Head west to the last frontier with NCL

Sailing the youngest fleet in the region, Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) range of Alaska itineraries showcases the remote State’s charms with more time in port and guaranteed glacier viewings.

Alaska – the 49^th of America’s 50 States – has a population about the same size of Nottingham, yet, as the largest US State, covers a landmass almost as wide as the distance from Florida to California. The State is huge, pockets of population are thinly dispersed, and one of the only ways to reach the State capital is by ship.

Culturally, Alaska is distinct from what the American’s called their ‘lower 48’, in part due to its mountainous geography and blisteringly cold winters, and also thanks to a fascinating history of Native rule.

When America bought Alaska in 1867 they paid two cents an acre. The investment more than paid off when both gold and oil were discovered. A cruise to Alaska is your chance to discover this great land for yourself.

The best way to cruise Alaska
NCL offers a number of homeports for exploring Alaska, including Seward and Whittier for those who want to fly to Alaska and perhaps spend some time exploring on land before embarking on a cruise. The most popular starting points for an Alaskan adventure, however, are Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia.

With easy and frequent flights from the UK, flying out to join your ship in Seattle (birthplace of Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks, no less) or Vancouver (on the western shores of Canada’s largest Pacific island), is the simplest route to Alaska.

From your first evening of sailing, you’ll be treated to magnificent scenery as your ship eases through channels dwarfed by snowcapped mountains, on water that is often glisteningly still, rippled by the wake of the ship or the hungry dive of a salmon-hunting eagle.

And NCL ships have been designed with breathtaking natural beauty in mind. Whether out on deck, scanning the vista through your binoculars, or relaxing in the Observation Lounge with a crafted drink and the best views in the world, you’ll be treated to scenes that would still excite David Attenborough.

Excitingly, NCL’s Alaska itineraries include guaranteed up-close glacier experience, including to the famed Glacier Bay. The face of the glacier carves off huge icebergs daily as it retreats, and the thunderous roar and eruption of white mist that immediately follows the carving will stay with you forever.

But what about the kids? Is Alaska a good holiday for them, or is it worth waiting until they’re older? Well, with NCL’s Breakaway-Plus class ships joining the fun in Alaska, the onboard experience is full of engaging and exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained throughout the voyage. And for those who want to fully immerse themselves in an intimate date with nature, NCL’s popular smaller ships are just the ticket.

What’s on offer? Our top three picks
1. Embark on a seven-day Alaska cruise from Seattle on Norwegian Encore. Incorporating the highlights of the magnificent State into an action-packed week, you’ll visit Juneau (the Alaskan capital, celebrated for its hiking opportunities and relaxed downtown) and Skagway, before a day of cruising through Glacier Bay. Ketchikan and an evening in Victoria (British Columbia) add some sparkle to the week-long roundtrip.

2. Also from Seattle, connect deeper with the Native histories of Alaska with a seven-day voyage on Norwegian Bliss, which includes a day sailing Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Visit Sitka – the former capital of Alaska – and Icy Strait Point – a beautiful reserve owned by Alaskan Natives, and a fantastic spot for wildlife photography.

3. If you want to maximise your time in Alaska on a seven-day cruise, sail from Vancouver on Norwegian Jewel. You’ll be starting your journey closer to the heart of the action, so gain an additional port day in Alaska compared with Seattle sailings. You’ll also cruise Alaska’s wondrously beautiful Inside Passage, and experience both Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.