Top five reasons to take a cruise around Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line

Epic scenery, wildlife and adventure await passengers who book an NCL Alaskan cruise on either of its newest ships, Norwegian Joyand Norwegian Bliss, from April 2019

By Norwegian Cruise Line
Published 9 Apr 2019, 00:01 BST

From the warmth and comfort of the ship's observation lounges, you can spot eagles soaring above snow-capped peaks, black bears foraging along salmon-filled streams, and pods of humpback whales breaching the cobalt waters. Sailing from Seattle, with a brief stop in Victoria, British Colombia, a week-long exploration of this glacier-carved wilderness includes exhilarating excursions in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with a wide choice of sightseeing options for families, photographers and adventurous explorers.

Top tours

01 Family fun: Experience a genuine Alaskan adventure meeting experienced mushers to learn about Alaska's state sport. Cuddle up with adorable Alaskan husky puppies before taking an exhilarating sled ride down a mile-long trail. Or catch gold fever on a panning adventure at Gold Creek, enjoy a rip-roaring lumberjack competition and zip-line through the treetops while marvelling at the incredible mountain views.

02 Wildlife action: Take a waterjet-powered catamaran to see humpback and killer whales in Auke Bay, or experience the excitement of paddling in a kayak to get up close to eagles, porpoises, seals and sea lions at Mendenhall Wetlands. On many of the excursions, naturalists are on hand to explain more about the incredible wildlife you'll see.

03 Scenic vistas: Hop on a vintage locomotive at the historic White Pass Railway to traverse the famously steep Chilkoot Trail with sweeping mountain views and plenty of time to take the perfect photograph. Capture the beauty of the world's only drive-to glacier, the Mendenhall, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and a distinctive blue colour.

04 Culinary delights: Take an excursion to catch your lunch and savour wild salmon cooked over an open wood fire, or simply stay onboard for a wide range of meals — NCL's ships feature up to 12 complimentary and 15 speciality restaurants. The Norwegian Blisshas entertaining teppanyaki dining and an authentic Texas barbecue grill where ribs and chicken are smoked over hickory, oak and pecan wood, while the Norwegian Joyoffers everything from an authentic Italian restaurant to traditional pub food and a funky American diner.

05 Immersive onboard entertainment: Pull yourself away from the sweeping vistas of the magnificent observation lounge to discover a race track with electrical go karts, a games room with virtual reality simulators and full-scale productions of the Broadway hit musical, Jersey Boys. And for those who want to be pampered, The Mandara Spa offers a variety of heavenly treatments.

Did you know?
NCL vessels feature dining on The Waterfront, an industry-first promenade lined with bars, restaurants and stunning ocean views.

Top tip
Accommodation is spacious, but for a special occasion why not book a luxury cabin in the Haven, an exclusive enclave with 24-hour butler service and a personal concierge to create your dream itinerary.

With a fleet of 17 ships, NCL sails to 123 countries around the world with more than 300 ports of call. Visit the website to discover more. 

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