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Alaska Cruise Pictures

Things to See and Do on an Alaska Cruise

Alaska is full of spectacular scenery and amazing animal life. It is also a wonderful cruise destination with three basic Alaska itineraries provided by cruise ships. Alaska is also one of the most photogenic places you can visit. The 49th state of the United States has magnificent mountains, gorgeous sea and lake views, waterfalls, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Everyone who visits Alaska can find memorable, unusual things to do and see . These photos provide a look at some of the towns, glaciers, and other places you can see or experience when visiting Alaska on either a large or mid-sized cruise ship or a  small expedition cruise ship .

Juneau - State Capital of Alaska

Juneau is a popular port of call on many cruises of the Inside Passage of Alaska. This city is the only state capital in the USA that is accessible only by water or air; it can't be reached in a car! Juneau has many fun activities including hiking or kayaking near the Mendenhall Glacier, a tram/cable car, ziplining, and even a brewery.

Ketchikan - One of the Rainiest Cities in the USA

Don't let Ketchikan's nickname scare you! Although the historic city gets over 162 inches of rain each year, it's a fun place to visit on an Alaska cruise. Ketchikan has terrific fishing opportunities, along with hiking, ziplining, kayaking, or exploring the downtown historic area.

Skagway, Alaska - Goldrush Town of the Late 1800s

Many miners seeking their fortune in gold flocked to Skagway in the late 1800's, and the town grew to over 20,000 residents. Today the population is much less, but 14 buildings are on the National Historic Register, and it's great fun to walk around Skagway and picture the way it was during the gold rush days.  Many cruise travelers take a ride on the scenic White Pass & Yukon Railway, which follows the trail the gold-seekers took into the mountains. 

Anchorage- Alaska's Largest (and only ) City

Many people choose to visit the interior of Alaska before or after their Alaska cruise . These cruise extensions often fly into or out of Anchorage, which is Alaska's largest city with about 300,000 residents. Over 40 percent of those who live in Alaska reside in Anchorage, and the city has many places to stay, eat, and explore. 

Sitka - Alaska's First Capital

Sitka is a small historic town on the outside edge of Alaska's Inside Passage. It is celebrated as the site of Alaska's discovery in 1741 and still has buildings that reflect the time it was Russian. After the USA purchased Alaska from Russia, Sitka was the first capital.

Petersburg, Alaska - Gateway to Frederick Sound

 Petersburg, Alaska was founded by a Norwegian homesteader, and the small town still has many residents with a Norwegian heritage. However, Petersburg is a big fish canning town, so workers from many foreign countries pack the small town in the summer. It's a fun place to explore, hike, or do whale watching in nearby Frederick Sound.

Metlakatla - Native American Community

The Metlakatla Indian Community is the only Native American reservation in Alaska. The Tsimshian Indians who prefer reservation life reside in the community. Metlakatla is a good place to visit to buy superb handicrafts, learn about life on a reservation, and learn about the Tsimshian Indian culture and dances.

Alaska Helicopter Ride to a Glacier

If the weather cooperates, Alaska is a great place to ride on a helicopter. The scenery is magnificent, and the views of mountains and glaciers are breathtaking. I did a helicopter ride from Juneau to visit a summer camp for sled dogs training for the famous Iditarod race.

Alaska Dog Sledding on a Glacier

One of the best (and most expensive) shore excursions I've ever done anywhere was a helicopter ride from the airport in Juneau up to a sled dog summer training camp on the Mendenhall icefields. Dogs training for the Iditarod or other races can practice all summer on the icy snow, and visitors are welcome to see the dogs, learn about their training and take a ride on a sled. Of course, the helicopter ride up to the training camp is exhilarating and provides spectacular views.  

Humpback Whales in Alaska

Almost everyone who visits Alaska sees whales, especially if they are on a small ship or do a whale-watching expedition from a large cruise ship. I've been lucky and have seen dozens of whales and have seen them breach, show their fluke, and even bubble feed, as is shown in this photo.

Glacier Bay National Park

Like most of the national parks in the United States, Glacier Bay National Park is a memorable place to visit. However, it can best be visited by ship, so a cruise ship is a perfect way to see some of the park's highlights like glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. 

