Alaska is huge. It's the biggest state in the USA, but that doesn't even begin to tell you how big Alaska is. How about the fact that it is almost as big as China? Or the fact that it has more coastline than the rest of the USA put together? Or the fact that is spans FIVE time zones?!
So the chances are that you will barely scratch the surface of what Alaska has to offer on a single trip - especially if you visit on a cruise ship.
That said, cruise ships offer some of the best ways to see at least some of Alaska. That's because the road system covers only a small part of the giant state. In fact you can't even reach the state capital, Juneau, by road - you have to fly in or arrive by boat!
Cruise ships also let you get close up and personal with Alaska's glaciers, the whales and dolphins and its rocky coasts. Larger ships offer more amenities, while smaller boats and yachts carrying 12-100 passengers can go where the big ships can't.
Cruise ships have two main itineraries: The Inside Passage Route going roundtrip from either Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, Canada, and the Gulf Route running North and South between Seattle / Vancouver and Seward / Whittier.
Seeing as most towns and villages can only be reached by water, Alaska has a well-established ferry system, the Alaska Marine Highway, which serves the cities of the south east and the Alaska Peninsula. The system also operates a ferry service from Bellingham, Washington via the Inside Passage to Skagway.
The Inter-Island Ferry Authority also serves as an important marine link for many communities in the Prince of Wales Island region of Southeast and works in concert with the Alaska Marine Highway.
Wherever you are, Alaska has a real sense of adventure to offer visitors. You can go hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and skiing across the state. There are also month-long expeditions to the top of Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America.
The biggest city is Anchorage and it offers many opportunities to sample what Alaska has to offer. You can fly non-stop to Anchorage from a number of US cities or you can reach it by road or sea.
Anchorage features a well-developed cycle trail system, with over 200 miles of developed trails winding their way throughout the city's parks and three green belts. The popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs along the waterfront from Downtown to Kincaid Park near the airport. Several companies offer bike rentals and trail tours. In the winter, many of the trails are groomed and used as ski trails.
If you are looking for wild bears, head for the National Park at either Denali or Katmai. For moose, Anchorage's Hillside is your best bet. Remember, moose are more dangerous than bears!
If you are driving, take the George Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks, an eight hour journey in the Summer. It is a stunningly beautiful road tripthat takes you through Denali National Park to Alaska's second biggest city in the centre of the State.
If you are in Fairbanks during the Summer, don't miss the Midnight Sun Baseball which is held every year on the Summer Solstice (June the 21st most years). What makes this event so special is that the sun barely goes down in Fairbanks on Summer Solstice. The game begins at 10.30pm and lasts the whole nine innings without it getting dark!
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