Earlier this month, we talked about the best ways to see the stars in September, with a brief highlight of how to see the Northern Lights. We briefly described how Alaska is one of the spots where you could possible see the northern lights.
We wanted to take the chance to highlight Alaska a bit more and explain how it's possible to see the Northern Lights there.
Best Alaska Tips
If you're planning a trip to Alaska, one of the best ways to experience the state's natural beauty and wildlife is by taking an Alaska cruisetour. A cruisetour combines a cruise and a land tour, allowing you to see the stunning glaciers and wildlife of Alaska's coastal region as well as the rugged interior of the state. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what you can expect when taking an Alaska cruisetour.
Alaska Cruise Season
The Alaska cruise season, spanning from May to September, provides an enchanting window to explore the captivating landscapes and wildlife of this remarkable region. During the peak months of June to August, expect milder temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, occasional rain showers, and extended daylight hours, offering ample time to witness glaciers and wildlife in their prime
Cruisetours vs. Cruises
Standard cruises in Alaska focus on sailing along the coast, offering scenic views and stops at coastal towns, while cruisetours combine a coastal cruise with a land-based tour into Alaska's interior, including destinations like Denali National Park. Cruisetours provide a more immersive and in-depth experience, lasting longer and allowing travelers to explore both the coastal and inland beauty of Alaska. We recommend a cruisetour over a standard cruise because it helps travelers get a closer look at the charming towns in the countryside of Alaska.
Cruise Port Cities
Your cruisetour will typically begin in one of Alaska's major port cities, such as Anchorage or Seward. These cities offer a wide range of activities and attractions, from shopping and dining to outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing. You'll have some time to explore the city before boarding your cruise ship, so be sure to plan ahead and make the most of your time.
Cruise Ship Experience
The cruise portion of your trip will typically last for several days and will take you through Alaska's coastal waters. You'll have the opportunity to see stunning glaciers, fjords, and wildlife like whales, dolphins, and sea otters. Most Alaska cruise ships are equipped with restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and other amenities to keep you comfortable during your voyage. There are also amazing view decks which you can access 24/7 throughout your sailing.
Land Tour
Once you reach the end of your cruise (or maybe the beginning depending on the direction you are sailing), you'll disembark and begin your land tour. This is where you'll really get to explore Alaska's rugged interior, including Denali National Park and Preserve. You'll travel by motorcoach or train through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the state, and you'll have the chance to see wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and caribou up close.
Best chance at seeing the Northern Lights
The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September. See Alaska's cruise season runs from May through September, your best chance at seeing the Aurora Borealis is while cruising in September toward the end of the season. Because we recommend sailing on a cruisetour in Alaska, you will have the chance to go into the quaint towns where there is less light pollution and a clearer chance at seeing the stars.
Here's a short video from one of our preferred partners that we love for multi-generational trips, Celebrity Cruises, on Alaska Cruises...
Going for an Alaska cruisetour is like hitting the jackpot for soaking in the unreal beauty and wildlife of this off-the-charts American state. Imagine getting a double whammy – a coastal cruise and an inland escapade – that lets you feast your eyes on Alaska's mind-blowing coastal vistas and its wild heart, all bundled up with the perks of a top-notch guided tour. Hey, if you're aiming to catch the Northern Lights show, mark September on your calendar for this cruisetour gig; it's your front-row ticket to witnessing those cosmic lights. Whether you're a globetrotting pro or just testing the waters in Alaska, this cruisetour shindig guarantees an adventure that'll be a keeper in your travel tales.
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