September 2024: Enhancing your Alaskan Cruise with a Land Tour

Welcome to Part 2 of our Alaskan adventure series! While an Alaskan cruise offers incredible views of glaciers, fjords, and wildlife along the coastline, adding a land tour can take your journey to the next level. By venturing deeper into Alaska’s vast wilderness, you’ll experience towering mountain ranges, untamed forests, and the chance to see iconic landmarks like Denali National Park.

In this edition, you will be guided through the benefits of combining a cruise with a land tour, highlighting the top destinations, must-see sights, and unforgettable experiences that await you inland. From scenic train rides to wildlife safaris, adding a land tour to your cruise ensures a more immersive and comprehensive exploration of the Last Frontier.

Let’s dive into how you can extend your Alaskan Adventure beyond the shoreline!

An Alaska cruise offers breathtaking views of towering glaciers, abundant wildlife, and charming coastal towns, but to truly experience the best of the Last Frontier, consider pairing your cruise with a land tour. This combination allows you to explore Alaska’s majestic interior landscapes, pristine wilderness, and cultural treasures that can’t be reached by sea alone. Here’s why adding a land tour to your cruise is the ultimate way to see Alaska.

1. Discover the Heart of Alaska’s Wilderness

While a cruise showcases Alaska’s stunning coastline, a land tour takes you deeper into the state’s vast and untamed wilderness. Venture into Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, and witness the rich wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and caribou, roaming freely. Enjoy scenic train rides, riverboat tours, or guided hikes through landscapes that few get to see.​

2. Experience Alaska’s Legendary Railways

One of the most memorable parts of a land tour is traveling aboard Alaska’s historic railways, like the Denali Star or the Coastal Classic Train. These routes offer a comfortable and scenic way to journey through Alaska’s diverse terrain, from snow-capped mountains to lush valleys and rivers teeming with salmon. With panoramic windows, you won’t miss a moment of the stunning scenery.​

3. Enjoy More Time in Iconic Destinations

Adding a land tour gives you more time to explore iconic destinations like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Talkeetna. Visit Fairbanks, the “Golden Heart of Alaska,” for a taste of Gold Rush history, or explore Anchorage’s rich museums and vibrant local dining scene. Talkeetna, the quirky mountain town at the base of Denali, offers everything from flightseeing tours to artisan shops.​

4. See Alaska’s Glaciers from a New Perspective

Land tours provide unique vantage points to see glaciers, including opportunities to trek across them, take a thrilling dog sled ride, or enjoy a helicopter flightseeing tour. Experience glaciers up close in a way that’s not possible from the deck of a ship, creating unforgettable memories of Alaska’s icy giants. 

5. Access Remote Lodges and Authentic Experiences

Land tours offer access to remote lodges, where you can immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Alaska far from the crowds. Spend your nights in cozy wilderness lodges, enjoy fresh-caught seafood dinners, and listen to stories of local lore from experienced guides. It’s an authentic way to connect with Alaska’s untamed spirit. 

6. Extend Your Adventure with Personalized Itineraries

Combining a cruise with a land tour allows you to customize your itinerary, creating the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to spend more time wildlife viewing, hiking, or exploring small towns, you can tailor your experience to suit your interests, making your Alaskan adventure truly your own​​.

7. Witness the Northern Lights (in Season)

If your journey extends into the early fall or late spring, you might catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, dancing across the night sky. Locations like Fairbanks are ideal for viewing this natural phenomenon, adding a magical touch to your land-and-sea adventure.

Experience the Best of Both Worlds!

​An Alaska cruise combined with a land tour offers the ultimate way to experience the state’s diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beauty. From coastal wonders to the heart of Alaska’s rugged wilderness, this combination allows you to explore every corner of the Last Frontier in one unforgettable journey. ​​Don’t miss the chance to make the most of your Alaskan adventure!