2015 Travel Trends - Alaska Cruises Named as Top U.S. Destination

2015 Travel Trends - Alaska Cruises Named as Top U.S. Destination

Travel Leaders Group “2015 Travel Trends Survey”: Alaska Cruises Named as Top U.S. “Destination” for 2015

Strong Europe interest is led by London and European river cruises; “up-and-coming” destinations include Cuba; and vacation spending will increase.

(December 18, 2014) – Today, Travel Leaders Group unveiled the 2015 results of its authoritative annual Travel Trends Survey.  Based on the findings, there is a major shake-up among the most popular U.S. destinations heading into the New Year – the rugged and untamed beauty of Alaska, enjoyed via cruising, has dethroned Las Vegas and stands at #1 in an extremely tight contest that also includes Orlando, Maui, and New York City.  The single, hottest destination trend in travel last year – European river cruising – jumps up another spot in 2015 to #4 on the Top International Destinations list, just behind Caribbean cruising, Cancun (Mexico) and London, respectively. This year’s survey results also reveal that 96.5% of travel agents surveyed state client spending will be the same or higher in the coming year and 85% of agents indicate that 2015 bookings are on par or greater than this time one year ago.
Below are some of the top findings from this year’s Travel Leaders Group Travel Trends Survey including: top international and domestic destinations, “up and coming” destinations, travel spending data, and more.
Top Destinations: U.S. and International Based on Actual 2015 Bookings:
The following lists display the top domestic and international destinations for 2015, along with rankings from the 2014 survey conducted one year ago (agents were asked to name up to five top destinations they’re already booking for 2015):

Rank	2015 Top Domestic Destinations	2015%	Rank '14
1	CRUISE – Alaska	33.56%	4
2	Orlando, FL	33.22%	2
3	Maui, HI	32.55%	3
4	New York City, NY	32.13%	5
5	Las Vegas, NV	29.61%	1
6	Honolulu, HI	20.97%	6
7	San Francisco, CA	16.36%	7
8	Chicago, IL	15.44%	11
9	Los Angeles, CA	15.18%	10
10	Washington, D.C.	12.67%	12 (tie)

Rank	2015 Top International Destinations	2015%	Rank '14
1	CRUISE – Caribbean	37.5%	1
2	Cancun, Mexico	31.8%	2
3	London, England	27.6%	6
4	CRUISE – Europe (River)	25.1%	5
5	Rome, Italy	21.3%	4
6	CRUISE – Europe (Mediterranean)	20.6%	3
7	Paris, France	19.0%	8
8	Punta Cana, Dominican Republic	15.7%	7
9	Montego Bay, Jamaica	13.5%	10
10	Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Mexico	11.0%	9

Travel Spending in 2015:
Based on bookings-to-date for 2015 and conversations with clients, 96.5% of Travel Leaders Group agents surveyed say clients will spend the same or more on travel in 2015. That is up over the responses for 2014 (94.0%), 2013 (92.2%) and 2012 (91.3%).

	2015	2014	2013
Spending MORE per trip than the previous year	53.2%	52.6%	53.1%
Spending THE SAME per trip as the previous year	43.3%	41.4%	39.1%
Spending LESS per trip than the previous year	3.5%	6.0%	7.8%

Top “Up and Coming” International Destinations:
When asked for their expert findings, Travel Leaders Group agents nationally indicate the following as the “up and coming” international destinations within Europe, the Pacific, Africa, Asia/Southeast Asia and Central/South America.

