By Melody Lee
Most Inside Passage cruises make a stop in Juneau, Alaska's capital.
Celebrity
cruises offers the best Alaskan cruise itinerary with its 10-night Ultimate Alaska Cruise on the ship Celebrity Infinity. The cruise includes stops at Juneau, the capital of Alaska, as well as the historic cities of Skagway and Ketchikan. In between visits ashore, the cruise ship travels past the mountains and rainforests of the Inside Passage and sails near the massive Hubbard Glacier.
Days One Through Three
The Ultimate Alaskan Cruise departs from Seattle, Washington, and travels along the Inside Passage past lush rainforests, steep mountains, colossal glaciers and winding fjords. Ketchikan, the home of the Tlinglit tribe, is the first port of call. Many master carvers live in Ketchikan, which is the site of the largest collection of totem poles in the world. At Ketchikan, passengers can take an optional seaplane ride over the wilderness of the Misty Fjords.
Days Four Through Six
The cruise continues to Juneau, an exciting mixture of multinational and pioneer styles. The next port of call is Skagway, the Gateway to the Klondike, with dance halls and saloons. Optional activities in Skagway include prospecting on the Klondike Highway or riding on the White Pass and Yukon Railway. The next stop is Icy Straight Point, where a restored 1930's cannery is located.
Days Seven Through Eight
The next day, the ship sails past Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier on the North American continent. Sitka, a small fishing village, is the next port of call. Passengers can take an optional trip to the Sitka National Historic Park, which marks the location of a major battle between the Tlinglit natives and the Russian settlers.
Final Days
The cruise continues back along the Inside Passage to Victoria, British Columbia. Optional activities in Victoria include playing golf, visiting museums and touring gardens. The trip ends the next morning at Seattle
Prices and Information
Fares for the 10-day Alaskan cruise range sharply depending on the cabin in which you choose to stay. However, your fare not includes accommodations and transportation aboard ship, but most meals, some beverages and most onboard entertainment. It does not include gratuities, service fees, specialty restaurant fees, some beverages, or shore excursions.
About the Author:
Melody Lee began working as a reporter and copywriter for the "Jasper News" in 2004 and was promoted to editor in 2005. She also edits magazine articles and books. Lee holds a degree in landscape design, is a Florida Master Gardener, and has more than 25 years of gardening experience.
Photo Credits:
Juneau alaska image by David Hofer from
Fotolia.com
