Beauty To Go Wild Over
With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise. Whether in remote outposts or cities surrounded by wilderness, the people who call the Great Land home share an independent spirit, a strong sense of community and a love of Alaskas wild beauty so their welcome will make your visit truly memorable.
Family Tundra Express 9a
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 3-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.
Included Experiences Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium Discovery Center, Murie Science & Learning Center, Dog Kennel Tour
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
Cruisetours: The Best Of Both Worlds For Cruising Alaska
Most folks who go to the trouble of getting to a place as far off the beaten path as Alaska try to stick around for a while once they’re there rather than jet home as soon as they hop off the boat. Knowing this, the cruise lines have set themselves up in the land-tour business as well, offering a number of great land-based excursions that can be tacked on to your cruise experience.
We’re not just talking about an overnight stay in, say, Anchorage or Juneau before or after your cruise–any cruise line will arrange an extra night’s hotel accommodations for you, but, enjoyable as that may be, it doesn’t begin to hint at the real opportunities available in Alaska. No, the subject here is cruisetours, a total package with a cruise and a structured, prearranged, multiple-day land itinerary already programmed in–for instance, a 7-day cruise with a 5-day land package. There are any number of combinations between 9 and 21 days in length.
In this section, we’ll discuss the various cruisetour itineraries that are available through the lines.
Cruisetour Itineraries
Many parts of inland Alaska can be visited on cruisetour programs–Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Nome, and Kotzebue included. If you’ve a mind to, you can even go all the way to the oil fields of the North Slope of Prudhoe Bay, hundreds of miles north of the Arctic Circle.
Anchorage/Denali/Fairbanks Cruisetour
Yukon Territory Cruisetour
Canadian Rockies Cruisetours
Before or After?
Battle of the Top Players
You May Like: Alaska Cruise And Land Tours
Small Ship Cruise + Land
The small ship cruise + land is a great alternative for those who still want a seamless experience, but also want to stop at less-visited ports where large ships can’t go as well as stay at wilderness lodges when on land. The downside is that many such itineraries do not include Denali. However, you will still see equally beautiful destinations. See small ship cruise + landitineraries below.
Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetours Features
National Park treks, panning for gold, and visits to the best museums. Riverboat tours and a mountaintop tram ride with views of seven glaciers. These are just a few of the activities that your Cruisetour may include – new adventures every day that wont cost you anything extra.
Every Royal Caribbean Alaska Cruisetour includes knowledgeable Adventure Specialists who act as guides, historians and concierges. They are by your side for the entirety of the land tour, providing insider tips and local perspective.
x
Read Also: What Cruise Line Can You Go On At 18
Natural Beauty Wildlife And History Costco Shop Card With Every Sailing
Alaska is so much more than its legends and myths. Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska by cruise and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds. You can combine your Alaska cruise with an exciting land tour where you’ll stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways in deluxe motor coaches and a luxurious train. A cruise tour will take you to cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali. Plus, a Classic Beverage Package, prepaid gratuities, and Basic Internet package for all guests when you book into their All Included. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply.
Riding The Rails Could Be Exciting Or Not
The Alaska Railroad — which traverses the long distance between Anchorage and Talkeetna, and on to Denali — is a can’t-miss experience, but be sure you know what you’re getting.
You’ll pass some beautiful scenery, most notably Hurricane Gulch Bridge, where the train crosses a 918-foot bridge poised some 296 feet above a creek. Unfortunately, the viewing platform can be crowded with other travelers blocking views and viewfinders. You’ll see crazy, colorful homestead cabins in the middle of nowhere, in addition to a stunning natural palette.
Related:
Cruise lines tend to hype the rail portion: double-decker, glass-domed cars with 360-degree views, outdoor viewing platforms, a dining room with regional specialties. Instead, you could spend four hours at a stretch with carry-on bags squashed at your feet watching a bunch of trees go by, hoping that one of them was a moose.
Train hosts provide commentary about Alaska and the railroad’s route, which can be enriching . And depending on your ticket, a spiked coffee to sip while you listen might be included.
Read Also: What Cruise Lines Depart From San Francisco
Alaska Cruise Vacation Package Details
Experience the best of both worlds on this journey through the Canadian Rockies and along the dramatically beautiful Alaskan coast.Surrounded by towering mountains, lushly forested Banff National Park is home to Canadas diamond in the wilderness, Lake Louise. The turquoise, glacier fed waters are so vibrantly blue and clear that Lake Louise seems to be lit from within. Take an excursion on to the Athabasca Glacier at the bottom of the Columbia Icefield, an experience visitors cherish and wont soon forget. Enjoy a tour and free time in charming Vancouver, Canadas foodie paradise.Cruise past spectacular glaciers in the Gulf of Alaska and Glacier Bay, and look out for whales and sea lions swimming in the labyrinth of bays and fjords of the Inside Passage. Walk amongst the worlds largest collection of totem poles in Ketchikan, nicknamed the salmon capital of the world. Travel back to the gold rush in Skagway, where bootlegging, brothels, and vices of all sorts once boomed. Journey through pristine, raw, unforgettably beautiful scenery on this spectacular Canadian Rockies and Alaska cruise tour.