Hubbard Glacier in Alaska

 Hubbard Glacier is Alaska's largest tidewater glacier and one of over 100,000 glaciers in the 49th state of the USA. Ships sailing between Seward and Vancouver, Victoria, or Seattle often spend part of a day near this spectacular glacier.

Cruise the Misty Fjords in Alaska

The Misty Fjords are near Ketchikan and are only accessible via boat or small plane. In the summer, visitors won't see glaciers or ice and snow, but they will get impressive views of giant fjords. The fjords have been a US National Monument since the late 1970s, and the dramatically carved granite cliffs demonstrate the strength of the glaciers that formed the fjords.

Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska

Tracy Arm is a deep fjord that is 23 miles long near Juneau. It is home to the Sawyer Glaciers, and the cruise up the narrow glacial valley is quite spectacular. 

Alaska Railroad Train

If your cruise starts or ends in Seward, you might have a chance to ride the Grandview train between Seward and Anchorage. This is one of Alaska's most scenic train rides and is a perfect way to see some of the interior. 

Un-Cruise Adventures - Alaska Cruise Travel Journal

One of the best ways to see wildlife and get an up-close view of glaciers is on a small cruise ship in Alaska. This cruise photo travel journal of a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise from Ketchikan to Juneau on the small adventure ship the Wilderness Discoverer of Un-Cruise Adventures provides a good overview of a small ship cruise in Alaska. 

The Boat Company - Alaska Cruise Travel Journal

Anyone who loves to fish, kayak, or hike will enjoy an Alaska cruise with The Boat Company. The company has two tiny ships, and I sailed on the Mist Cove, a 24-passenger adventure ship. My husband and I loved the halibut and salmon fishing, along with the unique sightseeing opportunities the tiny ship offered. This cruise journal provides photos of some of the things we did in Alaska with The Boat Company. 

Seven Seas Voyager - Large Ship Alaska Cruise Log

Those who love to be pampered on board, enjoy larger cabins, and desire more dining venues can still enjoy much of what Alaska has to offer on a large or mid-sized cruise ship. This photo journal provides a look at a voyage between Seward and Vancouver on the Regent Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship.

Small Ship Alaska Cruise Log

Although Cruise West is no longer in business, this cruise log from 2007 provides a good look at many of the places in see in Alaska and the things to do in Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Petersburg, and Haines. 

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3 Types of Alaska Cruise Itineraries

The Best Alaska Cruises

10 Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

Holland America Eurodam's Best Shore Excursions

12 Best Things to Do in Juneau During an Alaska Cruise

The Top 15 Destinations in Alaska

8 Things to Consider When Booking an Alaska Cruise

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Photographing an Alaskan Cruise – Photography Tips

This is the second blog post in a series on photographing an Alaskan cruise.  We took the southbound cruise from Whittier to Vancouver with Norwegian Cruise Lines.  We also spent an extra day and a half in Vancouver. I’ll be blogging about our experience and the photo ops at each destination as well as other topics such as what photo gear to bring.

Try Using a Passing Boat as your Foreground

An Alaskan cruise can also be a great photography trip.  In this blog, I’ll give my tips on photographing an Alaskan cruise and how to get the most out of it from a photography perspective.    What photo equipment to bring will be the next topic in the series on Photographing an Alaskan Cruise.

Index for all 11 Blogs on Photographing an Alaskan Cruise

Photography tips for an alaskan cruise.

• Balcony.   If you can afford it, get a cabin with a balcony.  The balcony was my favorite part of the cruise.  It was wonderful to sit on your balcony with your favorite beverage and look for beautiful compositions at any time of the day.  It is also your private viewing area for the glaciers, sunsets, and sunrises.
• Multiple Camera Bodies. If you have multiple camera bodies, have each set up with different focal length lenses.  This will reduce the need to switch lenses and reduce missed shots.  The lenses you need will vary based on your distance from the shore.  I normally had my Canon 5D mark III set up with a telephoto for wildlife.  I saw humpback whales, dolphins, orcas, seals, and bald eagles all from my balcony.  For the second body, I normally had a wide angle or a longer zoom lens (70-300mm) depending on the distance from the shore.
• Think Foregrounds.   There is a lot of beautiful mountain scenery in Alaska.  Depending on the focal length of your lens and the distance from the shore, you could have a lot of empty water in the foreground. For a more interesting composition, look for objects for the foreground of your photo – islands, passing boats, icebergs, and reflections can all make interesting foregrounds.  Since the boat is moving, the compositions and foregrounds will constantly change.
• Sunrises and Sunsets.   If you have clear or partly cloudy evenings and mornings on your cruise, the sunrises and sunsets can be beautiful.  If you are coming from a different time zone, you will likely be up early in the morning, check outside your cabin, the sun rises really early in Alaska.  Sunsets seem to last a long time in up in Alaska.  Look for sunsets reflecting in the clouds, on the white mountain peaks, and on the water.  Also, try shooting directly into a sunset to produce a silhouette of the mountains.
• Panoramas.    Think about shooting panoramas both horizontal and vertical.  Horizontal panos are useful when you have a beautiful mountain range in front of you with no foreground objects.  You will see many waterfalls cascading down from the top of the mountains on your cruise.  Try a vertical panorama for these waterfall scenes.  I shot my panoramas handheld.  With a fast shutter speed and advances in panorama merge software, successful panoramas can be shot handheld.
• Bring a Camera Everywhere.  If you bring a point and shoot, take it with you wherever you go on the ship.  I got some good photos while eating in the dining rooms that I would have otherwise missed.

This scene was photographed with my point and shoot while eating breakfast one morning

Related Posts Photographing an Alaskan Cruise – Review and General Tips A Collection of Beautiful Alaskan Sunsets What Photography Gear to Bring on an Alaskan Cruise?

Photographing an Alaskan Cruise - Review and General Tips

What Photography Gear to Bring on an Alaskan Cruise?

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Barry kurek.

Thanks for the tips.  My upcoming vacation is a little different in that it is a land tour.  But every little tip helps.  I especially appreciate the reminder about foregrounds.

Martin Belan

Thanks for posting Barry.  Enjoy your cruise!

Steve Rubin

Martin,  thanks for the tips.  When I usually travel I bring my (all Canon) 5DMIII with 18-36, 24-70. And 70-200 (all 2.8 L) and my 1.4 extender.  I can get these in a nice travel bag. However, for the Alaskan Cruise I have a feeling that I'll need to bring my 7D body (crop) as well.  I'm thinking of setting up the 7D with my 24-70 (36-105 converted)  and my 70-200 with the 1.4 on my 5DMIII (100-290 approx).  Would you agree?  I can also bring an 18-200 3.5-5.6 for the 7D (EFS so only for the 7D) but I hate not to have pro glass on when I have it.  Your thoughts? 

Sounds like a pretty good kit.  If you plan on whale watching on an excursion or from the cruise ship, you may want something with a little more reach (300mm with a 1.4x on the 7D) would work.  The fast glass will be helpful for photographing sunsets from the ship without a tripod.  When you’re further north, the sunsets are beautiful and last a long time.  Enjoy the trip and get some good shots.

Martilie Weideman

We are photographers from Suth Africa and leave on an Alaska cruise tomorrow. Thanks for the hints and can you recommend any cheap excursions that is worthwhile

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Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

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Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

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Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

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Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

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Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

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2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

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Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

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Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

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Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

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Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

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Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

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Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

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Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

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#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

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Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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• Choosing a Cruise
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• Special Occasions
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11 Expert Tips for Photographing Alaska’s Landscapes & Wildlife

By Lauren Breedlove

Last updated: September 18th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Alaska is a dream destination for most, but it’s a paradise for photographers, with dramatic and diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Soaring mountain ranges, summer’s midnight sun, vast landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and photogenic wildlife such as moose and eagles are just some of the 49th State’s amazing photography opportunities.

As thrilling as photographing Alaska is, it comes with its own set of challenges. From weather that can change on a dime and tricky lighting situations to best practices for wildlife encounters and capturing the motion of water, it’s best to be prepared.

A novice will find that Alaska is a great destination to practice their new skills while those who have already honed their craft will always unearth something exciting to capture with the state’s naturally striking backdrop.

