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Alaska
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Alaska
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Photography
of Alaska Eagles, Otters, Puffins,
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Alaska
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Sitka,
Alaska Travel Guide Lodging, fishing
charters and tours in Sitka. |
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Alaska
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Teacher
Resources Lessons, facts, information. |
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Weekly
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Alaska
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| Alaska Cruises |
| Alaska cruises have become one of the most
popular ways to visit Alaska. Cruises feature
glaciers, wildlife, great food, entertainment,
interesting ports of call and fascinating tours
along way… and you only have to unpack
once! There are a number of different cruise
itineraries in Alaska offered by most of the
major lines. |
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| Alaska Cruises |
| The Inside Passage is Alaska's biggest cruise
destination, but popular cruises also visit Prince
William Sound, the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering
Sea. |
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Major Alaska Cruise Lines |
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| The Weather to expect on your Alaska cruise. |
| The weather in Alaska can fluctuate wildly, so be prepared. Since Ketchikan gets
333 inches of rain annually, you should expect some inclement weather, although
I've sailed during a full week of sunshine.
And remember, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year
in the northern hemisphere. Since Alaska is so far north, the sun rises much
earlier and sets much later than you can imagine. From mid-June through early
July, you'll have extremely long hours of daylight. Nonetheless, days may
be chilly or warm. More Alaska Weather |
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| Budgeting Your Alaska Cruise. |
| If you've only cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico, you'll find that cruise
fares for Alaska are generally higher. Why? Because there are fewer ships competing
for Alaska passengers, but a high level of consumer demand. You'll find the
largest number of discounts available for departures in May and September,
when the weather may be a bit chillier. Moreover, the round-trip airfare between
your home city and the port of embarkation (generally Vancouver or Anchorage)
could add a lot to your tab, depending on your city of origin. I suggest booking
a balcony cabin if it's within your budget: There is very dramatic scenery
along the way. |
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| What to Wear and Take on your Alaska Cruise. |
| Take along clothes you can layer, including cotton
sweaters or sweatshirts. I consider a waterproof
poncho with hood a necessity (it folds up into almost
nothing, so it won't take up much luggage space).
My standard packing list for a seven-day Alaska cruise:
four pairs of cotton pants, two pairs of shorts,
five T-shirts, a cotton sweater, baseball hat, rain
poncho and standard nighttime clothing, including
dressy attire for two formal nights. For daytime
clothing, I buy everything at Lands' End (www.landsend.com).
My other must-take items: binoculars, suntan lotion,
a camcorder and/or camera (400 & 800 speed film)
plus tripod. Avon's Skin So Soft, sold in many drugstores,
is a terrific insect repellant, often necessary during
July and August. Athletic shoes or good walking boots
are also critical. |
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| Shore Excursions for Alaska Cruises. |
To see the best of Alaska and have the most
fun, a shore excursion is required almost everywhere.
Again, you should expect more expensive tours than
are offered on Caribbean itineraries. I strongly
recommend obtaining the cruise line's Alaska shore
excursion brochure long before departure. Many
cruise line web sites have them listed; otherwise,
ask your travel agent to get the excursion brochure
for you.
In some cases you can save money using the internet
and finding locals who will take you on a less-expensive
tour. One Miami-based ground operator, Port Promotions,
can set up Alaska tours for you at a lower cost.
See their web site: www.portpromotions.com. Don't
miss Kuki's story on cruising in Alaska with his
wife and two children: In Skagway they pre-arranged
a rental car and had a marvelous time sightseeing
as a family. Also see the Alaska shore excursions
article in our Alaska Guide. |
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