13 Days from$1699
Mountain Valley Explorer 3a*
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 4-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska , Talkeetna, Denali and Anchorage.
Included Experiences Alaska Sealife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Wildlife Conservation Center
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
Don’t Miss: How Long To Cruise Across Atlantic
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Temperatures can differ based on the activity you are doing . Wearing layers can help keep you comfortable throughout the day no matter what the activity.
- Book Flights by Celebrity® to be protected in case there is any cancellation.
- All locations in Alaska take US dollars and most take credit cards but be sure to check before any purchase.
Contact Us To Find The Perfect Starting Point For Your Trip Will It Be Mountains Ocean Or Icebergs
Showing results for Alaska Cruise and Land Tour Packages
Alaska By Design REVIEWS
“We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way. “
Nick Florida, United States
“Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. “
Hazel Scotland
“We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. We had such a nice time and everything was great.”
Ina Dominican Republic
“We are so grateful for the careful planning and ideal itinerary for our vacation.”
Wayne Michigan, United States
“Excellent trip. Well planned out!”
Paul Williams Canada
“Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. “
Lynne Sydney, Australia
“Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients.”
Michael Figueriedo Spain
“Agents were knowledgeable, easy to work with.”
Elsie S Dallas, TX
“They were professional and pleasant to work with.”
Jemma L New York
“Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday.”
Anne Mathews Australia
“They were a pleasure to work with, very knowledgeable and responded timely.”
Lori S Austin, TX
“Alaska By Design was very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes.”
Tracey Los Angeles, CA
Also Check: Are There Any River Cruises In Ireland
Should I Take An Alaskan Cruise Or A Land Tour Or Both
Any traveler planning a trip to Alaska will at some point consider whether they should take an Alaskan cruise, a land tour, or combine the two options into one longer cruise tour vacation. The answer, of course, depends on how you like to travel and what you want to see and do.
Take a second to picture Alaska. What do you envision? Sitka spruce trees, misty fjords, and breaching whales? Huge mountains, sweeping tundra, and grizzly bears? Maybe all of it? Now think about traveling in general. Do you prefer to relax on your vacations? Are you the go-go-go type?
Six Million Acres Of Discovery
Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North Americas tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds.
You May Like: Fll Airport To Cruise Port
Exit Glacier And Harding Icefields
If you prefer to have your two feet on terra firma for a while before you head out on your Alaska cruise, you can go on a hike from Seward to its Exit Glacier or for a real challenge, head out for the Harding icefields. Harding’s strenuous 8-mile hike on ice is only for the well-equipped, but the reward is in views and black bear sightings. For a nice walk — part of the trail is even handicap accessible — check out Exit Glacier, which will put climate change on the brain with its quickly receding edge. The visit to Exit Glacier also only requires an hour or two, so you will have time to head back into town to visit Alaska’s SeaLife Center afterward. If you didn’t get that up-close shot of a puffin or a porpoise on your sightseeing cruise, now is your chance.
Expect Rustic Surroundings For Creature Comforts
Cruise tours tend to favor Alaskan lodges over chain hotels. The lodges typically feature a carefully created rustic look with exposed-log exteriors and blond-wood interiors. Lobbies are homey with cozy seating, fireplaces and “dead animal chic” decor — lopped off noggins of moose and bear locked in eternal staring contests over the heads of visitors .
Even in remote areas, Wi-Fi is often available, but amenities can be scarce. Few lodges have pools, and fitness centers might be tiny.
Related:
Guest rooms are either in wings off the main lobby or in out-buildings. Be prepared to walk, though golf carts might be provided for those with mobility issues. In Seward, you might walk along wooded trails to get from your room to the restaurant or lobby, and in Denali, there’s a bit of a hike through some properties in order to get to the shuttle bus stop.
And, yes, animals do frequent the premises — from a seat on the back patio of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, you could see a black bear wandering down a walking trail behind the hotel.
Recommended Reading: Where Do Cruise Ships Leave From Seattle
Get Our Best Value Fare With Drinks Wi
+ Premier Beverage Package with service charge: Enjoy everything from cocktails, beer and wine to specialty coffees, smoothies and bottled water.
+ Unlimited Wi-Fi: With our best internet package, you can video chat and text with family back home, stream your favorite shows and check email .
+ Full crew appreciation paid to our crew on your behalf: Dont worry we make sure the crew who takes care of you is taken care of too.
*Fares are per guest and apply to minimum lead-in categories on a space-available basis at time of booking. Fares are non-air, cruise- or cruisetour-only, based on double occupancy and apply to the first two guests in a stateroom. Fares and other values quoted in USD. A refundable deposit is required for all stateroom guests and amount varies according to the cruise length, stateroom type and number of stateroom guests.
