Alaska Cruise Advisor

Visitors to the towns along the Alaskan Inside Passage have long been impressed by the richness and complexity of the local Tlingit culture.  The Tlingit people are an indigenous group whose original territory encompassed large sections of coastal Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon.

The multifaceted culture and compelling artistic traditions of the Tlingit are, in fact, characteristic of indigenous groups in this area, where easy access to an abundance of natural resources enabled the development of complex cultural institutions.  In Tlingit culture, a strong emphasis is placed on both family relationships and wider kinship associations.  Individual Tlingit societies are, in fact, very much like large extended families.

Visitors to the island town of Ketchikan can experience remarkably talented Tlingit artisans at work at the Saxman Native Village, where daily Totem carving exhibitions are conducted by local artisans, including some of the most talented and renowned totem artists in the world.  Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, these artisans and their apprentices can be viewed sculpting not only poles but also canoes, paddles and intricate and colorful masks.

Additional examples of Tlingit artwork are on display at Totem Bight State Park and the Totem Heritage Center, both also a short drive from downtown Ketchikan.

Many will tell you that Glacier Bay is the must-see destination along the Inside Passage of southern Alaska, and it is, without a doubt, one of the most spectacular spots you will ever visit, with majestic peaks towering up to a mind-blowing 15,000 feet above sea level within just a few miles of the coastline.

But one spot you don’t hear much about is Misty Fjords National Monument, and this might just be the true gem of the entire Inside Passage.  Designated a National Monument by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, Misty Fjords is known as the “Yosemite of the North”.  Along the sides of the fjords are massive granite cliffs covered within lush vegetation.  Literally hundreds of waterfalls plunge down the cliffs and into the pristine waters of the bay below.  The beauty of the place defies description - the fjords have a mystical and almost otherworldly quality to them.

Large cruise ship travel into Misty Fjords is restricted, and therefore the best way to experience the place is via float plane excursions and small boat trips.  For a truly magical and even transformative experience, consider taking part in a guided cayaking trip through the fjords.  This is by far the best way to enjoy the solitude and quiet magnificence of  one of the most spectacular places in all of Alaska.

That’s right, 2010 Alaskan cruises are now on sale for all 6 major cruise lines operating in Alaska (Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival).  So if you’ve been wanting to see Alaska, now is the time to call your travel agent and book at the lowest possible prices!

In past years, cruises for the most popular summer months have book up weeks and even months in advance.  Thanks to the economic downturn, an unprecedented number of rooms in a wide number of cabin categories are available this year, meaning you have the chance to book the room of your choice for a deal that might have been unimaginable just a year or two ago.

Many people planning on taking an Alaskan cruise while visiting North America are unaware that Candian transit visas are often required on Alaskan cruises for foreign nationals.  As a rule of thumb, if you are required to have a tourist visa to visit Canada, then you will need to get a Canadian visa for an Alaska cruise - even if you are traveling round trip out of Seattle.

In fact, due to U.S. regulations, every cruise ship sailing from Seattle is required to stop at one foreign port on its itinerary.  Therefore, in addition to stops at the Alaskan cruise ports, most ships stop at either Victoria or Prince Rupert, B.C.  Even if you do not plan on getting off the ship in Canada, you will be required to obtain a Canadian visa prior to sailing.

Of course this is not applicable to U.S. and Canadian citizens, only to certain foreign nationals.  If you are unsure whether or not you need a visa, call the nearest Canadian consulate for assistance.