Act fast to save big on an Alaska cruise
Hard times for the economy may bring good news for travelers in 2009. The state’s cruise operators are discounting prices up to 40 percent from 2008 rates. The cruise lines bring roughly 1 million people to Alaska each year to marvel at the stunning scenery, glaciers and wildlife. And with prices at their lowest in recent memory, now is the perfect time to get onboard. Not sure where to get started?
With more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, exploring Alaska by cruise ship offers an exceptional view of Alaska’s abundant marine life and stunning scenery. The sailing season generally begins in late April and travelers can choose from the glacier waters of Prince William Sound, the famed Inside Passage, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay or even the Bering Sea and enjoy all the luxury and hassle-free experiences of a cruise vacation. Active shore excursions await at every port — from glacier trekking, coastal rainforest hikes, zip line adventures and bear viewing to more leisure activities such as shopping, wildlife tours or visiting one of many cultural museums and heritage sites.
The quintessential seven-day Alaska cruise begins in Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, and travels through the scenic Inside Passage ending in Seward or Whittier. Ships carve through the calm waters, which are guarded from rough seas by hundreds of islands and provide ample opportunities to view wildlife. Seven day itineraries are selling for as low as $499 plus taxes and fees – that’s only $71 dollars a day!
For more information on cruise companies that travel to Alaska, visit www.travelalaska.com/Activities/MultiDayCriuse.aspx.
