First there’s the traditional seven-night roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Vancouver or Seattle to Southeastern Alaska and return. (Four lines also offer two-week expanded roundtrips or open-jaw itineraries to Southeast and Southcentral Alaska and return.)  A smaller number of roundtrips or open-jaw variations, are likewise available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and other west coast ports. 

Popular as well are one-way Gulf and Glaciers cruises between Vancouver and Southcentral Alaska ports Seward or Whittier.

Other lines (primarily small-ship companies) will offer Cruises Within Alaska, sailing within Southeast or Southcentral, many of them visiting Glacier Bay, Prince William Sound or Tracy Arm fiord with its twin Sawyer glaciers. Finally, there is the Extended Voyage that may, for instance, explore the Aleutian Islands chain, sub-Arctic and Arctic regions, or even visit ports of the Russian far-east and Asian destinations.

There are so many reasons to choose to cruise Alaska, it’s almost impossible to narrow them down. But, there are some things that stand out more than others for those who choose to cruise Alaska. Let’s look at a Top 10 list of reasons to decide to cruise Alaska on your next vacation:

• Perfect for families. Cruising Alaska is an ideal family vacation. With onboard pampering and outdoor fun around every bend, there are few vacations that are better for entire families. No matter a person’s age, cruising Alaska can be a blast. With activities designed for everyone and sites that are to die for, cruising Alaska brings with it memories to last a lifetime.
• Onboard activities. Cruising Alaska comes with the perks of onboard activities. From live entertainment to contests, games and more, there’s never a dull moment for those who choose to cruise Alaska.
• Food. If anyone says half the fun of cruising Alaska isn’t the food, they’re probably lying. With buffets and special spreads available at all hours of the day and night, cruising Alaska comes with a five-star floating restaurant. Plus, there are light snacks and room service around at all times.
• No need to do anything. One of the best things about an Alaskan cruise is the fact a passenger doesn’t have to do anything they don’t want to. With staff around to do everything, you don’t have to do anything but wake up and enjoy.
• Ports of call. The ports of call available for those who choose to cruise Alaska are amazing. From Anchorage to Denali and beyond, the ports of call on Alaskan cruises are varied and incredible. Stops can include places that are rough and tumble and those that are a bit more upscale and civilized.
• Wildlife. The wildlife viewing opportunities for those who cruise Alaska are amazing. From bears and seals to whales, eagles and more. There’s something new to see around just about every bend.
• Historic sites. The state of Alaska is loaded with historic sights. From those dedicated to the history of the state itself to Native American sites, there’s lots to explore.
• Whale watching. This is perhaps one of the biggest draws for those who choose to cruise Alaska. Side trips are available to take people into the heart of the water where whales can be seen going about their everyday lives.
• Fishing, hunting, camping, skiing and more. There are side trips available that involve all kinds of outdoor activities. Cruising Alaska is ideal for just about anyone who loves the great outdoors.
• Unbelievable views. The No. 1 reason why many choose to cruise Alaska are the breathtaking views the state offers. From rugged mountains to beautiful glaciers and incredible sunsets, there’s nothing like cruising Alaska for seeing things that are considered once in a lifetime.

Cruising Alaska brings with it all kinds of incredible perks. From the pampering onboard to the rugged outdoors, cruising Alaska is an experience that’s worth having.

–About–

By Tom Sample – More information on the top 10 reasons to cruise Alaska top 10 reasons to cruise Alaska – http://www.alaskacruisefun.com

A Celebrity Alaska Cruisetour allows you to bask in luxury as you explore both the coast and the interior in comfort and style. View breathtaking vistas from aboard the Wilderness Express, our exclusive glass-domed traincars. Then, upon arrival at your deluxe hotel, you will be met by an experienced local Tour Director, who will lead you to sights like Denali National Park and Talkeenta, a quaint little town in the shadow of Mt. McKinley. And all of this is combined with a heavenly cruise on our premium top ranked ship, Summit. The Celebrity Alaska Cruisetour. Truly the best way for you to experience all that Alaska has to offer.

7 Night Cruise including Vancouver, Inside Passage Cruising, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier Crusing & Seward + 3 Night Escorted Land Tour Package including Denali & Fairbanks

Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 – Vancouver, BC

Day 2 – Inside Passage Cruising

Day 3 – Ketchikan, Alaska

Day 4 – Icy Strait Point

Day 5 – Juneau

Day 6 – Skagway

Day 7 – Hubbard Glacier Cruising

Day 8 – Seward / Anchorage / Denali
Upon arrival in Seward, you’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and enjoy a scenic drive to Anchorage. Here you will meet your Tour Director and have time for lunch on your own. Then it’s on to the beautiful destination of Denali. A stop in for lunch on your own in Anchorage will be made along the way. Spend a relaxing night in Denali.

