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1st Alaska Tours

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Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Trip from Fairbanks

Arctic Circle Full-Day Adventure from Fairbanks

Northern Lights Murphy Dome Viewing in Fairbanks

Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Night Tour from Fairbanks

Fairbanks Autumn/Winter City Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

1st Alaska Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

1st Alaska Tours

Review Highlights

“ This Alaskan experience is unforgettable and thanks for Randy to make the long drive interesting!!! ” in 4 reviews

“ I went to his Murphy Dome tour, Arctic Circle tour, Chena Hot Spring Tour . ” in 2 reviews

“ He was so knowledgeable and his tips for photography went beyond just for capturing the Northern Lights . ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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2240 Hanson Rd

Fairbanks, AK 99709

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Booked a Chena Hotsprings and Aura trip... write up clearly states that hot springs and Famous Ice Museum was included. The day arrived and they tell me that not only is the museum not included but it is also already booked up and therefore unavailable. So an 11 hour excursions was mostly waiting and being bored.

Did a couple of tours with 1st Alaska and all of them were great. Did the Arctic Circle tour which was completely worth the money. I was worried it would be a long and boring trip, but it really wasn't. Even in winter there was a lot to see and after dark on the way back, it was just a peaceful drive. Also did the Aurora lights and the Chena tour and all were completely worth the money. In the summer I had no problem driving there, but having a tour company drive in the winter was a godsend. Plus the tour guides were informative and shared all their wisdom with us. Would 100% use this company again.

AVOID taking trip with 1st Alaska at all cost! The day we visit Arctic Circle with 1st Alaska had on and off light rain (first week of September). The driver decided to make a huge U-turn when we were just 10 miles left to the Arctic Circle and mumbled "there're too many huge holes on the road, I don't feel comfortable taking you there." Before that he was quiet the whole trip like he DID NOT communicate with us AT ALL and just made the decision all of a sudden. We just wasted 10+ hours of our time on a shitty van for nothing, not even the promised hot water/ chocolate. It was a $280 trip and they were willing to refund us $70 after we called to argue several times. The attitude of staff was super passive that we needed to call multiple times to get an explanation. WORST trip experience ever.

Our tour guide Joshua was amazing, he was very elocuente and fun when telling us anecdotes and stories about each stop. He was so easygoing and wonderful accepting to take pictures of everyone, which is an amazing task at -18F and no light. Is worth every penny.

See all photos from Veronica R. for 1st Alaska Tours

Felt like I was on the Highway to Hell!!! They were late picking us up and then we had to go gas up. Tour was on the Dalton Hwy to the Arctic Circle. The road was not paved the whole way and very rough as we had seen on TV. The two vans seemed to be on a race. Drove like bats out of hell throwing us all over even with a seatbelt on. The driver spent most of the outbound trip describing the roadbed to the people up front. Since none of us lived there we did not know the "Bathroom Stops" would be outhouses. Finally got to Arctic Circle. The best part there were the Gray Jays who landed on our hands to steal food. The trip had more females than males. We were not warned that some of the outhouses would be filthy and that we should have brought hazmat suits to be safe. The guides knew this because when I went in and immediately exited due to feces all over the floor, one stated it was usually like this! The woods were safer and cleaner. Since they lived here, we should have been warned up front to bring supplies for self care.

Gary picked us up at the Hotel in a shuttle bus and we enjoyed our 25 minute drive to the Viewing Yurt. We felt lucky to be visiting in between storms. The Yurt was spacious and propped on a slanted piece of land with a perfect view of the sky. It was also adjacent to a dog kennel (not sure what to call it) where we were able to see a couple dog sledding teams checking in. We saw the lights, and that's what's important. Gary and Brooke were helpful in having us understand how the light viewing worked, how to make our way around the Yurt (restrooms, snacks, etc.) If I had to change anything it would be 2 things: 1. With 3 Yurts for viewing, distribute larger groups into 1 or 2, versus putting 20+ people into one Yurt; and 2. Perhaps up the heat if possible. The small space heater wasn't quite doing the job and people had to compete for space to heat shoes, etc. It was very chilly (but hey, it's Alaska in the Winter!) Lastly, a big special thank you to Brooke! My poor little 9 year old became nauseous and projectile vomited all over the place. Cleared that Yurt in no time! Brooke was so kind and thoughtful by giving us her own extra pair of wool socks, and constantly checking in with him and us. Such a kind nurturing woman who wanted to make sure everyone had a good time. Apologies to everyone else in the Yurt who cut their viewing session by 1 hour. We feel terribly about that.

