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10/1/2026 Alaska: By Sea, By Land and By Air Alaska continues to be one of the destinations I’m asked about most often. And I’m not surprised — it is such a beautiful place to explore.
Wide-open spaces, majestic mountains, glorious glaciers and abundant wildlife. What’s not to love? But what is the best way to see Alaska? My answer is always the same: It depends, on you! There are so many ways to explore this great state, and the best choice really depends on what you want to experience, how much time you have, your travel style and, of course, your budget. You can explore Alaska by sea, by land and by air — and some of the best Alaska vacations combine all three.
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 One of the questions I hear most often when comparing Alaska cruise itineraries is:
“Which glacier is the best one to see?” My answer? There really isn't a bad choice. Alaska's glaciers are spectacular, but they're also quite different from one another. And because most classic Alaska cruise itineraries include only one — sometimes two — major glacier-viewing areas, it's worth understanding what you're choosing. Do you want a full day surrounded by glaciers and wilderness? One enormous glacier as the star of the show? A narrow fjord with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs? Or an area where glaciers seem to surround you? Let's take a look at four of the major glacier experiences you may encounter on an Alaska cruise.  When someone mentions cruising, what comes to mind?
Alaska's glaciers? Caribbean beaches? Perhaps the rivers of Europe? How about the Great Lakes? If that wasn't your first thought, you're certainly not alone. Yet one of North America's most rewarding cruise experiences has been hiding in plain sight all along. 3/26/2026
Exploring the Sea of Cortez Often called “the world’s aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau, the Sea of Cortez is one of the most biodiverse marine environments on Earth—yet it remains surprisingly under the radar. With more than 900 species of fish, multiple whale species, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and whale sharks, these protected waters offer an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in a setting that still feels raw, remote, and untouched.
But what truly defines the experience isn’t just the wildlife—it’s how you encounter it.  A true off-the-beaten path adventure.
For travelers drawn to remote landscapes, rare wildlife encounters and immersive moments far from the tourist trail, Churchill, Canada is a dream come true. Perched along the edge of Hudson Bay, this subarctic frontier offers something extraordinary: a front-row seat to nature's raw beauty. Stepping into the untamed subarctic landscape, with vast tundra, wild coastline and minimal crowds, this is what makes Churchill so special. Top reasons that bring curious adventurers to Churchill? 5/8/2025
Majestic North American Train Rides Train journeys offer a unique and immersive way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of North America. From the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains to the untamed wilderness of Alaska, these train rides promise unforgettable experiences. Following are a few of North America’s most remarkable rides.
9/22/2024
Elbowroom Inspired Destinations - Part 2 "Elbowroom inspired travel" suggests a desire for space, freedom and a break from crowded or hectic environments. Following are 7 more destinations that offer a mix of wilderness, awe inspiring scenery and time away from the hustle and bustle.
11/30/2023
Sea of Cortez and Kangaroo Island Without a doubt, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most amazing places I have ever been. I have often said that certain trips are life changing - this was one of them.
That said, there are a number of places around the world to venture to for amazing wildlife experiences. Two in particular are often compared to the Galapagos in terms of unique and abundant wildlife – one in North America and one Down Under. 5/7/2020
Sailing North American Waterways My advice has always been “Travel as far away as you can, for as many years as you can.” Get the long distance travel done while the body and mind can manage it. THEN start traveling in your own backyard.
And North America has plenty to marvel at. If you enjoy cruising as much as I do, there are plenty of options. Of course there are all the Caribbean choices, but do you know about sailing on inland and coastal waterways? Take a look at what’s waiting for you! 3/14/2019
Choosing An Alaska Cruise Itinerary A cruise to Alaska is high on the list for many wanting to see this most beautiful part of the world. In fact, aside from the Caribbean, Alaska is the most popular destination for first time cruisers.
A cruise to Alaska is perfect for anyone new to cruising, not only for the exceptional scenery and adventure the area offers, but also because a large part of the itinerary is through the Inside Passage, the protected waters that stretch from northern Washington to Alaska's Panhandle. These waters make for much smoother sailing than on open ocean. In fact, ALL Alaska cruises go through the Inside Passage. This may have you concluding then, that all itineraries are pretty much the same. Not entirely accurate - you do have a number choices.  For most people, their first introduction to Alaska includes a cruise through the Inside Passage, with stops most often in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. Icy Straight, Haines and Sitka are occasional replacements for one of the "big 3", as I call them.
Each of these stops offer unique experiences that highlight the best things about Alaska: Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, salmon fishing and the 14,000 totem poles in Ketchikan, Russian history in Sitka, bears in Icy Straight and exploring the Yukon from Skagway. These are just a few examples of special memories that are created in the Last Frontier. While I often recommend these cruises, I also point out that when 3-5 ships are in port at the same time, especially during the peak summer months, it does get crowded. And thus it would be remiss of me not to mention the quieter ports of call. |
Laurie Marschall - Owner and Founder
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