Do you have a bucket list? A dream vacation? If you could go one place, where would that be? We know some destinations seem like they can only be a dream, but MANN TRAVELS can help you make these dreams a reality. Let’s take Alaska, you know, The Last Frontier and The Land of the Midnight Sun. It’s is so much more than eskimos and igloos. From the glaciers in Juneau to the whale sightings in Ketchikan, it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss. Alaska is a destination to add to your bucket list if you haven’t done so already.
This “Great Land” consists of 5 distinct regions: Inside Passage, South Central, Interior, Far North and Southwest. Alaska has been described as “Mother Nature in her Birthday Suit”. She’s raw and real with flora, fauna, wildlife and vibrant colors that you have to see to believe. The main question is: how to see the largest state in the U.S.? (It is twice the size of Texas ya know.) The most popular way is by cruising and MANN TRAVELS can show you how.
Princess Cruises
Cruises can be 7 days to 2 weeks or longer if you decide to add on a land package. If you have the time, the Alaska land and sea vacation won’t disappoint. This allows you to go a bit deeper into the heart of the great state. If you only have a week, no worries, Princess Cruises, voted “Best Cruise Line in Alaska”, cruises the Inside Passage and has balcony cabins starting at $1599 per person.
A balcony cabin is a MUST HAVE on this vacation since the views are just breathtaking at all times. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America North or South Bound cruise lines have balcony cabins starting at $2200 per person. Or choose a 7 night cruise with 4 nights land tour starting at $2700 per person.
Any ship you choose will take you to three of Alaska’s most charming towns ~ Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Each has its own signature appeal that you will enjoy and remember forever.
Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world, is also known as Alaska’s first city due to its location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage. This is the first city you enter as you cruise north, and your first introduction to majestic Alaska. It is a beautiful waterfront city with two large harbors, several cruise ship docks and the largest totem pole collection.
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Saunders for Holland America
Considered the “gem” of Southeast Alaska, Juneau, the state capital, is home to jaw-dropping scenery not found anywhere else in the world. The ocean is on one side while mountains are on the other. The lush green of the Tongass, the largest national forest in the United States, surrounds it. View wildlife, go ziplining, shop for local artwork or take the most popular off ship tour ~ a helicopter excursion to the famous Mendenhall Glacier. No where else on the planet can you experience glacier trekking and playing in glacier caves.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service
Skagway will make you feel as if you have gone back in time to an old black and white western movie. Saloons with cold spirits await as you step off the ship into this small town. The sound of pianos can be heard as you shop, and you’ll think you struck gold visiting here. If you are traveling with children, this port is typically a highlight since you can also enjoy a dog sledding excursion.Photo by Kate Orlinsky for National Geographic
No matter where you are, Alaska’s abundant wildlife is everywhere. Alaska is no doubt a feast for the senses, especially for the eyes. So you better pack binoculars because by land, by sea and by air, you can see roaming bears, breeching humpback whales and soaring eagles.
Of course, the spectacular glaciers are on every Alaskan itinerary. Alaska has more than 100,00 glaciers, about half the world’s total. The most exhilarating “ports of call” are Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Alaskan authorities decide which ship sees which for conservation and overcrowding purposes. As you sit on your balcony, listen to the gentle parting of the ice as the ship glides closer and watch the sea lions wait for a new place to play as the ice plunges into the water. This is truly the highlight of your Alaskan cruise. One can only imagine this, but until you see it for yourself, photos just don’t do it justice.
An example itinerary from The Star Princess is as follows. This one happens to depart Vancouver on May 16th, 2015.
Outdoor cabins starting from $1599 per person. Airfare can be purchased out of Charlotte.
Day 1: Vancouver
Day 2: At Sea
Day 3: Ketchikan
Day 4: Juneau
Day 5: Skagway
Day 6: Glacier Bay (scenic cruising)
Day 7: College Fjord (scenic cruising)
Call our friends at Mann Travels today to help you get started planning this dream destination journey that you’ll never forget ~ 800-560-6147.
With offices conveniently located in Huntersville and Lake Norman, you’re sure to start checking things off your bucket list.
Mann Travels
800-560-6147
9 offices in the Carolinas to serve you
4400 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 (Main office)
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email: scoop@manntravels.com
