Whether you deem yourself a “cruise person” or not, for many, a cruise is the best way to see Alaska. There are SO many options for cruising this area of natural wonders, it can be hard to understand it all. Inside passage? Cross Gulf? Hey, I just want to see some glaciers, ok? Don’t worry. We’ve got ya.

The most desirable time to visit Alaska is May through September. This is when most cruises run, and weather is most enjoyable. Note, however, that the temperature can vary anywhere from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit on average in one day! When packing, think in terms of layers and bring everything from t-shirts to parkas. If you’re a souvenir junkie, it’s important to note that many shops are only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most cruises to Alaska are 8-15+ days.

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty.

Inside Passage

You might see many cruises specify themselves as “Inside Passage.” This is the classic Alaska cruise for the average traveler looking for the highlights of the coastline. These cruises are almost always round-trip from the same port which has its conveniences but also restricts you from covering as much area. Usually you will spend a day or two in Glacier Bay or another glacier area.

Here are some reasons many people choose this type of cruise:
-Calm waters
-Relaxing, resort-like tempo
-Good scenery
-Interesting ports

Does that sound like you? Or are you looking for more adventure and exposure?

Gulf of Alaska

The Gulf of Alaska, or a “cross-gulf” tour will show you more of the coastline and glaciers. These cruises do not begin and end in the same place. They either run north to south, or south to north (Note that any departures from Vancouver will require a passport). Cross gulf cruises cover the same sites as the inside passage, plus more.

Most gulf cruises include a land option before or after the cruise. These land tours take you into the mountains where you can get a glimpse of big land mammals, see vast tundra, meet native Alaskans, and visit Denali National Park.

The caveat to gulf cruises is that the waters of the Pacific can be choppy. If you or your family members are prone to sea sickness, be prepared.

Ship Size

Another variable to Alaska cruising is the ship size. Most major cruise lines offer an Alaska cruise on mid-size to mega-size ships. Other companies, especially adventure-seeking companies, have smaller ships that provide a more intimate experience.

Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Mid to Mega
Mid and Mega-sized ships hold up to 2670 passengers. They have lots of activities and lots of food options. Obviously, in keeping with their name, Mega ships have more than Mid (more people, more activities, more food). You’ll find large dining rooms and a variety of cuisines. Lots of excursions are offered. Mid-size ships still have very good facilities and are sometimes able to go where larger ships cannot.

Which leads us to…

Small Ships
Often favored by the “not a cruise person” people, small ships offer a more unique, more intimate experience. These cruises are much more casual and crowd-free. Cabins are smaller and often less fancy. The idea here is to get up close to nature, not be pampered with turn-down service or towel animals.

Small ships will usually have one dining room and one bar. There are fewer food options, but that does not mean the quality is lacking. You will not find a fitness room and should not expect entertainment. What you should expect, however, is education. These ships are staffed with true experts in the region who love to share their knowledge of the landscape and history.

Small ships do not cater to the physically restricted. These are often much more active cruises for more adventurous people. There are not elevators on the ships. These tours encourage participation – not sitting in a chair and watching the world go by.

As mentioned, small ships go where big ships can’t, like smaller ports and narrow fjords. They also run on their own schedule. Come upon a family of whales? Hang out and observe them for a bit. There is no great rush. Sea animals are not intimidated by small ships, allowing for more intimate encounters. The smaller ships do have a bumpier ride than larger ships. And, last but not least, they are often much more expensive.

That just about sums up what you need to know about Alaska cruising. We can help you find the right fit for you. There’s something for everyone!

It’s safe to say that Iceland is having a moment. It’s all over social media, and everyone seems to be going or wanting to go. Here are some things to know about visiting Iceland that may or may not surprise you.

It’s not that far.
Iceland can be done in a 4-day weekend from the east coast. Icelandair has capitalized on this by offering some very affordable flights in and out of the country.

English is spoken widely.
Don’t worry about having trouble communicating here. Most everyone speaks perfect English, making it easy for American travelers.

The food. And the drinks. They are expensive.
Let’s talk about food. Iceland eats some unusual foods (puffin, anyone?) and they lean on their plethora of sheep (read: lamb). Also, seafood is extremely popular. Icelandic meats are often fermented which is not always pleasing to American palates. But don’t fret, they also have common offerings like pizzas, salads, etc. That said, their food comes with a hefty price tag. A bagel with cream cheese or a bowl of soup can set you back close to $20. Furthermore, Iceland has a 50% tax on alcohol, making drinking expensive. The water, however, is something Icelandic folks are quite proud of. Do not expect to order any sparkling or bottled water without a raised eyebrow. It can have a sulfur smell to it, but their water is very clean and pure. At least it’s free.

Wildlife is invisible during winter months.
If you’re visiting Iceland with hopes of seeing whales or puffins, you won’t find them. Summer months are best for these sightings.

The northern lights are not visible during the summer months.
Many people associate Iceland with the opportunity to view the aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern nights. In order to see the lights, you need total darkness, which only occurs in colder months. The summer days are almost 24 hours of sunlight.

Winter is not that cold. Summer is not that warm (at all).
Iceland is a relatively temperate climate. Winter months usually hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. That is not to say you will not be cold, as winds can gust and storms blow through regularly. An old Icelandic saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” The weather can go from blizzard conditions to sunshine in no time. Speaking of sunshine, there is very little of it during the winter months. The few hours of daylight have more of a sunset or golden hour affect. Summer months see almost total sun, and temperatures average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to wear?
If all this weather talk has you confused about what to pack, stick with the rule of arctic thumbs: LAYER. Be sure to bring waterproof gloves and jackets for storms and for visiting waterfalls. Most importantly, bring the right shoe gear. Don’t go to Iceland in your sneakers. You will need waterproof snow boots or shoes.

Planes, boats and automobiles.
Affordable flights have already been mentioned, but did you know there are many cruises to Iceland, too? Both large and small boat cruises are a great way to get around and see the sights. This also helps bypass the food/drink expenses in Iceland. If you fly, driving around Iceland is not difficult, but you should be comfortable driving in winter road conditions.

What is it about sleeping in another place that helps us reset? Throwing some essentials in a bag and leaving behind your home and surroundings? It might be a night at a nearby hotel or renting a house an hour away. Sometimes, the act of leaving your usual surroundings behind, along with all that comes with them (laundry, unmade beds, overgrown yards, and other messes) is all we need. Sometimes we just need a change of pace.

I moved to Charleston during the summer months and was surprised at the amount of people who were leaving the laid-back beach town where they live, to spend a week or weekend in another beach town down the road. Or the people who would rent a beachfront house for thousands of dollars a week, when their own house was only 8 miles away. Once I had the chance to experience this for myself through a friend, I realized that while I was only 8 miles from home, somehow I felt like I was a world away.

A friend who lives in the northeast takes her kids to a nearby hotel on various brutally cold winter weekends to let the kids swim in the indoor pool. Resetting is good for everyone. It doesn’t have to cost a lot. The simple freedoms of sleeping on clean (we hope) sheets, dropping your towel on the bathroom floor, and not having to make your bed in the morning can do wonders. It’s a break from the everyday. It’s a change of pace.