Choose a smaller Alaska cruise ship if you're looking for lots of off-ship activities. Small cruise ships often carry less than 500 passengers and can take active traveler to places where big ships can't reach, such as inlets, narrows and mini-docks. Small-ship travelers can participate in daily off-shore activities that include swimming, water skiing and other water sports. You can kayak directly from some ships, such as those of Glacier Bay Tours and Cruises. Shorter cruises that are seven days or less are often an attraction for younger active travelers and sometimes offer more activities.
Large cruise ships can carry up to 3,000 passengers and have facilities such as shops, spas and nightclubs. Many large ships, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, have a list of activities to keep you busy if you're an active traveler. Work out in a fully equipped gym or jog around the jogging track. Go shopping in the on-board boutiques. Participate in Ping-Pong or shuffle board activities. Swim in the ship pool in the afternoon, and go to an entertaining show in the evening. All Alaska ships have a cruise director who will help you with any questions about any activities.
Alaska cruise port's feature many shore excursions for the active traveler that can enrich your cruise experience. Helicopter or railroad trips are a way to see some of Alaska's beautiful scenery. Most Alaska cruise ports offer kayak and mountain bike expeditions, during which you can view such wildlife as eagles, bears and seals. Active kayaking tours in Sitka will take you on a boat to a floating camp. Take a helicopter ride any time of the year to the Juneau ice field and go dog sledding. Snorkeling at Mountain Point with a certified instructor is an opportunity to see the marvelous underwater sea life. Active travelers should choose extensive shore excursions programs --- it's a wonderful way to experience adventure and an array of activities in the Alaskan outdoors.
Cruise ports in Alaska offer many opportunities for the active traveler. You can follow the cruise line program for guided tours, or go out on your own. Ports in Alaska such as Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Skagway have roads that lead a few miles out of town, where you can see many tourist attractions. Some Alaska cruise ships may have recreation shore excursions where you're taken to a site where you can participate in sports or adventures. If you tour on your own, you'll need to watch the time, since ships don't usually stay at ports very long.
