Travel in borough Wrangell

Getting around Alaska can be challenging. However, with enough time and planning, it is possible to get off the beaten path and experience real adventure in North America’s “Last Frontier.”

Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas.

This article originally appeared in the March issue of AGENTatHOME magazine.  Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.

In January, Alaska celebrated its 65th anniversary of becoming the 49th state. Such a milestone sets the stage for high expectations, and with good reason: Following a record-setting tourism season in 2023 led by more than 1.6 million cruise visitors, predictions are for another banner year in 2024, according to the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA).

Millions of acres of dazzling wilderness. Indigenous cultures on Dena’ina land (Anchorage). Northern lightsover Fairbanks. The joy of the blanket toss and fishing for a king (king salmon, that is).

Traditionally, Alaska cruises have been seven days in length—either a weeklong loop of the Inside Passage roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver, or a similar transit across the Gulf of Alaska sailing one way between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier.