Alaska Cruising - A True Wilderness Experience [with Mondo Travel]

Mondo Travel talks exclusively to Michael Wien - Director of International Sales for Holland America Line, the premier cruise line in Alaska, offering an incomparable Alaskan wilderness experience they’ve been perfecting for over 60 years. Born and bred in Fairbanks, he has unparalleled knowledge, and here he answers some of your most commonly asked questions.

Mondo: Why choose Holland America Line?

Mike: We’ve been showing visitors to Alaska for over 60 years! This experience allows Holland America Line to offer convenient berthing locations in towns such as Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, we also offer the widest selection of seven-day itineraries and departures of any cruise line in Alaska. We operate mid-size ships with a wonderful intimate feel, and passenger numbers well below those of similar size ships. With one crew member to every two guests, our service and attention to detail is outstanding. Vast open deck spaces offer the perfect vantage point for viewing the spectacular scenery that awaits you. We offer extended time in port so guests can come and go from the ship a number of times throughout the day. Plus, every cruise visits massive tidewater glaciers.

Mondo: When is the best time to go?

Mike: I get asked this question ALOT and being from Alaska I can honestly say that Alaska is beautiful all year round. But when to travel really depends on what you’d like to see. May can be pretty, slightly cooler and there’s still snow about. Wildlife have just emerged from hibernation and you’re more likely see them foraging around for food. During the height of the season, around July, you’ll have almost 24-hours of daylight (central Alaska), tourist numbers will be at their peak, there will be a number of events going on and the humpback whales will be migrating, making the most of the high salmon population. During September the fall colours can be seen in all their glory, the skies will be clear and the region will be less crowded.

Mondo: How cold will it really be and what should  people take with them?

Mike: Depending on the season the temperature can be chilly to comfortable, with an average of 15 degrees (of course – it’s Alaska after all!) But, during the middle of the day especially if the sun is shining (which is likely) it will be pleasantly mild. We recommend dressing in layers so you can remove them as and when you warm up or cool down. You’ll also need a camera, binoculars and, surprisingly, sunglasses!!

Mondo: What sort of wildlife can be seen?

Mike: A HUGE variety! From whales, (Humpback, Orca and Minke), to moose, grizzly bears, otters, seals, wolves, caribou, bald eagles and puffins

Mondo: What advice do you have for people considering a cruise and land tour combination?

Mike: If you’re going to travel all that way then you may as well do the complete Alaskan experience. You wouldn’t go to London and not see Big Ben would you? So if you aren’t restricted by time then I definitely recommend a cruise tour! Holland America Line are the leaders in cruisetours, with seamless train travel in superb glass-domed viewing carriages (domed McKinley Explorer® railcars) plus we operate our own hotels throughout Alaska’s interior. When selecting your tour option, I recommend spending at least two nights in Denali National Park. But what’s most important is that people visit Alaska (my home state) on a Holland America Line cruise or cruisetour!

For more information on Alaska Cruises and Cruisetours click here.

Cruising in Alaska with Holland America Line:

 

Published 14th May 2010

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