• Europe “Up and Coming”: Croatia (25.2%), Greek Islands (21.0%), Iceland (17.8%), Czech Republic (10.3%), Portugal (8.8%). Last year the top up and coming destinations in this category were: Croatia, Iceland, Turkey, Czech Republic and Portugal, respectively. 
• Pacific “Up and Coming”:  New Zealand (30.4%), Bora Bora (11.3%), Tahiti (11.3%), Fiji (9.8%), and Bali (7.2%). Last year, the top up and coming destinations in this category were: New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Bora Bora, and Australia – Queensland.  It should also be noted that if Australia wasn’t broken out by state, it would be second behind New Zealand with 20.7%.
• Africa “Up and Coming”:  South Africa (41.0%), Kenya (11.2%), Morocco (10.6%), Seychelles (9.1%), and Tanzania (9.0%). Previously, there was no category for up and coming destinations in Africa, so Seychelles was grouped into Asia/Southeast Asia. In 2015, Morocco will be the host destinations for the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Destination Expo.
• Asia/Southeast Asia “Up and Coming”: Vietnam (27.5%), Thailand (22.8%), Burma/Myanmar (11.2%), Maldives (9.3%), Cambodia (5.2%), and Philippines (5.2%). Last year, the top up and coming destinations in this category were: Vietnam, Burma/Myanmar, Maldives, Seychelles, and Indonesia.
• Central/South America “Up and Coming”: Costa Rica (30.5%), Peru (11.2%), Ecuador and Galapagos Islands (10.2%), Cuba (9.4%), and Belize (7.9%).  Licensed American travelers currently have the limited ability to visit Cuba as part of a “people to people” educational exchange.  With the announcement on December 17, 2014, that the U.S. is normalizing relations with Cuba and reducing travel limitations, pent up demand and more ways for U.S. citizens to immerse themselves in Cuba’s history and culture will continue to boost Cuba’s placement among Travel Leaders Group’s “up and coming” destinations. Last year, the list, in order, was Peru, Brazil, Panama, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands, and Argentina.

Travel Leaders Group is one of North America’s largest travel companies – encompassing nearly one-third of all travel agents – and generated gross travel sales of approximately $20 billion in 2013. Travel Leaders Group is a leader in both the retail travel agency space and corporate travel, and it consistently ranks as one of the top travel companies nationwide.

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For more information about Alaska Cruises & Cruise Tours visit: www.alaskacruisesdirect.com

 

Alaska - Denali National Park - The Great One

Alaska - Denali National Park - The Great One Denali National Park and Preserve by Raye & Marty Trencher

The towering granite spires and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve straddles 160 miles of the Alaska Range and display so much elevation they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this skyline is North America's highest peak; Mount McKinley standing tall at 20,320 feet and one of the most amazing sights in Alaska.
But it's not just the mountain that makes Denali National Park a special place. The park is also home to 37 species of mammals, ranging from lynx, marmots and Dall sheep, to foxes and snowshoe hares, while 130 different bird species have been spotted here, including the impressive golden eagle. Most visitors, however, want to see four animals in particular: moose, caribou, wolf and everybody's favorite: the brown, or grizzly, bear. Here at Denali, unlike most wilderness areas in the country, you don't have to be a backpacker to see this wildlife - people who never sleep in a tent have excellent once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to get a close look at these magnificent creatures roaming free in their natural habitat.
Not surprisingly then, visitors come here in droves; the park is a popular place, attracting 432,000 visitors annually. Over the years the National Park Service (NPS) has developed unique visitor-management strategies, including closing its only road to most vehicles. As a result Denali National Park is still the great wilderness it was 20 years ago. The entrance has changed, but the park itself hasn't, and a brown bear meandering on a tundra ridge still provides the same quiet thrill as it did when the park first opened in 1917.
Although generations of Athabascans had wandered through what is now the park, the first permanent settlement was established in 1905, when a gold miners' rush gave birth to the town of Kantishna. A year later, naturalist and noted hunter Charles Sheldon was stunned by the beauty of the land and horrified at the reckless abandon of the miners and big-game hunters. Sheldon returned in 1907 and traveled the area with guide Harry Karstens in an effort to set up boundaries for a proposed national park. Sheldon was successful as the area was established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917 with Karstens serving as the park's first superintendent. As a result of the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the park was enlarged to more than 6 million acres and renamed Denali National Park and Preserve. Denali now comprises an area slightly larger than the state of Massachusetts and is generally ranked as one of Alaska's top attractions.

