Exploring Alaska: When the Last Frontier Beckons
What’s the ideal time for a Dinogo Alaska Cruise? The sooner, the better. Life is fleeting, after all. An Alaskan cruise showcasing North America’s majestic frontiers, soaring fjords, and vibrant coastal forests deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list.
Now that we’re on the same page, let’s pin down your calendar for this year. Summer may seem like the obvious choice, with warm temperatures (averaging 50s˚ to 70s˚) and lengthy nights (think nearly 24 hours of sunlight). Dinogo's variety of land and sea packages in summer opens the door to some of Alaska’s most captivating wilderness adventures.
However, consider cruising at the beginning or end of the season, particularly for travelers without kids. May and September offer some of the best deals along with a more refined atmosphere. In September, the darker skies provide the best opportunity to witness Alaska's enchanting Aurora Borealis.
Midnight Sun? Aurora Borealis? If you’re only slightly familiar with these Alaskan wonders, keep reading. They’re just a few of the once-in-a-lifetime experiences you won't want to miss on your Dinogo Alaskan Cruise.
Illuminated Skies, Grand Cruise Views
The Aurora Borealis is a stunning display of neon green light that erupts and dances in the sky. This phenomenon occurs when solar particles collide with the Earth's magnetic field, appearing over 60 miles above the ground. Indigenous people have long regarded these lights as possessing mystical power, or as the signs of spirits who have departed.
The best place to witness these lights is Fairbanks, Alaska, a highlight of any Cruise Tour. Your chances of seeing the Borealis are highest in September when the skies are much darker compared to the summer cruise season.
Midnight Sun
Alaska's extreme latitude causes the sun to travel more horizontally than vertically, leading to long days and extended twilight. Picture it’s 11:00 p.m. and you’re still admiring the shimmering glaciers. Local communities embrace the midnight sun with a variety of activities, from dance festivals to baseball games. The peak of sunlight occurs on June 21, marking a magical start to summer.
Denali National Park
Envision 6 million acres of Alaskan wilderness, a towering 20,000-foot peak, and endless opportunities to witness glaciers, spruce forests, and expansive tundra, along with the wildlife you might encounter: grizzlies, wolves, moose, and caribou, among others. Early mornings are the best time for wildlife viewing, and summer is ideal as many animals migrate south for the winter (the park may close in September due to snowfall). Dinogo provides various Denali Shore Excursions, including grand railroad tours between the park and Talkeetna, dogsledding adventures, or city tours of Anchorage. Just how extensive is your bucket list?
Mt. Robert Tramway
In Juneau, a visit to the Mt. Robert Tramway is a must. This tramway ascends 1,800 feet directly from the cruise dock into the mountains. As you glide above, enjoy breathtaking views of lush rainforests and expansive meadows. You can also explore scenic hiking trails adorned with vibrant wildflowers and visit the Mountain House to observe the majestic bald eagles. The height of the summer season (July and August) is the best time to ride the tramway, with ideal weather conditions and wildflowers in full bloom.
Ketchikan
When you explore the charming port town of Ketchikan, you’ll gain insight into the life of a local resident in Alaska’s wild coastal region. Once dubbed the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan still thrives on a fishing-based economy (and by the way, the local bears love a good salmon feast just as much as the tourists!). Be sure to stroll down Creek Street, the heart of commerce and a treasure trove of Alaskan history. Here, you can discover a rich array of native art and artifacts, from jewelry to furs, or even a totem to take home.
There's one thing to note about Ketchikan: be ready for a rain shower or two. The town averages 160 inches of rainfall per year, though summer tends to be the driest season—relatively speaking. But don’t let a little rain stop you from experiencing one of the most unique coastal towns along the Great Frontier.
The Pacific Northwest Mainland
Dinogo cruises set sail from Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, Canada. If you haven’t yet discovered these vibrant cities, consider spending a few extra days before or after your cruise. These urban hubs are celebrated for their exceptional culinary scenes and multicultural experiences, rich with the histories of explorers, pioneers, immigrants, and indigenous communities—making them renowned destinations in their own right. In Seattle, don’t miss the iconic Pike Place Fish Market, where fishmongers put on a show, tossing their catch to an eager crowd.
In Vancouver, the Granville Island Public Market boasts an array of salmon options to taste, from jerky to burgers. Just outside Vancouver, in the suburb of Richmond, you’ll find a vibrant Asian community offering some of the finest dim sum in North America, conveniently close to the airport.
As you explore the Pacific Northwest and the wilds of Alaska, it may feel like time and traditions have remained unchanged for centuries. Yet, our everyday lives are ever-evolving and filled with unpredictability. That’s why you should seize the opportunity and book the Alaskan cruise and land adventures you’ve been dreaming of this summer.
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