Experience Alaska by Land and Sea

Why a Cruise Tour Might Be the Smartest Way to See Alaska

When planning a trip to Alaska, one of the biggest dilemmas travelers face is this: cruise the coast or explore the vast interior by land? Thankfully, you don’t have to choose just one.

Enter the cruisetour, a unique style of travel that combines a traditional cruise with a fully escorted land tour, offering the best of both worlds. Imagine gliding past icy-blue glaciers one day and standing in the shadow of Denali the next. It’s a seamless, immersive way to experience the Last Frontier’s jaw-dropping diversity.

Cruisetours are ideal for travelers who want a more in-depth adventure without the hassle of piecing it together themselves, and when it comes to doing it right, two cruise lines lead the pack: Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. With decades of experience in Alaska, they’ve mastered the art of pairing comfortable lodges, exclusive rail service, and wildlife-rich itineraries into one unforgettable journey.

Let’s break it down.

Direct-to-Wilderness Rail Service

One of the most magical parts of an Alaska cruisetour is the rail experience. With glass-domed railcars, comfy seats, and panoramic windows, the ride into Alaska’s interior becomes a sightseeing experience in itself. You’ll glide past towering peaks, alpine meadows, and, if you’re lucky, a moose or bear or two.

Some itineraries include direct rail service from the ship into the heart of Denali country, skipping the overnight stop in Anchorage and giving you more time to explore. This smooth transition from sea to land helps make the most of every vacation day, with knowledgeable guides and narration that bring the scenery to life along the way.

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Authentic Wilderness Lodges

Once inland, cruisetour guests stay at custom-built wilderness lodges nestled near Denali National Park. These lodges are more than just a place to sleep, they’re your home base for exploration and a front-row seat to Alaska’s raw beauty.

Expect mountain views, walking trails right outside your door, and cozy fire pits perfect for winding down with a local craft beer in hand. Some lodges even offer views of Denali, the tallest peak in North America, from your deck. Whether you’re heading out on a wildlife tour in search of Alaska’s Big Five (moose, bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves) or just soaking in the silence, it’s hard to beat the feeling of being tucked away in true wilderness.

Coastal Cruising: Glaciers, Fjords & Frontier Towns

On the sea portion of your cruisetour, which can take place either before or after the land segment, you’ll sail through some of the most iconic parts of coastal Alaska. Think dramatic fjords, calving glaciers, and towns that still carry echoes of the Gold Rush era.

One of the most popular routes is the Voyage of the Glaciers, which includes two glacier-viewing days (including Glacier Bay National Park) and stops in charming ports like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Onboard, you’ll enjoy fine dining, expert-led talks on wildlife and native culture, and front-row balcony views you’ll never forget.

Final Thoughts

Alaska isn’t the kind of place you want to rush through. A cruisetour gives you time to slow down and connect, whether that’s chatting with a naturalist as you sail through glacial waters or hiking a trail just outside your lodge at dusk.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the real Alaska, the one with soaring eagles, endless forests, and stories that go back centuries, a cruisetour is one of the most complete and enriching ways to do it.

Experience Alaska by Land and Sea