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Alaska is located northwest of Washington State, and west of Canada’s Yukon. At its southernmost, Alaska is just an hour and a half by jet from Seattle, the closest major airport outside the state. Other towns farther north take from three-and-a-half to four hours by jet from Seattle. The Anchorage and Fairbanks airports are your best bets when flying into Alaska.
Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Seeing it – and Alaska’s abundant marine life and tidewater glaciers – is one of the most popular travel options in the state. There are two ways to reach Alaska by sea: cruise ship or ferry.
Cruising is the single most popular way to see Alaska, and for good reason. Cruise companies have operated in Alaska since the early 20th century, and have perfected the art of the Alaska cruise. Cruise visitors travel in all-inclusive comfort on ships of all sizes and on itineraries of varying length, with abundant tour options in established ports of call.
Cruises fall into two basic categories: large ship and small ship cruises. Itineraries to Alaska range from seven days to several weeks, depending on route. Small ships tend to offer more individualized service and custom or specialty itineraries (for instance, cruises focused on photography, whale watching or archaeology). Large ships offer lavish entertainment, shopping and extensive tour networks in major ports to create a seamless travel experience