Click these links for my descriptions of the best two pre/post cruise adventures (they are not included on this web page):

Denali National Park
Goldstar Dome train

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Other major
pre- and post-cruise
destinations

Aleutian Islands
Arctic Circle
Katmai National Park & Preserve
Kenai National Park
Kodiak Island
Seattle or Vancouver
Talkeetna
Wrangell National Park
Yukon

I briefly describe each below.

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Aleutian Islands

There are over 300 Aleutian islands curving westward for about 1,900 kilometers (1200 miles) towards Russia. Unalaska is the most visited.

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Arctic Circle

See wildlife and the isolated northern Alaska landscape. If the local weather cooperates, you won't see the sun dip below the horizon during the course of a 24-hour day during the last half of June.

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Katmai National Park & Preserve

Katmai is known for its volcanoes and prehistoric sites.

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Kenai National Park

Its peaks and fjords are photogenic - and the wildlife spotting opportunities score good marks. So does river and lake sports fishing. Seward is the gateway city.

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Kodiak Island

This remote destination is famous for its sizeable bear population - and for wildlife in general.

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Seattle or Vancouver

Seattle and Vancouver offer far more than being starting and ending ports for Alaska cruises. They have exciting cityscapes and personalities that are fun to explore.

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Talkeetna

This former frontier, now tourism-focused town, is almost halfway between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Weather permitting, you can see Mt. McKinley.

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Wrangell National Park

This is America's largest national park. And it has the continent's second highest peak (after McKinley) as well as numerous grand glaciers.

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Yukon

You cross the Canadian border to visit this historic gold-rush territory.

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Best cruise ships by category
Best 4 Alaska cruise ports to visit
Best shore excursions - overview
Helicopter tours - Ranks #1
Floatplane tours - Ranks #2
Best 3 Juneau shore excursions
Best 3 Ketchikan shore excursions
Best 3 Sitka shore excursions
Best 3 Skagway shore excursions
Denali National Park
Goldstar Dome railroad ride
More pre- and post-cruise options

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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Alaska Cruise Association

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Explore my
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and other travel guides
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©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com