world and are looking for your next adventure. Either way, we are here to inspire you and tell you all about amazing Alaska! Check out our top 5 reasons to go on an Alaskan cruise.

1. Breath-taking Wildlife and Nature

The number one best thing about Alaska is how breath taking the wildlife and scenery is. With towering, snow covered mountains, spectacular glaciers, incredible wildlife, and stunning views everywhere you turn, the nature and wildlife of Alaska is for sure the main reason why people visit. The state itself is the largest in the USA and twice the size of Texas, so there is a lot to see. But when you cruise, you really do get to experience the most beautiful parts. Expect beautiful waterfalls, lakes, fjords and snow-capped mountains at every turn, as well as bears, moose, and many other natives’ species. In fact, in Alaska, animals are all around you and you can spot them on land, in the water and flying through the sky so be sure to pack those binoculars! The scenery also makes Alaska a photographer’s dream and for even more spectacular opportunities, be sure to get up early each day and watch the sunrise.

Because of how visually special the destination of Alaska is, we also really recommend you get a balcony cabin on your cruise because you’re going to want to be outside taking in those views, all day, every day!

2. Unique Excursions and Experiences

While simply sitting back and taking in the views from the comfort of your luxury cruise ship is an excursion and experience in itself in Alaska, there are so many unique opportunities to really immerse yourself in the destination. From visiting local restaurants and enjoying local seafood delicacies such as Alaskan king crab legs dipped in butter, to kayaking, hiking or even taking a trip on the Aleutian Ballad, the ship featured on the Deadliest Catch TV show, the list of ways to embrace Alaska is endless.

For a truly special experience, you can travel to the Misty Fjords National Monument by seaplane or perhaps enjoy a cruise of Glacier Bay, where a national park ranger is required to join you on your boat to advise you of all that is around you as you sail through the protected waters. The port towns that you dock in during your cruise are also really great to explore with friendly locals and a chance to enjoy a spot of unique shopping, should you wish.

3. You get to see Glaciers up close

Glaciers are masses of slowly moving ice which form over thousands of years from compressed snow and Alaska is home to over 600 of them. On an Alaskan cruise you get the opportunity to truly enjoy these incredible masses as most itineraries will visit the world-famous Hubbard Glacier and also Glacier Bay. Glacier Bay itself is a massive national park which spans 3.3 million acres and when a cruise ship visits this region on its itinerary, you can get to enjoy several glaciers in one day. For the day you are due to visit, be sure to make sure your phone or camera is fully charged as the views are out of this world.

4. Alaskan Cruises are ideal for Multigenerational Holidays

Traditionally, Alaskan cruises were known to be tailored to those who have retired but this has changed hugely in recent years. Not only are some of the world’s most impressive and family friendly ships sailing to Alaska now, but many younger people even without kids have recognised that Alaska cruises are a must do, way before you’re considered an OAP! Why we love them as a multigenerational family holiday is because they are not only a bucket list destination, they are also hugely educational and they make the perfect backdrop for creating cherished family memories. With ships catering to little ones sailing to places such as Alaska, this really gives parents the chance to open their kiddies’ minds to a world beyond the norm back home. And, if you get to travel with grandparents, or siblings or even nieces and nephews in tow, even better because in Alaska, you are sure to capture the perfect family photo for the mantelpiece!

It is also important to note that Alaskan cruises only run during the summer months so are a great option for your family summer holiday. Plus, when booked early, you can get an Alaskan cruise for really great value with your meals, entertainment and kids clubs on board included in the cost of your holiday.

5. Alaskan Cruises are great to combine with a Land Stay

Most Alaskan cruises sail from both Seattle and Vancouver on the West Coast of North America which is quite a spin from Ireland and when going so far for a cruise, we really recommend you see the destination you’re flying into before you set sail to the last frontier. Both of these fantastic cities offer so much for you to see, do and enjoy and 2-3 nights before your cruise would really elevate your entire holiday. If you would like to take it up another notch, why not add on an iconic trip through the Canadian Rockies on board the Rocky Mountaineer train that will be just as awe-inspiring as the cruise itself.

Alaskan cruises are seasonal and only run in the summer months from May to September. The region has become so popular that all major cruise lines have ships sailing to Alaska during this time, with some cruise lines even offering multiple ships in the region. Our customers favoured cruise lines in Alaska include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. Each cruise line and individual itinerary will vary per sailing but our team are here to help you choose the perfect one for you.

If we have tickled your fancy and you would like more information on a cruise holiday, you can reach our experienced Cruise Experts seven days a week on 01-6995329.