Alaska is a 2012 Cruise Hotspot

From the magnificent peaks of Mount McKinley to the icy edge of Glacier Bay, Alaska is a world apart.

This extreme kingdom is unlike any other place on the planet. Towering mountains encrusted with snow, astonishing glaciers calving into the sea and a sprawling, untamed wilderness that is home to a surprising array of wildlife.

Grizzly bears, bald eagles, wild salmon and more than half the world’s population of humpback whales make Alaska their home.

With around 34,000 miles of shoreline, one of the best ways to explore and experience this spectacular destination is on an Alaska cruise. It’s one of the few cruises where you are almost constantly in sight of land on both sides of the ship. You get a close up, sea-side show of incredible fjords, inlets, glaciers and even temperate rainforest. These are the most spectacular views of the most astonishing landscapes you will ever see.

But Alaska is not just about extreme scenery. Echoing cries of “Gold in the Yukon” still ring out from the steep canyons of Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike and a genuine frontier town.

It’s one of the few places in Alaska with a man-made history and dates back to 1897 when gold was discovered in the Klondike. There are around one hundred buildings from the gold rush to see in the heritage district of the town as well as a cemetery where hundreds of fortune hunters, who perished during the epic journey north, are buried.

Other towns like Anchorage, Juneau and Ketchikan need not rely on traditional tourist attractions to lure visitors. Nature at its most natural is attraction enough.

Alaska is America’s most northern state and is close to the North Pole. You’d be forgiven for thinking the climate would be year-round freezing but the tourist season of May to September can reach a comfortable 17 degrees centigrade. But be prepared for all kinds of weather and pack accordingly.

Layers are ideal. Try a thermal vest with a thin polo neck, topped with a light jumper and a windbreaker. You can peel off or pile on layers as required.

Bring binoculars (at least one pair per person), sunglasses and sunscreen, a camera and its charger. Comfortable walking shoes and sturdy hiking boots will help you explore all that Alaska has to offer.

If you’re booking cruise deals 2012 then ask your agent for advice on what to bring. Some ships have special requirements that may influence your packing list, such as formal evenings where a black tie dress code is expected.

For a real luxury cruise experience, consider opting for a five star cruise liner such as Princess Cruises, which are renowned for excellent customer service. It’s for people who love to be pampered. Families are welcome and there’s on board fun and entertainment for everyone.