From Whale Watching to Glacier Tours – The Best Shore Excursions in Alaska
15th November 2025
Cruise World
Author
Cruising to Alaska is not just about the scenic sailing—it’s about what you can do once you dock. From thrilling adventures to cultural encounters, Alaska’s ports offer epic shore excursions that turn your cruise into a true bucket-list journey.
If you’re planning your first Alaska cruise, here are the top 10 unforgettable things to do during Alaska Cruise:
1. Go Whale Watching in Juneau or Icy Strait Point
Alaska is one of the best places in the world to spot whales in the wild. Join a local guide and head out on a high-speed catamaran to see humpbacks, orcas, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
2. Land on a Glacier via Helicopter
Want to walk on ice that’s thousands of years old? Book a helicopter ride to land directly on a glacier. Some tours even include ice trekking or sled dog rides on top!
3. Experience Summer Dog Sledding
Dog sledding isn’t just for winter. During summer, you can ride a sled on wheels at a training camp or be flown to a glacier where real sled teams train year-round.
4. Ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (Skagway)
This historic train climbs nearly 3,000 feet through stunning mountain passes and gorges. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to explore the Gold Rush past of the region.
5. Explore Totem Parks and Native Culture
Dive into Alaska’s rich Indigenous heritage in places like Ketchikan, home to the largest collection of standing totem poles in the world. Visit tribal centers to watch traditional performances and see local art.
6. Take a Guided Hike into the Wilderness or on the Glacier
Whether it’s Tongass National Forest or a coastal trail near Sitka, hiking in Alaska brings you face-to-face with nature: waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient trees. Opt for a guided tour to stay safe and learn more. Alternatively you can choose the Glacier trekking and climbing for a breathaking adventure
7. Try Your Hand at Salmon or Halibut Fishing
Cast your line into Alaska’s rich waters on a half-day or full-day charter. Many tour operators will clean, freeze, and ship your catch home—or your cruise line may even cook it for you onboard!
8. Kayak in Serene Bays or Fjords
Paddle among icebergs and seals as you explore coastal areas like Sitka Sound or the coves near Juneau. Kayaking gives you a quiet, up-close view of Alaska’s dramatic landscapes.
9. Witness Glacier Calving
One of the most powerful sights in Alaska is a glacier cracking and crashing into the sea. Whether from the ship in Glacier Bay or on a boat tour in Tracy Arm, it’s something you’ll never forget.
10. Combine Flightseeing with Adventure
In addition to glacier landings, some helicopter or floatplane tours offer combo packages: flightseeing plus hiking, bear watching, or even canoeing. These are perfect for active travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind day.
Final Tip: Book Alaska Cruise Excursion Early
Excursions in Alaska sell out fast, especially the top-rated ones. If you’re cruising in peak season (June–August), try to book your favorites in advance.
Need help choosing the best Alaska cruise and excursions?
Let CruiseWorld help you plan a tailor-made Alaska cruise experience from choosing the perfect ship and itinerary to locking in must-do shore excursions.
Antarctica - the last frontier is one of the most coveted destinations for adventurous and luxury travelers. Famous for its untouched landscapes, towering icebergs, penguin colonies, and surreal beauty, an Antarctica cruise is unlike any other voyage on earth. In fact, the only way to experience Antarctica is by cruise, as there are no commercial flights that land on the continent for tourists. Yet one of the most common questions we hear is: how much does it cost to cruise to Antarctica?
What Makes an Antarctica Cruise Special?
Unlike typical cruises to Europe or the Caribbean, an Antarctica cruise is an expedition. Ships are designed to navigate icy waters, offering luxury comfort while taking you to one of the most remote places on earth. Guests can enjoy guided Zodiac excursions, wildlife encounters, and expert-led lectures, making it a perfect blend ofadventure and luxury.
Antarctica Cruise Costs: What to Expect
The cost of an Antarctica cruise depends on the cruise line, level of luxury, duration, itinerary and your point of departure. In this guide, we break down the full costs, from cruise fares, international flights, pre-cruise hotels, guided excursions, and luxury upgrades, designed especially for Dubai, UAE and GCC travelers planning their ultimate journey to the White Continent.
Standard Expedition Cruises: Starting from $8,000–$12,000 per person for 9–12 nights. These include comfortable cabins, guided excursions, tour gears, and basic amenities.
Premium Expedition Cruises: Ranging from $12,000–$15,000 per person, for 12 to 18 days offering larger staterooms, specialty dining, and enhanced onboard service.