Joe picked us up from the hotel both times and was very helpful and kind. He was adaptive to our needs and gave us history of Fairbanks along the way. The musher Sven was also very friendly and made the experience unforgettable. The dogs were happy and healthy and enjoyed the ride through the path. It was a long ride and just the perfect amount of time before you get too cold. We enjoyed playing with the dogs while Sven set up and even got to learn how to get them ready on the sled. I would 100% recommend this company if you're looking for any kind of tour. We also went on the hot springs and ice museum tour and had a wonderful time.

We were in Alaska in May of this year and did the tour with Joe. He was a great tour guide and we had good time on the tour. I would recommend the tour and if you can get Joe for your guide.

We had scheduled a city tour from them, nothing too complicated. But my dad ended up in the hospital before the trip. Even though all the other tours we scheduled did return our money, this is the one company that refused. Which is a ridiculous policy to have when senior citizens are included in your clientele. Would not recommend them to anyone, especially in these times.

5 stars to Jeff (?), our musher on the dog sled tour. I had a pleasant, fun, and very educational chat with him during the ride. He made the whole experience great and would definitely recommend him to all tourists that come here for some dog sledding fun! He talked about the individual dogs during the ride with fun stories and cute characteristics, which made the freezing cold ride much more enjoyable. Thanks for making our last day in Fairbanks fun!

See all photos from Christina L. for 1st Alaska Tours

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Alaska tours: 20 once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

See everything the Far North has to offer during one of these treks.

Best Alaska Tours

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From its famous glaciers and northern lights sightings to its abundant wildlife and majestic national parks, Alaska offers so much to see. But navigating its vast landscape can be a challenge without the savvy guidance of a local. After consulting traveler opinion and expert input, U.S. News compiled some of the best Alaska tours to consider when planning your bucket list itinerary. Whether you want to try your hand at dog sledding, fly over Denali or observe bears in their natural habitat, there's a tour for you. Plus, many tour operators offer round-trip transportation to the various Alaska cruise ports, making them great options if you're looking for a convenient local excursion .

Phillips Cruises & Tours – 26 Glacier Cruise

Price: Adults from $189; kids from $125 Duration: 6 hours

Cruise through Prince William Sound and see more than 26 named glaciers aboard a high-speed catamaran as you enjoy narration from a Chugach National Forest Service ranger on this tour. With three decks and room for more than 300 people, the catamaran offers both outdoor and indoor viewing options with large panoramic windows. Cruisers also enjoy a hot meal, as well as coffee, tea and water – all complimentary. (Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.) Reviewers highly recommend this tour, citing the crew's knowledge and attentiveness to safety, as well as the delicious food, beautiful scenery and ample wildlife sightings.

Tours depart at 12:30 p.m. between early May through September from Whittier, which is located about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage . The company also offers a shorter, four-hour Glacier Quest Cruise that travels through Blackstone Bay and features 10 glaciers.

Check prices & availability on:

Ketchikan Kayak Company – Kayak Eco-Tour

Price: From $149 Duration: 4 hours

On this small-group kayak tour with just six tourgoers, you'll spend about 2.5 hours paddling through Clover Pass in Ketchikan, searching for wildlife like humpback whales, seals, sea lions, bald eagles and more. Upon returning to the marina, you'll enjoy smoked salmon and other snacks. Reviewers say this is a great trip for families thanks to the manageable pace of the tour, and report seeing lots of animals and sea life.

Tours run multiple times daily from May through September. The price includes round-trip transportation between the start of the kayak tour (Clover Pass Resort) and the cruise ship docks in downtown Ketchikan, a city on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska. This company also operates a combo hike and electric bike tour.

Courtesy of Alpine Air Alaska

Alpine Air Alaska – Glacier Landing Tour

Price: From $479 Duration: 1 hour

Spend about an hour in a helicopter flying over some of the state's most beautiful sights on Alpine Air Alaska's Glacier Landing Tour. Limited to six passengers, the tour takes you over multiple glaciers with the chance to spend 15 to 20 minutes exploring one on foot. The company also has a free shuttle service with pickup and drop-off from Anchorage and Girdwood-area accommodations. (Girdwood is about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage.) Reviewers describe the tour as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and say the scenery is jaw-dropping.

Flights depart daily, year-round at multiple times a day (typically between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Alpine Air Alaska offers a variety of flight options, as well as a dog-sledding tour, a tour of Prince William Sound and more.

Rust's Flying Service – Discover Denali National Park

Price: From $575 Duration: 3 hours

Fly from Anchorage with an Alaska bush pilot to see Denali from the skies before landing for a 15- to 20-minute photo-op (weather permitting). During the flight, you'll soar over Alaskan wilderness – keeping an eye out for wildlife like moose and bears – to see glaciers, ice falls and lakes. You'll also be equipped with a two-way headset to communicate with your pilot and fellow passengers. The company also offers a free shuttle to Anchorage-area hotels during the summer months. Tourgoers describe this flight as amazing and highly recommend it, calling it a "must do."

