Alaska is one of North America’s top tourist destinations, averaging more than 2 million visitors each year. Many travel here to see the unique beauty of the Last Frontier, especially the majestic Denali National Park & Reserve, home to the extraordinary peak of Mount Denali which towers 20,000 feet above the park.
In recent years, visitors to Alaska have been discovering a new way to explore this rugged, frozen wilderness, taking a slightly more comfortable approach to exploring the icy tundras of this wild state.
From charter helicopters to glass-domed trains, luxury travel in Alaska has boomed, and you no longer have to be an Arctic explorer to see the best that this state has to offer. You can discover all of the most remarkable sights and experience the full glory of Alaska in comfort and style as if you were enjoying a luxury beach resort vacation.
So if you are searching for the best cruise to Alaska and want to enjoy your creature comforts while exploring the great outdoors, here are some of the best luxury transportation options that the Last Frontier has to offer.
Charter a helicopter
One of the most popular ways to travel in luxury to Alaska is by charter helicopter. These aircraft provide travelers with an up-close and personal view of the state’s most incredible landscapes. You can choose to fly over glaciers, take in the stunning views of Mount Denali, or even land on a private beach for a picnic lunch.
There are helicopter charters available in all of Alaska’s major cities, as well as in Denali State Park and Chugach State Park.
Ride the glass-domed train
For those looking to take in the best of Alaska’s natural scenery without having to brave the elements, the glass-domed train is the perfect option. This mode of transport takes visitors on a journey through the beautiful landscapes of the state, with the added bonus of being able to enjoy 360 views from the comfort of your seat.
The glass-domed trains run on the Alaska Railroad, on the Denali Star and Coastal Classic routes and schedules, and offer all-inclusive meals, restrooms, and reserved seating.
Travel by luxury cruise ship
One of the most popular ways to travel to Alaska is by luxury cruise ship. These vessels offer travelers all the amenities of a 5-star hotel, as well as the opportunity to explore the state’s incredible scenery and wildlife up close. You can choose to cruise along the Inside Passage, which winds through the protected waters of the state’s coastal islands, or opt for an itinerary that includes a stop in the port of Juneau, the capital of Alaska.
Cruise lines offer sailings to Alaska from ports all the way down the West Coast, as well as from Vancouver, and cruises within Alaska usually depart from Seward or Juneau.
Ride a dog sled
If you are looking for an alternative type of luxury travel, and a truly unique Alaska experience, a ride on a dog sled is a must. This traditional form of transportation has been used by Arctic explorers for centuries and is the perfect way to explore the state’s vast and untouched wilderness. You can team up with a musher and their team of dogs for an authentic journey through the snow-covered landscape, or opt for a more comfortable ride on a wheeled sled.
There are lots of options for travelers wanting to ride a dog sled in Alaska. Sled teams in Juneau, Seward, Anchorage, and Fairbanks offer year-round tours, or you can sled on glaciers in Denali or Skagway!
