3 Favorite Alaska Itineraries This Summer

Alaska is one destination I could cruise every summer. The landscape is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen and the animal viewing—from bears to whales to eagles to seals to deers—is spectacular. And don't even get me started when it comes to the glaciers. There is something magical when you're out on the water approaching a massive glacier or fjord.

Here are three of my favorite Alaskan itineraries that are still bookable for this summer:

American Safari Cruises
Yachtsman's Crowning Glacier, Whale, and Bear Expedition
7-night Juneau Roundtrip aboard the 12-passenger Safari Spirit

This is a new itinerary from luxury yacht company, American Safari Cruises. I'm an advocate of ASC's for several reasons:

• no set itinerary allows the yacht's captain to follow the wildlife and the unique interests of the guests onboard
  
• small yachts with high crew-to-guest ratios
  
• onboard naturalists
• plenty of time for hiking, kayaking, skiffing, whale-watching, and other outdoor activities
• all-inclusive experience with excellent gourmet cuisine and top-shelf wines, champagnes, and liquors

This voyage begins in Juneau with the first day spent cruising Stephen's Passage. The next two days are spent exploring Admiralty Island and Gambier Bay. This is where you'll likely view brown bears, eagles, deer, whales, and other animals. You'll head to Sail Island, a sea lion haul-out, and Pybus Bay on Day Three. Frederick Sound will be explored on Day Four as you hike The Brothers Islands. This is where you'll often see humpback whales. Later in the day you'll cruise by Five Fingers Island and Windham Bay where you can watch for sharks or go onshore for another hike. Days Five through Seven feature the incredible fjords of Endicott and Tracy Arms and Dawes and Sawyer glaciers.

This itinerary embarks Juneau on May 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; and July 4. All-inclusive cruise fares begin at $5,495 per person. For more information, talk with your travel agent or contact American Safari Cruises.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Vancouver, Canada to Seward, Alaska
7-night cruise aboard the Seven Seas Mariner

The Mariner is one of my favorite ships. With just 700 passengers and an excellent crew, you'll love your time spent onboard. This is a smashing Alaskan itinerary for those who don't want to jump in and out of a skiff at the drop of a hat. You'll view the gorgeous Alaskan scenery but you'll experience it at a greater distance than you would from a smaller, more intimate ship that caters to super active travelers.

Your itinerary includes:

• Embark in Vancouver, Canada
• Cruising the Inside Passage
• Ketchikan, Alaska
• Cruising Tracy Arm
• Juneau, Alaskas
• Skagway, Alaksa
• Sitka, Alaska
• Cruising Hubbard Glacier
• Disembark in Seward, Alaska

This itinerary embarks Vancouver on May 20; June 3, 10*, 17, 24*; July 1, 8*, 15, 22*, 29; August 5*, 12, 19*, 26; and September 2* and 9. (* indicates the reverse itinerary.) Regent's cruise fare includes all liquor and shore excursions. There are also special 2-for-1 offers and free airfare deals. Talk with your travel agent or Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Silversea
12-night Roundtrip Out of San Francisco
382-passenger Silver Shadow

This is the ideal voyage for those who want to combine some relaxing sea days with an Alaskan cruise.

Itineraries include:

• Embark from San Francisco
• Two days at sea
• Ketchikan, Alaska
• Wrangell, Alaska
• Cruise Sawyer Glacier
• Juneau, Alaska
• Sitka, Alaska
• Sea Day
• Victoria, B.C., Canada
• Sea Day
• San Francisco

This itinerary embarks June 26; and July 8 and 20. All-inclusive cruise fares start at $6,646 and includes free economy air. For more information, talk with your travel agent or Silversea.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Leonard Hospidor

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