This August, I had the incredible opportunity to take an 11-night Alaska Cruise Tour with Royal Caribbean alongside my family—and let me tell you, it was nothing short of amazing. From the vast wilderness of Denali to the sparkling glaciers and charming port towns, we experienced Alaska in a way that went far beyond what a cruise alone could offer.

What Exactly Is a Cruise Tour?

When people think of Alaska, they often picture a cruise: majestic glaciers, scenic sailing, and charming port towns like Juneau and Ketchikan. And while that’s absolutely part of the magic, a Cruise Tour adds an entirely new dimension.

A Cruise Tour is a combination of a traditional Alaska cruise plus a land-based adventure that takes you deep into the heart of Alaska. Instead of only seeing the coastline, you’ll travel inland by deluxe motorcoach or train to destinations like Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Denali National Park.

This means you get:

  • The best of both worlds: incredible scenic cruising and authentic inland exploration.
  • The chance to see Denali National Park, one of the most iconic landscapes in North America.
  • Unique transportation experiences, like the Wilderness Express Train, offering panoramic glass-dome views as you glide through Alaska’s untamed wilderness.
  • A wider variety of experiences, from wildlife spotting to hiking to small-town adventures.

Simply put: if Alaska is a bucket list trip (and it should be!), adding the land portion ensures you see so much more of this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

                       

My Family’s Alaska Cruise Tour Itinerary

Our journey started with four nights on land:

  • Fairbanks – A welcoming start to the interior of Alaska.
  • Denali National Park – We traveled here aboard the Wilderness Express Train, which quickly became one of our favorite parts of the trip. The views were unforgettable, and there’s something special about slowing down and soaking in the scenery together.
  • Anchorage – A perfect stop for a taste of Alaska’s largest city before heading south

From there, we boarded our Royal Caribbean ship in Seward and set sail on a 7-night Alaska cruise, including:

  • Hubbard Glacier – Sailing past this massive wall of ice was truly humbling.
  • Juneau – Alaska’s capital with endless adventure.
  • Skagway – Another highlight for us! Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway was a dream experience, combining history, scenery, and adventure in one.
  • Icy Strait Point – A chance to see authentic Alaska, away from the crowds.
  • Ketchikan – Known for its totem poles and lively waterfront.
  • Vancouver – Our final stop, capping off the adventure in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.

                     

Why I Recommend a Cruise Tour

While a cruise alone will absolutely wow you, a Cruise Tour allows you to slow down, dive deeper, and experience so much more of Alaska. You’ll cover more ground, see more landscapes, and make memories that you simply can’t replicate from the coastline alone.

For my family, the Wilderness Express Train and Skagway’s White Pass Railway were unforgettable highlights that we never would have experienced on a cruise-only itinerary. And having more time gave us the chance to enjoy the journey instead of rushing through it.

If Alaska is on your bucket list, do it right—add the land tour. I promise, you’ll thank yourself later.

                     

Ready to start planning your next adventure?

A Mystical Dream Travel Advisor can help you begin planning the vacation of your dreams!

Click here to start making memories that last a lifetime!

Like this article, be sure to share with your family and friends on social media!