Alaska - Gulf of Alaska 2023/2024

Alaska - Gulf of Alaska Travel Guide

Alaska - Gulf of Alaska Cruises Things To Do

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  Sealaska Heritage Institute

  The Sealaska Heritage Institute is a nonprofit organization and institute in downtown Juneau, founded in 1980 to preserve and protect the regions Tlingit Tsimshian and Haida indigenous cultures. Its permanent establishment was cemented in 2015 and strives to create a place where Native and non-Native Alaskans alike can learn about their heritage. The exhibits and culture are extraordinary, and it is something that you absolutely do not want to miss out on. 

  Best Time To Visit

  We suggest visiting at any time. The exhibits aren't usually jam-packed, and they are open for the majority of the day, giving you plenty of time to look around and take everything in. We do suggest giving yourself a few hours to be able to truly experience everything the institute has to offer.
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  Kodiak Laboratory Aquarium & Touch Tank

  The Kodiak Laboratory & Touch Tank is located in The Alaska Fisheries Science Center and offers a massive 3500-gallon freestanding aquarium and touch tank, containing species from the Kodiak Island waterways. You will be up close and personal with a wide variety of species including crabs, shrimp, snails, starfish, and numerous others. There are guides on hand to answer any questions that you may have and to educate everyone on the species that they are viewing or holding.   

  Best Time To Visit

  The summer months are the best times to visit this attraction. The touch tank and laboratory are big teaching tools, and as such many school trips are planned throughout the school year. This gives you a few months where you can expect slightly lessened crowds of people.   
• 
  The Aurora Ice Museum

  Located in Fairbanks, Alaska, The Aurora Ice Museum is something that you really won't want to miss out on. Created with over 1m000 tons of ice and snow the entire museum is kept at -7 Celsius, and as such visitors are given parkas to tour the museum in comfort. There are galleries displaying sculptures by world champion ice carvers Steve and Heather Brice, plus an observations tower, three bedrooms, an ice outhouse, and a Northern lights room! There is also special ice alter that can be rented for a truly magical wedding experience.

  Best Time To Visit

  The Aurora Ice Museum is only open from Mid-May until September, and you can only enter from 10 am until 8 pm, on the hour every hour. If you are hoping to catch the Aurora Show which starts at 8 then we suggest getting there for the 7 pm time slot. 
• 
  Juneau Whale Watching

  While there are lots to do in Juneau, if you have the time to kill and would like a truly remarkable experience then we suggest booking a Whale Watching tour. Juneau Whale Watch is an established local company that will make your encounter truly unforgettable. You will board a ship for three to five hours, and might be able to catch glimpse of your first humpbacked whale emerging from the water! While on the cruise you might also be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some of the other fascinating wildlife that surrounds the waters and beaches of Juneau such as bald eagles, sea lions, seals, black bears, and others.   

  You Should Know

  The tour will start with a bus that takes you from downtown Juneau to the Juneau port at Fisherman's Bend in Auke Bay Harbor. Make sure that you will have enough time for the bus ride, the tour, and the bus ride back before your ship departs from the port.   
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  Alaska Native Heritage Center

  The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage is a cultural center, museum, and gathering place. Once inside visitors will be immersed in the cultures and learn about the heritage of eleven of Alaska's major cultures. The exhibitions, demonstrations, songs, and dances are all remarkable and you won't find anything like it anywhere else. You will also find lots of local artists in this area selling their arts and crafts which often have their own cultural spin to it. 

  You Should Know

  We suggest bringing some spending money with you to the heritage center, especially with artists all around you. You are sure to find something that you want to bring back with you. Make sure to take your time and enjoy everything that there is to see in this area before leaving. 
• 
  Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

  The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park will offer you three historical tours that are led by knowledgeable park rangers. The 30-minute tours of Jeff Smiths Parlor Museum will enlighten you with the story of Soapy Smith, the conman and influential Skagaway citizen who was murdered in an 1898 gunfight. You will also be able to view some incredible Gold Rush period artifacts and local folk art. The other tours consist of covering the architecture and history of the Gold Rush, and the wildlife of the Dyea. 

  You Should Know

  Be sure to dress in appropriate clothing. Much of the tours are outside and will be operating rain or shine. Plan to have comfortable footwear and a jacket. Also, be prepared to be hit with a lot of history in a short period of time. Ask questions and enjoy yourself. 
• 
  Flightsee Over an Alaska Mountain Range

  While in many of the various ports you will be able to book a guided tour, either by plane or helicopter, of the mountain ranges in the area. We suggest doing this at least once while you are stopped in a port. The views are something that you won't find anywhere else, and you will get some incredible pictures to share with your friends and family back home.   

  You Should Know

  Many people will tell you that to get the most amazing views you need to be on foot hiking through some of the mountain passes, but that isn't true. Any flightseeing tour will be beneficial in covering a lot of ground in a little time.   
• 
  View the Northern Lights

  The absolutely dynamic and magical color show that is the Northern Lights is something that you absolutely cannot miss. This is what Alaska is known for, and this is what you have probably added to your list of things to see. The colors will amaze you and you will fall in love with Alaska in an instant. Do not think twice about missing out on some sleep to see this natural wonder. 

  Best Time To Visit

  As we previously mentioned, the Northern Lights are only visible during the cold, clear winter nights between September and April. The best time to see them is usually after midnight. We suggest bundling up and stepping out into the cold to see them in all their glory.

Alaska - Gulf of Alaska Cruise Packages

Alaska - Gulf of Alaska Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is a Gulf of Alaska Cruise?

  A Gulf of Alaska Cruise is the most relaxing and cost-effective way to see as much of the wonderful state of Alaska as you can within a certain time limit. While you could easily fly and travel around the state at your own cost, flights, hotel accommodations, and meals can add up quickly and can often make the entire experience much too expensive. By booking a Gulf of Alaska Cruise your lodging and meals are covered by the ship for a reasonable cost, and you have the chance to visit some of the most beautiful places that Alaska is known for.

• What’s Included on a Gulf of Alaska Cruise?

  The Gulf of Alaska Cruise is considered an all-inclusive cruise, meaning that everything you could possibly need will be provided for you. Come on board with your clothes and some spending money and everything else is available on the ship. You will be provided with food and drinks while on the ship, but that doesn't mean you should explore some of the restaurants when we dock for the day. Also, some alcoholic beverages and most excursions are at an extra cost to the passengers, and as such are not included in the price. 

• What’s the Best Gulf of Alaska Cruise?

  The best type of Greek Cruise truly depends on your preferences and the things that you wish to see. While we have named a few possible attractions, not every cruise will hit every port. Make sure you look through our list of Gulf of Alaska Cruises to see which one will check off the most of your "must-see" list. If you require any assistance you can reach out to our team at any time!

• How Much Does a Gulf of Alaska Cruise Cost?

  The cost of a Gulf of Alaska Cruise depends entirely on how many days you wish to be traveling for, and where you would like to visit. Some cruises start as low as $799 for a 7-day cruise and can go up to $6,029 for a 14-day cruise. There are also options for much longer cruises, including an amazing 78-day cruise for $33,395. While the prices may seem high, they are reasonable when you take into account that they are all-inclusive. Your meals and your lodging are all covered by this cost.