Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Strike gold in Skagway, Alaska

Strike gold in Skagway, Alaska

Looking for a golden addition to your Alaskan cruise? Than be sure to disembark in Skagway - a charming town that transports visitors back to the days of the Yukon gold rush.
Travelers who visit Skagway will certainly be getting a unique experience. Frommer's claims that Skagway "may be the best-preserved gold-rush town in the United States." And the famous guide may just be right.
That's because the National Park Service has taken special care to ensure that Skagway remains around for all to enjoy. The government agency has bought 15 of the town's historic buildings and restored them so that they appear as they did during the height of the gold rush. Travelers can head down the "Broadway" area to see a visual representation of what life was like for budding prospectors way back when.
Of course, travelers on a cruise have a few special opportunities as well. Kids might enjoy learning how to pan for gold or visiting the nearby gold fields. Or perhaps the entire family would like to try out a real dogsled ride.
There are also shore excursions to the nearby Klondike Summit, as well as expeditions out into the Yukon to see what real gold seekers faced when they came here all those years ago. 

Lumberjacks and totem poles in Ketchikan, Alaska

Lumberjacks and totem poles in Ketchikan, Alaska

An Alaskan cruise is all about exploration, and travelers who are lucky enough to stop off in Ketchikan, Alaska, will have a chance to catch a unique glimpse into a variety of alternate cultures.
A trip to Totem Bight Park is in order for any traveler interested in learning about the history of the native people who called this area home. Visitors will learn all about the Tlingit and Haida cultures as they view beautiful and intricately-carved totem poles. The poles aren't the only sight to see here, however, as the park also offers guests an opportunity to view a native dance and explore replicas of clan houses.
Travelers might get a culture shock of a different kind when they visit the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Named one of the "Top 10 Things to do in Alaska" by the Travel Channel, these talented athletes put on multiple shows per day that display their unique skills and talents. Lumberjacks compete in activities like log rolling, axe throwing, chopping and even climbing a 50-foot tree. All the while, travelers will be regaled with stories of actual lumberjacks and learn more about the culture that surrounds this profession.
Perhaps the best part about Ketchikan is that travelers don't have to choose between these two cultures - they're conveniently packaged together for those interested in both.

Strike gold in Skagway, Alaska

Looking for a golden addition to your Alaskan cruise? Than be sure to disembark in Skagway - a charming town that transports visitors back to the days of the Yukon gold rush.
Travelers who visit Skagway will certainly be getting a unique experience. Frommer's claims that Skagway "may be the best-preserved gold-rush town in the United States." And the famous guide may just be right.
That's because the National Park Service has taken special care to ensure that Skagway remains around for all to enjoy. The government agency has bought 15 of the town's historic buildings and restored them so that they appear as they did during the height of the gold rush. Travelers can head down the "Broadway" area to see a visual representation of what life was like for budding prospectors way back when.
Of course, travelers on a cruise have a few special opportunities as well. Kids might enjoy learning how to pan for gold or visiting the nearby gold fields. Or perhaps the entire family would like to try out a real dogsled ride.
There are also shore excursions to the nearby Klondike Summit, as well as expeditions out into the Yukon to see what real gold seekers faced when they came here all those years ago.