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General

Alaska

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Alaska, the gorgeous land one could ever dream of. When it comes to Alaska, the dynamic glaciers, deep sheltered fjords, snow-capped mountains, acres of rugged mountains, turquoise color lakes, rivers, waterfalls, wildflowers, waterways, temperate rainforests, wildlife, wild coastlines, salmon, gold rush, everything burst into our mind. Alaska is the most beautiful place on the earth. The photos really cannot do justice to to this spectacular land!

Here are some sneak peeks of Awesome Alaska! These photos were taken during our round-trip cruise from Seattle to Alaska in the last week of August 2013!

Quick Facts and Tips

  • Make sure you have valid passports and visas (some tours and excursions might cross US-Canada border)
  • Best time to visit: May to September
    • Good deals: May and September
    • Peak Season: June to August
  • Best way to visit
    • Cruises: Cruises are a great way to see Alaska. Cruises give you options to choose between the number of ports. It is always better to choose the cruise that offers more time on land and more ports of call. Compared to round-trip Alaska cruises, you get to experience more of Alaska by choosing one-way Alaska cruises. Choose wisely to feel a true Alaska experience.
    • Alaska By Road: Easy and flexible. But keep in mind that you need to get a boat or plane to reach some major towns in Alaska as there are no roads. Roads are often curvy and wind up and down. Some even have unpaved stretches but offer more photo opportunities of gorgeous mountains and wildlife along the way. You can experience the true Alaska and cover most of it, but need to plan well.
  • Clothing
    • It is cool, so plan to dress in layers. Comfortable jeans, hiking shorts, T-shirts, sweaters, warm jackets, coats, scarfs, caps, gloves, comfortable walking/hiking shoes/snow boots.
  • Major Airports
    • Anchorage International Airport, Fairbanks, Ketchikan and Juneau.
  • Major Ports of Call
    • Seward, Whittier, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka Fairbanks, Anchorage, Valdez, Homer, Haines
  • How many days: 7 to 10 days
  • It is always recommended to book a vacation to Alaska in advance as there is limited lodging and limited space on the Alaskan Railroad, attraction tours, and other activities. Also check cancellation policies for advance bookings.
  • Book shore excursions in advance. Excursion through cruises are a little pricey but it is guaranteed that you will not be left out at ports.
  • Days are long and are warm in summer. Make use of the intense summer days and explore more.
  • If you take any Alaska Railroad, make sure to sit in a dome car.
  • Some tips while driving
    • If you are driving in Alaska, always keep some extra time for stopping for photos, wildlife, sights and for unplanned detours.
    • Not many gas stations, fill your gas tank whenever get the opportunity.
    • Pack snacks as it is hard to find vegetarian food, especially out of the cities in Alaska.
    • It is recommended to carry cash as many shops and restaurants accept only cash.
    • There is lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that camera is fully charged and also keep backup battery and memory cards.
    • Weak/no cell phone signals, highly recommend to have maps downloaded or printed.
    • Important to follow the signs and mile markers.
    • Roads are narrow, winding, unpaved, drive slowly.
    • Don’t leave food in the car.
  • Attractions
    • Alaska Highway
    • Dalton Highway
Categories
General

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

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Tracy Arm is renowned for its twin glaciers, North Sawyer Glacier and South Sawyer Glacier lie at the end of the Tracy Arm Fjord. Tracy Arm is a fjord and it spreads over 30 miles alongside the Tongass National Forest, near Juneau. It is almost 45 miles south of Juneau and 70 miles north of Petersburg, Alaska. Sailing through this deep and narrow passage gives you the stunning scenery of Alaska. You will be amazed by the breathtaking views of more than a mile tall mountain peaks carved by active glaciers, floating deep blue icebergs, plunging waterfalls, evergreen cliffs, and wildlife.

These photos are from our 7 nights cruise to Alaska during the last week of August, 2013.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to visit: June to September
  • Port of Call or Fly Into: Juneau (Alaska)
  • Clothing
    • It is cool, so plan to dress in layers. Comfortable pants, T-shirts, warm jackets over t-shirts, scarfs, coats, caps, gloves, comfortable walking/hiking shoes/Snow boots.
  • What to Expect
    • Active Glaciers, Snow-capped Mountains, Fjords, Floating Deep Blue Icebergs, Plunging Waterfalls, Gorges, Evergreen Cliffs, Glimpse of Wildlife.
  • Take a boat tour from Juneau, in case the cruise ship does not sail through the glaciers.
  • You need a one full day to visit the Tracy Arm Fjord.
  • Other Attractions
    • Visit and enjoy the massive view of Mendenhall Glacier, Mendenhall lake and Nuggets Falls.
    • Glacier Bay National Park: Offers stunning scenery with enormous glaciers, pleasant rainforests, hidden fjords, and a rugged coastline.
Categories
General

Inside Passage, Alaska

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The Alaska’s Inside Passage is a coastal water route for cruise ships and boats between the Gulf of Alaska and the northwestern coast of the U.S known as Puget Sound. The Inside Passage cruise ship’s route stops at a few of the Alaskan ports such as Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, and British Columbian ports like Vancouver and Victoria. The Inside Passage route is a round-trip cruise from Seattle or Vancouver. This route is famous for its spectacular glaciers, wildlife-filled fjords, waterfalls, and lush green island scenery. Sailing through the Inside Passage is the most wonderful memorable experience.

These photos were taken during our round-trip cruise from Seattle to Alaska in the last week of August 2013!

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Quick Facts And Tips

  • Best time to visit: June to September
  • Ports: Seattle, USA and Vancouver, Canada
  • Cruises: Royal Caribbean, Carnival,  Princess, Disney, Holland, Regent Seven Seas, and Oceania 
  • Clothing
    • It is cool, so plan to dress in layers. Comfortable jeans, shorts, T-shirts, warm jackets, coats, scarfs, caps, gloves, comfortable walking shoes.
  • What to Expect
    • Glaciers, Snow-capped mountains, Fjords, Waterfalls, Iceberg-dotted lakes, Valleys, Wildlife, Rugged coastlines, Lush Green Islands.
  • The itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage travel two full days on the open Pacific Ocean, which can be rough. Be prepared for sea sickness/motion sickness. Carry some motion sickness medicine.
  • It is a good choice to choose a balcony stateroom on the 7-nights or longer cruises which provide more time to relax and enjoy scenery in the private balcony area.
  • Dress in layers. Weather is unpredictable in Alaska. 
  • Select a ship that embarks midweek or choose shoulder season (late April, May or September) to avoid crowds.