Cruising gives you the opportunity to travel to destinations all across the world, whether you?re looking for a sunny day on a Caribbean beach or a chilly day cruising past glaciers in the Inside Passage. But admittedly, cruises can?t go everywhere - they?re limited to the ports they?re able to get to. And while there is plenty to see in Alaska along its coastal towns, there?s something unique about getting to explore the state?s mountainous interior where you?ll find adventure at some of the most famous national parks.

That?s why many cruise lines not only offer cruises to Alaska but also some of the best Alaska cruise and land tour packages. On these Alaska cruise tours, you not only get to travel to the state by cruise ship, getting to see scenery you can only see by cruise, but you also get to take a rail service through stunning landscapes to the heart of Alaska, spending nights lodged in the Alaskan wilderness or in a hotel in town.

Sure, you can end your cruise in Alaska and explore the state yourself, but there?s so much to see and do (as you?ll likely gather from looking up some of the best Alaska shore excursions) and it?s hard to differentiate between what?s worth the trek and what isn?t. The best Alaska cruise tours have done all the legwork for you - from the destinations you?ll travel to, to how you?ll get there, to where you?ll sleep at night. Instead of figuring out where to explore in Alaska, all you need to do is book additional Alaska cruise excursions through the cruise line or through our website.

Alaska cruise tours are offered by many of the major cruise lines, including Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. And while each cruise offers a unique experience from each other, we?ve gathered together this list of highlights you may get to experience on your land and sea Alaska cruise tour:

Wildlife Exploration Tours

One of the many things Alaska is famous for is its fascinating wildlife, including beluga whales, red foxes, grizzly bears, and more. Alaska cruise tours don?t skimp on the multitude of opportunities to view wildlife up close. From boat rides in Glacier Point that provide not only astounding views but also the opportunity to see mountain goats and sea lions, to hiking or kayaking tours through Chilkoot Lake State Park where you may find harbor seals, bald eagles, and brown bears, to cruises through the Kenai Fjords where you may catch a glimpse of horned puffins and a variety of whales, as long as you have your binoculars ready and know what to look for, you?ll likely get to witness Alaskan wildlife in action.

Educational Alaska Culture Tours

It?s not only wildlife that inhabits Alaska though; people have also learned how to make Alaska their home. Learn about the native cultures of the Last Frontier at the various museums and heritage centers throughout the state where you can find interesting artifacts and artwork, as well as learn about how the culture has preserved its traditions in today?s modern world.

Not only can you walk around museums but there are also interactive excursions where you can get a more in-depth glimpse into what life is like in Alaska; you may get to lead your own dog sledding team, learn how to prepare salmon, see the inside of an Alaskan home and more.

Alaskan culture doesn?t stop at the native people though; the Klondike Gold Rush brought many people to the state in the late 1800s. See what gold you can find when you learn about mining and test out panning for gold yourself at Gold Dredge No. 8.

Denali (also known as Mount McKinley), Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Alaska Rail Service

On an Alaska cruise and land tour package, the way to start exploring Alaska by land is to take a train inwards of the state. The train ride is more than just a mode of transportation though - it?s a relaxing and scenic experience as you pass by picturesque mountains, spruce trees, and glistening lakes.

While in route, many of the trains offer commentary as you pass by Alaska?s beautiful natural landscapes.

Several cruise lines offer their own rail service, such as Princess?s Direct-to-the-Wilderness? rail service which takes you directly from the cruise ship to Princess?s Wilderness Lodges.

Parks

If you love nature, then one of the biggest highlights of an Alaska cruise and land tour package is probably that you not only get to see glaciers, but you also get to travel inward of the state to spend time in the mountainous treasure that is Alaska?s national parks. The most popular of the parks is the six million acre Denali National Park (formerly known as Mount McKinley), with the tallest North American mountain peak (20,310 feet). Not only are the mountains a wondrous sight in Alaska though, so are the amount of wildlife present at the parks.

Glacier Tours

If you?re going to Alaska, you probably want to see ice with the state?s vast array of glaciers, icefields, and ice caves. Not only can you see glaciers from your cruise ship though, but you can also explore from a helicopter in the sky on a flightseeing excursion. Some of these flights will even land for you to take a walk, hike, or climb in these towering icy fields.

From May through September, you can find an array of Alaska cruise and land tour packages, all offering different experiences depending on when you go (such as the Northern Lights in the fall and late winter season vs. the Midnight Sun during the summer months), which cruise line you travel with, and which itinerary you select.

For help on selecting your next Alaska cruise tour, contact us today and our talented Alaska cruise travel agents will help you select the best Alaska cruise tour for you.

About iCruise Editorial Staff, Cruise & Travel Writer

Our in-house group of well-traveled cruise enthusiasts who love sharing their experience and knowledge with our clients. Maybe we'll see you on a cruise soon!