By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
We just returned from an 11-night cruise on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth.
The last time we cruised Alaska was 10 years ago, and the choices were so much different than today. We took a seven-night cruise from Vancouver to Whittier combined with a three-night land tour to Denali and Fairbanks. That cruise-tour still exists, but the land portions have expanded to include more nights, including a seven-night version to more obscure areas and the Yukon.
What attracted us to this particular adventure was the three days of scenic cruising of fjords and glaciers that can only be seen from a ship or small plane. The scenic cruising included Glacier Bay National Park (which should be on everyone’s hit list for Alaska), the Hoonah-Angoon Fjords and Misty Fjords, including Rudyard Bay. The bay really wowed us as we came so close to these huge vertical walls of fjords and forest.
We also stopped at Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines and Victoria, where we stayed for 12 hours on this island with a strong British influence. We toured the beautiful Butchart Gardens, which is celebrating its 100th year of operation.
In Sitka, we visited the Fortress of the Bear, a home for orphaned bear cubs who have lost their mothers. Sitka is the only place on earth where you will find a mix of brown bear and polar bear, since polar bears migrated from Russia to Sitka, creating this hybrid mix.
In Ketchikan, we enjoyed a special complimentary excursion, courtesy of our Travel Leaders Network affiliation, to George Inlet Lodge on Revillagigedo Island, where we had an unlimited crab and mimosa brunch. This was followed by a private visit to Saxman Village, where the Tlingit tribe has preserved their community and cultural activities. We were invited to participate in their tribal dances after their performance in the village.
In Haines, we explored the area with a photographic expert who coached us on getting the best photos from her favorite spots among the mountains and lakes in the Chilkoot and Chilcat areas.
Ours was just one example of an expanded discovery of Alaska. Other options include luxury ships and smaller expedition ships that have expanded their Alaska offerings. UnCruise offered a trip for only 36 people in the Aleutian Islands this year, and Lindblad National Geographic held excursions for up to 100 guests.
The current cruise schedule lists 728 Alaskan sailings for 2026, up from 643 in 2025, reflecting a surge in interest in America’s last frontier. There is such a variety that whether you are an adventurous explorer, a senior with limited mobility or a family on a budget, there is definitely an option for you.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape, a budget-friendlier option or a family vacation that everyone will talk about for years to come, wave hello to the six new ships cruising to Alaska in 2026.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.