Tours depart daily; exact departure times vary. Rust's Flying Service also offers tours of Prince William Sound, Anchorage and an Alaska Glacier and Wildlife Tour.

Alaska Wildlife Guide – Northern Light & Arctic Circle Tour

Price: From $290 Duration: 14 hours

During this daylong tour, you'll cross the Arctic Circle, take in Alaskan scenery and wildlife, and possibly see the northern lights as you make your way to and from Fairbanks aboard a small passenger van. The tour offers pickup and drop-off from Fairbanks accommodations and includes a bag lunch and a "Cross the Circle" certificate. Reviewers call this tour amazing and praise their tour guides, describing them as knowledgeable and fun. Travelers also appreciated the many photo stops.

Tours run between late August and early April. They depart most days (except Sundays) at 2 p.m. and return around 4 a.m. This outing is not recommended for children younger than 10. The company offers a variety of northern lights tours, as well as dog sledding tours, snowmobile excursions and more.

Rod's Alaskan Guide Service – Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour

Price: From $160 Duration: 1 hour

Explore Fairbanks' wilderness via snowmobile on this guided small-group trip. Keep an eye out for wildlife like moose, caribou, lynx and more, which you can best spot in the morning hours. Reviewers say that the snowmobiling is lots of fun and that guides are informative and safety conscious. Others gushed about the scenic trails and said the tour is suitable for beginners.

Participants must be at least 5 years old to ride and must have a valid driver's license to operate the vehicle. Prices include heated helmets, gloves, gaiters, jackets and boots. Tours run seasonally, from November through early April, at multiple times through the morning and afternoon. This company also offers guided ice fishing tours and dog sled tours.

Courtesy of Major Marine Tours

Major Marine Tours – 6 Hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

Price: Adults from $219; kids from about $110 Duration: 6 hours

On Major Marine Tours' most popular cruise, travelers spend six hours in Kenai Fjords National Park, visiting an active tidewater glacier, whale watching, and spotting wildlife like seals, puffins and sea lions. A sandwich lunch is included on the narrated cruise, in addition to use of binoculars and live narration from the boat's captain. Tourgoers report spotting lots of wildlife and describe the captain and crew as insightful and helpful.

Tours depart at 8 or 11:30 a.m. daily May through mid-September (exact times vary by month). Major Marine Tours operates a variety of cruises within the national park ranging from four hours to more than eight hours.

1st Alaska Tours – 1-Hour Dog Sledding

Price: From $125 Duration: 1 hour

On this tour, you'll see the Alaskan wilderness by dog sled, riding with a musher who competed in the Iditarod, an annual long-distance sled dog race. Tourgoers describe the experience as fantastic, and highly praise the guides, who ensure participants feel safe. Reviewers also note that they have time to pet and interact with the huskies.

Optional round-trip transportation from Fairbanks accommodations is available for a fee. Tours include use of a blanket. Tours run several times a day in the morning and afternoon December through March, though specific times vary depending on the month and season. Short on time? You can also book a 30-minute tour.

Getty Images | EyeEm

Kenai Fjords Tours – Kenai Fjords National Park Tour

Price: Adults from $195; kids from about $97 Duration: 6 hours

Cruise through Alaskan waterways and glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park, spotting wildlife as you go, on this boat tour that also includes a hot lunch. Passengers describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and praise the reasonable rates, boat amenities and friendly crew. This is a popular trip, so the company recommends securing your spot well in advance.

Tours, which depart from Seward, operate daily between early May and late September at 8 or 11:30 a.m., depending on the season. The company also offers a northwestern fjord tour and Resurrection Bay tour, among others.

Juneau Tours & Whale Watch – Juneau Whale Watch Tour

Price: Adults from $165; kids from $150 Duration: 3.5 hours

Spend about 2.5 hours on the water in search of whales, both humpback and orca, in Auke Bay. The tour also includes transportation from Juneau (in front of the Mount Roberts Tramway ) to the harbor. Boats are limited to either 24 or 49 people and are equipped with heated cabins, large windows and open decks. Reviewers appreciate the small boat, love seeing the whales and give the staff high praise for their willingness to answer questions.

Tours run daily from April through early October in the morning and afternoon. In addition to private whale watching tours, the company also operates seasonal shuttles to Mendenhall Glacier.

Above & Beyond Alaska Wilderness Adventures – Mendenhall Glacier Guided Hike

Price: From $199 Duration: 6 hours

Avid hikers may want to consider this tour with Above & Beyond Alaska, which passes through Tongass National Forest to the Mendenhall Glacier . Upon reaching the glacier, you'll walk along the edge, where ice formations, tunnels and tubes form (for preservation purposes, visitors are not allowed to walk on the glacier). The company warns that this is a strenuous 7-mile hike with steep, uneven terrain. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Juneau as well as all gear, such as trekking poles (participants must provide their own boots). Reviewers praise the tour, especially the knowledgeable, safety-conscious guides, and describe the experience as the highlight of their trip. Travelers also applauded the energizing snacks provided throughout the excursion.

