Why Fly to Anchorage, Alaska Instead of Taking a Cruise from Seattle to Whittier?
When it comes to exploring Alaska, travelers face a choice between flying into Anchorage and taking a cruise from Seward or embarking on a cruise from Seattle to Whittier. While both options offer breathtaking experiences, it's important to understand the differing aspects and the most common reasons why a person might choose Anchorage over a cruise from Seattle to Whittier.
Two Distinctive Experiences
Traveling to Anchorage, Alaska, and starting a cruise from Seward presents a unique contrast to embarking on a cruise from Seattle to Whittier. Flying into Anchorage and setting off for Seward provides a different experience; it's a more populated area, albeit still relatively small with a short driving distance to Seward. On the other hand, a cruise from Seattle to Whittier explores a vastly different part of Alaska, with distinctive scenery, climate, and historical significance.
The cruise from Seattle into Whittier is an awe-inspiring journey through extraordinary marine life and tribal and gold rush history. However, flying into Anchorage and beginning your cruise from Seward presents a different, yet equally captivating experience. The stunning three-hour drive from Anchorage to Seward is a breathtaking journey, and the cruises departing from Seward are unparalleled in uniqueness.
No Ferry Service from Seattle to Whittier
The most common reason for choosing to fly to Anchorage is the lack of ferry service between Seattle and Whittier. Ferries from Seattle to Whittier typically depart from Bellingham, Washington, and take about three days. Additionally, the ferry fare is generally more expensive than airfare to Anchorage. Due to these factors, many travelers opt to fly into Anchorage instead of taking the ferry.
Another factor contributing to the popularity of flying to Anchorage is the prevalence of one-way cruises. Virtually all one-way cruises start at the Anchorage cruise terminal, making it a necessity for these travelers to fly to Anchorage. While some might think starting a cruise in Anchorage is cheaper, that savings is either gone or negligible due to the high demand and limited capacity in the Alaskan cruise market.
Capacity and Flexibility
The Alaskan cruise industry operates at full capacity, which limits the availability and options for travelers. People often have limited flexibility regarding their departure dates, and the availability of cabins and specific destination options is limited. As a result, many travelers have few choices other than to start their cruise in Anchorage. This is especially true given the capacity limits and the fact that many cruises require pre-booking.
Furthermore, starting a cruise in Anchorage places the Alaska portion of the cruise at the beginning rather than the end, which could be a significant advantage for individuals with motion sickness or stamina issues. Additionally, some small cruise ships operating out of Alaska and Anchorage do not reach as far south as Vancouver or Seattle, offering closer proximity to the water and ice conditions that can't be matched by larger cruise ships.
Final Considerations
While both Alaska and Seattle offer vibrant cruise experiences, the choice between flying to Anchorage and taking a cruise from Seattle often comes down to availability, cost, and personal preference. For many travelers, starting a cruise in Anchorage provides a unique and convenient option that offers optimal viewing of Alaska's diverse landscapes and a closer connection to the water and ice conditions typical of the region.
Ultimately, the decision between these two options depends on your travel preferences and logistics. Fleeting away on a cruise from Anchorage to Alaska brings a different perspective and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds you, making it a worthwhile choice for those seeking an authentic Alaskan experience.