Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

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5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take an Alaska Cruise

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Wait, you’re telling me we shouldn’t cruise Alaska!? Yes, I sure am. This might be one of the top three debatable topics I’ve covered, along with whether you should visit Seward, Homer, or Valdez and why you should visit Alaska before you retire, but I feel like if you take an Alaska cruise you’re really missing out on so many things. Since I want you to get the most out of your Alaska travel experience, I’m going to try convince you to not take an Alaska cruise, or at least not yet!

Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.
Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Why shouldn’t I take an Alaska cruise?

There are a variety of reasons I feel like you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, and I’ve picked the top five reasons to tell you about here.

Rushing

When you think of Alaska, do you think of the hustle and bustle? Nope, you sure don’t! But, that’s what you get with cruising. There’s a time you load up. There’s a time you disembark. There are scheduled excursions in between, and you get to do all of this with a ship and/or bus full of people. Now, to an extent, that doesn’t sound bad. Having a schedule is nice and having planned excursions is nice and having others to do them with is nice. Truly, I just don’t feel like that’s the best way to experience Alaska, though.

When we travel I like to try experience what it might be like to live in that place. Visit off the beaten places. Eat at more local establishments. Check out the neighborhoods. Meet the locals. Get a feel for the pace of the place. If that’s what you like to do too, cruising isn’t the way to go for you. Alaska isn’t rushed. Yes, there’s the normal hustle and bustle, and things do get crazy in the summertime trying to cram all the to-dos into just a few months, but usually the Alaskan pace is a just a bit more relaxed than other places.

Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska.
Take time to stop and smell the wildflowers.

Meeting Locals

As I just mention above, I think meeting locals is one of the more important experiences to have when visiting a new place. When you’re on a cruise, yes, you may meet locals while you’re in port, but more than likely you probably won’t meet too many in the places you’ll be visiting, and in the timeframe you’ll be doing your activities. I feel like this is important to note because local’s have the insider knowledge to give you the scoop on the best activities and areas, and many of us (like myself!) want you to love your visit to Alaska so we’d love to help you find the best ways to enjoy it!

Just two days ago I met a group of people while we we were out on a day trip to Cooper Landing. They had some questions about Soldotna, where I live, so we got to chat a bit. It was so fun, and I hope interactions like that leave a good impression of Alaskans for visitors because I’d like to think we truly are a kind a welcoming state. I feel like if you spend most of your trip on a ship or a bus you’re missing out on that friendly, hometown element of the 49th state.

Scenery

What are you looking at when you’re on an Alaska cruise? Beautiful blue water, tree lined shores, epic glaciers? Yes! The coast of Alaska is incredibly beautiful, and you definitely shouldn’t leave visiting Southeast Alaska out of your travel plans. Those views are such a perk of cruising, but you can also see some of the coast on a day cruise. By taking a cruise, unless you’re doing a bus tour as well, you’re missing out on the variety Alaska has to offer. Now, there’s no way you can see all the variety of scenery, but by solely seeing the coast you’re missing out on the tundra views, the majestic mountains of the interior, and much more. “Variety is the spice of life”, so add a little spice to your travels and check out some different regions of Alaska during your trip.

Prince William Sound
Beautiful views from a day cruise out of Valdez.

Time

I do understand you’re not stranded on the boat or a tour bus the whole time, but a cruise is a cruise, and to cruise you need to spend some time getting from place to place. But, are you spending too much time traveling, and not experiencing the places you’ll be stopping at? I think you are. You can’t really get the feel for a place in just the time it takes to check out souvenir stores, enjoy a local restaurant, and go on an excursion.

Now, I know I just said to check out different areas of Alaska, so what you just read seems a little contradictory. Do you take a cruise and try see half a dozen places, but only see them for a short time, or do you want to visit a few different places, but really be able to experience those places? The choice is yours, but I recommend picking two or three places (depending on the length of your trip) in different areas so you can see more variety and enjoy your time in each place. For example, if you have a week to travel, check out Denali National Park to see the Interior, and then head to Seward or Valdez to visit the coast.

Touristy

Maybe this is just from the outside looking in since I haven’t taken an Alaska cruise myself, but I feel like cruises and tours are very touristy. Looking up the word “touristy”, one definition suggested its meaning as lacking authenticity, and I guess that’s what I’m getting at here. Between the rushed nature of it, all the planned out activities, lack of spontaneous adventures and conversations with locals, it just feels like you’re getting a very watered down version of what Alaska really is, and you’re missing out on the real adventure of Alaska.

What should I do instead of taking a cruise?

So now that I’ve maybe convinced you to not take a cruise, how should you travel through Alaska? Here are some options for you.

Camping and RVing

Rent a camper, RV, or tent it out and go camping! It’s a great way to really experience Alaska’s natural beauty, meet locals who are out camping in the midnight sun, and you can travel at your own pace. This method of travel is convenient because, unless you’re tent camping, you don’t have to pack up everything whenever you head to your next destination, which gives you more time to enjoy Alaska. Also, you can do some of your own cooking to save a bit of money, and if you RV you won’t need to worry about how far the next restroom is!

Quartz Creek Campground near Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Wake up to views like this while camping in Alaska.

