Five Great Reasons to Cruise to Alaska

Every year, I swear I’m not going to do it again. And every year, despite what I said the last year, I set sail for Alaska.

Because I live in Vancouver – and not too far from Seattle – Alaskan cruises are both convenient and economical. There’s no need for sky-high airfares, multiple connections, and lost luggage like when I get the itch to visit the Caribbean. But even if you need to take a flight or two, Alaska should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Sure, Alaska suffers from the same horrifying case of “trinket-itis” that inflicts the Caribbean. Diamond and jewelry stores are threatening to push out local shops run by local retailers, and there’s more than enough tack crap in every gift shop to really give your gag reflex a workout.

But in many areas, a cruise to Alaska remains unparalleled, even if it pours rain for the entire week.

Here’s what I love most about cruising to the 49^th State:

The Scenic Cruising

Except for the magnificent fjords of Norway, you’d be hard-pressed to find more scenic cruising experiences than the fjords and inlets of Alaska. Not to mention, of course, the fabulous Inside Passage that spans the distance between British Columbia in Canada and Alaska.

Clouds hang perilously low on mountains and at the start of the season, don’t be shocked if the odd growler or ice berg drifts by. In the summer, you could be rained out or work on your tan up on deck. I’ve seen both, and there’s no rhyme or reason to either.

But there’s nothing like seeing eagles and bears on the shoreline, or standing watch through the straits leading in to Ketchikan and Juneau as a small procession of stark-white cruise ships steam in, their superstructures gleaming against the navy-green and blue landscape that surrounds them.

The Beer

I like to joke I never enjoyed beer until I went to Alaska and tried the Alaskan Amber Ale that Juneau-based Alaskan Brewing Co.puts out. If your cruise line is any good, they’ll have the stuff onboard. If not, head ashore for a fresh draft pint. In fact, it took me yearsto finally eat and drink like the locals in Alaska, and I’d recommend anyone heading North, To Alaska should enjoy at least a beer or two on shore with the locals. Ask them about life up north; you’ll find they’re far more insightful than the folks working the diamond shops who simply migrate north after the Caribbean season ends.

The People

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