Known as the ‘Great Land’ in Aleut, the language of the Eskimos, Alaska is certainly a grand American destination – as well as a land of superlatives. Nowhere else can you find Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America; Ketchikan, the largest collection of totem poles in the world; the Yukon River, one of the world’s longest; the largest population of Grizzly bears and one of the world’s highest concentrations of Bald Eagles. And what better way to discover it than on a cruise tour – part land, part sea – the best of both worlds.

The wonders are endless and with so many options – small ship, big ship, one week or three – each experience allows you to uncover America’s wild side.

With more departures in Alaska than any other cruise line, ranging from 10-20 days, you may experience Alaska’s marvels on both land and sea. Depending on length, itineraries may include the Inside Passage, Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park with an overnight at a river-view lodge, and McKinley Explore railway to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second largest city. Holland America also offers its unique Artists in Residence Program, arranged through the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, where Alaska Native artists accompany 7-night cruises and demonstrate traditional art forms.

Norwegian Cruise Lines
Aboard the Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, or Norwegian Pearl
April-September 2009 Departures

Aboard some of the youngest ships in Alaska, departing from Seattle or Vancouver, you may discover this great state on one of 3 different itineraries. 'Sawyer Glacier', a 7-day (or 8-day, including) voyage sets out to explore Alaska's Inside Passage with its wildlife-filled fjords and lush scenery. The 'Glacier Bay' itinerary spends 7 days exploring the striking coastline of Alaska with its massive glaciers, while one searches for brown bears, mountain goats, and humpback or killer whales. On 'Alaska Northbound & Southbound', you will travel for 7 days exploring Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike, Hubbard Glacier and Whittier, on the edge of the Prince William Sound. You may wish to combine these sailings with a pre-cruise land tour to Denali National Park, including a ride on the world-famous Alaskan Railroad.

Tauck
Aboard Spirit of Yorktown, Princess or Seven Seas Mariner
June-September 2009 Departures

Whether you wish to cruise the Inside Passage for one week or spend two weeks cruising the Alaskan coastline combined with inland discoveries by floatplane, vintage railway, raft, tramway, and paddlewheel boat, Tauck offers you an experience with every detail taken care of.  And all of these details are included in the cost of the voyage such as private shore excursions, gratuities, expert naturalists or historians, and wine with dinner.  For example, on a 7-day adventure, you'll have up-close views of ice blue glaciers, close encounters with humpback whales, a raft ride through the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve and a ride on a narrow gauge railway dating from the Klondike gold rush.  On the 'Grand Alaska' 15-day voyage aboard a Princess ship, combine your weeklong cruise with a visit into Denali National Park.