News

3 ways to see Alaska in 2021: By small ship, land tours and on points

Andrea M. RotondoTravel journalist
Andrea M. Rotondo has traveled to 50+ countries using points and miles. She's a luxury, small-ship cruise expert and hotel maven who can share the not-to-be-missed spots in her adopted home state of Florida. She will also talk all day long about her ancestral homeland: Italy.

March 23, 2021 • 8 min read

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Quick summary

Alaska is highlighted as a top travel destination for 2021, especially for vaccinated travelers seeking adventure.
Three main ways to explore Alaska this spring or summer include small-ship cruises, land-based tours and booking hotels using points.
Small-ship cruises offer intimate access to Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, with excursions and most onboard amenities included.
Land tours from major operators provide escorted or independent options, often featuring rail travel and visits to Denali National Park.

What to consider

Cruise ships with more than 250 people are restricted, but smaller vessels can still operate in Alaskan waters.
Hotel availability is limited and booking early is recommended, especially for those using hotel loyalty points.
Points hotels are concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau, with fewer options elsewhere in the state.

What you'll miss from the article

Detailed comparisons of cruise lines, land tour options and specific hotel loyalty program opportunities for Alaska travel.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

TPG has been singing Alaska's praises for a while now. We think it's one of the best destinations to set your sights on for 2021 -- especially if you've been vaccinated already and are raring to get back into the travel fray.

We previously shared four tips to help gear up for an Alaska sojourn and now we'll share three ways to easily explore The Last Frontier this spring or summer: by small ship, via an independent or escorted land tour and by booking a hotel with points. Let's get started.

Small-ship cruising

Touring by skiff got this family so close to a glacier. (Photo courtesy of UnCruise Adventures)

I've cruised Alaska aboard midsized cruise ships and also one of UnCruise Adventures' yachts. There is absolutely nothing like the up-close-and-personal nature of an expedition or luxury sailing through Alaska's Inside Passage on a small ship. You sail and explore during the day and anchor in a quiet cove at night.

While the CDC mandates that ships with more than 250 people and crew can't sail in American waters right now, smaller ships are still viable options. So, take a look at sailings from UnCruise, which operations a fleet of small adventure boats.

UnCruise Adventures offers seven-, 12- and 14-night Alaska sailings from May through September. Opt for Wilderness Explorer (74 guests) or Wilderness Discoverer (76 guests) if you're a total outdoors person. If you love nature but also yearn for the trappings of luxury, Safari Explorer (36 guests), Safari Endeavour (84 guests) or Legacy (86 guests) are the best choices for you. No matter which type of ship you pick, you can opt for an itinerary that explores the Inside Passage and/or Glacier Bay National Park.

Included excursions range from rainforest hikes, kayak and skiff outings to view wildlife, paddle boarding and the opportunity learn about native Alaskan cultures and tribes. You may even do a "polar plunge" from the ship's swim step if you dare! Every outing is lead by a passionate expedition guide that can explain the nature, science and culture of Alaska.

Glacier Bay polar plunge UnCruise Adventures — Taking the "polar plunge" challenge at Glacier Bay during an UnCruise Adventures voyage. (Photo courtesy of Ben Marolf/UnCruise Adventures)

If you're looking for a seven-night voyage, you can pick a Juneau round-trip, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse) or Juneau to Sitka (or reverse). There are 12-night Seattle to Juneau (or reverse) itineraries as well as 14-night Juneau to Ketchikan and reverse itineraries.

These cruises are very inclusive experiences, with shore excursions, meals and beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) included in the fare.

If small-ship sailing in Alaska is appealing, you can also check out Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions and American Cruise Lines.

Land-only tours from Princess Cruises and Holland America

The 663-room Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

If you normally cruise with Princess Cruises or Holland America, it's important to know that they have been leaders in Alaska tourism for decades. While they can't sail in the state currently due to the CDC-mandated pause to cruising and Canada's COVID-19-related cruise ship ban, they can still help you execute an incredible trip to The Last Frontier in 2021.

Both companies -- who are both under the Carnival Corp. umbrella -- own lodges throughout the state, which makes them a go-to travel partner this spring and summer. Even though their ships won't sail in Alaska this year, you can still book a land-only tour with either company.

Both escorted and unescorted tours are on offer and include accommodations, most meals, some sightseeing and rail travel on Alaska Railroad rail cars (a fun highlight, in my opinion). The escorted tours also include a tour guide.

Both options include a full day at Denali National Park — famous for its grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep.

The escorted tours also will include a visit by tour boat to the Portage Glacier near Anchorage and a riverboat excursion in Fairbanks, Alaska. Add-on options will include flightseeing around Denali and river rafting.

Pricing for the escorted tours starts at $2,599 per person, not includes taxes. Unescorted tours start at $1,699 per person, plus tax.

Related: The 6 coolest tours in Alaska

Both lines will also sell “Denali Rail Tours” of one- to six-nights that explore Denali National Park. You can sign up to travel to Denali by rail only or by a combination of rail and motorcoach travel.

If you prefer to be an independent traveler, you can book these properties through the cruise lines:

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park and Preserve
Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

You can book a tour or hotel accommodations through your travel agent or via Gray Line Alaska at 800-544-2206.

Points hotels and other accommodations

Northern Lights in Anchorage, Alaska — The northern lights in Anchorage, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Visit Alaska)

Of course, many travelers are most comfortable doing their own thing. If you think you may go to Alaska this spring or summer, book your lodging immediately. We're seeing availability beginning to dwindle.

Lodges

Here are our bets for the best Alaskan lodges for getting close to glaciers, Denali and more.

Points hotels

You won't necessarily be able to use your hotel points on this trip because there just aren't that many options. Here are some from the major hotel loyalty programs:

In Anchorage

Courtyard Anchorage Airport -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
Crowne Plaze Anchorage-Midtown -- from 32,500 IHG Rewards points
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage -- from 34,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points
Fairfield Inn & Suites Anchorage Midtown -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
Four Points by Sheraton Anchorage Downtown -- 20,000 (off peak), 25,000 (standard) and 30,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
Hampton Inn Anchorage -- from 18,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points
Hilton Anchorage -- from 27,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points
Hilton Garden Inn Anchorage -- from 22,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points
Holiday Inn Express Anchorage -- from 25,000 IHG Rewards points
Home2 Suites by Hilton Anchorage/Midtown -- from 37,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points
Homewood Suites by Hilton Anchorage -- from 23,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points
Hyatt House Anchorage -- 12,000 World of Hyatt points
Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown -- 12,000 World of Hyatt points
Marriott Anchorage Downtown -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
SpringHill Suites Anchorage University Lake -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
Staybridge Suites Anchorage -- from 25,000 IHG Rewards points
Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points
TownPlace Suites Anchorage Midtown -- 30,000 (off peak), 35,000 (standard) and 40,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points

In Fairbanks

Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks -- from 21,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points
Hyatt Place Fairbanks -- 8,000 World of Hyatt points
SpringHill Suites Fairbanks -- 20,000 (off peak), 25,000 (standard) and 30,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy points

In Juneau

Four Points by Sheraton Juneau -- 40,000 (off peak), 50,000 (standard) and 60,000 (peak) Marriott Bonvoy

While points hotels are not as abundant in Alaska as in other states, you can use your flexible points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, to book lodging at some of the best-located accommodations near sites like Denali.

Denali hotel options Chase Travel Portal — Screenshot courtesy of the Chase Travel portal

Bottom line

Alaska is a special place. It's remote but the state's natural beauty and wildlife put it at the top of our "to visit" lists. Without the cruise ship crowds this summer, it's an ideal time to check out The Last Frontier.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.