Feel the freedom when you cruise to Alaska whale watching.
You don't have to look hard to find wild, untamed beauty in Alaska. Even the sky dances when the Northern Lights come out to play, and each of the glaciers have their own personality. Witness the wonders of breaching whales at Kenai Fjords National Park, or play with brightly colored puffins as you explore the harmony of the Alaskan ecosystem. From the mighty caribou that meander on land at Denali National Park to the seals that own the ocean in Kuskokwim Bay, the web of life is a delicate balance here, and it plays out in front of your eyes. Cheer on your favorite dog sledding team, or take the family on a crabbing expedition in Ketchikan. No matter your choice of adventure, you'll be amazed by all that Alaska has to offer.
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WONDERS OF THE WILDERNESS
Wonders of the Wilderness Alaska's rugged landscape is rich with wildlife, and viewing opportunities abound for anyone willing to seek them out. Whether you go on a vigorous hike or float peacefully, your breath will be taken away with your vacation to enjoy the best of Alaska whale watching and wildlife experiences.
ORCA-STRATED BEAUTY
A breaching humpback hurls it's 66,000-pound body out of the water, only to crash back down again in a mighty splash. Spyhopping orcas stand vertically in the water, checking out the view above the surface. Whale-watching excursions from Kenai Fjords National Park, a quick five-minute car ride from the port at Seward, allow you to view these gentle giants against a glacial backdrop as they graze past your boat.
YOU'LL BE ENRAPTOR-ED
Often spotted hunting, circling high in the sky or perched in a tall evergreen, keeping watch over the area, the majestic bald eagle owns the Alaskan skies. Near the port of call at Sitka, tour the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured eagles and other raptors such as owls, hawks and falcons are rehabilitated. After watching raptors regain strength and practice survival skills in their Flight Training Center, you'll leave in awe of the wondrous wingspan and incredible intensity of these flyers.
SEAL OF APPROVAL
As you approach the massive glaciers, watch the distant icebergs for small dark specks. Seals haul out on the ice to rest, often leaving their young unattended on the frozen surface. Head to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward for an up-close view of these adorable, agile creatures.
Best Alaska Wildlife
A cruise to Alaska is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Alaska wildlife and whale watching onboard the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Sail inside the calm waterway between sheltering islands and the mainland of Alaska and Canada known as the Inside Passage. Stunning wilderness and abundant wildlife combine with an occasional whale splash for an unforgettable adventure.
ALL ABOARD THE WILDERNESS EXPRESS
Combine the Alaska cruise with a train adventure aboard the Wilderness Express, Royal Caribbean's luxurious, domed-topped rail car designed for optimal viewing of the breathtaking scenery. Be on the lookout for Denali, North America's tallest peak that rises from Denali National Park. This mountain, Alaska's crown jewel, is studded with beautiful wildflowers, lakes, rivers, peaks and majestic wildlife that you don't want to miss.
WHAT TO KNOW
BEFORE YOU GO
Alaska Cruises Insider
In Alaska, where moose graze next to massive mountains, there's no shortage of wild adventure. The Tongass National Forest is the nation's largest forest, and its flora and fauna come alive amongst the glaciers, fjords and Coast Mountain peaks that it encompasses. Caribou and brown bears peek through veils of mist under the towering canopy of trees, and eagles fly through the treetops. Whether you reach the forest by trail, boat or floatplane, be sure to trek along the many hiking paths that wind throughout the area.
In early summer, the midnight sun illuminates the landscape throughout the night. The Northern Lights are less predictable, ribbons of color dancing across the sky to their own rhythm. If you arrive in Alaska at the right time of year, don't miss this spellbinding display.
Bring your camera, because there are sure to be some priceless moments during your animal encounter, but try to live in the moment as well. This is especially true for any primate encounters — mischievous monkeys have been known to steal easily accessible belongings from their human cousins.
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Mosquitoes are common in Alaska, so pack bug repellent, and be sure to keep it handy on shore excursions.
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Prepare to dress in layers, including a hat and rain jacket, because the temperatures in Alaska can change quickly throughout the day.
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Tours will involve walking over many different types of terrain, so bring good walking shoes that provide adequate support.
RELATED PORTS
Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Wherever you step on, will be the best wildlife experience of your life.
