Instead of standing out like a tourist with a camera and fanny pack, we are lending our expertise to those traveling to Alaska on how to blend in like a local and experience the culture of the state.
To get the best glimpse of the character of Alaska, we suggest the following tips.
Dress the Part
If you get off your cruise ship wearing high heels and a designer handbag, you will stand out in Alaska. Comfortable layering is key. Also, waterproof is a plus, especially for glacier hiking.
In summer, there actually are warm days where you can dress in T-shirts, rainy days when you will need a raincoat and chillier days when you will need to bundle up. So, layers will help you enjoy no matter the weather. Alaskans dress practically with fleece, rubber boots, jeans and layered options. Dressing like a local will make you not only fit in, but you also will have the gear you need to stay warm and dry.
Know what to order
If you are looking for a fancy meal, save it until you get back on board the ship. Alaska is known for its deep-sea fishing of king salmon, halibut, cod and crabbing. You will never get fresher seafood than in Alaska. Order Dungeness crab or Alaskan king crab. For a lighter meal, try a halibut slider or prawns. Some local specialties are reindeer sausage.
Immerse yourself in the Outdoors
There are few places with such natural beauty. You may want to glimpse an amazing view of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, visit a glacier or watch whales play. Denali National Park lets you look out for the big five—moose, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep and bears.
Know when to go
The travel window for Alaska is condensed, with the months from May through September. Kids are out of school, making it a great family destination. Also, during the summer months, the sun is up in Alaska for most of the day and night, only setting for a few hours, which adds to the mystique.
Embrace the Culture
There is a rich Native American culture in Alaska, and many traditions and values still are very much a part of the lives of Alaskans. Whether it is tribal rituals or the amazing art, the rich and historic culture is unique and impressive. Make sure you check out the totem poles.
See Alaska by Land and Sea
Many travelers visit Alaska for a cruise, but we also recommend adding a few days for a land tour of the interior. Check out Denali National Park. To get there, many travelers fly or sail into Seward and take a glass-domed rail car, with huge landscape views, to Anchorage. It’s a beautiful ride and a great way to see the countryside, spot animals and travel through the terrain quickly.
Decide How to Get There
Cruising is a great way to see the Land of the Midnight Sun, allowing you to see multiple ports day after day to see as much of this beautiful land as possible. Every traveler’s needs are unique, and there are different cruise lines to satisfy those travel needs. Are you looking to travel with the entire family with on-board activities to keep everyone entertained? Looking for an upscale and chic Alaskan vacation? No matter how you want to see the Last Frontier, your travel agent can help you with a cruise line that suits your travel desires.
Understand the Geography
There are a few major cruise ports that sail to Alaska. They are San Francisco, Seattle, Seward and Vancouver. Also, some cruises are round trip, while others take you through the entire Inside Passage, and you disembark and fly home from a different city than you started. Talk to your travel professional to find out which embarkation port and route would be best for you.
Join in on the fun this travel season and head up to the Great White North. A trip to Alaska is a one-of-a-kind experience, and there is a cruise option for all types of travelers. If you want to combine a cruise and land vacation in Alaska, or you have other travel-related questions, contact Sue or Bruce Mitchell, your Cruise Planners land and sea travel specialists. Visit our website at redmountaintravel.com. You may also send an email to smitchell@cruiseplanners.com, or call (480) 396-8084.