Cruise/Cruisetour Help - August

Question

Going to Alaska this August with a friend. We decided against a road trip which, and just see what we can via cruising. We are leaning towards Holland. Everything seems so overwhelming and need to pick our route. We are "middle aged" and very active. Like to hike (light to moderate) and explore. Definitely interested in bears and whales. I'm the foodie. Like the train options on the cruisetours but not excited about the routes with the tiny planes. Vancouver and Anchorage will likely be the start and ending points (1 has Fairbanks). Denali NP is a high priority stop for me. My sidekick has mentioned Talkeenta but everything else is up in the air. Any thoughts on those plus options of Juneau, Whittier, Whitehorse, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Skagway or Dawson City?

Answer

For an active August Alaska cruise or cruisetour with Holland America, focusing on hiking, wildlife, and Denali, here’s a detailed breakdown and advice on potential stops and routes:

Key Considerations:

Denali National Park is a must for wildlife viewing (bears, moose, caribou). Holland America cruisetours that include Denali typically provide comfortable lodges and guided excursions. A 2-night Denali stay is ideal to maximize wildlife spotting.
Anchorage is usually the gateway for cruisetours starting inland. Talkeetna is a charming stop en route to Denali, offering short hikes, local food, and scenic views.
Train travel along the Alaska Railroad is a great way to see the interior landscape without driving. Options between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali allow scenic exploration with minimal effort.
Coastal stops like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay are excellent for whale watching, kayaking, and light hiking excursions. Glacier Bay is usually a day at sea within the cruise itself, with opportunities to see tidewater glaciers and wildlife.

Sample Itinerary Options:

Option 1: Classic Alaska cruisetour (Anchorage → Denali → Talkeetna → Cruise Southbound)
- Fly into Anchorage, transfer to Talkeetna for a scenic stop or short hikes.
- Spend 2 nights in Denali National Park with guided bus tours to see wildlife and landscapes.
- Transfer back to Anchorage and board a southbound cruise to include Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, and ending in Vancouver.
Option 2: Northern Adventure (Anchorage → Denali → Fairbanks → Cruise Southbound)
- Include a visit to Fairbanks (optional), perhaps for a short river cruise or wildlife tour.
- Denali stay as above, with focus on light/moderate hikes along park trails.
- Southbound cruise covering Glacier Bay, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan. Skagway offers optional historic train rides and hiking.

Other Notable Stops:

Talkeetna: Small town charm, local dining, and access to short trails.
Skagway: Optional White Pass train excursion, hiking trails, and historical sites.
Ketchikan: Totem Bight State Park, Creek Street, and salmon/wildlife tours.
Juneau: Glacier hikes, whale watching tours, and Mendenhall Glacier visit.
Whitehorse or Dawson City: Typically included only in specialized Alaska/Canada cruisetours; Dawson City is historically gold rush-era and requires plane or rail access.

Tips:

Book Denali accommodations and excursions early; August is peak season.
Focus on train travel for scenic inland routes; avoid tiny planes if you prefer comfort and safety.
For wildlife photography, mornings and evenings are best, especially in Denali and Glacier Bay areas.
Plan light/moderate hikes at each stop; most cruise excursions are designed to be accessible for middle-aged travelers.

In summary, a Holland America cruisetour that combines inland Denali, Talkeetna, and coastal southbound cruising offers the best mix of hiking, wildlife, and exploration without the need for complicated logistics. Prioritize Denali, Glacier Bay, and Juneau for wildlife and scenery, with optional train experiences and light hikes at Talkeetna and Skagway.