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Travel + Leisure
27-05-2025
- General
- Travel + Leisure
This Alaska Region Has Some of the State's Most Beautiful Coastal Towns—Plus Majestic Glaciers and Unforgettable Wildlife
Located about 16 miles north of downtown Ketchikan—the Salmon Capital of the World—the waterfront Salmon Falls Fishing Resort is a haven for anglers wanting an all-inclusive fishing adventure. Watch huge chunks of ice calve off massive glaciers and splash spectacularly into the water at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Take a scenic seaplane tour of the enormous Juneau Icefield. Situated on the waterfront in Juneau, crack open an Alaskan king crab leg at Tracy's King Crab Shack. Alaska's Inside Passage is home to charming small towns that highlight the destination's Indigenous heritage and offer local experiences. As I gazed out the tiny window of the 10-passenger floatplane, wearing bulky headphones to drown out the turbine engine, the staggering 1,500-square-mile Juneau Icefield came into view. I peered down at the massive glaciers with electric blue crevasses. This was one of Alaska's Inside Passage adventures that would stick with me. The Inside Passage draws travelers interested in outdoor adventure, wildlife, charming coastal towns, and Indigenous culture. Located in southeastern Alaska, about 80 percent of the area is in the Tongass National Forest—the largest national forest in the United States. The expansive terrain not only features glaciers, but also scenic waterfalls, temperate rain forest, picturesque fjords, and an abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for bears, whales, moose, mountain goats, seals, and bald eagles (their heads look like white golf balls in the trees). There's no shortage of outdoor activities, including kayaking, boating, hiking, and fishing. The region is also rich in Indigenous culture and history, home to the Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, and Tsimshian Alaskan Native people. Their skilled artistry can be seen in colorful totem poles and intricately woven baskets found throughout the alluring coastal towns. Many arrive by cruise ship, which allows you to cover large distances in a short amount of time. If you're visiting the Inside Passage, use this curated guide to help plan your trip. The lobby of Four Points by Sheraton Juneau. Conveniently located in historic downtown Juneau, Alaska's capital, the Four Points by Sheraton Juneau offers comfortable guest rooms with ocean views and useful amenities, like complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and an on-site convenience store. Just steps from Sitka Harbor and Crescent Bay, The Sitka Hotel offers water and mountain views, plus it's walkable to downtown shops and restaurants. Dine at one of the nearby eateries or make a meal in your room thanks to the kitchenette with a mini-fridge, microwave, and stove. Guests arrive by boat to this Alaskan lodge that offers unmatched fishing and outdoor adventures. After a day on the water or hiking in nature, relax on the sandy beach or indulge in a spa treatment. The beautiful setting in the Tongass National Forest is ideal for experiencing the Inside Passage. Set off on a guided fishing adventure at this all-inclusive resort not far from Ketchikan. After making a catch, relax on the patio or by the firepit, listen to live music, or play yard games. End the day with a fresh Alaskan dinner at the Timbers Restaurant & Lounge. The host innkeepers of this bed-and-breakfast warmly welcome their guests with cozy rooms named after women who were part of the Klondike gold rush, farm- and sea-to-table meals at Olivia's Bistro, and top-notch service. Ask for their input on hiking the Chilkoot Trail. They'll even let you borrow bear spray. A dog sled run in Skagway, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure After a ferry trip, a bus ride, a short hike, and a paddle across a river and lake, the view of Davidson Glacier is worth the effort. This is remote Alaska at its finest. The six-hour excursion from Skagway allows travelers to experience the wilderness and wildlife firsthand—by water and land. Board a vintage train in Skagway and take in the views on the journey to the 2,865-foot summit of White Pass. The nearly three-hour round-trip route passes scenic waterfalls, glaciers, and historic sites of the 1898 Klondike Trail. There are also multiday train tours throughout Alaska. Learn about the culture and traditions of the Indigenous Tlingit people at this native village near Ketchikan. I found the traditional song and dance in the Clan House to be powerful and enlightening. Leave time to meet Indigenous artists in the Carving House and discover the meaning of totem poles at Totem Park. Observe the great outdoors from a wheeled dogsled pulled by trained huskies. The one-mile trail through the forest provides ample opportunity to photograph the picturesque backcountry. Cuddle with adorable husky puppies at the musher's camp. This 40-minute seaplane excursion offers a bird's-eye view of five epic glaciers: the Norris, Hole-in-the-Wall, East and West Twin Glaciers, and Taku Glacier. I particularly enjoyed the pilot's descriptive narration. The immenseness of