Ultra-Luxury Discovery Yachts (e.g., Scenic Eclipse Yachts, Silversea Expeditions, Seabourn Venture): Prices start from $15,000 per person and can exceed $35,000+ per person for 12 to 21 days depending on suite category and inclusions. These yachts feature Michelin-starred dining, luxury spas, helicopters, submarines, curated excursions to remote locations and personalised service.
👉 These Prices typically exclude international flights, so travelers from Dubai & GCC need to factor in airfare to South America (usually Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile).
What’s Included in an Antarctica Cruise Price
Most Antarctica cruises, whether luxury expeditions or more adventure-focused voyages are designed to be largely all-inclusive, since the region is remote and logistics are complex. Typical inclusions are:
Accommodation – From expedition-style cabins to ultra-luxury suites designed for comfort in remote regions.
Fine Dining – Full-board meals, from casual buffets to fine dining
Excursions – Zodiac landings, guided hikes, penguin & wildlife viewing, and iceberg explorations led by polar experts.
Expedition Team – Lectures, briefings, and guidance from naturalists, scientists, and seasoned explorers.
Polar Gear – Parkas, waterproof boots, Gloves, Safety gear, Reusable water bottles are typically provided for use during your voyage.
Onboard Amenities – Access to lounges, spas, wellness facilities, enrichment activities, lectures and photography workshops
This all-inclusive structure allows travelers to focus on the experience rather than worrying about hidden costs, making it one of the most seamless ways to explore Antarctica. Tip: Depending on the cruise line, certain extras, such as alcoholic beverages, internet, premium excursions (e.g., kayaking, Helicopter tours, camping), or spa services—may come at an additional cost.
Which Cruise Lines Sail to Antarctica?
A wide range of cruise lines operate to Antarctica, catering to different travel styles and preference:
Whether you’re seeking a rugged, adventure-style voyage or a refined luxury experience, there’s an Antarctica cruise for every type of traveler.
Additional Costs for UAE/GCC Travelers:
International Flights: There are no direct flights to Antarctica embarkation port. Most travelers will fly from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other GCC hubs to Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile. Roundtrip international airfare typically ranges from $1,500–$2,000 on economy class ticket depending on airline
Local Transfers & Domestic Flights: Most Antarctica cruises depart from smaller ports such as Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, which often require short domestic flights and transfers from international airports. Most premium to luxury cruises include the cost of domestic flights and an overnight hotel at the departure port, but it’s always best to confirm with the cruise line. If not covered, travelers should budget approximately $150–$300 for a domestic flight (around 3.5 hours) and $50–$75 per transfer each way between the airport and hotel.
Pre-Cruise Hotels: It’s highly recommended to arrive 1–2 days before departure to recover from long-haul flights and jet lag. Hotel costs vary by city and star rating; expect $150–$400 per night for a 4–5 star hotel including breakfast.
Visas: Visa requirements depend on nationality. UAE / GCC residents or passport holders generally require an Argentina or Chile visa, with fees ranging from $80–$150.
Optional Pre-Cruise Tours: If you arrive one or two days early, you might consider guided tours to explore Argentina or Chile. After all, it’s a long 15+ hour journey just to embark on an Antarctica cruise—why not take the opportunity to discover these top South American destinations? For a trip like this, we recommend arriving 3 to 5 days earlier to fully experience the region before setting sail to the White Continent
By factoring in all these elements—cruise fare, international flights, pre-cruise hotel, visas, local transfers, and excursions—UAE and GCC travelers can plan a realistic budget for this once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic journey.
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
The Antarctica cruise season runs from November to March:
November–December: Early season with pristine snow and ice, penguin courtship season.
January–February: Warmest period, excellent for wildlife spotting and whale watching.
March: Late season, with fewer ships and quieter landscapes.
Why Antarctica Cruises Are Worth the Cost
While prices are higher than traditional cruises, the experience is unmatched. You’re paying not just for luxury, but for:
Access to one of the most remote destinations on Earth
Expert guides, naturalists, and scientists onboard
It’s not just a cruise – it’s a bucket-list expedition.
Book Your Antarctica Cruise from Dubai with CruiseWorld
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic honeymoon cruise to Antarctica, planning a memorable anniversary or a milestone birthday, or simply seeking a bucket-list adventure to the last frontier, Antarctica offers an unmatched setting. From luxury expedition yachts to more intimate discovery cruises, CruiseWorld Dubai can assist with complete planning, including flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, tours and the best Antarctica cruise options tailored to your preferences.
👉 Ready to plan your Antarctic journey from Dubai? Contact CruiseWorld Dubai to explore antarctica cruise deals
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