'The Great Land' from a Southwest Alaska Cruise

Native Alaskans call their home "The Great Land." Every year, more travelers from the lower 48 and around the world discover why. Southwest Alaska cruises  can introduce you to some of the most beautiful areas of this, the 49th state, from wildlife refuges, to active volcanoes, to gentle grasslands. Learn more about this unforgettable cruise vacation here.

Kodiak

Kodiak, for example, is a large island that was the capital of Alaska when it was still owned by the Russians. Traces of the Russian heritage in the people and their customs can still be seen in this community. A wildlife refuge covers two-thirds of Kodiak Island. The island is the namesake of the Kodiak bear besides being Alaska's busiest fishing port.

Katmai National Park

The Katmai National Park and Preserve on King Salmon grants access to premiere points for wildlife viewing. Also a volcanically active area, the last eruption of the Novarupta volcano in 1912 covered the area with hundreds of feet of ash and debris. Since then, streams have carved the landscape, creating stunning gorges and ravines. This combination of beautiful scenery and wildlife makes King Salmon a popular stop for many Alaska cruise lines.

Bristol Bay No Alaska travel plans would be complete without a stop at historic Bristol Bay, an Eskimo trading center since the 1800's. This is the place to purchase Eskimo carvings, view native Alaskan dances and experience a blend of Indian cultures.

Options for Southwest Alaska Cruises

The Southwest area of Alaska is not on the main routes of the major cruise lines. That means you are likely to have a more relaxed and less crowded vacation. If you are interested in taking a Southwest Alaska cruise vacation, you have three major options for your Alaska travel: a small cruise ship, a yacht charter or the Alaska Ferry.

Small cruise lines and yachts give you personalized attention during your Alaska travels, and a real taste of the good life. Travel with a few hundred other passengers, or enjoy the solitude by chartering your own private cruise. Small cruise lines and yachts offer top-rate accommodations and have the flexibility to maneuver around narrow straits and waterways to give you a rare, up-close view of Alaska's beauty.

The Alaska Ferry is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel. You can choose between booking a private cabin for your cruise vacation and sleeping underneath the stars in a tent on deck. You can even bring a car on board, letting you explore the various ports on your Southwest Alaska cruise at your leisure.

The most temperate months in the Southwest are from June through August. This is the time when most cruise lines run and most tourist attractions, including the Alaska Ferry, are available. Plan for these months to get the most impact out of your cruise vacation in Alaska. If you want to extend to include the Southeast cruise and want to go toward the end of the summer, add it on after your Southwest cruise. ...