Facilities
Denali is reached at Mile 237 of the George Parks and at its entrance area is Riley Creek Campground, the Alaska Railroad station, the Denali Visitor Center, the interesting Murie Science and Learning Center and Wilderness Access Center (WAC), which serves as the park's transport hub and campground-reservation center. From the entrance the 92-mile Park Road heads west through the heart of Denali, passing Eielson Visitor Center and five backcountry campgrounds including Wonder Lake Campground where on a clear day campers enjoy a reflection of Mount McKinley on the mirrored surface of the lake. The road ends at the old mining settlement of Kantishna, now the site of several wilderness lodges. Visitors with vehicles can only drive to a parking area along the Savage River at Mile 14 of the Park Road. The rest of the Denali is reached by the park's wonderful shuttle bus system. Buses begin leaving the WAC at 5:30 a.m. with many making the run out to Wonder Lake, providing one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Alaska. Day hikers can get off the bus anywhere along the Park Road and at the end of their trek can flag down any bus for a ride back to the park entrance. Campers have their own bus.
For many visitors Denali is the opportunity to escape into the backcountry for a truly Alaskan experience. Thanks to Denali's rigid restrictions and permits, backpackers can trek and camp in a slice of the wilderness all their own, even if it's just for a few days. The park has few trails; most hiking is cross-country over open terrain such as gravel river beds and tundra ridges.
Other activities at Denali or just outside of it include sled dog demonstration, even during the summer, rafting the Nenana River, mountain biking on the Park Road and flight seeing. In Talkeetna the National Park Service maintains its Mountaineering Ranger Station (907-733-2231) for climbers from around the world who arrive to scale North America's highest peak. In the winter activities include dog mushing, cross-country skiing, snow machining and Northern Lights viewing.
Fees
Denali has entrance fee, charged either per person or per vehicle, and is good for seven days. Camping, shuttle bus transportation and mountaineering permits require additional fees.
Accessibility
Denali is accessible by car on the George Parks Highway or via the Alaska Railroad from either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Gateway communities to the park are Healy, Cantwell and Talkeetna. In summer a variety of private bus and van services and the railroad operate daily from Anchorage and Fairbanks.

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Alaska is great for kids
Located in Alaska’s Interior, Denali National Park and Preserve is easily accessible via road, rail or chartered airplane. Once visitors arrive at the expansive park – it’s larger than Massachusetts – they’ll face a host of options, including many tailored for children.
 
The Denali Visitor Center is stocked with kid-friendly exhibits and is also a great access point for some of the park’s short and scenic hiking trails. At the visitor center, travelers can also hop on the park’s free shuttles. One goes to the sled dog demonstration, a 30-minute program that features a tour of the park’s husky kennels and a chance to see the dogs pull a musher. Another shuttle takes riders to the Savage River, a perfect starting point for a wildlife-spotting hike on Savage River Loop or a chance to take in the view of Savage Rock.
 
The Denali National Park & Preserve Junior Ranger Program helps children learn about wilderness, wildlife and national parks and is designed as a collaborative project for parents and children. To get started, visitors stop by the Denali Visitor Center, Toklat Contact Station, Murie Science and Learning Center or Talkeetna Ranger Station and pick up a free activity guide designed for children ages 4-8 or 9-14. After completing activities that include lessons on safety and wildlife, children turn in their books and are awarded Junior Ranger badges. The National Park Service also has online Junior Ranger programs and 50 games to help kids learn about national parks.
 
If your kid has an affinity for dinosaurs, they’ll be excited to hear prehistoric creatures once roamed Denali. The dinosaurs left behind fossilized footprints that can still be observed, especially in an area of the park known as the Cantwell Formation. Denali was home to several different types of dinosaurs: meat-eating theropods, beaked ceratopsians, flying pterosaurs and duck-billed hadrosaurs. A fun activity guide gives kids an overview of the dinosaurs and has quizzes about their footprints and behaviors.
 
The park is also home to the Murie Science and Learning Center, a facility focused on research and education. The center is open all year and features adult programs such as research fellowships, teacher trainings and field seminars along with a range of options for families with children. Families can pick up free discovery packs, which are stocked with tools and activities to guide learning experiences around the park. By special arrangement, groups can take guided excursions into the park or short hikes with hands-on learning.

 

