Vancouver
Vancouver is an amazing destination in its own right, but it’s also a great base for exploring multiple areas of Canada. It’s where a lot of Alaskan cruise itineraries set off from (unless they are travelling up from the USA, but even then they still tend to stop in Vancouver) and offers the opportunity to add-on a Rocky Mountaineer excursion or hop on board the VIA Canadian route (that takes you all the way to Toronto!).
Juneau
Fun fact: the capital of Alaska can only be reached by air or boat with no external roads entering the city so it’s only natural that it has become a popular cruise port. A scenic mountain town, it is an outdoor adventurer’s nirvana that is also rich in history, art, music and native heritage.
Anchorage
Anchorage is the gateway to Alaska. While wandering the streets of this traditional city, you’ll be able to stand wide-eyed at glaciers, pass a moose on the sidewalk, and hear Native Alaskan languages dancing off your ears. Bigger than Alaska’s capital, spend your time in port taking part in a wide range of activities such as kayaking, hiking, dog sledging and river rafting.
Icy Strait
Welcome to Alaska's purpose-built cruise destination. It is owned by Huna Totem Corporation, which is overseen by 1,350 Alaskan Natives with aboriginal ties to Hoonah and the Glacier Bay area! Popular excursions include searching for coastal brown bears on the nearby Spasski River and whale watching at Point Adolphus feeding area.
Ketchikan
Along the striking Inside Passage, you'll find the Alaskan community of Ketchikan. Throughout the town, you'll find a display of traditional Native American totem poles, then nearby you'll find the stunning Misty Fiords National Monument, which is home to snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and rich wildlife including black bears, wolves and bald eagles.
Kodiak
Known as the Emerald Isle of Alaska, Kodiak is one of the state's major fishing hubs so be prepared to dine on some of the best seafood you've ever tasted. Aside from fishing and dining, you can also experience the history of the native Alutiiq people. Animals native to the area include bears, moose and bald eagles.
Seward
Perched on the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. It is also the gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park, where you'll awe in amazement at the fjords and breaching whales.
Sitka
Some history for you: Alaska once belonged to Russia and the town of Sitka was its capital. While Sitka and the rest of Alaska now firmly lie in the hands of the United States, you can still feel the Russian influence along its streets. St. Michael's Cathedral and the Russian Bishop's House are the two primary examples of Russian-architecture in the town, with the former boasting an onion-domed roof.
Skagway
When you step foot in Skagway it will feel like you've been transported back to Alaska's gold rush era. Old-style saloon bars line the streets - with many of them dating back to the late 19th Century - where you can stop by historic cemeteries and fascinating museums.
Whittier
You'd be forgiven if you haven't heard of Whittier, but you've probably heard of Prince Edward Sound. Traditionally Seward is the gateway to the glacial-filled park, but some cruise lines are opting to dock in the quieter Whittier port. It's also a historic military town and was a strategic defence during World War 2. When you enter the town you'll do so via The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel!