Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind if you're headed to Alaska:
Pack several essentials before departing on an Alaska cruise-tour. These include binoculars (they'll get frequent use), camera, twice as much film as you anticipate using, a sweater and/or jacket, rain gear, an umbrella and sturdy walking shoes.Don't expect to spend much time by the pool. Average temperatures in southeast Alaska are about 48 degrees in May, 54 degrees in June, 57 degrees in July and August, and 51 degrees in September. Clouds and rain are likely on some days.
Before you go:
- Select and book shore excursions as soon as possible. Many sell out early.
- If given a choice of morning or afternoon departures on flight-seeing excursions, consider that clouds and fog cause more postponements early in the day.
- Passengers on scenic helicopters must sign a form in advance attesting to their weight. Above a specified weight, an extra half-seat or seat must be purchased.
- To receive a free 1996 Alaska Calendar of Events, write to Inquiries Section, Alaska Division of Tourism, P.O. Box 110801, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0801, or call (907) 465-2010.
- To receive a free 1996 Inside Passage Travel Planner, write to the Southeast Alaska Tourism Council, Department 101, P.O. Box 20710, Juneau, AK 99802, or call (800) 423-0568.
- Contact a travel agent for brochures or reservations on cruise ships or tours; for details about hotels operated by cruise lines and other hotels in or near Denali National Park; or for information about the Alaska Railroad's Midnight Sun Express.
- For information about Denali National Park and Preserve, write to P.O. Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755.
- For reservations or information about Camp Denali, write to Box 67, Denali National Park, AK 99755, or call (907) 683-2290 from late May to early September. Before late May, call (603) 675-2248.
- Call (800) 541-9779 for information about Denali Wilderness Lodge.
- For information about the 430 species of birds sighted in Alaska, write the Anchorage Audubon Society at P.O. Box 101161, Anchorage, AK 99510, or the Juneau Audubon Society at P.O. Box 021725, Juneau, Alaska 99802.
- Call visitors bureaus at these numbers for brochures and information about individual towns: Anchorage - (907) 276-4118.
Fairbanks - (800) 327-5774.
Juneau - (907) 586-1737.
Ketchikan - (907) 225-6166.
Nome - (907) 443-5535.
Seward - (907) 224-8051.
Skagway - (907) 983-2854.
Sitka - (907) 747-5940.
Valdez - (907) 835-2984.
Recommended publications: - The 19th edition of the "Alaska Almanac" (Northwest Books, $10.95) contains thousands of details, contact numbers and addresses pertaining to the state. This superbly organized 224-page publication is available or can be ordered at bookstores. Or call (800) 452-3032.
- "Cruising Alaska" (Hunter Publishing, $11.95), written in 1994 by Larry H. Ludmer, gives valuable insight into areas covered by cruise ships. Buy or order at bookstores, or call (908) 225-1900.
- "Off the Beaten Path" (Globe Pequot, $10.95), published in January, is especially appealing to travelers with a thirst for adventure. Buy or order at bookstores, or call (800) 243-0495. Add $3 for shipping and handling.
- The 1996 AlaskaPass Handbook (AlaskaPass Inc., $5) provides schedules for the Alaska Railroad and the Alaska Marine Highway System. It offers recommended tour itineraries and includes money-saving coupons. Call (800) 248-7598. Expect to hear information about purchasing an AlaskaPass for independent travel.