Wilderness Lodges in and around Denali National Park

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge You haven't fully experienced Alaska unless you've been to Denali National Park. Its boundaries encompass an amazing six million acres — the size of the state of Massachusetts. Home to Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak towering an unbelievable 20,320 feet in the sky, the Park hosts an array of wildlife — from moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears to gray wolves and red foxes. Located only one mile from the Park's entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is the premium riverside accommodation in the area. An expansive deck overlooks Denali National Park and the Nenana River — the ideal spot to relax, visit with friends and savor the exquisite landscape. Featured Photos & Video   Denali's Finest Lodging Each of our hotel guest rooms is comfortably appointed with two double beds, two queen beds or one king bed, television and telephone -- just in case you want to catch up with the outside world. Outdoor hot tubs afford commanding views of the Park and Nenana River while you relax and indulge in a soothing soak. Princess' premier accomodations far outshine average Alaska hotels!   A Variety Of Dining Choices Dining is always a treat at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy spirits, appetizers and casual fare on the river view deck or inside at the Base Camp Bistro. Try King Salmon Restaurant for delicious, Alaskan cuisine and panoramic views. Or, hang with the locals at Lynx Creek Pizza and Pub and indulge in a huge pizza and pint of our very own Denali Red micro brew.   For those who are on the go, we have Rapids Morning Express and River Run Espresso offering espresso and coffee, cinnamon rolls and a variety of grab and go items. And be sure to experience the Music of Denali -- a dinner theatre featuring a hearty Alaskan meal and a rollicking musical comedy that recounts the first ascent of Mt. McKinley. No Alaska lodge experience is complete without some authentic cuisine and entertainment. Wildlife, Adventure, And Much More Part of the allure of Denali National Park is that you never know what you might see. Princess professionals at the Tour Desk are available to arrange a tour into the Park for a glimpse of its impressive ecosystem -- ask for the Tundra Wilderness Tour or Natural History Tour. Or perhaps you'd like to go river rafting, learn about the sport of sled dog racing from Iditarod® musher Jeff King or take a flight via airplane or helicopter for a unique perspective of this immense wilderness preserve. We also provide shuttle service hourly from 7 am to 7 pm between the lodge and the Denali National Park Visitors Center, the Wilderness Access Center and Horseshoe Lake for $10 roundtrip per person. After a day of adventure, return to your cozy wilderness lodge for some peaceful Alaska sleep.   Princess Cruisetours feature Alaska Rail Princess Cruisetours feature Rail Travel that combines the thrill of traveling aboard luxurious rail cars with one or more nights at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, just one mile from the restricted entrance to Denali National Park. Sit back and relax as you journey through Alaska's scenic wilderness on your way to the lodge. Riding the rails allows you to relax and truly see the Great Land, while we take care of the logistics. Use our tour selector to find and book a Princess Alaska Cruisetour. Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Mile 238 5 George Parks Hwy Denali National Park, AK Phone: 907-683-2282

Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge From the moment you arrive at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge in Denali State Park, you know you're somewhere special. Located south of the National Park near the Chulitna River, this Alaska lodge is a true wilderness retreat with a host of recreational activities, exceptional amenities and awesome views of Mt. McKinley. Plan a day trip into Talkeenta on our daily shuttle service for only  $10 roundtrip or relax on the deck at the lodge after a walk on one of our many hiking trails. Our premiere wilderness lodge has it all! Featured Photos & Video     Relax in Style This comfy Alaska lodge invites the ultimate relaxation experience. Each of the guest rooms is nestled peacefully on a hillside in this wilderness getaway. Relax in comfort and style in rooms with two double beds, lofty, nine-foot ceilings with fans, a sitting area, a television and telephones. Unmatched Views In the main lodge there's a room so spectacular we've named it “The Great Room.” An irresistible haven with an impressive stone fireplace, The Great Room features cozy sitting areas, tables for card and board games, and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range — with one of the most inspirational views of the mountain found anywhere. Your Alaska lodge experience isn't complete until you've gazed on this scenic expanse! Outdoor Adventures Experience the serene surroundings from the comfort of your wilderness lodge or venture outdoors to explore. To assist you, we have a Tour Desk staffed with Princess Hosts who are available to help you get an insider's look at this special part of Alaska. A variety of exciting outdoor adventures await you including fishing tours, river rafting, a jetboat safari and even a thrilling flight that takes you to the base of Mt. McKinley. Signature Alaskan Cuisine Anytime you visit a Princess Alaska Lodge, you're sure to sample outstanding cuisine in remarkable settings. The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge carries on that tradition with a dining experience for every taste. Enjoy delicious cuisine and panoramic views in the Mountain View Restaurant or 20,320 Alaskan Grill named for the height of Mt. McKinley. Or, choose appetizers and your favorite refreshment in the Grizzly Bar or while relaxing on the outdoor deck. Princess Rail Tours Princess Cruisetours feature Alaska Rail Princess Cruisetours feature Rail Travel that combines the thrill of traveling aboard luxurious railcars with one or more nights at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, featuring incredible Mt. McKinley views. Sit back and relax as you journey through Alaska's scenic wilderness on your way to the lodge. Riding the rails allows you to relax and truly see the Great Land, while we take care of the logistics. Use our tour selector to find and book a Princess Alaska Cruisetour. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge Mile Post 133 Parks Hwy Denali National Park, AK Phone: 907-733-2900

Need Help Finding Your Way Cruising Alaska?