Here are 11 expert tips for photographing Alaska’s stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Do Your Research

Research is at the core of any photography mission, regardless of whether you’re a beginner, enthusiast, or expert. From weather conditions to particulars about the wildlife species you wish to photograph, equipping yourself with knowledge of the terrain and potential subjects is the first step to achieving success when photographing Alaska.

For instance, if you’re hoping to take photos of the elusive moose throughout Alaska, it’s key to know the time of day that they usually appear, as well as where they tend to frequent.

Moose love hanging around in marshy wetlands and can be spotted more easily around dawn and dusk. That being said, moose have been known to make an appearance almost anytime of day in Alaska, so keep an eye out, and your camera ready.

Bear-spotting time is July, especially around Ketchikan and Sitka, where bears come to feast on spawning salmon. Keep your distance, though, and if a trail is marked closed because of bear activity, follow the rules.

Make sure to research animal behavior as well for the species you might encounter; it’s important to be prepared with the knowledge of what to do should you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

When visiting coastal regions of Alaska such as Seward and Homer on the Kenai Peninsula, or Juneau and Sitka in the southeastern region of the state, photographers will have the chance to capture a variety of marine mammals.

Since this is a seasonal occurrence for some whale species, it’s crucial to research the best time to visit Alaska for wildlife viewing to place yourself in the right place at the right time.

Although gray whales start to appear in April, peak whale watching in Alaska is usually May through September, when orcas and humpback whales join the party.

Humpbacks are the most prolific whales in Alaska, and you should certainly spot some in the Inside Passage. You should also see dolphins all over Alaska’s waters.

Bring a Variety of Lenses

Pack your camera bag with a variety of lenses to give yourself the tools for capturing the images you desire.

A telephoto lens will get you closer to wildlife, while keeping a safe distance. Get those tight shots with a 70-200mm lens, or an even closer vantage point for fine details with a lens that shoots up to 400 or 600mm. Usually, 400mm will be enough.

Using a longer lens means you’ll be experiencing more shake with your shooting, which could make your images blurry. To help with this, try using a tripod, and/or adjust your shutter speed to compensate.

The general rule of thumb is to set the shutter for equal or faster than the lens length you are photographing with; for a 400mm shot, set your shutter to 1/400th sec, or more.

Mendenhall Glacier

To capture the entire beauty of a scene, use a wide angle lens (12-24mm). This will allow you to include things that would normally be left out of the frame, adding to the whole picture.

Additionally, if you are shooting somewhere where you aren’t able to back up any further, you’ll still be able to get the image with all the components in there. The wide angle lens is an ideal tool for landscape photographers.

One of the best-loved lens ranges is 24-70mm, a fantastic all-around lens that allows for some zoom, as well as a bit wider shot, and is great for most situations. If you have to choose just one lens for the day while exploring Alaska, this would be the one.

However, it’s best to have a selection of telephoto, wide angle, and mid-range lens lengths at your fingertips in order to snap the magic of Alaska at any given moment.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

This photography tip has nothing to do with your camera, and everything to do with your clothing. What you wear can affect your photography, especially in Alaska.

Layer up with pieces that you can peel off and add on as needed. The weather conditions can change quickly and often include wind, rain, snow in higher elevations, and sun—sometimes, that’s all in one day.

Your morning endeavor might start out chilly but by the afternoon you could be too hot as you get into different positions in an attempt to capture fresh perspectives with your camera. Comfort is key when shooting the outdoors, and Alaska is a prime example of this.

Glacier in Alaska

If you aren’t comfortable, it’ll likely show in your photography, or your patience will wear thin earlier than normal. A rain or windproof jacket, warm mid-layer, hat, and proper hiking shoes with grip should all be in your wardrobe line-up.

Read: What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Keep a Safe Distance

Tongass National Forest

Respecting wildlife and keeping yourself safe is the most important aspect of wildlife photography.

Since we are in their home, it’s crucial to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing any creature’s activities. They are wild animals and can have unpredictable behavior.

That means do not yell at them, throw anything to get their attention, and certainly do not feed them. Following these general rules will not only help to keep you out of harm’s way, but will also prevent stress to the wildlife and allow you to capture images true to their natural behaviors.

Avoid making eye contact and do your best to blend in with your surroundings. While you’re shooting, be aware of the animal and note any signs of aggravation or distress. This can be anything from raised hair on their neck to lowered ears.