Road Trip and Lodging

Find a hotel, lodge, or Airbnb, stay awhile, and then explore a new area. Travel just like you would anywhere else, except just do it in the Last Frontier. This option allows you to have more time to explore an area, you won’t be as rushed, and you can check out more local activities and adventures. There are so many great local options as far as lodges and Airbnbs go, and in bigger cities and towns you’ll find many hotels, too. Just don’t make the mistake of booking too late.

Cabins at Eagle's Rest RV in Valdez, Alaska.
Stay at these cozy cabins in Valdez.

When should I take a cruise?

If your options are to do a cruise or not to visit Alaska, just take the cruise. If you can, though, try add some time on a tour bus to your trip package so you can see more of Alaska. Seeing some of Alaska will always be better than seeing none of it! And if it’s your second trip to Alaska, a cruise might be a good option for you.

I still would recommend that you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, that you should try to hit the open road at your own pace and save cruising for a second trip to Alaska, but I understand if that doesn’t work for you. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up taking an Alaska cruise someday, too!

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!  

Driving along a highway in Alaska.
Taking a long road trip on a beautiful Alaska day.

Our Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise noted. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items.

The first time I visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was on our 4th grade field trip. It seemed like an amazing place at the time, with such a variety of close up animal encounters and a location with an picturesque backdrop. I had wanted to go back ever since, but have never made the time to go until this past weekend, and it did not disappoint!

With the abundant amount of things to do and see in Alaska, I’m sure you’re trying to figure out if you should add AWCC to your vacation checklist. I would say “Yes!”, but you can read further and see if you agree!

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The cozy moose barn at AWCC.

What is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

You can basically think of AWCC as a tour of Alaska’s wildlife, all in one spot. It’s like you hit the wildlife jackpot, and somehow this whole variety of animals congregated in one area, just for you to see. Now, obviously that is not the case, but it sure feels like it.

I feel like the best way to explain it is to just quote directly from their website and sum it up. “The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.” It has a large loop that you can drive, bike, or walk through, and along this loop you will see a variety of animals that I really don’t think you will find anywhere else. You can choose to have a tour, or do the loop yourself, which is what we did.

What will I see at AWCC?

There is really a vast variety of animals that you will encounter at AWCC. We came across a bull moose first, and shortly after saw muskox, brown bear, black bear, and more! There are many animals, big and small, located at the center. These include elk, wolves, fox, owls, and more.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska
Bears viewed from above on the viewing bridge.

Where is the center located?

AWCC is in a very convenient location. It is about an hour from Anchorage, so it can be an easy day trip if that is where you are heading from. If you’re staying at The Hotel Alyeska, or anywhere in Girdwood, you’re even closer at about a twenty-minute drive. It is a definite must see if you plan on driving down to the Kenai Peninsula, as you will be passing AWCC on your way there.

Who would enjoy visiting AWCC?

Anyone and everyone! Young, old, and everyone in between, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must for all wildlife lovers. If you are visiting with someone who is elderly, has a disability, or even if its just raining, you can drive the loop, and do your wildlife viewing from the comfort of your vehicle.

AWCC Bear Viewing Bridge
Great views from the bear viewing bridge.

When should I visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

Anytime! Just be prepared for whatever weather you may come across during your visit by wearing weather appropriate gear, and check the AWCC website or call for hours before going. 

What should I wear?

Great question! This will depend a lot on what season you visit Alaska in. As I’m sure you’ve heard and read in many other places, Alaska is a place of rapidly changing weather. I’d say check the forecast, but always be prepared for inclement weather with sweatshirts, hats, lightweight gloves, and waterproof layers. Bringing along some HotHands, especially when visiting any time other than summer, will keep you warm and comfortable. If you’re going to walk to loop, you may also want to consider bringing rain boots as the trail may be muddy when you go.

AWCC Wildlife Observation Deck
This wildlife observation deck is a great reprieve from the rain.

Why should I visit AWCC?

Why shouldn’t you! This may be a common question though, as you will likely see animals while you’re out and about in Alaska, and may think you don’t need to make the trip to AWCC to see wildlife. You won’t see wildlife like you will at the conservation center, though! The variety of Alaskan wildlife that you will experience here is much more than you’ll see on your average tour of the state. I’m a born and raised Alaskan, and I can tell you that I haven’t seen all of these Alaskan animals in the wild in all my years here, so your chances to see this scope of wildlife outside of AWCC are rare. 

In addition to all you will see, you’ll have epic photo opportunities of these animals. There is also an array of free  educational programs to further your knowledge about the wildlife, and paid tours where you can even feed an animal! 

AWCC mom and baby muskox
A mother and calf muskox; something rare to see!

How do I support the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

By visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center you are supporting the care of these animals and the programs that AWCC participates in, such as the Wood Bison Reintroduction Project. You can support AWCC by visit their gift shop as well, and you can even “adopt” an animal from them, which would make a great gift idea!

Wood Bison Reintroduction Information
Conservation and wood bison reintroduction information.

You can read this post, watch videos, and look at pictures all you want, but until you’ve been there and seen it, nothing will really compare to the experience you’ll get by visiting AWCC yourself. Almost two decades after my first visit, it is still an amazing place to explore and learn.

Have you been to AWCC before, or did this post encourage you to go? Please leave a comment of your experience below! If you have questions about visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, or any Alaska activities, please leave a question in the comments!