Welcome to a summertime adventure with an ocean-inspired cruise and an exhilarating land tour of Alaska.

Alaska...where summertime memories last forever.

From the latest cruise news to planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know about Princess Alaska and Alaska cruises and cruise tours can be found here.

Plus, read the comments and cruise reviews of cruise travelers like you, and professional travel writers.  Our blog offers the definitive Alaska cruise guide. A must read, before you plan your next Alaska cruise...read about exciting locales in Destination Alaska Uncovered...or read about readers favorite Alaska cruise ships.

Need Help Finding Your Way?

At our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog  we provide intelligent recommendations and Information from Certified Alaska Cruise & Cruisetour Experts and Online Travel Guides. Representing the next generation of experience and know-how to help you plan the perfect Alaskan Cruise vacation.

Cruising in Alaska is all about inspiration and lasting memories. And our job is to help travelers like you navigate your way through all the choices, and options available before you set off -and, crucially, by acting as a reference point when planning your trip, helping you find your way.

Then, we provide intelligent recommendations and reviews, thus limiting the amount of confusing and contradictory information you may have before you.

In essence, it's all about helping people like you make the most of an unfamiliar place. Meeting travelers’ differing needs.

You visit the mega sites, those that sell everything from car rentals to cruises and have huge telemarketing call centers,  if you want a one-size-fits-all impersonal approach. You visit us if you want to take advantage of our years of Alaskan travel experience (i.e. from people you can trust) and know-how to help you plan the perfect Alaskan Cruise vacation.

We believe when consumers have access to quality information and reviews they find their journeys enriched by the shared experiences of many others, whether checking on the easiest way to reach Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley, or finding the unexpected side to Ketchikan, a popular Alaska destination.

So, fire away. Ask all the questions you want. We're here to help. Just give us a call at 800.365.1445. The call is free. The advice is free.

We provide objectivity and a level of experience that crowd-sourced companies find difficult to match. What we offer many consumers is what they want most: credible and trustworthy advice, period.

Why Make Your Plans With Certified Alaska Travel Specialist?
Choosing the Alaska cruise experience that's right for you...That's what makes the difference

Say Alaska and a variety of images and impressions come to mind: towering mountains, watchable wildlife, icy blue glaciers, endless wilderness, vibrant Native culture, leaping salmon, hardy outdoors; America's last frontier.

Often, visiting Alaska has as much to do with what people may feel as with what they will see. There is a mystique that surrounds Alaska. To some it represents a dream, a trip of a life time, a life altering event, a chance to reach out and touch something inside themselves that is wild and beautiful like they imagine Alaska to be. Our job is to put that dream - or as much as possible of it - within reach of you.

Take your time and explore our Blog. Then, give us a call. Our staff is ready to share their expertise with you. Ask all your questions, find out all the details.

Thanks for visiting our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog and we hope to see you in Alaska.. very soon!

Raye & Marty Trencher

The "Deadliest Catch" excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaskan Cruise Destinations

 

Fans of the Discovery Channel's hit series "Deadliest Catch" will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when their Alaskan cruise stops in Ketchikan, as they'll have the chance to board one of the vessels that was actually used on the show.
The Aleutian Ballad was featured on the second season of the show, which certainly lived up to its title. The crew was in danger several times over the course of the season, most notably when they were nearly capsized by a 60-foot rogue wave.
Those who book this excursion won't be in any danger, however. The Ballad now sticks to much calmer waters, and has been refitted to accommodate up to 150 leisure passengers.
Still, despite the safety precautions, you'll see all the action of the television show unfold right on the boat. The crew members will send out nets in order to catch crabs, squid, prawns and more.
These aren't paid actors either - all the crew members on the Ballad are real-life crabbers who have been to some of the most far-flung places on Earth and come back with a bountiful haul.
The ship will also sail toward the beautiful Annette Island, where you'll have a chance to see some rare creatures, like whales, bald eagles, sea lions and more.

