Alaska
The Last Frontier
The Bucket-List Destination - Alaska
Alaska is HUGE - in area AND in popularity. At 586,000 square miles, Alaska is the BIGGEST state in the USA, yet the third LEAST POPULATED with just 732,673 inhabitants (2021). Alaska has rightfully earned the reputation of being a wilderness - ‘The Last Frontier’ in fact - with just 160,000 acres of its 365 million acres colonized, representing a mere 40%. Planning a cruise to Alaska? Here is what you need to know.
Where is Alaska?
People often ask whether Alaska is part of the USA or Canada. Alaska is actually the largest and most northerly state of the USA, and one of only two not bordered by other US states. Alaska borders Canada to the east and is just 55 miles from Russia, separated only by the Bering Strait. In fact within the Bering Strait there are two islands known as the Diomede Islands - Little Diomede belonging to the USA, and Big Diomede which belongs to Russia - where the distance between both continents is a mere 2.4 miles. Interestingly because they are separated by the International Date Line, they are also 21 hours apart in time meaning they are often referred to as Tomorrow Island and Yesterday Isle.
The Geography of Alaska
Let’s be honest, no one goes to Alaska for the sun or the beaches. Alaska is all about the scenery and the wildlife, and both are spectacular.
Climate in Alaska
The climate is arctic in the north and sub-arctic in the south and temperate along the coastal regions, with average temperatures ranging from around -15.7° F (-26.5° C) in winter to around 36.4° F (2.4° C) in summer. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -79.8° F (-62° C) at Prospect Creek in January 1971, whilst the hottest temperature was recorded at 100° F (38° C) in Fort Yukon in June 1915.
Mountains of Alaska
Interesting Alaska fact: The United States bought Alaska from the Russians for $7.2 million in 1867, and the package of land included all ten of the USA's highest mountains. There are 3844 named mountains in Alaska. The highest of these is Denali (also known as Mount McKinley and Bolshaya Gora), with a summit elevation of 6190 m (20,310 ft). It is the highest mountain in the United States and North America. In fact, it is the third most prominent mountain in the world.
Rivers of Alaska
Alaska has more than 40% of the US surface water resources including over 12,000 rivers. The main river in Alaska is The Yukon, with other prominent rivers being Kuskokwim River, the Colville River, and the Copper River.
Alaska Glaciers
Glaciers - the raison d’etre for Alaska cruisers. Alaska has around 100,000 glaciers (approximately 664 of these are named) - in fact about three-quarters of all freshwater in the state is stored as glacial ice, with 5% of Alaska covered in ice all year. Glaciers are located throughout the Inside Passage, South-central Alaska’s coastal waters, and the high mountains of Interior Alaska.
What are Glaciers?
A glacier is formed when more snow falls than melts over a long period of years. It eventually compacts into ice, and becomes thick enough to begin to move, albeit usually imperceptibly. When you get up close, the glaciers seem alive with their distictive groans, creaks and shudders as they make their slow journey to the sea. If you are very lucky you might experience ‘White Thunder’, when huge pieces of icy glacier crash from into the saltwater (called calving by scientists).
Which is the Best Glacier in Alaska?
Most Alaska cruises will include at least one glacier experience. Glacier Bay is the most spectacular place to view glaciers as it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However only a few cruise lines are permitted to sail there. Others include College Fjord, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord. Excursions may include ‘flyseeing’ (a chance to fly over glaciers), a helicopter landing or glacier hiking.
Cruising Alaska
Your Questions Answered
What is the Best Month to go on an Alaska Cruise?
It is generally accepted that the best months to cruise Alaska is July and August due to warmer weather and longer daylight hours. However bargains can be had outside these months - and remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad choice of clothing.
How Much Does an Alaska Cruise Cost?
The cost of cruising Alaska is influenced by many things - the cruise line, your cabin/stateroom choice, then dates you choose and the itinerary to name just a few. The average cost of a 7-night Alaska cruise £2500 ($3000) per person, although you will find prices either side of this.
Which Cruise Line is Best for Alaska?
This is very subjective and it will depend on a variety of things such as itinerary, cost, dates, brand loyalty and much more. It is predominantly premium and luxury lines that cruise the region so you are quite spoilt for choice. It is best to explore each of their offerings before making a decision.
For more Alaska FAQs see my post Destination Alaska
Alaska is a bucket list cruise destination but there is a lot to take into consideration. I’ve done the research for my trip and share it here.