Want a cruise that allows you to observe whales, eagles and bears in their natural habitat. A cruise that will allow you to witness some of the most stunning, naturally formed ice landmarks in the world? Look no further than an Alaska cruise, where you'll witness sites and landmarks like nowhere you've ever visited before.

If you’ve traversed the Norwegian Fjords and experienced the bewildering scenic beauty they have to offer then an Alaska cruise is perfect for you. The best time to experience this wonderful, icy corner of the world is between April and September. Providers such as: Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises can take you there and GoCruise can help tailor make the perfect cruise for you.

With so much to see, you’ll want to ensure you secure a balcony room to be able to witness everything these calm waters have to offer. We take a closer look at some of the best destinations and highlights you can expect to witness on board an Alaska cruise.

Juneau

The capital city of Alaska is perfect for those who love animals. There’s a strong possibility you will be able to witness whales in the waters surrounding Juneau and maybe even the Humpback whale, as well as seals and sea lions. Journey to Mendenhall Glacier, a short distance away from Juneau, where the huge 1.5 mile wide glacier will amaze you. A number of trails will allow you to witness bears, often with their cubs, hunting red salmon – presenting unbelievable photo opportunities. Juneau is also home to Mount Roberts – where a short tram ride will provide stunning views over the capital and inside passage.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay National Park forms a home for a variety of wildlife including wolves, moose, grizzly and brown bears, black tail deer and lynx. The massive glaciers here have retreated considerably over the last 200 years or so but still provide for wonderful views today. This national park is also great for exploring whilst kayaking.

Sitka

Sitka was originally founded by Russia in 1799 and soon became the original capital of Alaska. In 1867, however, Alaska was sold by Russia to America and lost its capital status to Juneau. Today, Sitka offers great views over the Pacific Ocean and surrounding natural beauty. The dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, towers over Sitka and dominates the views to the west. The Alaska Raptor Centre allows visitors to witness a wonderful selection of birds including: eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Many birds are restored to health at the centre, which has become an integral feature in sustaining the local wildlife.

Hubbard Glacier

This beautifully blue sheet of ice is the largest and most active tidewater glacier in on the Alaskan coast, measuring 300ft high from sea level and 6 miles wide. It is sure to be one of the scenic highlights of your cruise through Alaska and the wonderful sound created by chunks of ice falling into the bay will leave you mesmerised.

Skagway

Alaska has a history of panning for gold and Skagway in particular was the gateway to the 1898 Yukon Gold Rush. Thousands have been here previously and attempted to find nuggets of the precious yellow metal. Here you can try panning for gold yourself whilst learning about the history of the practice. Additionally, travel along the White Pass and Yukon Rail Route which was used by miners to transport miners from Skagway to the gold. It was fully in service until the late 1980s but only a small portion remains open today.

Ketchikan

The rainforest hive of Alaska thrives in Ketchikan and will provide lush green views that contrast to most of the Alaskan coastline. Follow a nature trail through this beautiful area before admiring the ancestral home of the Tlingit people, who carved the world’s largest collection of totem poles. This area boasts much in the way of Native American history and once you've finished immersing yourself in the history of Ketchikan, be sure to indulge in some of the freshest seafood in the world.

This is literally the tip of the iceberg with Alaska and there is so more to see on an Alaska cruise including: Tracy Arm Fjord; Denali National Park; Icy Strait Point; and locations outside Alaska such as Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco. Different cruises offer different itineraries and can stop at many alternative destinations but at GoCruise we will find the perfect cruise for you.