Guest Author - Aaron Kirley

Ahh, the smell of clean air, the pristine landscape, and the wildest of wildlife. That is the essence of an Alaskan cruise and this article should help you put your best foot forward when you begin planning your first Alaskan cruise!

Many Alaskan cruises feature what you’d expect from a cruise along with beautiful glaciers, wildlife and amazing hiking excursions. A variety of cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises. I especially recommend Holland Americas Golf of Alaska itineraries. With Holland America you’ll experience the essence of Alaska with the elegance that the Holland America cruise line has become known for. These week plus vacations take you along the golf shore up the Alaskan Inside Passage so that you can witness frontier towns first hand. You’ll visit glaciers of ice streaming down from the snow capped mountains of Alaska’s southern coast and you’ll stop in ports which may include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Holland America has been conduction Alaskan cruises for over 57 years and they have the unmatched experience cruising the Alaskan waters.

Holland America’s five star fleet has three majestic ships named the Statendam, Ryndam, and the Volendam. Each ship’s state of the art design is tailored specifically for viewing the outdoors; staterooms are outfitted with large viewing windows and decks, common areas feature massive viewing lounges and wrap-around teak decks for observing the Alaskan wilderness and traveling in comfort and style. Holland America offers smaller ships with larger state rooms and higher crew to guest ratios then you’ll find on the large commercial cruise lines. Ab+oard Holland America you can expect fine dining, dazzling entertainment and luxurious accommodations. Broadway quality shows and five star dining are both available on board the Holland America Alaskan cruses. If it’s relaxation that you desire, you’ll find spas capable of pampering your every need aboard these three luxurious ships. The world class service features attentive and gracious service with your comfort and safety being top of mind at every turn.

While at port the options abound you’ll have the opportunity to learn, experience, and play. Whether you’re interested in sport fishing in the Yukon River or visiting the capital of Totem Pole carving in the port of Ketchikan, there will always be a variety of excursions that will allow you to experience the Alaskan culture first hand. From Homer to Kulane, take your time to see the natural wonders of the great land of the Yukon.