Tag Archives: alaska

Explore Alaska: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Luxury Cruise

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Imagine waking to the sound of a glacier calving, spotting a humpback breach just off your balcony, or stepping into a small harbor few have ever set foot in. With Alaska, the season you sail makes all the difference—it decides the wildlife you’ll encounter, the landscapes you’ll explore, and the rhythm of your days at sea.

Alaska speaks to something deep within us—a profound sense of wonder, peace, and connection to nature that nourishes the soul.

Choosing Your Perfect Season

Alaska’s cruise season runs from late April to early October, and each month offers a distinct flavor of adventure. The “best time” depends on what speaks to you most—whether it’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife spectacles, cultural festivals, or simply the type of light and color you want to see.

Late April – May: Early Season Serenity

The season opens with fewer crowds, fresh snow still clinging to mountain peaks, and crisp air that carries the scent of cedar and salt. Spring blooms begin to appear, and wildlife emerges from winter—whales migrate north, and bears venture from hibernation. You’ll find excellent pricing compared to peak months, and the quietness of the ports can feel like a private invitation into Alaska’s wild beauty.

Who will enjoy it? The Quiet Connoisseur – You savor moments when the world feels untouched and unhurried. You prefer to explore without the hum of crowds, appreciating the stillness of a snowcapped landscape and the thrill of being among the first to witness spring’s awakening. Your idea of luxury is exclusivity—having space, peace, and the sense that Alaska is revealing itself just for you.

June: The Sweet Spot

Days stretch long under the midnight sun, giving you maximum time for excursions. June offers lush green landscapes, active wildlife, and excellent visibility for glacier viewing. Salmon runs begin in some areas, and the weather is generally warmer and drier than earlier months, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

Who will enjoy it? The All-Around Adventurer – You love a well-rounded journey where every day is a blend of activity and indulgence. You seek warm, comfortable weather, long days for extended excursions, and abundant wildlife sightings—without sacrificing time for a glass of champagne on your private balcony. You value both comfort and immersion, preferring the “sweet spot” where nature and ease align.

July – August: High Season Splendor

These months bring the warmest temperatures, peak wildlife activity, and vibrant festivals in port towns. Bears are often spotted fishing for salmon, humpback whales are in full feeding mode, and the fjords are alive with bird colonies. The trade-off for this abundance is busier ports and higher pricing, but for many luxury travelers, the richness of experiences outweighs the crowds—especially aboard small ships that avoid the largest docking areas.

Who will enjoy it? The Social Enthusiast – You thrive on energy, vibrancy, and the buzz of peak season. You enjoy meeting fellow travelers who share your curiosity and love for adventure, attending lively local festivals, and experiencing nature in its most abundant form. For you, luxury is about being in the heart of the action—front-row seats to Alaska’s grandest wildlife spectacles and cultural events.

September – Early October: Autumn Glow and Dramatic Farewells

Fall’s arrival transforms the landscapes into a canvas of gold, orange, and crimson. The air turns crisp, the first snow dusts the mountains, and wildlife activity remains high as animals prepare for winter. Late-season cruises often come with fewer crowds, a more relaxed pace, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in Alaska’s darker skies. Weather can be more unpredictable, but the trade-off is a serene, almost private Alaska.

Who will enjoy it? The Romantic Dreamer – You’re drawn to rich colors, dramatic skies, and the quiet magic of a place winding down for the season. You don’t mind a touch of unpredictability if it means fewer crowds and the chance to see the Northern Lights. Your style of luxury is moody, intimate, and atmospheric—an Alaska that feels more like a private retreat than a cruise itinerary.

Big Ship Glamour vs. Small Ship Adventure: Choosing Your Alaska Cruise Style

When deciding between a larger luxury cruise ship and a smaller expedition-style vessel for your Alaska journey, it comes down to the kind of experience you’re seeking. Larger ships, such as those from Celebrity or Silversea, offer an impressive array of amenities—think multiple dining venues, full spas, entertainment lounges, and spacious suites with private verandas. They often deliver a seamless, pampered experience with a high staff-to-guest ratio and curated shore excursions. However, due to their size, they are limited to the more commonly visited ports and can’t access some of Alaska’s most remote or intimate locations.

Smaller ships, like those operated by Ponant or Windstar, offer a more immersive and adventurous approach. With fewer guests on board, these vessels can enter narrow fjords, anchor near hidden coves, and dock in lesser-known towns—delivering a more personal, close-to-nature experience. That said, onboard offerings may be more limited, and motion at sea can be slightly more noticeable.

Travelers drawn to hands-on exploration, such as kayaking among icebergs, hiking with naturalist guides, or wildlife-watching from a Zodiac, may gravitate toward expedition-focused lines like HX Expeditions or UnCruise Adventures, where every day is designed to get you off the ship and into Alaska’s wild spaces. These ships are perfect for those who value active engagement and a deep connection with the environment over onboard formality.

