6 things about Alaska you won't forget

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.

2. The things to do

Getting off the boat for an excursion on an Alaskan cruise is a genuine adventure. Take your camera.

Kayaking takes you so close to seals and otters you won’t need to zoom in your lens to see their quivering whiskers while husky-sledding on Juneau Icefield is, as travel experiences go, pretty next level.

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

3. Glaciers, glaciers, 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. The glaciers here, with their deep blues, bright whites and gobsmacking size, are legendary – Alaska is home to more than 100,000 rivers of ice. 

4. Abundant 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.

5. Rich indigenous culture

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

Like many indigenous history, they’ve been impacted by colonisation and modernisation, but they’ve held on to their many cultures and traditions, continuing to hunt and fish and live in more than 200 traditional villages in Alaska.

Many cruises visit Hoonah, Alaska’s largest indigenous village. 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.

6. Flourishing culture

Although most think of natural scenery in Alaska, it’s built environment is just as impressive, with stunning buildings that interact with the natural beauty of the region through to the very unique - like Santa Claus House or the Ice Museum.

The Anchorage Museum is one of the notable buildings, so while you are there, check out 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.