Tours depart every morning from May through mid-September; exact departure times vary by day. This company also offers a Glacier Paddle Canoe & Trek tour, as well as wildlife tours.

Alaska Bear Adventures – Classic Day Trip

Price: From $935 Duration: 7 hours

Did you know that roughly 98% of brown bears in the United States live in Alaska? If getting close to bears and observing them in their natural habitat is a bucket list adventure for you, consider this tour with Alaska Bear Adventures. The Classic Day Trip departs from Homer Airport with a 45- to 60-minute flight over the Alaskan wilderness before landing on the coast of Katmai or Lake Clark national parks. You then hike to a viewing point and spend up to three hours viewing the bears in the wild. Tour-takers say both the flight and the bear viewing is amazing and absolutely worth the cost. They also highly praise their pilots (who also double as naturalist guides) for their attention to safety and knowledge of the bears.

Participants must be at least 10 years old. Tours are offered daily from mid-May through mid-September typically in the early morning and afternoon based on tides. Alaska Bear Adventures also operates tours through Brooks Falls and the McNeil River areas.

Alaska Tales – Mendenhall Glacier Tours & Whale Watching

Price: Adults from $219; kids from $199 Duration: 4.5 hours

This tour starts with a trip from Juneau to Mendenhall Glacier, where you have 45 minutes to explore the area, possibly taking a hike, visiting Mendenhall Lake or seeing a waterfall. Afterward, you'll spend two hours whale watching with a naturalist who will explain whale behaviors and answer questions. Reviewers say the tour is amazing, with plenty of time to see everything. What's more, participants describe guides as excellent and engaging.

Tours run daily May through September in the morning and afternoon (exact times vary by day). If you're short on time, you can book the 3.5-hour whale watching tour.

Seavey's Ididaride Dog Sled Tours – Wilderness Dog Sled Ride and Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from about $50 Duration: 1.5 hours

Have you ever wondered how dogs who compete in the Iditarod race stay in shape in the offseason? Find out on this dog sled tour through the Seward wilderness. You'll ride on one of the company's summer sleds, which are outfitted with wheels since there's no snow. As you mush across 2 miles of scenic rainforest, you'll hear stories from your guide about competing in the legendary race and caring for the animals. Afterward, spend some time in the dog kennels playing with husky puppies. Tourgoers highly praise this excursion, calling the guides experienced and the puppies adorable. They also point out there are many great photo-ops.

Tours run mid-April through September daily at a variety of times from 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (though times may vary by month). The company also offers a day tour of Alaska.

Courtesy of Sunny Cove Kayaking

Sunny Cove Kayaking – Resurrection Bay Kayak Tour

Price: From $129 Duration: 4 hours

You'll start out this tour in Seward, where you'll hop in a van for a scenic, narrated drive to Lowell Point, where the paddling portion of the excursion begins. You'll spend about 2.5 hours paddling through the turquoise waters of Resurrection Bay, with an opportunity to see otters, harbor seals, eagles and salmon. Depending on the time of year, you may also stop for a short walk on the beach at Tonsina Creek to view spawning salmon (typically between mid-July and early September). Reviewers recommend this trip, assuring it's suitable for novice kayakers. They also describe the scenery as fantastic and say guides are well-versed in Alaskan wildlife. Many also report spotting whales during their tours.

Tickets include round-trip transportation from Seward. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Tours run from mid-May through mid-September at 7:30 and 11:30 a.m. daily. If you're looking for a more challenging tour, consider the company's daylong Caines Head Kayak & Hike Combo.

K2 Aviation – Denali Experience Flightseeing Tour

Price: Adults from $305; kids from $255 Duration: 1 hour

On this hourlong flight through Denali National Park, tourgoers fly past the snow-capped summit of Denali (depending on weather conditions) and admire multiple glaciers, icefalls and other Alaskan scenery. Keep in mind: The plane is small, with seating for 10 or fewer passengers. Reviewers heap praise on the staff at K2 Aviation and say the plane ride is smooth with beautiful scenery. Many called the trip spectacular and breathtaking.

Tours run daily year-round with multiple departures in the morning and afternoon from the village of Talkeetna, which sits about 115 miles north of Anchorage. K2 Aviation also offers this flight with a landing on Denali, as well as other routes through the park, including the Denali Flyer and Denali Grand tours.