Traveling Responsibly in Alaska

Alaska’s beauty is more than scenery—it’s a living, breathing wilderness that sustains communities, wildlife, and cultures that have thrived here for generations. Yet this delicate balance can be easily disrupted. Traveling mindfully isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a responsibility that ensures these pristine landscapes, wild creatures, and vibrant traditions remain intact for those who follow. Choosing locally guided excursions keeps traditions alive and supports the people who call Alaska home. Staying on marked trails protects fragile ecosystems that can take decades to recover from damage. Respectful wildlife viewing allows animals to live without fear or stress, preserving the very magic you came to see. Even small steps, like using reusable items, protect Alaska’s waters and shorelines from pollution. When you travel with awareness, you become part of the effort to keep Alaska wild, authentic, and awe-inspiring—for today, and for generations to come.

Why Thoughtful Planning Elevates the Experience

Alaska invites you to slow down, to be fully present in moments of breathtaking beauty, and to feel a renewed appreciation for the world’s raw, untamed places. Whether it’s the exhilaration of witnessing wildlife up close or the quiet serenity of a misty fjord at dawn, Alaska awakens feelings of awe and gratitude that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. This is more than a journey—it’s a transformative experience that uplifts your spirit and creates lasting memories of joy and discovery.

A luxury Alaska cruise isn’t simply a vacation—it’s an orchestration of moments, each one enhanced by choosing the right ship, the right time, and the right itinerary. For small-ship voyages especially, early planning is essential, as limited cabins often sell out over a year in advance.

Working with an AAV Travel Advisor ensures every detail is curated for you, from selecting the perfect sailing date to arranging exclusive shore experiences that match your interests. Your journey will be designed with intention, allowing you to step aboard knowing that every element has been handled seamlessly.

Whether you’re seeking the grandeur of a glacier calving into turquoise waters, the thrill of spotting a breaching whale, or the quiet magic of a secluded inlet at sunset, Alaska offers moments that stay with you forever. By planning early and choosing a sailing that reflects your style—be it a larger luxury liner with full-scale amenities or an intimate expedition vessel—you set the stage for an extraordinary adventure that is both indulgent and deeply authentic.

To start planning, contact us via email at info@aav-travel.com or visit the website.
Written by: Stefanie P.

Do-it-Yourself Shore Excursion: Ketchikan, Alaska

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Ketchikan is known for its steady rainfall. Big, grey clouds and a soft drizzle awaited us the day our ship pulled into the port. The first thing that stood out, were the many seaplanes looping around the port, landing and taking off. As we learned later, these were taking tourists to the nearby Fjord. As always, we had planned to escape our ship and its passengers as soon as we got off.
seaplanes, ketchikan, alaskaOn this particular day, we were heading to the Rainbird Trail. I hadn’t found much information about it online but knew that it should be short enough for us to hike within the 4 hours we had ashore.

ketchikan, cruise, crown princess, princess cruise, alaskaThe official trail-head is located in downtown Ketchikan, by the Alaska University. Since Ketchikan spreads out to both sides of the cruise terminal, we weren’t quite sure whether to go right or left, and ended up asking a local. We asked for the Rainbird Trail. With a broad grin and pointing uphill he said: “If you can make it up there!”

Having hiked at our two prior Alaskan stops we felt very comfortable and were sure we could manage “the hill”. It was steep alright, and probably took 10 minutes to climb. However, I am really glad we started the trail at its end. It makes for a much better beginning. Once on top of the hill we couldn’t quite make out where to go, so we stopped by the local radio station. Not much was going on that early in the morning, but the lady swiftly pointed us in the right direction and we found the trail’s end in no time.

ketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hikingketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hikingThe Rainbird trail goes along the mountain side backing Juneau. You basically walk from the cruise port to the University of Alaska, located in downtown Juneau (left side), in very dense rainforest. At first we were a bit skeptical as we would see the harbor and neighboring islands. However, it didn’t take long and we were in the midst of it. It looked like a place straight out of Middle Earth, magical. Densely green, lush, and overgrown, large trees, broken trees, lots of moss, and everything wet, it was simply beautiful and always changing.

Ketchikan012 Ketchikan011 Ketchikan010 Ketchikan009 ketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hiking, aavtravelAs it was early in the morning, we were the only ones there. Half way into the trail, we spotted a reindeer. Instead of running off it simply looked at us with its dark black and gentle eyes. I felt as if it was communicating with us. We kept staring at each other for a good 5 minutes, before it peacefully trailed off.

ketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hiking, aavtravel, reindeerKetchikan006 ketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hiking, aavtravelThe Rainbird Trail proved to be a wonderfully authentic adventure, for a town otherwise thriving with tourist shops and masses of cruise passengers.

