Dreaming about Alaska?
Have you ever thought, “I really want to see Alaska… but I have no idea where to start. Should I book a cruise, a land tour, or both?”
You’re not alone.
Alaska is one of those big, beautiful “bucket list” destinations that’s easy to dream about and a little overwhelming to plan. Should you focus on glaciers or mountains? Whales or wilderness lodges? Trains or cruise ships?
In this post, I’m going to walk you through what a real Alaska cruisetour can look like—based on my own recent trip—so you can start to picture whether this style of vacation is right for you and your family.
👉 Want to see it all in action?
You can watch the full trip breakdown on YouTube here: [WATCH THE ALASKA CRUISETOUR VIDEO]
Why Alaska Really Does Earn Its “Bucket List” Status
Some destinations get hyped up and then feel… a little underwhelming when you finally get there.
In my opinion, Alaska isn’t one of those.
In Alaska, the landscapes are supersized:
- Massive snow-capped mountains on the horizon
- Glaciers slowly sliding into the sea
- Whales, sea lions, and bald eagles right off your balcony
- Quiet moments where the sky glows soft pink over Denali and everything feels very, very still
For many of our clients, the “sweet spot” is a cruisetour with Princess that combines:
- A classic Inside Passage cruise, and
- Several days on land in places like Denali National Park and Mt McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
It’s the best of both worlds: the comfort and convenience of a cruise and the wide-open wildness of Alaska’s interior.
What Is a Cruisetour, Exactly?
A cruisetour is a cruise + land package bundled together into one seamless itinerary.
Instead of just flying into your embarkation port, hopping on a ship, and flying home afterward, a cruisetour adds:
- Nights at wilderness lodges
- Guided touring days in the interior (like Denali)
- Rail travel or motorcoach travel between destinations
You still enjoy all the things people love about cruising—unpacking once, great food, entertainment, and ocean scenery—but you also get deeper into Alaska’s national parks and smaller towns.
For many first-time visitors, it’s the most complete way to experience Alaska without having to DIY every detail.
Starting on Land: Denali and Alaska’s Interior
Let’s begin on land, up in Denali—home to North America’s tallest peak and some truly incredible wildlife.
Getting to Denali
From Anchorage, you can reach Denali by:
- Rental car, if you like flexibility and roadside photo stops, or
- The iconic Alaska Railroad in a domed railcar, which gives you wide-open views of rivers, forests, and mountain ranges as you travel
The rail journey isn’t just transportation—it feels like a sightseeing tour all by itself.
What to Expect in Denali National Park
Denali is all about big landscapes and wild animals. This is where you might spot:
- Grizzly bears
- Moose
- Caribou
- Dall sheep
- A whole variety of birdlife
And if the weather cooperates, you just might catch a glimpse of Denali’s summit. It’s important to know that the mountain is often hidden by clouds which is why we treat a clear view as a special bonus, not a guarantee.
Because private cars are only allowed a short distance into the park, we always recommend one of the park bus tours. There are two main types:
- Guided tour: Narrated, structured, and great if you like learning history, geology, and wildlife facts as you go.
- Transit / hop-on, hop-off style bus: More flexible for hikers and photographers who want to get on and off at different stops, yet still get fun facts about the park from your driver.
We help our clients choose the option that best fits their travel style.
Surprisingly, there aren’t as many formal trails in Denali as you might expect, and much of the park is truly wild. If you plan to wander off the road and bushwhack, bear safety (including bear spray) is a must.
A Highlight for Families: The Sled Dogs
One of our favorite experiences for families is visiting the park’s working sled dogs.
This experience allows you to:
- Meet the dogs up close
- Learn how they help rangers patrol and care for the park in the winter
- Watch a demonstration of the dogs pulling a wheeled sled
It’s an absolute hit with kids, parents, and grandparents alike—and a reminder that Alaska is a place where dogs still play an important, practical role in everyday life.
Princess Wilderness Lodges: Two Very Different Vibes
One of the perks of choosing a Princess cruisetour is staying in their own wilderness lodges, which feel like cozy national park resorts.
Two popular options are:
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
- Feels more remote and serene than the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
- Surrounded by forest and big, it offers sweeping views (on clear days) toward Denali
- Perfect if you want that “tucked-away in the wilderness” feeling
On my last trip, I stayed here for a couple of nights. I actually ended up in an accessible room because my trip came together a little more quickly than we usually plan for clients—but the room was just what I needed: comfortable, quiet, simple, and a welcome retreat after a long day exploring.
The beauty of staying here is that you feel like you are truly in Alaska, not in a generic big-city hotel. You step outside and immediately remember: you’re in the middle of something wild.
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
- Feels more like a busy resort village
- Located just outside the main park entrance
- More options for dining and entertainment on property and nearby
- Easy access to shops, restaurants, and activities
This is a great choice if you like having more going on around you in the evenings—some travelers love the energy and convenience.
From Interior to Ocean: Rail to Whittier & Boarding the Ship
After your interior adventures, it’s time to head toward the coast.
Most cruisetours will include a rail journey down to Whittier to meet your ship. Traveling by domed railcar lets you watch the scenery shift from interior forests and mountains to dramatic coastal landscapes.
On my trip, I sailed on the Majestic Princess. Specific ships can vary by season, but this will give you a feel for what a Princess ship is like in Alaska.
