There is so much written about the great state of Alaska it’s hard to narrow down a reading list; but for the first time visitor arriving by cruise ship I find the following books provide basic information to stimulate your interest and appreciation.

From the ship:

“Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage,” by Terry Breen. Complitaion of my seventeen years of onboard experience answering what YOU want to know about Alaska as we sail the Inside Passage.

“Alaska Cruise Companion,” by Joe Upton. In depth look at the Inside Passage through the eyes of an experienced fisherman; Joe’s cruise map is excellent!

Alaska History:

“Alaska,” by James Michener. Great read and, as always, well researched.

“Klondike – The Last Great Gold Rush 1896-1898,” by Pierre Berton. Mr. Berton has written many books on the history of Alaska – all worth picking up!

“The Alaska Almanac,” by Mr. Whitekeys. This fact-filled, fun book is a wonderful whacky resource for understanding Alaska. Written in the true spirit of the state!

“Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of the Land,” by Subhanken Banerjee. Timely book as we face the dilemma of high gas prices!

Natural History;

“Travels in Alaska,” by John Muir. Can’t get a better feeling for the wilderness than through the eyes of the father of US conservation efforts.

“Roadside Geology of Alaska,” by Cathy Connor.� For those interested in the make-up of the landscape this is your book.

“The Oceanic Society Field Guide to Orcas” and “Humpback whales,” by Hannah Bernard and Michele Morris. When you are in port be sure to pick up these two books for insights into the world of Alaska’s cetaceans.

“Exploring Alaska’s Birds” by Richard Emanuel and George Matz. So many birds, so little time – this book will help!

“Alaska’s Mammals; A Guide to Selected Species,” by Dave Smith

Native Alaska:

“The Native Peoples of Alaska,” by David Langdon.� Great introduction to Alaska’s four main Native cultural groups.

“The Tlingit History,” by George Thornton Emmons.

“Tlingit: Their Art and Culture,” by David Hancock.

“Looking at Indian Art of the Northwest Coast,” by Hillary Stewart. Primer for those interested in the exquisite art of the Northwest Coast people.

“Northwest Coast Art: Analysis of Form,” by Bill Holm. Great book to help you decipher the Native art of the Inside Passage.

First of all – right out of the gate before you start to pack that evening dress or tuxedo – check with your travel agent or cruise line to see if your ship has a Dress Code for your Alaskan cruise! In the spirit of The Last Frontier, many cruise lines have relaxed dress codes in Alaska. If that pertains to you, evening clothes traditionally warranted on a cruise ship will not be necessary. Instead, the look of “Country Club Casual” will be the norm after 6pm in all public areas; which usually means sport coats for men (no tie – yippee!) and sweater and slacks or a skirt for ladies. Please note; jeans and t-shirts after 6pm are still considered a no-no by many ships.

Now, with the fashion end of clothing aside, what should be in your suitcase?� I say:

1. Good walking shoes. You don’t need hiking boots (unless you intend to do some serious hiking – there are places where that is possible in case you are interested.)� Bring comfortable shoes that will allow for wet surfaces (rainy decks and city sidewalks) and long periods of standing (lots to see from the rails of the ship!). Be sure to wear your new cruise shoes before coming onboard to break them in – nothing worse than blisters from new shoes and your cruise!
2. Layered clothing. The old saying in Alaska is if you don’t like the weather wait a few minutes and it will change. Be prepared. It doesn’t have to be fancy but a seasoned traveler to Alaska always has extra socks, a light water-proof/wind-proof jacket or poncho, a hat and a sweater or sweatshirt. I always wear my light-weight down jacket; it is water-proof and warm when it is cold; cool when it is warm. � Standing out on deck watching whales or glaciers – it can get nippy! But remember, it does get warm in Alaska during the summer as well; so layers help you regulate your temperature as well as withstand the elements.
3. Insect repellant? I have to say, I am a mosquito magnet – but unless I am going hiking in deep woods, I do not bring insect repellant with me. That said, if you are going off on trails – do take along some DEET . Mosquitos in Southeast are heaviest in June. Make sure you spray your clothes as well as exposed skin – and don’t forget the top of your head and ears!
4. Binoculars. You will great satisfaction from your cruise by having a good pair of binoculars. They do not need to be super-duper, just good enough for you to see what you want to see. If you are not experienced using binoculars – PRACTICE! Nothing is worse than missing a great moment because you can’t figure out how to use the binoculars (and believe me I have seen it!).
5. Camera. There will be many “Kodak moments” on your Alaska cruise and I am sure you will want to capture them all from eagles in the trees to sunsets at midnight! My only request is once in a while put the camera down; take a minute to record the moment for yourself, in your heart. Breathe. Memories are made of this.

Recently I had the privilege of visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Located within an ten minute drive from downtown, the beautiful setting of the campus provides a perfect backdrop for this unique cultural and educational experience.

Alaska Natives represent approximately 16 per cent of the state’s population and are a significant segment of the rural population. The Center divides the population into five different cultural groups:Athabaskan; Yup’ik & Cup’ik; Inupiaq & St. Lawrence Island Yup’ik; Aleut & Alutiiq; and Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian & Tlingit.
In addition to the learning center the program offers invaluable resources online. For more information take a look at their website:
http://www.alaskanative.net/3.asp

1. Have a glacier experience! Get ‘em while you can whether it’s by bus, helicopter or ship make sure you see one of Alaska’s magnificent glaciers.
2. Misty Fjords by float plane – The only way to see this spectacular National Monument is by boat or plane; definitely worth the effort.
3. White Pass & Yukon Railroad – A little bit of nostalgia and history, this train was built at the time of the Gold Rush to transport prospectors into the interior. It parallels the old White Pass Trail. Beautiful scenery. Great fun!
4. Denali National Park – Keep your fingers crossed for a peak at the tallest peak in North America, Mt. McKinley at 20,300 feet.
5. Whale watching – Hundreds of whales make Alaska their summer home; book a whale watching tour for an up close and personal experience with these gentle behemoths.
6. Flight seeing – Alaska is so staggeringly large the only way to see as much as you can is from a fixed wing plane or helicopter. The scenery is unforgettable.
7. Dog sledding – What says Alaska more than dog sledding? Take a ride and learn to mush. Plenty of puppies to pet as well.
8. Rangers tour in Skagway – The best things in life are free! Take advantage of the free walking tour offered by National Park Service rangers in Skagway. Sign up at the Visitor’s Center.
9. Tlingit Culture – Southeast Alaska is the aboriginal homeland of the Tlingits; from state parks like Totem Bight in Ketchikan to the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Khadi Clan House in Sitka there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about one of Alaska’s native peoples.
10. Treats – No trip to Alaska is complete without sampling some of the great eats the state is famous for like fresh salmon, homemade berry pies, and Alaskan ale.

If you are still thinking about a cruise to Alaska, there is still time to book. While kids are still in school, space is available on early season cruises. As ships reposition to Alaska the first cruise of the season usually calls on out of the ordinary ports like Grays Harbor, Washington and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. This year Regent Seven Seas Cruises is� offering a new port you might want to see, Campbell River, British Columbia. For years ships have passed Campbell River to and from Vancouver. It is the city you see on the starboard side after passing through Seymour Narrows. For years the ships have sailed by but now the city of 31,000 residents is opening its doors and inviting us to stop for a while.

According to The British Columbia Tourism Board the focal point is salmon fishing and an important gateway to the rich wilderness of northern Vancouver Island. For me it is the ease and charm of the community that I find attractive; my taste must also be shared by the aristocrats and wealthy outdoors enthusiasts from Europe and America that have chosen to make Campbell River their home.

The main industry is fishing and logging; the pulp mill can be seen from miles around. But increasingly more and more are discovering Campbell River as the gateway to the Strathcona Provincial Park and the 7,218 foot Golden Hinde, tallest peak on Vancouver Island. While there don’t miss The Museum at Campbell River which highlights not only the history of the area from the indigenous First Nations people to the contemporary townsfolk but also you can see actual footage of the explosion of Seymour Narrow’s Ripple Rock, said to be the largest non-nuclear explosion in history!

Take a walk along Discovery Pier for excellent views of mainland British Columbia. If you want to drop a line rent a pole nearby or continue out to Rotary Sidewalk and see if any orcas are in the vicinity. In addition to the shopping, hiking, kayaking, and biking one of the more unusual opportunities is a chance to “swim with the salmon.” Divers can mingle eyeball to eyeball, great way to get to know a Coho and find a new gill friend!

Be honest – how many times have you eyed the plush bathrobe supplied in your stateroom or coveted the beautiful china in the dining room? Well, now you can shop for it all from the Grohe showerhead to the imported Beukenhorst coffee. I love this site! You can find fine wine and deck furniture. Shop Holland America allows you to not only buy those things that impressed you so much onboard but also shop for items that will enhance your future cruise including books and references. It is my pleasure to announce that starting this spring, “The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage,” will be available as well! So please tell your cruise friends to stop by: www.shophollandamerica.com

Should you take a cruise to Alaska? The answer is YES! Of all the places I am asked about, I have to say that for the shear beauty you get more “bang for the buck” on a cruise to Alaska than any other destination in the world (that I know of…)

This year, I many of my friends who own tour companies are anticipating a little change in attitude – they are going - if it is possible – more “green.” Many companies are including more environmentally oriented tours into their offerings, showcasing the majestic beauty of the state while educating participants on its fragile nature. As more visitors are becoming more sensitive to issues effecting The Great Land, tour operators are responding with programs that allow children as well as adults the chance to get “up close and personal” with nature. With kids out for the summer, this is an ideal time for families to experience together the wonders of our 49^th state.

Check out the mention of “The Cruiser Friendly Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage” in the Chicago Tribune. A big thank you to June Sawyers the author of the article. If you haven’t bought your copy of the best alaska cruise guidebook, get yours now!

National Cruise Month is just around the corner and travel agents specializing in cruise travel are busy making preparations to take advantage of this national blitz. Here are some ideas;

Open house – Invite clients to stop buy and visit your office; watch a new cruise DVD; pick-up a brochure; buy a cruise guide book; maybe even listen to a featured presentation. Top off the evening with a drawing; participating cruise lines are happy to provide promotional items you can use; raffle a travel bag, a t-shirt, or a cruise book. You name it!

Theme night – Focus on a destination and develop the theme throughout the office. Invite your favorite clients in for an in-depth look at that cruise hot spot. Scour your yellow pages and business cards and find someone to speak. Highlight the Mediterranean and get a college professor to talk about art in ancient Greece or Rome; or concentrate on Mexico or the Caribbean and find a dance teacher to give a few pointers on salsa or meringue! If you choose Alaska or South America – you can always ask me! What better way to represent the cruise line or the destination than to have an expert giving all the exciting, juicy, first-hand details of what to see and do while on the cruise.

As Alaska is the most popular destination for cruise arrivals in the world; it is safe to say spotlighting the area would be a choice of interest to many of your clients. To make your night as successful as possible, I’d like to offer my book – “The Cruise Friendly Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage” – at a special one-time only discounted rate for qualified travel agents and agencies. Take advantage of this offer and use the book as an incentive, a prize, or retail it in your agency. Please contact me directly for details. Good luck!