Any advertised offer may be changed or revoked at any time.
Mountain Panorama Adventure 5a*
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 5-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Alyeska , Denali , Talkeetna and Anchorage
Included Experiences Alaska SeaLife Center, Denali Natural History Tour, Rail from Talkeetna to Anchorage, and more.
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
Read Also: When Is The Best Time To Do An Alaska Cruise
What’s Included In A Cruisetour
Accommodations
On your Alaska Cruisetour, youll stay in the finest lodgings available in the Alaskan interior. These boutique and local properties range from the luxurious Alyeska Resort, whose amenities include a heated pool with mountain views, to the charmingly rustic Denali Park Village, whose buildings are tucked into a forested 20-acre site along the Nenana River. All hotels and lodges on your Alaska Cruisetour will offer comfort, service, and authentic regional style for restful nights in the heart of every destination.
Transportation
A highlight of every Cruisetour is a scenic ride on the Wilderness Express rail cars that travel on the Alaska railroad that extends from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Enjoy 360-degree views from dome windows, reclining leather seats, spacious interiors, fine cuisine prepared by the onboard chef in the dining section, along with full bar service at your seat. Celebrity also uses luxury motor coaches to travel along the miles of scenic highways, highlighting the sights along the way.
Tour Guides
Alaska Vacation Package Details
Rugged, remote, and so beautiful it takes your breath away, the wilds of the Frontier State come alive on this guided Alaskan cruise tour. Experience the best that Alaska has to offer, from a 2-night stay in Denali National Park to dramatic calving glaciers along the Inside Passage.
Your Alaska cruise begins aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship. There you will explore Alaskas most famous sea lane including one of the most glorious sights in the world: the Inside Passage. Spend days in quintessential Alaskan towns like the classic gold rush town of Skagway, the state capital of Juneau, and stilt-bound Ketchikan. Pass through the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park, and the majesty of Hubbard Glacier.
Your land tour includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Anchorage. After a picturesque journey from Talkeetna, spend time exploring Denali, one of the worlds greatest wilderness frontiers.
Your dedicated naturalist guide will tell you about its landscape, geology, and past. Be on the lookout for Alaskas Big Five: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, and wolves. Next take a scenic drive down the George Parks Highway to Fairbanks, the largest city in Alaskas interior. Learn the rich history of the Golden Heart City as a gold rush boomtown.
12 Days from$1799
Recommended Reading: What Cruise Line Goes To Jamaica
Alaska Cruisetours: 6 Things You Need To Know
Many Alaska cruises tend to explore the same southeastern ports of Ketchikan, , Skagway and Sitka. Yet to immerse yourself in the land of sled dog and Arctic tundra requires a trip to Alaska’s northwest interior. Cruise lines have the answer: the cruise tour.
The cruise tour is a land tour of interior destinations before or after a cruise. In conjunction with seven-night Alaska cruises, three- to eight-night land programs extend each trip with visits to interior destinations, such as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Fairbanks and the Kenai Peninsula.
Cruise lines with the most established cruise tour programs in Alaska include Holland America, Princess, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, each with its own hallmarks.
It’s hardly a cruise on wheels. The go-go-go pace might have you putting luggage outside your doors at 6 a.m., leaving the hotel an hour later and not arriving at the next destination until the evening. But, that’s not all you need to know about Alaskan cruise tours — here are six other aspects of the best Alaska cruise tours … and the worst.
Alaskan Cruise And Land Tour Is It Worth The Money
We are thinking of going on a 13 day land/sea tour of Alaska and our price is $4000. per person. My husband and I are wondering if we should just pick one part, the cruise or the land tour. Maybe 13 nights are too many seeing the same basic scenery. Please give us any thoughts.
Most of us here on the forum would tell you to plan your own land tour, which you could do prior or after the cruise. It is easy to do and much more cost effective. 🙂
First, welcome to the forum.
Second, you’re not seeing “the same basic scenery”. You can see rainforest in some areas, glaciers in others, mountains in others, tundra, volcanoes, and waterfalls hundreds of feet high. Also, some places are great for seeing whales, others are great for bear-viewing, Denali is your best bet to see a variety of wildlife–well, you get the picture.
It might help if you told us what your interests are. What prompted you to consider going to Alaska? If you need ideas, check out the Top Question to read about trip reports made by posters this year.
Are you the type of people who like to drive around and explore at your own pace, or would you prefer to mostly sit back and enjoy a cruise, with just a few hours each day in ports of call?
Be aware that the land tours by Princess does not include the meals . You pay extra for those, including meals on the train.
Hi –
I suggest you give us your interests and that you consider doing the land portion on your own.
Also Check: When Will Disney Release 2022 Cruise Dates