Date: April 23, 2024
Ports of Call: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward, Sitka, Tracy Arm, Victoria, Seattle; View Itinerary
ALASKA CRUISES
Cruises to Valdez
Take a memorable Alaska cruise adventure to Valdez, Alaska. Nestled in a picturesque fjord at the head of Port Valdez, Valdez is a stunning Alaska cruise destination that combines breath-taking landscapes with rich historical significance. As your ship glides through the calm waters of Prince William Sound, the sight of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains will create a lasting impression. An array of marine life, including sea otters, seals, and a variety of seabirds, enriches this picturesque setting, offering a captivating introduction to Alaska's vibrant natural world. This seaside town promises an enriching journey into the heart of Alaskan wilderness, culture, and history.
Cruise ships dock directly at the Valdez Harbor, an amenity-rich facility that serves as a vital hub for marine activities. Vessels usually arrive in the early morning, allowing visitors to maximize their exploration of the town and its surrounding natural beauty. The stay typically lasts a day, depending on the cruise itinerary. Within the harbor area, visitors can participate in local fishing trips, explore the nearby waterfront or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Facilities nearby include eateries, shops, and the Valdez Museum on Egan.
Valdez
Despite its small size, Valdez offers visitors an authentic Alaskan experience, marked by warm hospitality and stunning scenery. The town's buildings, surrounded by towering peaks and icy blue waters, create a quaint and charming atmosphere. Highlights include the Valdez Museum, showcasing the area's fascinating history, from native heritage to the 1964 earthquake and the famous oil spill. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the well-maintained paths of Crooked Creek Park, or immerse themselves in the colorful local culture at the annual Gold Rush Days celebration.
Valdez's cultural tapestry is deeply rooted in its indigenous heritage, gold rush history, and its significant role in the oil industry. The local community holds a deep respect for the land and sea that is visible in their traditions and way of life. From the engaging exhibits at the Valdez Museum to the historical structures scattered throughout the town, Valdez offers insight into its past. The city also hosts various events and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage, including the annual Gold Rush Days which showcases traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
Attractions and Activities
Valdez offers a host of adventure and outdoor activities that allow visitors to fully embrace the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Embark on a glacier tour to marvel at the nearby Columbia and Worthington Glaciers or join a marine wildlife tour to explore the Prince William Sound's abundant marine life. Hiking trails of varying difficulties abound, with options like the Mineral Creek Trail promising an up-close view of the area's wildlife and lush vegetation. Fishing enthusiasts will also find Valdez appealing, with the town being renowned for its salmon and halibut fishing opportunities.
Local Speciality
The culinary offerings in Valdez center around its access to fresh, local seafood. Alaskan salmon, halibut, and cod feature heavily in local menus, often accompanied by locally grown vegetables. For a true taste of Valdez, visitors should try the seafood chowder, a hearty local staple. The town may be small, but it also offers a selection of cafes and eateries where visitors can sample local craft beers or enjoy a warm beverage after a day of exploration.
Supporting local communities in Valdez is as simple as purchasing locally made souvenirs and gifts. The town is home to several shops selling a variety of Alaskan crafts, including hand-carved totems, soapstone sculptures, and jewelry featuring local stones. Hand-knit items, made with locally sourced wool, are also popular keepsakes. Additionally, food lovers can buy local honey, wild berry jams, and smoked salmon, perfectly capturing the flavors of Alaska.
Best time to visit Valdez
The best time to visit Valdez is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the local wildlife, particularly marine species, are active. This season also coincides with the town's numerous festivals and events such as the Valdez Gold Rush Days and the Valdez Fish Derbies, providing additional entertainment and cultural insight. The scenery during this time is truly awe-inspiring, with lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and calving glaciers creating a magical landscape.
Valdez, Alaska Cruise Schedule 2024
Embarking on a journey to Valdez as a part of your Alaskan cruise is a guarantee for an enriching, immersive experience. The quaint town is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Alaskan people, while the breathtaking natural beauty provides countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. As you venture through the town and its surroundings, you'll be welcomed by a community rich in history and culture. Each experience, from the taste of fresh local seafood to the sight of majestic glaciers, will be a lasting memory of your time in Valdez. So, prepare to leave a piece of your heart in this charming Alaskan town, where the mountains meet the sea.
Date: May 5, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Kodiak, Anchorage, Homer, Valdez, Juneau, Skagway, Endicott Arm, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: May 14, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Yakutat Bay, Valdez, Seward, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: May 16, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Haines, Icy Strait, Sitka, Juneau, Endicott Arm, Ketchikan, Victoria, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: May 24, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Seward, Valdez, Yakutat Bay, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: May 27, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Endicott Arm, Icy Strait, Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: May 31, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: June 3, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Yakutat Bay, Valdez, Seward, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 6, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Inside Passage, Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 7, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: June 9, 2024
Ports of Call: Seattle, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, College Fjord, Seward, Dutch Harbor, Nome, Kodiak, Anchorage, Anchorage, Homer, Glacier Bay, Haines, Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Prince Rupert, Seattle; View Itinerary
Date: June 13, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Seward, Valdez, Yakutat Bay, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: June 13, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 14, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: June 20, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Inside Passage, Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 21, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: June 23, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Yakutat Bay, Valdez, Seward, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 27, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Icy Strait, Skagway, Icy Bay, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: June 28, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: July 3, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Seward, Valdez, Yakutat Bay, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: July 3, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Icy Strait, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: July 4, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Haines, Icy Strait, Sitka, Juneau, Endicott Arm, Ketchikan, Victoria, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: July 5, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: July 10, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Valdez, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Vancouver; View Itinerary
Date: July 12, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: July 13, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, Yakutat Bay, Valdez, Seward, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: July 15, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Endicott Arm, Juneau, Icy Strait, Haines, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: July 17, 2024
Ports of Call: Vancouver, Inside Passage, Icy Strait, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Valdez, Seward; View Itinerary
Date: July 19, 2024
Ports of Call: Whittier, Icy Bay, Prince William Sound, Cordova, Valdez, Unakwik Inlet, College Fjord, Whittier; View Itinerary
Date: July 23, 2024
Ports of Call: Seward, Seward, Valdez, Yakutat Bay, Icy Strait, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Vancouver; View Itinerary