ALASKA: A destination that should be at the top of every cruise enthusiasts bucket list

Alaska - The Last Cruise Frontier   A destination that should be at the top of every cruise enthusiasts bucket list

by Chris Dikmen

Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. And, for those of you fortunate enough to have visited the 49th state, you know why. The scenery is breathtaking and the wildlife awe-inspiring. Alaska is one of the "must see" destinations in the world, and there is no  better way to see it than by cruise ship.   Hike the Tongass National Forest The cruise industry in Alaska has grown steadily over the past 20 years. The number of people visiting Alaska by cruise ship rivals the total number  who arrive by air! And, when you consider that many who arrive by air are  probably doing so to board a cruise ship, the impact of the cruise industry  on the Alaska economy is pretty clear.   Rent a Harley and go for a guided two-wheel tour in Ketchikan, Alaska   What makes Alaska such a great cruise destination? Take your pick! Abundant wildlife, amazing scenery, an unspoiled environment, and  much more. Simply put, there is no place on Earth like Alaska.

"Animals outnumber people in Alaska, sunlight shines at midnight and nature reigns," says Marty Trencher, Managing Director of Alaska Cruises Direct. Beyond Alaska's breathtaking glaciers lie scenic ports of call, treasured national parks, and abundant wildlife. And, with more than 1,400 miles north to south and 2,400 miles east to west, it's truly a land of epic proportions."

Marty Trencher

A humpback whale breaching within 100 yards of our ship!

As journalists for CruiseReport.com, we have been to Alaska five times

 in the past eight years, and each time we see something new and different.

We have been on large ships with 2,500 guests and small ships with as few as 65 people. There are more than a dozen cruise lines operating in Alaska and all of them have something special to offer.

Alaska is awash with "so many possibilities, so many ways to travel," Trencher says, that any vacation "requires research, research and more research," he advises.

The larger ships offer a host of amenities, dining options, entertainment and "the excitement of crowds, which is impossible on smaller vessels," Trencher notes. On the other hand, "small ships go places where big ships can't. They get closer to the glaciers and the wildlife," he adds.
 

Holland America Oosterdam in Alaska
 

Keep in mind, too, that you're not really seeing Alaska unless you step off the ship and get up close and personal with the wilderness. Here the possibilities seem endless.

Most cruise ships not only sail Alaska's Inside Passage, featuring sailing in either Glacier Bay or Sawyer Glacier, but also visit quaint ports teeming with people (although many of those people will be cruise passengers pouring off of cruise ships) such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Wrangell and Skagway, and lesser known stops like Petersburg. Essentially, these ports are gateways to snow-capped mountains and glacier-riddled bays and to wilderness adventures that include whale watching, bear sighting, and bald eagle spotting.
 

Kayaking the calm waters of Alaska's Inside Passage on Innersea Discoveries

Depending on the cruise line, the itinerary and the shore excursions you choose, you also can explore any one of 14 national parks and wilderness areas, including Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Klondike (Skagway), Wrangell-St. Elias and Sitka national parks, plus the Klondike Historic Site (Dawson City), Yukon Charley National Preserve, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge.

Enjoy a glass of wine in a field of icebergs!
 

To capitalize on the majesty of the state, many lines also offer cruisetours which let you augment your cruise with a land stay. Holland America, for instance, offers vacation packages combining 3- or 4-night cruises with 6-, 8-, or 9-day land tours. In all, Holland America has 29 distinct cruisetours ranging from 10 to 20 days and Princess offers 24 ranging from 10 to 16 days. Celebrity, Regent and Royal Caribbean also offer escorted land tours, according to Trencher.

Per Trencher, the most unusual shore excursions are fishing off a float plane from Ketchikan or Juneau, river rafting on the Haines or Skeena Rivers, a backcountry safari and a visit to Denali Park, dog sledding without snow and on wheels in Whittier, and heli hiking, where passengers are flown by helicopter to a mountain top around Mt. McKinley and then hike down.
 

Take a train ride and re-live the days of the gold rush!
 

The list doesn't end there, however. You can trek glaciers, take a mile-long zipline-canopy tour at Icy Strait Point, Klondike rock climb or rappel in Skagway, canoe or kayak almost anywhere, and even go underwater in semi-submersibles. In Campbell River, Regent passengers can accompany an authentic Alaskan mail floatplane making deliveries.

There is a downside to popularity, however. Because of the state's allure, Trencher warns, "There are no huge bargains in Alaska like there are in the Caribbean."

"Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and high priced," he says. On average a 13-day cruise tour in a balcony cabin on a larger ship will run around $2,400 per person without airfare on the season's shoulders (May or September) and about $3,600 in peak season.

 

Split pea soup on the deck in Alaska is a Holland America tradition
 

But book early and some deals emerge. For example, Norwegian sails three ships (Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sun) at published fares ranging in the $800 to $1,500 range (per person), based on double occupancy, for an inside stateroom. Prices drop dramatically if you book early and range from $599 to $699 for lower category accommodations. An early booking special from Holland America will take you on a 7-day Glacier Discovery cruise for $549. Carnival's 7-day Glacier Bay cruises start at $879.
 

Killer whales! Oh yeah, Alaska's got those, too!
 

Of course, luxury comes at a price. Step up the gangway on Regent's Seven Seas Mariner and you'll lighten your wallet by $4,000 to $16,000 for 7-, 8- or 11-day cruises sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, B.C.

In our opinion, Alaska is one of the must-see cruise destinations that should be at the top of any cruise enthusiast's "bucket list". If your cruise experience has been restricted to the Caribbean, or the typically warmer climates, you simply don't know what you are missing. After all, they call this "The Last Frontier" for a reason.

Special thanks to Marty Trencher, Managing Director of Alaska Cruises Direct, part of Cruise Direct Online (www.AlaskaCruisesDirect.com)

Source: Cruisereport.com

All About Raye & Marty Trencher

All About Raye & Marty Trencher

Raye & I are a husband and wife team with more than 30 years experience cruising the world. Our mission is plain and simple. We started our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog ( http://princessalaskacruises.blogspot.com/ ) so we could provide real-life accounts and expert advice about Alaska, not just a flood of information.
We literarily have cruised "round the world", sailing thousands of nautical miles, visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, sampling itineraries and critiquing shore excursions. We've been to Alaska. We know the lay of the land sort of speak. And now through our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog ( http://princessalaskacruises.blogspot.com/ ) we hope to pass on that knowledge and information to you.

Our advice offers the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc....plus we'll point out where to get group rates ( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts.

At  our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog you will find information about your dining choices. Advise about tipping; packing for Alaska; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, proper immigration documentations and much more.

At our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog you will find information of value to seniors, families, singles, couples and groups. Plus some "behind the scenes" and 'Know Before You Go" information about Alaska not found elsewhere. We also will tell you how to avoid travel scams and common travel mistakes, and share our insights on the latest cruise news about Alaska and how it affects your vacation planning.

After browsing our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog, we hope you will feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first cruise to Alaska or simply seeking a new adventure. After all, we know that each time you cruise, you will meet new people, make new friends and learn new things as you cruise around the World.

Choosing the Alaska cruise that's right for you--that the premise behind our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog and our service promise to you.







Questions? Just call us at 800.365.1445

What's an Alaska Certified Cruise Expert?

What's an Alaska Certified Expert?

Now that you're ready to visit Alaska, let an Alaska Certified Cruise Expert help you plan your trip of a lifetime! Individual travel agents are certified by the Alaska Travel Industry Association. They are real experts about Alaska's geography, history, culture, climate and seasons, celebrations and special events, and travel to and within the state. They are able to provide trip planning assistance and information about local transportation, attractions, accommodations, dining and entertainment, and shopping for all five regions of Alaska, including the Far North, Fairbanks and the Interior, Anchorage and South Central Alaska, Southwest Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, and cruising the Inside Passage.
The definition of a specialist is one who concentrates on a particular activity or product. When you specialize in a particular area of the travel industry, over time you to develop a reputation as the expert in your area of specialization. As an example, we specializes in Alaska cruises and cruise tours. After specializing in this area for over 10 years, we now receive many calls from people who state they were told to contact us by friends, business associates or relatives because we were the one's who could help them plan that special once-in-a- lifetime Alaskan experience

The best of Alaska with knowledge and certified expert advice from people who've been there.

No one knows Alaska like we do. From planning to packing, from discount rates to departure dates, everything you need to know about Alaska and Alaska cruises and cruise tours.

"Raye & Marty Trencher are recognized as the experts for Alaska cruise and cruisetour vacations."

We provide a personalized travel experience. We match travelers with relevant, cruises and cruisetours designed to provide a quality travel experience. Here is how it works....

