Alaskan ADVENTURES
On a two-in-one sea and land adventure, you’ll see all that America’s last frontier has to offer, says David Wickers
Acruise along the coast of Alaska, often considered America’s last frontier, weaving among the islands of the fabled Inside Passage, is an unbeatable way to experience an amazing showcase of natural wonders, a world barely changed since the beginning of time.
Highlights of Alaskan cruises are likely to include Glacier Bay, a 70-mile deep fjord with 15 glaciers often ‘calving’ close to the ship’s beam. Look out for eagles, seals, whales, sea lions, porpoises, moose and bears in their natural habitats.
Aside from a gently moving canvas of natural marvels, ports of call usually include Sitka, the former Russian capital of America; Juneau, the state capital with its bustling waterfront atmosphere; Skagway, gateway to the Klondike gold fields; and Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world. Excursions and adventures, from helicopter flights to whitewater rafting, are also available.
With more than 70 years of experience in Alaskan travel, Holland America Line’s ships are truly unique: they feature artworks and antiques that would not look out of place in a national gallery, have teak promenade decks, and offer excellent food in several restaurants. In between ports of call, you can acquire new skills in the Culinary Arts Centres.
You can also combine a Holland America cruise with an escorted tour. Titan’s 18-day Deluxe Alaskan Voyage is a two-in-one, land-and-sea discovery tour, which also includes travelling into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You’ll cruise aboard either the MS Nieuw Amsterdam or MS Koningsdam, two of Holland America Line’s fleet of 14 mid-size ships, which will carry you, in sumptuous five-star comfort, on one of the planet’s most scenically stunning voyages.
Before stepping on board your ship, you’ll visit the mountain town of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper National Park, and enjoy two scenic journeys. The first is a drive along the Icefields Parkway, which parallels a range of rugged peaks and glaciers (you’ll take a walk on the 1,200ft-thick Columbia glacier). The second is a two-day ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer railway to Vancouver, where your ship will be waiting to set sail along the Inside Passage.
SHIP SHAPE
The 18-day Titan Voyage, with a choice of departure dates, costs from £4,399, including several meals, some land tours, door-to-door travel and flights (titantravel.co.uk).