Courtesy of Denali Raft Adventures

Denali Raft Adventures – Canyon Whitewater Run

Price: From $130 Duration: 3 hours

Raft down Nenana River rapids with names like "Razorback," "Coffee Grinder" and "Ice Worm" on this thrilling tour that starts at the entrance of Denali National Park. If you're a first-timer, consider an oar raft, meaning you can sit, hold on and enjoy the view while the guide paddles. If you'd rather be a more active participant, choose the paddle raft, which means you'll have to follow the guide's instructions on when and how to paddle. Tourgoers say this is one of their favorite whitewater trips and note that the company emphasizes safety. They also say guides are fun and adept at navigating the rapids.

Tickets include pickup from select Denali accommodations. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Tours run daily from mid-May through early September several times a day. Denali Raft Adventures also operates full-day rafting tours and scenic floats ideal for families with young children.

Anchorage City Trolley Tours – One Hour Trolley Tour

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $12.50 Duration: 1 hour

On this approximately 15-mile trolley tour of Anchorage, local guides will share information about the city while taking you by some of the most scenic views and top attractions like the Alaska Railroad, Earthquake Park and Lake Hood. Riders say the tour is a great way to get an overview of the top sights and learn about the history of the city in a short amount of time – a major draw if you're visiting Anchorage while on a cruise.

Tours run hourly from 9 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. (depending on the month) from mid-May through approximately the third week of September. The company also operates a "deluxe" version of this tour that spans about two hours and includes photo stops.

Courtesy of Glenn Aronwits | Alaska Railroad

Alaska Railroad – Coastal Classic

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $48 Duration: 15 hours

Traveling what is often considered the most beautiful section of the Alaska Railroad , the Coastal Classic train departs from Anchorage, making its way to Seward, passing through the wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula and along Resurrection Bay. With a seven-hour layover in Seward, passengers can spend the time exploring the bay or Kenai Fjords National Park. Reviewers highly recommend the experience, praising the gorgeous scenery and the tasty onboard meal. Many travelers also recommend upgrading to the GoldStar Service fare for the chance to sit in the train cars with glass-dome ceilings and access to the upper level outdoor viewing platforms.

The train runs between mid-May and late September. Alaska Railroad has five different trains, operating routes between Seward and Fairbanks.

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour

Price: Adults from $219; kids from $169 Duration: 3 hours

Learn about crab fishing in Alaska from a crew who appeared on "Deadliest Catch" on this tour. Aboard the Aleutian Ballad, you will get to watch the crew pull in crabs, get a glimpse of the sea creatures that they release back to the ocean and spot wildlife on nearby land. Tourgoers say this experience is tons of fun and worth the price. They also report seeing lots of bald eagles.

Travelers must be at least 5 years old to participate. Tours are available most days late April through mid-October at varying times in the morning and afternoon. Trips depart from Ketchikan. The Aleutian Ballad is docked at the same pier as the cruise ships, meaning additional transportation isn't necessary if you're in town with a cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travelers can tour Alaska in a variety of ways, including by cruise ship, tour boat, snowmobile, guided hike, dog sled and more. Visitors can also opt for specialized tours to enjoy some of Alaska's top things to do , like see the northern lights and explore various national parks. Read on to see some of the best ways to tour Alaska.

• Cruise: Alaska cruises are one of the most popular ways to tour The Last Frontier, and you can choose the best time to visit based on your interests (such as wildlife viewing, fishing and more). Take a look at our best Alaska cruises and read up on the best time to cruise to Alaska before booking your trip. You can also check out our picks of the best Alaska cruise deals to get the most bang for your buck.
• Dog sled: Hop aboard a dog sled tour to traverse the Alaska wilderness for an adventure you won't soon forget.
• Helicopter: Seeing Alaska from above offers incomparable views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers and other breathtaking scenery.
• Tour boat: A sightseeing tour aboard a small passenger boat promises wildlife sightings (think: whales and birds), gorgeous views and manageable crowds.
• Train or trolley: Explore the quaint cities of Alaska on a train or trolley tour; the ability to hop on and hop off at your leisure is a great way to see the sights at your own pace.
• Northern lights: There are a variety of tours and places to see the aurora borealis in Alaska. Check out the best times and places to see the northern lights in Alaska to get your timing exactly right.

You may also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Best Times to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans
• The Best Places to Visit in Alaska

Tags: Alaska , Tours , Travel , Vacations

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Alaska Fully Guided Tours

Just sit back and enjoy the trip, the details are all taken care of.

• Alaska Vacations
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• Grand Alaska Escorted Tour
• Alaska Explorer Escorted Tour
• National Parks Escorted Tour
• Winter Escorted Tours
• Top Vacation Packages

Trip Finder

Alaska Escorted Tours

Would you like to leave the day-to-day details of your Alaska vacation to an expert guide? If so, one of our fully guided or escorted tours may be a great fit for your party.

