3 ways to see Alaska in 2021: By small ship, land tours and on points
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
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.
Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
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.
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
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.
Related: With cruising to Alaska in flux, Holland America and Princess turn to selling land tours
Points hotels and other accommodations
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.
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.
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| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.