The Coen Compass

Swimsuit or Sweater: Alaska Adventure

Are you ready for your next cruise adventure? The excitement of packing that suitcase with all of your favorite cruise items and counting down the days until you sail away is always such fun. When you think of the ideal vacation on board a cruise boat, do you think swimsuit or sweater? My idea of a cruise has always been relaxing by the pool in my swim suit, oversized hat and my sunglasses while the warm sun shines down and the cool breeze blows by. However, I must admit that the thought of cruising to the beautiful state of Alaska has me ready to trade that swimsuit for my sweater and set out on my next adventure.

This beautiful cruise destination often referred to as “The Last Frontier” is filled with incredible glaciers that melt with the sound of thunder as they greet each guest who visits the Inside Passage. The natives of Alaska combined with the nature of this top cruise destination will be sure to give you an authentic vacation that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

I cannot help but to experience my faith on such a greater level when I start to see the beauty of the world around me. I think of just how God created all of this around us and we are so blessed to be able to enjoy it. There is certainly a difference between the beautiful clear waters of the Caribbean and the mountain peaks of Alaska but it shows that there is such depth to the creator of it all. Let’s set out on a new adventure and experience a new level of creation like never before.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Experience Exploration

Cruising to Alaska is not the only way to visit but in my opinion it is one of the best ways to see the most during your adventure. There are also vacation packages that offer rail travel as well as land excursions that allow you to experience even more beyond the shore. If you are considering planning a vacation here, then I would recommend a cruise with the possible option of adding rail or land adventure excursions along the way.

Alaska is not going to be the place where you find yourself in a lounge chair with the crashing of the ocean on the warm sand. This state is going to take nature to the next level. The mountain peaks and the crisp air of the Arctic tundra will captivate you and make it seem as though you have stepped right into a picturesque postcard.

The 5 Regions of Alaska

Alaska is considered the largest state in the United States – yes, even larger than Texas! The state is divided into 5 regions:

  1. Arctic Region – This region is located in the northern most part of the state. The cold brisk weather and the wildlife here are like no other. This is going to be where you find the northern lights.
  2. Inside Passage – The Inside Passage can be found in the Southeastern part of the state and is quite different in terms of temperature. In fact, there are even temperate rainforests found here. The glaciers are one of the most recognizable features of this region.
  3. Interior Region – The central interior of Alaska is going to be filled with high mountain peaks. This is where you will find the Denali National Park.
  4. Southcentral Region – The Southcentral region is going to be where you might find some beautiful beaches (Alaska style). The majority of the population lives here.
  5. Southwest Region – The Southwest region is well known for its fish and wildlife. The fishing industry here is important to the delicious food you will eat along the journey in this state.

Hows The Weather?

I want to start this out with saying that this vacation will indeed have days that you can refer to as “Sweater Weather”. The Summer in Alaska begins in May and lasts through September. This means that you will want to plan your vacation time during those months if you are wanting to go at the best time.

The temperatures can average around 70F and can even reach upward of 90F, however, you can expect most days to not rise above 65F. This means that when you are getting ready to plan your trip, you will want to include a variety in your wardrobe.

The weather is going to depend greatly on what time of the Summer that you want to visit. If you take your trip earlier in the Summer you will likely experience what it is like to take a dip in the swimming pool and it be warmed just like the hot tub. You will want to be sure to prepare for the chance of rain as well, so be sure to pack your favorite rain jacket.

Things To Do:

  • ATV & Ziplines
  • Hiking
  • Glacier Trekking
  • Skiing
  • Biking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Fishing
  • Whale Watching
  • Helicopter Rides
  • Dog Sledding
  • Train Adventure
  • And Much More!

Alaska will be sure to set you out on an adventure! There are so many different options for you when deciding on the excursion that best fits you. The variety in locations will be sure to give you a different adventure at each port. You might want to venture out on a fishing excursion for one option and then fly through the trees on a zipline for another.

If you are anything like Ty and I then your decision making just got a little more difficult because I would absolutely enjoy the thrill of going off road with an ATV while he would much rather set out on a whale watching adventure. I do have to say though that he does enjoy a little adventure because he always talks about how much he enjoyed taking a helicopter ride down onto the Mendenhall Glacier.

Regardless of the adventure that you decide on, you will be surrounded by such beauty every step of the way. I would recommend that you plan on booking a balcony room if at all possible for the days when you are cruising close to the shorelines and gliding past the glaciers, this will allow for you to be on constant wildlife watch.

Travel Options

There are a variety of cruise lines that travel to Alaska and because this is such a popular tourist destination, that means that there are so many great itineraries to choose from. There are large scale cruise ships that set sail as well as smaller exploring ships for a more unique experience of getting up close and personal.

Alaska has so many great options when you are trying to decide on which cruise line has the best itinerary for you and your family. I would be glad to work with you to plan your next Alaska Adventure. I have no doubt that you will have the experience of a lifetime. Get ready to travel with direction, and don’t forget to grab your sweater.

Be sure to check out my Cruise Benefits page for more details on planning your extraordinary experience. Setting sail on your next vacation is not just about finding the right cruise and getting on the ship, you deserve to have the right experience. You should always travel with direction. As your professional travel advisor, my role is to make sure that your experience is the best experience from start to finish. Let’s begin your planning today.

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