Alaska Cruise Guide - Ports And Possibilities

Alaska cruises are scenic and relaxing vacations, and feature some pretty obvious highlights. Where else but an Alaska cruise could you spot a Grizzly Bear, witness the 'calving' of a giant ice berg, and bear witness to the incredible display of the Northern Lights in a single day? While the wildlife and scenery are huge draws, too few travelers realize the possibilities offered by the many ports of call an Alaska cruise makes along the way.

Use this brief guide to whet your appetite to the possibilities offered by Alaska's small towns and cities.

Ketchikan - The "Salmon capital of the world" is a quaint town at the southern end of the Inside Passage. From your docking point it's a short walk to "Creek Street", the downtown area. Pick up a souvenir at the historic wooden shops that overhang the crystal-clear stream, or, if your timing is right, stop to gape at the hundreds of salmon who've returned to the creek to spawn. A highlight outside of town is the Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness preserve, known affectionately as the Yosemite of the North.

Sitka - Arguably the most picturesque town on the Inside Passage, Sitka sits on a rugged island surrounded by Alpine peaks and fronted by a scenic harbour. Sitka is less frequently visited than other Inside Passages town, so doesn't boast the number of tourist packages. What it does offer is a number of insightful tours into the area's heritage, a unique combination of Native Tlingit and Russian cultures.

Juneau - One of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, Juneau combines a visually stunning setting at the base of high Alpine mountains and the pristine waters of the Inside Passage. A big city, Juneau also hosts most of the major cruise liners and therefore offers plenty of packaged activities like trips to Mendenhal Glacier, wildlife tours to Admiralty Island, and a ride up the Mount Roberts Tramway.

Skagway - A memorable stop for anyone with the remotest interest in history, Skagway has the same great scenery of most Alaskan town as well as boasting the colourful history of the Gold Rush. Striking for its isolation, this tiny outpost drew thousands of men pursuing gold in the 19th century. Once a point of transition for prospectors, Skagway now offers travelers the opportunity to explore the region's history, go further afield and visit the neighbouring Yukon, or tour glaciers and wilderness by train.