Escorted tour guests travel with the same group of 25 to 40 fellow travelers led by an experienced tour director. Your director takes care of many trip logistics: Checking you into hotels, coordinating luggage, arranging optional tours, even recommending restaurants. Travel is generally by deluxe motorcoach and private dome rail car. Accommodations, transportation, specified tours, and many meals are included. Flights and optional tours are not.

For more information, please review our escorted tour programs and links below. If you're curious about independent travel, check out our self-guided tour packages . Be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

• Grand Alaska Escorted Tour. Featuring both a day-long wildlife cruise and Denali Park bus tour, this eight-day tour provides wide ranging Alaska experiences. It begins in Anchorage and connects to Valdez by tour boat. From here, the trip continues by motorcoach to Fairbanks and Denali National Park. It concludes in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
• Alaska Explorer Escorted Tour. Starting in Fairbanks, over the course of six days and five nights this guided tour visits Denali Park and Talkeetna. It includes a free afternoon to explore the Denali Park area, plus a wildlife bus tour into the park. The tour wraps up in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
• National Parks Escorted Tour. This eight-day tour visits both Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park. Guests enjoy a bus tour into Denali Park, train trip to Talkeetna, and a day cruise out of Seward, plus transportation by deluxe motorcoach and dome train. The trip begins and ends in Anchorage. Learn More or Get a Quote Now
• Winter Escorted Tours. Celebrate the start of the Iditarod. Watch the northern lights. See Denali Park in the peak of winter. Experience the beauty and fun of Alaska in February and March on three distinctive escorted tours. Learn More

Grand Alaska Escorted - Tour 900

Enjoy the ease of travel on an escorted tour package that includes destinations like Valdez, Fairbanks, and beautiful Denali National Park. The eight-day trip is fully guided. Learn More >

Alaska Explorer Escorted - Tour 910

Travel with a guide and a group of fellow Alaska adventurers on this escorted six-day vacation package with stops in Fairbanks, Denali National Park, and Anchorage. Learn More >

National Parks Escorted - Tour 920

Travel alongside an experienced guide on an eight-day escorted group tour to Denali National Park and Seward. The trip runs roundtrip from Anchorage. Learn More >

Alaska Winter Vacation Packages

Plan a custom trip or book a fully guided tour package. Either way, your perfect Alaskan winter vacation is well within reach. Learn More >

New cruise port opens in Alaska — sort of

B ig news, cruise fans: There's a new port for you to visit when cruising to Alaska — at least, that's the hype from tourism officials.

The tiny village of Klawock, Alaska (population 700), this week celebrated the arrival of the 458-passenger Seabourn Odyssey, the first cruise ship to use a new temporary floating tender dock to access the destination.

Dubbed Port Klawock, the temporary dock and an adjacent welcome tent, also temporary, are being touted as "Alaska's newest cruise port." But it's new with an asterisk. The temporary tender dock and welcome tent may be new, but the village of Klawock has been receiving small cruise ships for years at a different docking location.

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Small-ship cruise specialist Alaskan Dream Cruises has long had Klawock as a featured stop on its sailings.

The new floating tender dock for Klawock was built onto an old timber loading dock at Klawock Island, which is just across a waterway from the village. The timber dock traditionally has been used by a local logging company.

The dock will allow bigger cruise vessels, such as Seabourn Odyssey, to visit Klawock. The Alaskan Dream Cruises vessels that have brought tourists to the town in the past are considerably smaller.

As I've seen firsthand on an Alaskan Dream cruise to Klawock, the village doesn't have a whole lot of attractions for visitors. However, the Alaska Native corporations that are backing the dock project plan more tourist development for the future.

The new Port Klawock facilities are being developed by Na-Dena, a joint venture between the Alaska Native corporations Huna Totem Corporation and Doyon Limited, and Klawock Heenya Corporation, the Native village corporation of Klawock.

Huna Totem Corporation was the indigenous-owned entity behind the development of Icy Strait Point, an Alaska port destination near Glacier Bay National Park. The company started out small two decades ago when developing Icy Strait Point but eventually transformed the destination into a major tourist hub with food and drink outlets, a museum, wildlife tours and such fun-focused amusements as the world's largest ZipRider zip line attraction. In recent years, it added a ski resort-like gondola system to move people around.

For now, the tour offerings for cruisers visiting Klawock are relatively limited, and cruise lines aren't planning to send many ships to the destination.

Passengers arriving on Seabourn Odyssey on Monday had the choice of taking a shuttle into Klawock or the nearby town of Craig to walk around or heading off on one of a handful of shore excursions.

The shore excursions included a kayak outing on a local lake and a boat ride in search of humpback whales and sea otters.

A tour of Klawock's totem carving shed and nearby Klawock Totem Park was also an option.