Here are a few things you will want to watch out for if you are headed to the Rainbird Trail:

  • It will rain, make sure you have the proper gear and protect your electronics
  • Bring some water to drink
  • Your shoes need good tread and need to be ideally waterproof. The terrain goes up and downhill, there are large rocks, gravel, and tree trunks to cross. Make sure your shoes snug tightly to your foot and your gear is adequate.
  • Chances are, not many of your fellow travelers will know about the trail. And, even if they do, if you start at the end, you will likely not run into any of them until the very beginning of the trail.
  • The trail requires a certain level of fitness. You do not need to be a professional athlete, but it is steep at times and can be a bit challenging.
  • You can do the trail with your children, however they need to be old enough to hike on their own, be responsible as some parts of the trail can seem risky.
  • Bring bug spray just in case
  • To walk the entire trail and back to the ship you will need about 2 hours.
  • The official trail-head is located behind the Ketchikan University in downtown Ketchikan (left side when getting off the ship). I recommend starting at the trail end however, which you can find by walking up Schoenbar Road and then turning left onto 3rd Avenue. Once you turn into 3rd Avenue you will quickly come upon the set of stairs that lead you onto the trail.
  • Tread quietly, you never know what kind of animal you might be lucky to spot

ketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hiking, aavtravelketchikan, rainbird trail, alaska, hiking, university of alaska, aavtravel

To start planning, contact us via email at info@aav-travel.com or visit the website.
Written by: Stefanie P.

Do-it-Yourself Shore Excursion: Juneau, Alaska

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Clouds are hanging low over Juneau on this morning in June. No roads lead to this city and it can only be accessed either by plane or boat.  I am not a large cruise ship fan and thisparticular cruise aboard the Crown Princess represents a means to an end. It gets me where I would like to go. As soon as we disembark, I am determined to lose as many co-cruisers as pssible. juneau, cruise pier, crown princess, alaska, aavtravel I had researched hiking trails in Juneau and originally thought we would take the cable car up to Mount Roberts. However, once they started promoting this particular idea to the 3,500 passengers on board, I quickly made up my mind. Instead of taking the cable car, we would actually hike the trail leading up to Mount Roberts. Just before noon we disembark and our first stop is the post office. Juneau’s post office looks like a gift store. You would never recognize it, if it wasn’t for the official sign. The girl behind the open, wooden table counter, is super smiley and welcoming. She points us to The Rookery, a local favorite, famous for its house made burgers. Yes, you might argue that eating burger in Alaska doesn’t really make sense, but when you are trying to escape the other tourists in the area, one is willing to compromise. The Rookery was packed with local people, no tourists in sight. People here were mingling, chatting. The restaurant/coffee bar appeared to be Juneau’s conversation melting pot. The food was outstanding and the service super friendly. juneau, alaska, downtown, aavtravelAfter lunch we head off uphill to the Mount Robert’s trail head. We are “alone” except for the local people that are going for a run or are walking their dogs. The walk uphill to the trailhead takes us along colorful houses, beautiful and lush gardens. We also see the old Russian Orthodox church. russian church, juneau, alaska, aavtravel Just as we are about to get to the trail head we pass a young man. He curiously asked us if we were locals (I guess we did not quite look the part, but then again our gear wasn’t all that off). As we decline he suggests we continue wwalking on straight, as there are waterfalls and a black bear to be seen. On the hunt for the black bear we give up the idea of climbing Mount Roberts and instead embark on the Perseverance Trail. The Perseverance Trail is historically one of Alaska’s most significant trails during the Gold Rush. We had no idea what to expect, but what we found was absolutely stunning. Steep mountain sides, waterfalls, lush and versatile nature, offering a new surprise around every corner. Nature at its purest. We filled our water bottles in the streams that we crossed and continued our way far beyond what we had originally planned.

perseverance trail, waterfall, juneau, alaska, aavtravelperseverance trail, juneau, alaska, aavtravelperseverance trail, juneau, alaska, aavtravel perseverance trail, juneau, alaska, aavtravel perseverance trail, juneau, alaska, aavtravelThe Perseverance Trail makes for a wonderful do it yourself shore excursions. Here are a few things you will want to watch out for:

  • Weather changes constantly. Be prepared for rain as well as sunshine, it can change in minutes.
  • Bring some empty water bottles so you can fill them up with fresh water from the streams
  • Your shoes need good tread. The terrain goes up and downhill, there are rocks, gravel, water to cross. Make sure your shoes snug tightly to your feet and your gear is adequate
  • About half way into the trail you lose cell phone signal, meaning you are on your own
  • If you see a bear, don’t run. Instead, curl up on the floor in a ball and pretend to be dead.
  • The trail requires a certain level of fitness. You do not need to be a professional athlete, but it is steep at times and can be a bit challenging.
  • You can do the trail with your children, however they need to be old enough to hike on their own and you need to feel comfortable to let them run a little risk every now and then
  • Bring bug spray, just in case
  • It takes about 45 minutes to walk from the cruise terminal to the trail head. By the time we made it to a spot called “Glory Hole” and back to the ship, we had walked about 8 miles.

To start planning, contact us via email at info@aav-travel.com or visit the website.
Written by: Stefanie P.