What stood out:
- Plenty of indoor viewing spaces for glacier and wildlife watching, even on chilly or rainy days
- Great dining options with something for every taste
- Enough activities on sea days—without feeling chaotic or overwhelming
Despite the cooler, wetter climate, if your budget allows, I always recommend booking a balcony stateroom for Alaska.
You wake up, pull on a sweatshirt over your pajamas, step outside onto your private balcony with a cup of coffee or cocoa… and watch mountains, waterfalls, and maybe even whales glide by. When you get cold, you’re one step from your warm cabin.
It’s a small upgrade that often becomes one of the most cherished parts of the trip.
Sample Cruise Highlights: Glaciers, Whales & Salmon
Every cruise itinerary is a little different, but here’s a look at some common and beloved stops on a typical Princess Alaska cruisetour:
Glacier Bay: A Day with the Ice
If your itinerary includes Glacier Bay, it will likely become a cherished highlight.
Your ship will spend the day slowly cruising through the bay, past massive tidewater glaciers. You might hear the deep rumble of ice calving into the water, and as an added bonus, park rangers often come aboard to share stories, science, and history.
When you approach a Marjorie Glacier, you don’t have to worry about being on the wrong side of the ship, as the captain will slowly spin the ship several times giving each side ample time to view the majesty of the glacier.
It’s definitely one of those days where you want a camera in one hand and a warm drink in the other.
Icy Strait Point: Whale Watching Paradise
Icy Strait Point is a fantastic port to join a whale watching excursion.
Here, you might see:
- Humpback whales
- Orcas
- Sea lions
- Bald eagles soaring overhead
It’s an incredible way to experience Alaska’s marine life up close. I highly recommend the biggest zoom you can afford to bring to get amazing close-ups of these amazing creatures.
You can also choose to do a Halibut fishing excursion here as well.
Juneau: Kayaking & a Classic Salmon Bake
In Juneau, many of our clients love to combine:
- Kayaking—either near Mendenhall glacier or along the coastline, depending on the chosen tour
- Whale watching- another great option if you don’t do this excursion in Icy Strait Point
- A traditional salmon bake, where fresh salmon is grilled over an open fire in a beautiful outdoor setting
It’s that perfect mix of adventure and local flavor.
Ketchikan: Watching the Salmon Run
Ketchikan is often known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
During the salmon run, you can often see thousands of fish making their way upstream right in town. It’s fascinating to watch—and the local shops, totem poles and Alaska native tours, crab fishing expeditions, and rainforest hikes round out the experience.
Life Onboard: Evenings Done for You
One of the big advantages of a cruisetour is that, after full days of exploring, you don’t have to plan your evenings.
Onboard you’ll find:
- Big production shows
- Live music in various lounges
- Trivia and game shows
- Comedians and specialty acts
- Quiet spaces to read, chat, or just watch the scenery go by
Families can stick together or split up based on interest—everyone can find something they enjoy, and you all return to the same home base at the end of the night.
3 Quick Tips for Planning Your Alaska Cruisetour
We share a lot of detailed advice with our clients, but here are three big tips to keep in mind:
1. Book Early for the Best Options
Alaska is popular—especially in summer and for multigenerational trips.
Booking early gives you:
- Better choices for dates and itineraries
- More balcony stateroom options
- A higher chance of securing those must-do excursions like whale watching or certain glacier experiences
2. Let the Pros Handle the Logistics
One of the big perks of a cruisetour is how seamlessly your luggage and transportation are handled between lodges, rail, and ship.
When we plan your trip, we extend that same ease to:
- Flights
- Itinerary, ship, & room selection
- Pre- or post-cruise nights
- Transfers
- Excursion timing
- Travel insurance
- Group coordination
When you book with us, you’re not trying to coordinate everything on your own from different websites and suppliers.
3. Pack for “All Four Seasons” in One Day
Alaskan weather can change quickly, so it’s all about layers:
- A moisture-wicking base layer
- A cozy mid-layer (like a fleece or light sweater)
- A waterproof outer layer
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- Hat and gloves for glacier viewing days
You might start the day in a light jacket and end it bundled up on the deck watching a glacier—being prepared makes it much more enjoyable.
Is an Alaska Cruisetour Right for You?
If you’re feeling that mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re in exactly the right place.
A cruisetour might be a great fit if you:
- Want to see both Alaska’s interior and its coastline
- Prefer having logistics handled for you
- Are traveling with multiple generations and need a good balance of comfort and adventure
- Love the idea of unpacking once and letting someone else handle the moving pieces
At Dream Travel By Design, we help you:
- Decide between cruise or land-only and cruisetour
- Choose the right itinerary, ship, and stateroom
- Match excursions to your interests, activity level, and budget
- Build in the downtime and special touches that turn a trip into a memory
Ready to Start Dreaming Up Your Alaska Adventure?
If Alaska is on your list—even if you’re not sure when (Alaska starts filling up 1-2 years in advance or more!)—now is a great time to start the conversation.
👉 Want to explore your options?
You can [schedule a complimentary consultation] or simply reach out and say, “I’m curious about Alaska,” and we’ll take it from there.
And again, if you’d love to see what a cruisetour looks like day by day…
🎥 Watch the full Alaska Cruisetour video here:
[WATCH THE ALASKA CRUISETOUR VIDEO]
Keep traveling and making memories,
Jeff (and Kate)
Dream Travel By Design