Related: The 6 best Alaska shore excursions

For all of 2024, just six ship calls are planned for the new dock, including the visit by Seabourn Odyssey this week.

In addition to a second call by Seabourn Odyssey in June, the port will be visited twice later this year by Oceania Cruises ' 670-passenger Regatta and receive two visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer.

The big ships that most vacationers take to Alaska, such as Royal Caribbean's 4,905-passenger Quantum of the Seas, won't be stopping at the port.

On the Pacific side of Prince of Wales Island, not far from the tourist town of Ketchikan, Klawock is one of Alaska's Native Tlingit villages.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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News & articles paris and alaska are travel club’s major destinations for 2025.

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• PARIS AND ALASKA ARE TRAVEL CLUB’S MAJOR DESTINATIONS FOR 2025

The charming allure of Paris, France, and the natural grandeur that is Alaska will be the focal points of the major tours in 2025 for the Adventure First Travel Club of First Community Bank. During “Spotlight on Paris,” a nine-day tour starting on April 1, 2025, Travel Club members will enjoy the enchantment of Paris, its spectacular sights, history, architecture, art, and of course, its fine food and wine. They will savor dinner at the Eiffel Tower; explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum; visit Versailles, one of the world’s most opulent royal palaces; glide down the Seine on a romantic river cruise; retrace the history of World War II at Normandy; and so much more. Travelers on “Alaska Discovery,” scheduled for September 3-14, 2025, will experience the Pacific Coast by land and sea on a breathtaking journey through one of the most beautiful places on Earth. They will encounter Alaska’s diverse culture and rich history aboard a sternwheeler and luxury domed rail car, and complete the adventure on a seven-night Holland America cruise through the Inside Passage. Along the way, they will explore Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and relive Alaska’s Gold Rush days in historic Skagway. The public is invited to learn more about these unforgettable Travel Club tours by attending a preview presentation at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, in the George Rider Community Room at the First Community Main Bank at 1325 Harrison Street in Batesville.   Space on all Travel Club tours is limited, so guests should come to this preview meeting prepared to secure their reservations by submitting tour deposits.   Also, it may still be possible to join other monthly activities that remain on the Travel Club’s 2024 schedule of events, including: • “A Culinary Journey through New England,” June 15-21 – A culinary-related tour to include a lobster pulling cruise in Maine; Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and cheese-making in Vermont; oyster shucking in Rhode Island; and a colonial culinary program in Massachusetts.  • “Come from Away,” August 3, at Robinson Center in Little Rock – A Broadway musical that tells the remarkable true story of 9/11, when all commercial airlines were grounded, and 7,000 passengers who were suddenly stranded in a small town in Newfoundland. • “Cooking, Culture & the Blues,” Sept. 11-13 – A hands-on class at the world famous Viking Cooking School in Greenwood, Mississippi, highlights this tour, which will also explore the cultural history and musical legacy of the Mississippi Delta. • “Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights,” Oct. 24 - Nov. 2 – Travelers will visit the “land of fire and ice” to chase the aurora borealis on a starlit cruise; see explosive geothermal fields; walk on a black volcanic sand beach; and see a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs.   • “National Cold War Center,” Nov. 19 – This new museum under development at Blytheville, will relate the story of the “Cold War,” which saved the world during a time when everyone lived under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.  • “Christmas on the Danube,” Dec. 2-10 – Shop the charming Christmas markets of Austria and Germany during a wintertime cruise along the Danube River. Relax as you are transported to beloved riverside towns and experience local European holiday traditions.   For additional information about the Travel Club and its tours, contact Chuck Jones, 870-612-3400, at First Community Bank, or email [email protected]. Membership in the Adventure First Travel Club requires a minimum of $10,000 in account relationships with First Community Bank, preferably in checking or savings “demand deposit” accounts.

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Did You Make Your Connecting Flight? You May Have A.I. to Thank.

Airlines are using artificial intelligence to save fuel, keep customers informed and hold connecting flights for delayed passengers. Here’s what to expect.

By Julie Weed

Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. Under normal circumstances, they’d all be scrambling to rebook.

But thanks to a new artificial-intelligence-powered tool called ConnectionSaver, the jet was able to wait for them — their checked bags, too — and still arrive in London on time. The system also sent text messages to the late-arriving passengers and the people on the waiting jet to explain what was happening.

A.I. still might not be able to find space for your carry-on, but it could help put an end to the 40-gate dash — sprinting to catch your connecting flight before the door slams shut — as well as other common travel headaches.

It’s not just United. Alaska Airlines , American Airlines and others have been working to develop new A.I. capabilities that could make flying easier for passengers. The carriers are also using the technology to reduce costs and streamline operations, including saving fuel, said Helane Becker, an airline industry analyst for the investment bank TD Cowen . Although many of the airlines are developing their programs independently, a successful innovation by any carrier could possibly become an industry standard.

