6 photo-worthy moments cruising Alaska

By Lauren Ferrone
Published: Thursday, December 14, 2017

From ice glaciers and snow-covered mountains, to forest walks and roaming wildlife, here are six moments to capture while cruising Alaska. Words: Brian Johnston

Scenery

There’s no denying Alaska is the world’s most scenic cruise destination. From mighty glaciers and snowy mountains on the horizon, to awe-inspiring forests and islands scattered along the coastline, there is jaw-dropping marvel at every turn. Icy Bay is particularly gob-smacking. It features one of America’s largest glaciers and its second-highest peak.

Activities

Away from the water, shore excursions make for the perfect time to get snap happy.

Kayaking takes you so close to seals and otters you won’t need to zoom in your lens to see their quivering whiskers. If you’re after some action shots, husky-sledding on Juneau Icefield is an amazing experience.

Heli-hiking, forest walks, salmon fishing, sailing and zip-lining are just a few other activities that allow you to capture awe-inspiring moments to relive back home.

Kayaking into a blue ice cave in Alaska.

Glaciers

Alaska is the only place where you can get close to massive glaciers with relative ease and see nature’s raw power in action. College Fjord flaunts eight glaciers on three sides of your cruise ship, supplying carved-off ice platforms for flopping seals.

Wildlife

You can spot Alaskan wildlife from your ship’s deck: killer whales stunning in black and white, humpbacks at play, soaring kittiwakes (no, they’re not ocean kittens, but birds that look similar to seagulls!)

On excursions offered by some ships, you’ll see bears, sea otters, sea lions and impressive moose with antlers like medieval battle-axes.

On the Chilkat River near Haines, bald eagles are so common they cluster in trees like Christmas decorations.

On some Alaskan excursions, you’ll see bears and other amazing wildlife.

History

Take home a piece of history with some snaps of the stunning architecture you’ll stumble across on shore excursions.

While you’re at Anchorage’s world-class museum, head along to one of many exhibits on Alaskan history and its oil industry.

Sitka, the former capital of Russian Alaska, is also a fascinating site to check out. It’s a port dominated by an onion-dome cathedral and Russian souvenir shops.

Culture

Alaska has 11 major native groups and, over the centuries, they’ve created a rich culture closely linked to the land and its wildlife.

Many cruises visit Hoonah, Alaska’s largest indigenous village. Or at the Alaskan Native Heritage Centre in Anchorage, there’s demonstrations of dance, music and craft making, making for precious moments to capture on camera.

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