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Best 2018 Alaska Cruises for Late Summer

As we welcome the tail end of summer and look ahead to fall, there’s still time for adventure and travel. Late summer cruises to Alaska are still available for August and September on board Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Pearl. Wrap up your summer story with a cruise to Alaska.

Alaska offers cruisers plenty of natural beauty to explore. Take in the abundant wildlife, explore blue jewel-like lakes, and see majestic deep fjords on an Alaska cruise. You'll find no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in the last frontier. 

Enjoy a sightseeing drive along the scenic Tongass Narrows on your way to Totem Bight State Park. Experience the rich culture of Alaska's Native Americans. Take in spectacular views of the Alaskan forest while you glide high above the forest floor. With numerous cruise ships sailing to Alaska, Norwegian Cruise Line offers more chances than ever to explore Alaska. Here are two of the top picks for 2018 Alaska cruises for late summer.  

7-Day Alaska Highlights Cruise from Seattle

Norwegian Bliss Race Track

Sail to Alaska on one of Norwegian Cruise Line's newest and most impressive ships. Norwegian Bliss was specifically designed to offer spectacular views of Alaska. You'll enjoy every single moment onboard this ship. See the pure, raw beauty of giant glaciers from the Observation Lounge of the ship. Order a drink from the full-service bar and sit back and enjoy the beauty of the wild. 

If you are looking for something to get your heart pumping and adrenaline coursing through your veins, then try a turn at the largest race track at sea. Challenge your friends to a race around the competitive race track all while you enjoy the fresh Alaskan air. Book an aft-facing balcony stateroom and enjoy spectacular views and breakfast on your balcony. 

This seven-day Alaska cruise departs in Seattle, so take a day before your cruise to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Stop in at one of the city's many famous coffee houses. Take a stroll down to Pike Place Market. Sample some of the many local foods and fresh fish. Check out the local artists' wares, and take in a spectacular view of the city from the Space Needle. 

The highlights of this cruise include Juneau, Alaska. The town is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful in the United States, thanks to its awe-inspiring ice-capped mountains and spectacular forests. Visit what was once the biggest gold mine in history. Kayak along the coast of Juneau on a two-person kayak, and explore the coastal waterways for wildlife including whales, sea lions, and seals. See the spectacular and varying deep blue shades of the Mendenhall Glacier while enjoying blue skies and snow capped mountains in the distance. 

The next sight on this Alaska cruise is the Sawyer Glacier, which is something that you won't want to miss. It extends deep underwater and is surrounded by towering mountains that rise more than 7,000 feet into the air. 

Finally, Skagway, Alaska, is one of the most charming port stops on this cruise. Walk in the footsteps of famous pioneers as you visit the historic gold rush sites in Skagway. Learn about the lawless history of Skagway as you embark on the Ghosts & Good Time Girls Walking Tour. You'll learn all how the women of the brothels brushed shoulders with notorious con artists and criminals like Soapy Smith. Discover the haunted history of the many Gold Rush buildings in Skagway. 

7-Day Alaska Cruise with Glacier Bay from Seattle

Norwegian Pearl Cruise to Alaska

Explore Alaska on Norwegian Pearl, a ship that is a destination of her own. Enjoy a multi-course meal at Indigo, one of the many complimentary dining options onboard the Norwegian Pearl. Relax tense muscles away with a hot stone massage or have a blast at Bliss Ultra Lounge & Nightclub. 

After spending a full day at sea exploring the ship, you'll arrive at Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Explore the back roads of Alaska on the Back Country Jeep Adventure tour. Follow an experienced backcountry guide on the road less traveled. You'll head up winding mountain trails to view spectacular panoramic views of the rainforest below. Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the brown coastal bears that inhabit the area. 

After departing Icy Strait Point, you'll sail on to Skagway. Take a walk along the sunny boardwalk that is lined with historical replica buildings from the town's gold rush days. You can also explore Skagway in your own private Hummer H2. Choose the sites that you find most interesting or ask your personal guide to show you their favorite spots. One of the local's favorites to visit is Emerald Lake, a bright green lake that is surrounded by lush forest. Skagway offers plenty of other things to explore too, including the famed Gold Rush Cemetery and Jewell Gardens. 

Next, you'll sail to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This 3.3-million-acre park is a United Nations World Heritage Site and one of the top destinations in Alaska. Witness humpback whales breaching the surface of the icy waters. Take in the beautiful glaciers, and enjoy watching the giant hunks of ice breaking off the glacier and crashing into the bay below. View some of Alaska's most interesting wildlife in the park, including eagles, whales, and seabirds. 

The next stop is Ketchikan, Alaska, where you can walk along the historic waterfront or explore the unique local art scene. Don't forget to check out the spectacular totem poles that draw many visitors to this popular southern Alaskan frontier town. 

The last stop before arriving back in Seattle is Victoria, British Columbia. You'll notice the town's British influences everywhere. Check out the world-class museums, enjoy an afternoon tea at one of the many tea rooms, or explore the scenic waterfront parks. 

Norwegian Bliss Cruise to Alaska

Check out some of Norwegian Cruise Line's best deals and limited time offers to Alaska. Book your 2018 Alaskan cruise today.