A.I. is poised to change almost every aspect of the customer flying experience, from baggage tracking to personalized in-flight entertainment, said Jitender Mohan, who works with travel and hospitality clients at the technology consulting company WNS .

Saving fuel and frustration

A.I. has been helping Alaska Airlines dispatchers plan more efficient routes since 2021. “It’s like Google maps, but in the air,” explained Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at the carrier.

Two hours before a flight, the system reviews weather conditions, any airspace that will be closed, and all commercial and private flight plans registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, to suggest the most efficient route. The A.I. takes in “an amount of information no human brain could process,” said Pasha Saleh, the corporate development director and a pilot for Alaska.

In 2023, about 25 percent of Alaska flights used this system to shave a few minutes off flight times. Those efficiencies added up to about 41,000 minutes of flying time and half a million gallons of fuel saved, Mr. Baskaran said.

On the ground, American Airlines and others are working on an A.I.-powered system American calls Smart Gating — sending arriving aircraft to the nearest available gate with the shortest taxiing time, and if the scheduled arrival gate is in use, quickly determining the best alternate gate. All this could mean fewer frustrating minutes spent waiting on the tarmac.

American introduced Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021 and now employs it at six airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The airline estimates it saves 17 hours a day in taxi time and 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

Mr. Mohan said that using A.I. as a virtual parking attendant could save up to 20 percent of taxiing time, with the highest benefits seen at the largest airports.

Faster and better customer service

Rapidly evolving generative A.I. — think ChatGPT — is helping airlines communicate with passengers better. At United, a companywide challenge last year yielded a plan to make texts sent to fliers more specific about what’s causing delays. Passengers can get frustrated when flights are delayed with no explanation, said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.

But tracking the details required, composing an appropriate message and sending it to the right people for 5,000 flights a day would be too much for the staff to handle, Mr. Birnbaum said. Generative A.I. can process all that data and create messages tailored to conditions. For example, passengers booked on a January United flight from San Francisco to Tucson received this text message, along with a new departure time and an apology: “Your inbound aircraft is arriving late due to airport runway construction in San Francisco that limited the number of arrivals and departures for all airlines earlier.”

Having a more detailed explanation can calm travelers’ nerves. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst who flies about 150,000 miles a year, recalled receiving text messages last summer explaining that a storm and a related crew-scheduling problem had delayed his flight from Chicago. “Getting a specific reason for the delay made me feel like the airline had things under control,” he said.

Generative A.I. is also good at summarizing text, making it a powerful tool for wading through emails. Last year, Alaska was among the carriers that began using A.I. to handle customer messages more efficiently. The airline’s system “reads” each email and summarizes the issues raised.

“We used to read first in first out, handling the requests as they came in,” said Mr. Baskaran, but now the system helps prioritize emails. For example, an urgent request involving an upcoming flight may take precedence over a complaint about a past one.

The system also helps a human agent decide how to respond, such as offering the customer a voucher, and it may draft an initial written response. “The person makes the decision, but it’s streamlined,” Mr. Baskaran said.

For all the benefits A.I. promises to airlines and passengers, the technology still has some shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t always deliver accurate information. In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot incorrectly promised a traveler that if he booked a full-fare flight to a relative’s funeral, he could receive a bereavement fare after the fact. When he filed a small-claims case, Air Canada tried to argue that the bot was its own separate entity, “responsible for its own actions,” but a tribunal found Air Canada responsible and ordered it to pay about $800 in damages and fees.

Still, as A.I. develops and airlines race to find more uses for it, passengers could see even more benefits. “As a customer and a business person, this is one of the biggest technology disruptions in the last five to eight years,” Mr. Mohan said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article, in a quotation from Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at Alaska Airlines, misstated the number of gallons of fuel an artificial-intelligence-powered planning system saved the airline in 2023. It was half a million, not half a billion.

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Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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1st Alaska Tours

• Address: 2240 Hanson Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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• Phone: (907) 590-5900
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Spend a relaxing day or evening at Chena Hot Springs Resort. Let 1st Alaska Tours whisk you away on a scenic drive out to the hot springs. While at the resort marvel at the world famous Aurora Ice Museum then warm up with a dip in the hot springs rock lake! Stay up late for a chance to see the dancing northern lights from several areas on the property.

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Cruise worker accused of stabbing woman and 2 security guards with scissors on ship headed to Alaska

Updated on: May 8, 2024 / 6:27 AM EDT / CBS/AP

A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska's capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney's office says the man, identified as 35-year-old Ntando Sogoni,  is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the late evening on Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he "became irrational and attempted to leave," and "physically attacked" a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a "shipboard jail," the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney's office says.

If convicted, Sogoni faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence.

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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