Researching the species’ aggressive behavior and mannerisms before your trip is a great way to prepare yourself for photographing wildlife . For instance, a moose will show its distress by putting its ears back, raising the hair on the back of its neck, or throwing its head upwards.

Additionally, if you do stop on the side of the road, it should always be in a designated pull-off area to keep you and other drivers safe. One of the best national parks in Alaska , Denali National Park is a great place to maximize your opportunity to photograph the “Big Five,” moose, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, wolves, and caribou.

If you’d like to photograph wildlife with guaranteed sightings and safe conditions, consider visiting Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka , where you can capture a tight shot of an eagle, or their other resident birds such as owls and hawks, there for rehabilitation. This is a particularly popular option for families.

Another one of the best things to do in Sitka is to visit The Fortress of the Bear, where you can view and photograph bears in a naturalized setting within the Tongass National Forest.

You can enjoy being close to the bears while staying safe, getting within 25 feet of them for excellent photo opportunities.

Shoot During Golden Hours

Everywhere you go in Alaska, you’ll find unbridled beauty to capture. Sunrise and sunset amp this up to a whole new level and are some of the best times to shoot the landscape and wildlife that Alaska is known for .

Humpback whale

Waking up early will prove well worth it when you feast your eyes on shades of pink, orange, and yellow, early morning sea mist, and enjoy a better chance for spotting wildlife among Alaska’s breathtaking terrain.

Relish in the chance to capture humpback and gray whales breaching at dawn, with golden ripples in the ocean; this is when they are most active.

Staying up for the midnight sun’s evening show, with stunning alpenglow illuminating mountaintops and glacial edges, signifying the day’s end, will be a visual treat as well. To emphasize the colors, try underexposing your shot a touch.

Water has greater potential to be calm in those early morning or late evening hours as well, boosting your opportunities to capture gorgeous reflections of the Alaskan mountains and surrounding scenery.

The softer light and amazing colors can enhance any photo, making golden hour shooting one of the top tips for photographing Alaska.

Look Beyond the Wildlife

Creek Street, Ketchikan

Alaska has a rich history and culture and you can tell a wonderful photographic story by documenting the state’s human side. Capture photos of some of the most beautiful places in Alaska , such as Ketchikan’s colorful Creek Street, or the artistry of the ancient native totem poles.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Delve into Alaskan culture and snap portraits of local people, with their permission, in context—for example, fishing, working with animals in rehabilitation centers, mushing sled dogs, or creating handicrafts.

Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from the southeastern city of Skagway , and photograph dramatic scenery such as Bridal Veil Falls and Dead Horse Gulch that played such an important part in the Gold Rush. Explore the architecture of Russian-influenced Sitka, or the famous murals in Seward.

Read: Best Towns to Visit in Alaska

Use a Polarizing Filter

Hubbard Glacier

Lighting in Alaska can be difficult to work with sometimes. From snow-capped mountains to bodies of water and blue-white Alaskan glaciers , the landscape acts as a natural reflector in certain situations.

The stark white of snow that confuses your camera’s automatic exposure settings can be dealt with by overexposing your shot a bit, keeping the gray tones out of the snow.

A polarizing filter is another tool that will aid in shooting reflective water such as the ocean and rivers, and the glare that comes with it. A polarizer can also deal with a sky that is too bright, by darkening it and adding vibrance to colors in rainbows and surrounding scenery.

Read: Magnificent Lakes in Alaska

Focus on the Eyes

Perhaps the most important technical tip for photographing wildlife is to focus on the animal’s eyes. This will produce sharp images of the creature, and create an emotional connection to the viewer.

Using continuous autofocus when shooting Alaskan wildlife is another key tool, particularly for animals that move erratically.

Autofocus in combination with “burst mode” is a must-do as well, allowing your camera to take several images in the span of seconds while keeping the focus on the eyes and face, a priority.

Use Slow Shutter Speed For Waterfalls

Virgin Creek Falls, Anchorage

Alaska has many beautiful waterfalls amid its awe-inspiring landscape. Whether you’re photographing the gorgeous Nugget Falls in Juneau, or Anchorage’s Virgin Creek Falls, using the correct settings will help you achieve that otherworldly and dreamy look in your images of these natural wonders.

