Pre-Cruise Alaska Vacations
Tours
Pre-Cruise Alaska vacation packages are a great way to see the Interior. Booking
a tour means that you’ll have help planning your trip, one company to work
through, and a professionally-crafted itinerary. Pick your port of departure to
see a wide variety of tour options.
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Pre-Cruise Alaska Vacations Ending in Seward: Explore Southcentral Alaska and Denali National Park before ending this portion of your Alaska vacation in Seward and continuing on your cruise. |
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Pre-Cruise Alaska Vacations Ending in Whittier: Let us show you Denali National Park, Anchorage and points in between on these 5 to 8-day pre-cruise Alaska vacations ending in Whittier. |
Alaska
Alaska is a famous cruise destination. The beauty and power of calving glaciers,
icebergs, sea life, and dramatic mountain-studded shorelines draw visitors from
around the world. Guests planning on taking an Alaskan Cruise won’t be
disappointed.
However, Alaska has so much more to offer. With an area of
just over 650,000 miles², the state of Alaska is roughly
one-fifth the combined size of the Lower 48. Inside that space lies a vast,
sublime wilderness, much of which is still accessible only by plane, foot, or
dog sled. Denali, North America’s highest mountain, towers above taiga forests
and sub-arctic tundra inhabited by bears, moose, wolves, caribou, sheep, and
more. Interior Alaska is something that must be experienced to be believed.
Luckily, visitors coming to Alaska can enjoy both the ice-filled waters of the Inside Passage and the overpowering vistas of the Interior in one vacation. Pre-cruise Alaska vacation packages allow guests to arrive in Alaska a week or two before their cruise departs, see the highlights of the Interior, and arrive in their port town to begin their cruise. Keep reading for information on pre-cruise Alaska vacation information.
Anchorage
Anchorage
is
more than just a travel hub. Beautiful parks, interesting museums, and quick
access to wilderness areas make Anchorage an interesting point of arrival.
Suggested pre-cruise travel activities include the
Anchorage City Tour and
Alaska Native Heritage Center.
Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a good point of arrival for those
looking to see as much of interior Alaska as possible before their cruise
departs. Activities include
Arctic
adventures, a ride on the
Riverboat Discovery,
an historical city tour, and a trip to
El Dorado Gold Mine.
Seward
It’s wise to
spend
an extra day or two in Seward before boarding your cruise ship. Board a small
ship to navigate the narrow passages of Kenai Fjords National Park aboard a
Kenai Fjords National Park aboard a
Kenai Fjords Cruise, take the
Real Alaska Tour, and have close encounters with sea creatures at the
Alaska Sealife Center.
Denali National Park
The must-see of any Alaskan land tour is Denali National Park. With America’s
highest peak, an incredible variety of wildlife, and unbelievable views, Denali
is unlike any other place.
Denali Cabins is located just a few
miles
south of the entrance to
Denali National Park and is perfect for pre-cruise parties only staying a
night or two. It’s an economical option with a true Alaskana feel. All the
amenities are available, including electricity, hot and cold water, a private
bath with shower, outdoor hot tubs, a deluxe continental breakfast, and more.
For those just
spending
a day, the most popular way to see Denali is by bus. The
Denali Backcountry Adventure is the most complete tour of the park,
traveling to the very end of the park road (map).
It includes an experienced tour guide, a hearty buffet-style lunch, a long stop
at a backcountry lodge location, and, of course, spectacular scenery.
Guests looking for a more immersive experience
should
consider staying at a backcountry lodge.
Denali Backcountry Lodge, located in Kantishna at the very end of the
95-mile Denali park road (map),
is an exclusive Alaska resort. Enjoy activities like guided hiking, bus tours,
wildlife watching, mountain biking, gold panning, and evening presentations on
natural history. Beautiful cedar cabins sleep up to four guests, with other
lodge buildings (including gazebos) available for relaxing and enjoying the
views.
Transportation
Travel by Motorcoach is
a
convenient, comfortable, and affordable option. Coaches feature comfortable
seats, large windows to take in the great views, on-board restrooms, and
knowledgeable drivers, and connect perfectly with other services inside Denali
National Park. The buses even stop to let you take pictures.
Alaska
Railroad travel is a great option for pre-cruise travel. Spectacular views,
comfortable seats, and the opportunity to stretch your legs make this a great
way to see the Alaskan mainland at a slower pace. (map
of Alaska Railroad System)
Car rentals are good for groups that like to go at their own pace. Stop at
roadside pull outs to take pictures. Pull over and check out that authentic
Alaskan eatery. A wide range of choices are available starting in Anchorage,
Seward, and Fairbanks, including mini-vans and SUVs.