the Juneau Icefield can only be appreciated from the air. A salmon dish from Beak Restaurant. This iconic restaurant, known for its Alaskan king crab, has two locations in Juneau. I loved the open-air waterfront dining at Shack 2, which large crab legs by the bucket. You'll also find Alaskan golden king crab, red king crab, Dungeness crab, and snow crab on the menu. At this gratuity-free restaurant in Sitka, chef Renée—a 2023 James Beard best chef semifinalist—cooks locally sourced dishes with a focus on high-quality seafood and sustainability practices. You will feel as though you are dining at a friend's home, with attentive service in a warm and welcoming environment. Pull up a seat at the bar to taste oysters freshly harvested from some of the most pristine ocean water on the planet. Just north of Ketchikan, guests can tour Hump Island Oyster Company to learn about its commitment to using ethical and sustainable farming practices. While visiting Juneau, I love hopping on the Goldbelt Tram to grab lunch at the rustic Timberline Bar & Grill. Dine on salads, burgers, or burritos with panoramic views of downtown Juneau and the surrounding area. Then, work off your meal by hiking the 4.5-mile Mount Roberts Trail back down. Dining at this historic saloon is like stepping back in time to the gold rush era, when bustling dance halls, saloons, and brothels were popular in Skagway. Fill your belly with pizza and beer, followed by a "quickie" tour of the brothel museum. Snow capped mountains in Alaska's Inside Passage. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The best time to visit Alaska's Inside Passage depends on what type of trip you're planning and what you want to do while visiting. Like many travelers, I prefer to go during the warmer months (mid-June through mid-August ). If you're visiting in August, pack a raincoat because it's one of the wettest months. Summer is also when you'll have the most daylight (typically around 18 hours), and it's prime time for bear spotting due to salmon spawning. If seeing the northern lights is on your wish list, head there mid-August through mid-April, especially during the equinoxes. The winter months are less expensive and less crowded, but also colder and darker. Approximately 1.68 million travelers arrived in Alaska via cruise ship in 2024, making it the most popular way to reach the 49th state. To access the Inside Passage by plane, fly into Juneau or Ketchikan International Airport. Alaska Airlines, which recently merged with Hawaiian Airlines, has two flights a day from Seattle to Juneau that take about 2.5 hours. If you're not in a hurry, you can catch an Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry from Bellingham, Washington, to Ketchikan, but it takes 38 hours. You can also drive the 1,700 miles along the Alaska-Canada Highway (ALCAN) in about the same time. Colorful buildings on the water in Ketchikan, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The capital city of Juneau is rich in history and Indigenous culture, plus it offers plenty of outdoor adventure, shopping, and dining. I love starting with the scenic Goldbelt Tram ride to Mount Roberts, followed by a visit to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum or Alaska State Museum. Time permitting, include a short hike at Mendenhall Glacier. Strolling along colorful and historic Creek Street is one of my favorite things to do in Ketchikan. Browse souvenir shops selling Indigenous wood carvings, caribou fur, and gold nugget jewelry; check out the lively Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show; or learn about Indigenous art and traditions at the Totem Heritage Center. The Tlingit people are the town's original inhabitants, but the area is also known for its Russian heritage, displayed through the Russian Bishop's House and St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The annual Sitka Music Festival, held in June, brings world-class chamber music. I also take advantage of the outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and fishing. Skagway is steeped in gold rush history with plenty of related activities and exhibits. Hop on the train for a scenic journey to White Pass, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, pan for gold, browse the gold rush cemeteries, or grab a meal at the bustling Red Onion Saloon. A sea plane outside of Ketchikan, Alaska. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure With few roads connecting the small towns and islands in Alaska's Inside Passage, most visitors explore the area via small or large cruise ships. If you're going on your own, you can get from town to town on ferries or seaplanes. Once in town, most places are within walking distance. By Water: The AMHS has 15 ferry ports in the Inside Passage, making it an easy, affordable, and scenic way to get around, though not quickly. For long trips, travelers can book cabins with bunk beds and full bathrooms. Another way to access the area is by water taxi in and around places such as Gustavus, Ketchikan, and Wrangell. By Air: Traveling by seaplane is not the most economical option, but it's a relatively quick way to get from place to place where there are no roads. Plus, the views from above are breathtaking.