A slow shutter speed is a crucial setting. Start at 1-2 seconds and balance the ISO and aperture settings to match (small aperture, f/11 or higher, and low ISO). Since you will be using the slower shutter speed, you will also need to keep your camera completely still while shooting. A tripod is recommended to do this.

Remember that each waterfall and set of conditions that you’ll be capturing it in are different, so you’ll have to adjust settings accordingly. When photographing moving wildlife such as Alaska’s whales, you’ll have to act quickly.

Although the shutter speed and your other camera’s settings will vary due to the specific conditions that day, using 1/500 or faster as the shutter speed is a great starting point to freeze the action in your image.

Go on a Hike

Denali National Park

If it’s your first trip to Alaska , make sure to take advantage of the beautiful hiking trails with your camera in hand and you’ll find endless subjects and scenes to photograph.

Hiking in Alaska will not only bring you to new places and heights, but it will allow you to absorb your surroundings and grant you access to spots that not everyone gets to photograph.

For the ultimate Alaskan adventure , try the Mount Roberts trail near Juneau or Denali National Park’s Savage Alpine loop trail where you may spot wildlife among stunning landscapes.

Forget-me-nots

Focus on tiny details, too; hike in spring and you’ll find flower-strewn mountain meadows for close-ups of brilliant blue forget-me-nots (Alaska’s state flower), or during summer in Alaska , brilliant purple fireweed, a tasty snack for deer, moose, and caribou.

Fall in Alaska is berry season, when you can capture ruby-colored berries to add a splash of color to your landscape shots.

Bring Proper Accessories

In addition to your camera and lenses, accessories will aid you in making the most of your photo adventure. A camera bag with a waterproof cover will keep your gear protected from the elements and cushioned while exploring.

Having a backup battery and SD card are also a good idea, as you don’t want to run out of storage while in the field.

A lens wipe is also a good idea, particularly in Alaska. Having a lens-safe cloth or wipe to clean water droplets or dust off your lens will prove to be very handy in the state’s fickle climate.

A luxury cruise is a fantastic way to explore the vast wilderness and utter beauty you’ll discover while photographing Alaska.

From the state’s rich wildlife to its amazing and diverse landscapes, Alaska is a photographer’s dream destination. Browse our Alaskan cruises and book your photography expedition today.

Lauren Breedlove

Lauren Breedlove is a freelance writer, travel photographer, and the girl behind girlwanderlist.com, a list-based travel blog. She thrives on random adventures, off-beat destinations, and grilled cheese. Follow all her exploits on Instagram, @girlwanderlist.

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Body of Passenger Found After Going Overboard on Elvis Cruise

Andrea Santillan

• May 6, 2024

Authorities recovered the body of a man who went overboard from a P&O cruise ship on Monday morning. He reportedly went missing ten nautical miles from Sydney Heads, around 11 miles from the nearest shore.

The P&O-owned cruise ship, Pacific Adventure, was about to end a 3-day Elvis-themed cruise when it alerted Australian authorities about a man overboard incident at around 4 in the morning. 

Instead of heading to the Sydney port as planned, the vessel stayed in the area and participated in search and rescue efforts. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Coordination Centre headed the operation. A rescue helicopter and nearby vessels searched the waters while infrared technology was used to detect heat signatures from the water. 

According to police, rough conditions complicated their operations. Rescue teams faced swells up to 5 meters high and winds traveling up to 60 kilometers an hour.

On board the Pacific Adventure, passengers were given a brief update over the PA system. The 2001-built ship carried around 2,600 guests who had signed up for a 3-day Tribute to the King cruise in honor of the late Elvis Presley. It left Australia on May 3 and sailed to Moreton Island, Queensland.

After a voyage filled with themed parties, trivia games, and karaoke, it was supposed to return to its Sydney home port on May 6 at 6 a.m.

After the vessel’s late arrival in Sydney, Pacific Adventure’s next itinerary was delayed by a few hours from Monday afternoon to Monday evening.

In April 2023, another ship that sailed from Australia faced a man overboard incident . Despite a comprehensive search, the passenger was never found.

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