Day 9 – Denali / Fairbanks
In the morning, you’ll depart on the Denali Natural History Tour. Discover the beauty of taiga forests and gaze at miles of rolling tundra while searching for wildlife. In the afternoon, board our glass-domed traincars ? the Wilderness Express – for a luxurious ride to Fairbanks. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 10 – Fairbanks
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a fun-filled day in Fairbanks, including a Fairbanks City Tour and a tour of the El Dorado Gold Mine. You’ll then take a cruise down the Chena River on the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler. Spend a second night in historic Fairbanks.

Day 11 – Fairbanks
Your Tour Director will see that you are transferred to the Fairbanks airport for your flight home.

2010 Dates:
May 14, 28
June 11, 25
July 9, 23
August 6, 20
September 3

Pricing From $1199 US!

Check out http://www.alaskacruisetoursonline.com for more information

• A 7-day Alaskan cruise on a mass-market ship starts at $600-$1,200 per person, double occupancy; air fare is extra. Prices on luxury ships begin at $800-$2,000, and jump to $2,500-$5,000 per person for a private suite.
• Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience and can visit out-of-the-way ports; prices start at $2,000-$5,800 per person double occupancy for an 11-14 day cruise, and jump to $9,000-$22,000 for a 2,000-mile-plus Odyssey to the Bering Sea.
• The New York Times estimates that an 11-day cruise from San Francisco or Vancouver runs $2,771-$8,722 double occupancy, including all fees, airfare from New York, and one night in a hotel before boarding the ship.

What should be included:

• Every Alaskan cruise includes at least one day of viewing glaciers, either sailing through Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm fjord. Port activities range from museums to helicopter tours. Cruise Traveler Online magazine presents an in-depth look at Alaskan cruises.
• There are three basic itineraries: the Inside Passage, from Vancouver or Seattle to southeast Alaska (or the reverse route); the Gulf of Alaska, which includes Alaska’s south central coast as well as the inside passage route; and Bering Sea cruises, which include the sea between North America and Asia (only small ships sail here).
• Medium and mega-ships usually offer a treasure trove of entertainment options, such as restaurants, spas, casinos, gyms, swimming pools and more. Smaller ships such as Cruise West provide a more casual educational or nature-oriented trip.
• It may be worth paying extra for an outside stateroom or balcony because there’s so much to see. For the Inside Passage, try for a cabin on the right side (starboard) of a northbound ship and the left (port) of a southbound vessel.

Additional costs:

• Port fees and taxes can add $100-$250; be sure they’re included in a quoted price.
• On-shore excursions can cost $40-$400 per adventure. It’s often cheaper to book directly with a tour operator than through a cruise line.
• Visit Denali Park or other inland areas before or after a cruise; these popular “cruisetour” options are usually 4-7 days long and add an average of $1,000-$1,500 or more per person.
• Tipping is expected, adding $5-$10 daily per traveler or $70-$140 for a couple on a seven-day trip. Some cruise lines, such as Radisson Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar, include tips in the price.
• While mass-market ships offer lower fares, they may charge for special shows, restaurants, spa treatments or other onboard activities, as much as doubling the cost. On luxury ships, most everything is included expect bar drinks and shore excursions.

Discounts:

• Try for an early booking or a senior discount. If traveling with family and friends, ask about group rates.

Ports of Call: Los Angeles | Juneau | Ketchikan | Vancouver

Alaska cruise deals can be found on small cruise ships, but are more likely on the larger ships. While cheap Alaska cruises on smaller ships can be found (usually about a 10 – 15% discount off of the highest prices), larger cruise companies sometimes offer discounts of up to 25 or 30%. Due to their larger size, these cruise companies often are able to offer lower prices on discount Alaska cruises.

Travelers can also search for cheap Alaska cruises by booking Alaska cruise packages. An almost endless number of separate activities (generally not included in cruise prices) can be booked in the towns and ports of Alaska. Wildlife tours, whale watching tours, whitewater rafting, fishing trips and other historical walking tours through towns like Anchorage can be booked with your cruise price. If you plan to fly into the town your ship leaves from (usually Anchorage, Seattle or Vancouver), you can also package your flight with your cruise ship price. Often by booking all of these travel amenities together, companies will offer a discounted price overall.

Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape.

If you’re more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests. Practice your tennis stroke or golf swing, or take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym.

You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. And that’s just when you’re on board!