National Post
13-05-2025
- National Post
UnCruise Adventures Announces Exclusive 2025 Captain's Cruises with Founder and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard
Article content JUNEAU, Alaska — In a world of crowded mega-ships and impersonal travel, UnCruise Adventures offers something refreshingly different, authentic connection. As the pioneer in small-ship adventure cruising, the award-winning cruise line is excited to announce a rare opportunity to sail alongside Founder, Owner, and CEO Captain Dan Blanchard. On select voyages through Alaska and Baja, Mexico, Captain Dan personally welcomes guests aboard, sharing decades of maritime wisdom and his deep passion for wild places. These exclusive sailings offer more than just a vacation—they're a return to meaningful travel, where every guest is known by name and every moment is UnForgettable. Article content Article content 'There's nothing quite like sharing the places I hold dear with fellow adventurers,' said Captain Dan Blanchard. 'These Captain's Cruises aren't just trips, they're personal journeys. I get to introduce guests to the stories that have shaped my life on the water. It's about forging real connections with nature, with each other, with the local communities, and with the spirit of adventure.' Article content Captain's Cruise: Northern Passages with Glacier Bay & Sitka Ship: Safari Endeavour Route: Sitka to Juneau, Alaska Duration: 7 Nights Departure: September 20, 2025 Starting at $5,600 per person, this voyage immerses guests in the breathtaking beauty of Alaska's Inside Passage, featuring two full days exploring the awe-inspiring Glacier Bay National Park. With Captain Dan at the helm, travelers will gain rare insights into Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, and hidden locales known only to seasoned explorers. Article content Captain's Cruise: In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez Ship: Safari Voyager Route: Roundtrip La Paz, Baja California Duration: 10 Nights Departure: November 26, 2025 Priced from $6,500 per person, this unique expedition retraces the historic route of famed author John Steinbeck. Travelers will discover the rich biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez, encounter vibrant marine life, and connect deeply with this legendary region under Captain Dan's expert guidance. Special offer includes $500 off and 50% savings on solo supplements. Article content Captain's Cruise: Baja California's Whales & Sealife Ship: Safari Voyager Route: Roundtrip La Paz, Baja California Duration: 7 Nights Departure: December 27, 2025 Starting from $6,500 per person, this remarkable journey showcases the Sea of Cortez's renowned marine ecosystems. Guests will have intimate encounters with majestic whales, playful sea lions, and diverse marine wildlife. With Captain Dan's leadership and storytelling, each day promises unmatched adventure and discovery. Special promotional savings include $500 off and 50% savings for solo travelers. Article content About UnCruise Adventures Article content UnCruise Adventures is a responsible travel and adventure leader in the cruise industry. They operate small ships carrying 22-86 guests on voyages in Alaska's Inside Passage, Aleutian Islands and Prince William Sound, along with the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Gulf of California, Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. In addition to this Cruise Critic honor, UnCruise Adventures has been picked as a top adventure company by Conde Nast Traveler, Newsweek, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure. Operating under the US flag, the company takes pride in its crew and its significant contributions to the US economy. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
For the country's 250th anniversary, American Cruise Lines plan nationwide river cruises that include St. Paul stops
St. Paul is set to be a central excursion point for a pair of 50-plus-day river cruises in 2026, billed by American Cruise Lines as the longest such voyages on the market. At 51 nights, the Great United States Cruise covers 14 states, including visits to three national parks. After heading from the Pacific Northwest to Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton parks, travelers will fly to New Orleans for a complete Mississippi River cruise ending in St. Paul (or mostly complete; sorry to all the Lake Itasca fans out there), then fly from the Twin Cities to Boston for a New England experience. This cruise runs May 29 to July 19, 2026. The longer Great American Fall Foliage Cruise, 54 nights, trades the national parks for a cruise of Alaska's Inside Passage, then a cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul and an exploration of more of the East Coast, cruising from Portland, Maine, to Washington, D.C. This cruise runs Sept. 5 to Oct. 29, 2026. Both itineraries also include a daylong stop each in Winona and Red Wing. We did not make the cut, evidently, for the Spring Across America cruise in April and May, which begins in South Carolina and Florida and only explores the Mississippi between Memphis and New Orleans before heading to the Pacific Northwest and up to Alaska. Prices for these cruises are not made available online; potential