Why I want to visit Alaska

In a follow up from my previous post about princess Cruises 50th Alaska season I thought I would would do something different ans share with you why visiting Alaska is definitely at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.

As a keen photographer, I know the scenery would just astound me and I would have to apologize to my wife for constantly being distracted by it! From the high peaked snow-capped mountains to glaciers, slowly edging their way towards the sea and the tree covered landscape and numerous picturesque islands what is there not to like; it is surely a photographers dream.

I would be utterly mesmerized by its scenery but Alaska is also renowned for its amazing nature, and it is one element of this that is the main draw for me personally.

It is obvious to anyone that knows me or follows me on social media that in addition to my passion for photographing and writing about ships I have another one also linked to the ocean. It is no coincidence that my favorite livery on of any cruise ship currently afloat is that of Norwegian Bliss!

If it is not immediately obviois my other passion is whales, in particular killer whales or orca’s. To call them whales is in fact incorrect, as they are actually the largest members of the dolphin family, which together with whales are all collectively called Cetaceans.

Top of my excursion list on a cruise around Alaska would be a whale watching tour, and there are numerous ones available. Due to its location, Alaska is considered one of the world’s whale watching meccas and many tours offer the near guaranteed chance to see whales. Humpback, grey and beluga whales and dolphins in addition to killer whales.

The best time to cruise to Alaska is between May and September as daytime temperatures are in the mid 60’s and rainfall is at its lowest, on average 3.52 per month.

During the summer months a number of whale and dolphin species can be found Alaska’s coastal waters these include grey, humpback, fin and beluga whales together with numerous species of dolphin.

Unlike the migrating species of whales orca’s live all year round in the waters surrounding coastal Alaska outside Seward near Kodiak, in Prince William Sound, in Glacier Bay, Icy Straight and Alaska’s inside passage.

Although all orca’s have the same beautiful black and white coloration, Alaska is home to no less than three different types with the most commonly seen type known as “residents”.These noisy and sometime gregarious pods are so called because they remain in the inland or nearby coastal waters all year round feeding on the abundant fish. There are two resident subgroups. Northern residents range from Vancouver Island north to SE Alaska while Southern residents occupy greater Puget Sound.

The second type are the more elusive mammal hunters known as “transients” These secretive orca’s move north and south along the coast from Southeast Alaska and British Columbia as far south as Southern California, but they frequently make forays into the Salish Sea.

The third group known as “offshore orca’s inhabit the ocean well beyond the coast. Far less is known about these and you are unlikely to see this type on any whale watching tours.

I am truly in awe of these majestic animals, and seeing them swim in the wild would be my ultimate dream and a cruise adventure I would really enjoy sharing with you…

One day perhaps…

Have you cruised in Alaska? did you go whale watching I would love to hear about it?

As always thank you for taking the time to read my blog