Towering Mountains and Dramatic Fjords
Journey across Alaska with Azamara. Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Lying at the foot of Mount Marathon on Resurrection Bay, this scenic city offers unlimited ways to explore its natural splendor. Founded in the early 20th century as settlers plotted the construction of the northbound rail line, Seward’s ice-free port and crowning Harding Icefield quickly established the city as an important shipping terminal on the Kenai Peninsula and the southern terminus of the Iditarod National Historic trail. Temperate rainforest climate and active glaciers combine to offer countless tidewaters, marine-rich waters, lush forest trails, and a variety of wildlife.
Travel to the Kenai Fjords National Park to hike or ski amongst its beautiful mountains. Kayak the tide pools along the fjords, and explore the Exit Glacier while mushing your own dog sledding team. A boat excursion or flightseeing tours offer an up close glimpse of the Harding Icefield’s glaciers, the majesty of the dramatic Kenai Fjords, and the dense greenery of the Chugach National Forest. Tour the rich waters of Resurrection Bay, join local anglers to fish for Coho salmon and halibut, or keep a look out for bright-billed puffins, friendly otters, sea lions, humpback whales, and much more. Take a coffee break in Seward’s quaint downtown, or find a mount and explore areas of the shoreline only accessible on horseback, including the old town of Seward, which was leveled by the Good Friday Earthquake. Shaped by time, earthquakes, and ocean storms, Seward’s unfolding beauty is yours to explore, any way you choose.
Explore Haines, Alaska
Known as “The Valley of The Eagles,” the town of Haines is considered by many to be one of Alaska’s true adventure hubs. After all, it has long been a jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts looking to make their way into the 49th State’s great unknown. And you can make that journey for yourself on the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari.
This Azamara shore excursion offers something for everyone, including a cruise through the Lynn Canal—North America’s deepest fjord. Here, whales breach the water’s surface, though you may miss them as you become transfixed on the towering mountains that surround you. You’ll see beautiful beaches and lush rainforests—two things that may not immediately come to mind when you think of Alaska—as you make your way toward the Davidson Glacier at Glacier Point. Best of all, a canoe trip through the glacial lake below gets you even closer to this large valley glacier. Before you make your way to the Davidson Glacier at Glacier Point, Azamara recommends learning a little more about these incredible natural wonders. Alaska Public Land Information Center has an excellent glacier primer worth checking out—where you can learn how glaciers form, what makes Alaskan glaciers so unique, and more.
Immersive Sea Kayaking
If Alaska is The Last Frontier, then Homer is the last stop—literally! Nestled at the end of the Sterling Highway, surrounded by mountains on one side and the Kachemak Bay on the other—Homer is a destination alive with pioneer spirits and wild hearts. And just across the water, your next adventure awaits on a sea kayaking journey in Kachemak Bay State Park—Alaska’s first state park.
Fridtjof Nansen, one of the world’s greatest polar explorers and a Nobel prize winner, once called the kayak “Far and away the best one-man boat in existence.” Of course, you can choose between a solo or tandem kayak on your journey along the shores of Kachemak Bay State Park. As your guide shares fascinating insights on this remote part of the world, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife who call Kachemak Bay State Park home—including majestic moose and black bears bigger than any you’ve seen in The Lower 49 (Alaskan lingo for the contiguous United States). Kayarchy is an excellent resource for those interested in learning more about the thrills of sea kayaking, and Azamara highly recommends their detailed look at this versatile boat if you’re interested in learning more before you take to the waters.
Is your pioneer spirit starting to stir at the thought of a voyage to Alaska? It’s time to embrace your inner frontiersman and experience this northern beauty for yourself. While Azamara has highlighted some of the exciting adventures you can have in Alaska, the truth is they've only scratched the surface. There is so much to see and do in Alaska, and with Azamara's expertly curated shore excursions, you’re sure to find something new, marvelous, and unexpected on every stop of your journey. The Last Frontier awaits! It’s time for you to answer the call of the wild and forge your own path.