customers must request a custom quote. However, American sailed a similar itinerary, covering 20 states in 60 days, in 2024, and the per-person price for that journey ranged from $51,060 to $77,945. The price is all-inclusive of meals, daily excursions, transportation between cruise segments and, for the Great United States Cruise, an 'American Cruise Lines jacket and gear pack.' The impetus for these extended itineraries, according to the cruise line, is the country's semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, in 2026. River cruising has been making a comeback in St. Paul in recent years, with luxury liners appearing to largely replace the paddle-wheelers of the past. Run by the international company Viking River Cruises, the splashy Viking Mississippi set sail from St. Paul in 2022, the first luxury cruise liner here in about a decade. Until American Cruise Lines reinstated service here a few years ago, the company's cruises had not stopped in St. Paul since 2018; its luxury ships made their final port-of-call instead in Red Wing. Full-time living on a cruise ship? Florida couple goes all in Get into all national parks for free on April 19 Professional deal finder reveals truth about cheap airfare Acclaimed designer reveals the item to pack for a good night's sleep at any hotel 'Coolcations' surge in popularity as travelers seek escape from summer heat The company currently operates fleets of both modern cruise ships — most of which have been newly constructed within the past half-decade or so — and renovated traditional paddle-wheelers. Meanwhile, paddle-wheeler stalwart American Queen Voyages stopped operations in St. Paul by 2019 and folded altogether last year. The broader statewide tourism industry has struggled a bit over the past three years, though, after a brief COVID-induced outdoor vacation surge in 2021. Last summer's tourism season was especially tough for businesses affected by major flooding along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers.
Telegraph
27-03-2025
- Telegraph
The 10 greatest North American cruises to book now
Cruising in North America is commonly associated with Alaska and the eastern seaboard ports of New York, Boston and Halifax in Atlantic Canada. Look at a map, however, and you'll see that the choice of the scenery, waterways and type of ship to take you there is much more diverse. There are the volcanic islands of Hawaii, lapped by the teal waters of the Pacific, rivers whose scenic calling points showcase culture, music, wine and settler heritage, cities that combine culture with scenic sailing and five gargantuan lakes. The five Great Lakes collectively form the planet's largest body of fresh water. Rich in birdlife, the lakes skirt seven US states and the province of Ontario in Canada. Here, too, is the lock-straddled St Lawrence Seaway and the St Lawrence River, which connects the regions of Upper and Lower Canada. On the west coast, you'll find the cities of Seattle and Vancouver, both gateways to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and San Francisco, where you can get on the Redwood Trail and go dolphin watching. Whichever of these wildly different itineraries you choose, don't leave it too long to book – some cruises are already sold out for 2025. Alaska APT's new Rockies and Alaska land and cruise holiday takes guests from Victoria in British Columbia to Fairbanks (Alaska) over 25 days and includes a seven-night Inside Passage cruise with Holland America Line and a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Jasper. The rail route takes in some of the Rockies' tallest peaks and travels alongside the Coast Mountains, Fraser Canyon, Albreda Glacier and Pyramid Falls. How to do it From £13,095pp with departures from May to August 2025, including GoldLeaf service on the Rocky Mountaineer, accommodation at McKinley Chalet Resort and Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, a week's cruise, transfers and tips with APT (0800 012 6683). Disney Cruise Line Sails to Alaska Inspire the kids with glaciers, look out for porpoises and try gold panning and maybe zip lining on a Disney Wonder Alaskan cruise. Itineraries range from five to nine nights and some visit Icy Strait Point, for whale watching, or a ride on the world's largest zip line. Expect character breakfasts, children's clubs, fireworks and first-run movies on board. How to do it A seven-night Alaska from Vancouver cruise on board Disney Wonder costs from £5,128 for a family of four sharing a cabin. Departs roundtrip from Vancouver departing August 25, 2025 with Iglu Cruise (020 3514 3637). Excludes flights. Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America is the only ship to sail year-round from Honolulu, with stops at four different islands and overnights in port at the islands of Kauai and Maui. The ship has adult and children's swimming pools, a jogging track and volleyball courts and the spacious Mandara Spa. Lei making and cultural workshops on board are led by a Hawaiian ambassador. How to do it A 10-night cruise-and-stay holiday to Hawaii, including a four-night hotel stay in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, a tour of Pearl Harbour and seven nights on NCL's Pride of America, visiting Oahu, Maui, Island of Hawaii and Kauai, costs from £4,795pp, departing September through November and including flights from London, Manchester or Glasgow with Bon Voyage (023 80 24 8248). Transatlantic Cross the Atlantic in style on a Cunard liner, watch abridged plays performed by actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company, pamper yourself at the Mareel Spa, perhaps try a new activity (fencing or yoga?) and then explore port towns and cities in New England. The 21-day trip includes overnights in New York and Boston and full days in Newport and Halifax. How to do it A Transatlantic Crossing, New England And Canada cruise costs from £3,639pp roundtrip from Southampton and departing on June 24, 2025 with Cunard (0344 338 8641). Great Lakes Explore the Great Lakes and more, during an extended cruise from Chicago to Halifax on the 230-passenger expedition ship, Hanseatic Inspiration. Highlights include Parry Sound, located within the Georgian Bay Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Forillon National Park (home to moose and bears), the French Canadian city of Montreal and car-free Mackinac Island, on the straits between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. How to do it A 17-night Great Lakes And St Lawrence River - Unlocking The American Dream cruise costs from £10,960pp departing on October 8, 2025 with Mundy Adventures (020 7399 7630). Excludes flights. US West Coast Sip and taste your way around vineyards in Sonoma County while soaking up the spring sunshine on a week-long cruise from San Diego to Victoria, in British Columbia. There's an excellent line-up of excursions from the ship, including dolphin watching of the Catalina coast, a visit to the redwood trail at Muir Woods near San Francisco and a scenic cycle along the historic waterfront in Astoria, in the state of Oregon. How to do it A seven-day Wine Country and Pacific Northwest Cruise costs from £734pp departing on April 4, 2026 with Holland America (0344 338 8607). Excludes flights. Canadian Maritimes This interesting itinerary on the National Geographic Explorer lingers in Canada's Maritime Provinces, with ample opportunity to spot cetaceans and wildlife. A cruise along the St Lawrence seaway to the fortified French Canadian jewel, Quebec City, is one of many highlights. There are visits to the ruggedly beautiful Côte-Nord region, the dunes, beaches and sandstone cliffs of the Îles de la Madeleine and the Saguenay River, where seals and porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can be seen at different times of the year. How to do it An 11-day Sailing the St Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes cruise, roundtrip from St John's in Newfoundland, costs from £10,232pp departing on September 2, 2026 with National Geographic Expeditions (0800 098 1496). Excludes flights to Canada Mississippi river This year marks the 190th anniversary of the birth of Mark Twain, the writer and steamboat pilot who brought the 2,340-mile long Ol' Muddy to life in his Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn novels. Viking's itinerary dips into America's French, Acadian and Cajun heritage and there are visits to music-infused Memphis and New Orleans at the beginning and end of the cruise. On board, guests enjoy views of the Lower Mississippi's lush wetlands, fertile farmlands and birdlife, from a luxurious balcony suite. How to do it A seven-night Mississippi Delta Explorer cruise from New Orleans to Memphis costs from £3,995pp including flights, beer, wine and soft drinks with on-board meals. Departs February 7, 2026 with Viking (0800 319 66 60). Great United States If you've got no time constraints and want to properly explore, this cruise and land holiday with American Cruise Lines visiting 15 states is hard to beat. It kicks off in Portland with a cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers and then heads south to the Mississippi, before switching to a small ocean ship for a cruise around the harbours of New England. In between there are visits to towns, cities and national parks including Yellowstone and Grand Teton and the cruise culminates in Boston. How to do it A 52-day Great United States Cruise costs from £39,500pp, including daily excursions, tips, Wi-Fi, domestic flights and hotels in between cruise segments, departing on May 29, 2025 (and May 29, 2026) with American Cruise Lines (001800 460 4518). Excludes international flights. The Gulf Coast Most cruise lines sail from Florida's cruise hubs to the Caribbean or the Bahamas, rather than exploring the state. This itinerary on the 130-passenger American Maverick features a visit to the mangrove forests at Marco Island, a tour of Hemingway's former home in Key West, and a day at the waterfront town of Punta Gorda. Founded in 1884, the town is located at the junction of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor and is known for its well-preserved Victorian homes. As you cruise around the turquoise waters of the Sunshine State keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins and sea turtles. How to do it A nine-night Florida Gulf Coast and Keys Cruise costs from £7,199pp, including flights, transfers and a pre-cruise hotel night, departing on January 9, 2026 with Fred Holidays (0800 988 3369)