You fill out a comprehensive form to best describe the cruise or cruisetour you want. Depending on the clarity of your needs, an Alaska cruise expert may get back to you by phone or e-mail. We then find matches and notify you by e-mail what's on offer.

Depending on your needs, a Personalized Cruise Planner, manually prepared by experts, will include itineraries, detailed pricing, places to visit, shore excursions to take, and destination information.

You can compare and refine your Personalized Cruise Planner with one of our Alaska Cruises Direct Experts at no charge.

When you are ready ( there is no pressure to decide ) you can book the cruise or cruisetour with us, receive a great price and pay the cruise line directly. We assist you with the overall process, from reserving, payments, to ticketing, and complete support. We are with you every step of the way!

After you have returned from your cruise or cruisetour, share your feedback in the form of an unbiased, unedited Cruise Review with our community.

We're a cruise travel community built specifically for cruise travel to Alaska.

Our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog is also a community of cruise travelers. Our Alaska cruise advisors, with their expert knowledge, are part of the community together with you. Share your adventure, help each other out with first-hand experiences and cruise reviews, recommend the best places to go. Cruises are a passion which we can all benefit from each other's tried-and-true experiences. With that in mind, we've built in a blog that you can participate in.

Our Community and Values.
Our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog community is one in which travelers seek the best in quality, authenticity, and value. We strive to deliver it.

More About Us.
Fair and Impartial Advice. Choosing the right cruise experience for you is our number one priority.

Speaking of Experience. We have sailed on most of the popular ships to many of the world's most interesting ports of call, so we give you recommendations from first-hand knowledge and experience.

Our Princess Alaska Cruise News  and Cruise Deals Blog, Cruise Traveler Magazine; are a service of Travel Direct Corporation, representing all major cruise lines and is a certified member of several consumer and travel trade organizations. Management and staff have over 30 years experience in travel.

Each of us is a cruise vacation professional. We're a valuable resource of first hand knowledge coupled with contagious enthusiasm for our work, here to help you plan the perfect cruise vacation. You'll find we're just like you, sharing one common dream, the dream of cruising and the spirit of the sea. Call today and let us plan your most memorable vacation experience ever.

At our retail location: Alaska Cruises Direct we provide the highest possible level of support and service to our clients. We work hard to get you the lowest price possible, on any cruise line.

Your ALASKA Cruise Travel Advisor
Every staff member is an experienced cruiser. And all of us are involved in
positively outrageous guest service. We provide expert advice, not just a flood of information.
To insure your every want and need is met, our staff continually attend seminars
at sea, taking classes and learning everything there is to know about the cruise industry.

Our people travel "round the world", visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go on cruises, sample and critique shore excursions... They are constantly communicating, learning and passing on that knowledge and information to you.

• They understand your needs
• They give you good solid advice you can count on.
• They are knowledgeable of what's on offer.
• They are able to get you exceptional value for your cruise
• Your Cruise Travel Advisor once engaged when you book a cruise with us
• May be able to offer you group rates( without joining a group! ), free upgrades, shipboard credits and other amenities or discounts. We receive daily faxes from the cruise lines offering special promotions so be sure to ask if there are any special offers available.
• Will offer the best possible cruise options based on your lifestyle, interests, budget, travel experience, etc.
• Will review the proper immigration/passport/birth certificate documentation necessary for your cruise.
• Arrange any special needs -- such as a handicap-designed stateroom, or a special diet.
• Inform you of your dining choices and ask if you prefer early or late seating , or "freestyle" dining where you can dine with whom you want, when you want... and arrange for any special occasions you might be celebrating like a birthday or anniversary.
• Explain the importance of travel insurance to cover the unexpected such as trip delays, missed cruise connections and lost or delayed baggage.
• Give you General Information materials that cover over 18 "Things to Know Before You Go".
• Point out your stateroom on the deck plan ( select deck plans available online ).
• Inform you when final payment is due and the deadline to request air deviations and arrange pre-or-post cruise land packages.
• Advise you about tipping; packing; clothing; flights and schedule options; shore excursions, etc.

"We want you to feel confident- and excited- about the choices you have, no matter if this is your first ALASKA cruise or simply seeking a new adventure. We'll help you choose the ALASKA cruise that's right for you--whether you're traveling alone, with children, or with a group of relatives or friends."