'Yearning for Alaska during these 'Dog' Days of summer

Sea With Me

If these dog days of summer have you yearning for a cruise vacation where summer temperatures are cool, then Alaska is the derstination. The Alaska cruise season lasts from May through September, and the cruises are seven to 12 days in length. Alaska experiences long hours of daylight during summer, lasting up to 23 hours a day in June.

Generally, Alaskan cruises are divided into two types: Inside Passage cruises and Gulf of Alaska cruises. The Inside Passage has been the traditional way to cruise Alaska. This 1,000-mile long seaway is a photographer's paradise. Calm, rotected waters lay host to sea lions,m sea otters and migrating whales, and beaches and coves provide sanctuaries for moose, deer and bears. Bald eagles soar the skies overhead. Gulf of Alaska cruises cover more territory as they travel from Vancouver through the Inside Passage and up to Seward/Anchorage (or the reverse). Airfare for a Gulf of Alaska cruise is generally more expensive because Anchorage is so far north.

Today's tip: Because in most cases you'll need to fly a long distance to reach your port of departure, I suggest that you arrive at the port city at least one or two days in advance of your cruise. This will give yhou time to rest and get oriented before boarding the ship. Most cruise lines offer pre-cruise hotel packages.

Let's go!