For those who have yet to have the wonderful experience of visiting Alaska in person, let me suggest that you find a way.

The state is huge, consisting of a total area larger than the next three largest US states (Texas, California, and Nevada). Alaska is unusual as it does not border any other US state. Instead, it shares an eastern land border with Canada’s Yukon Territory and British Columbia. On its western side, it shares a maritime border in the Bering Strait with Russia’s Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.

Its geography is very diversified with each region being unique.

The interior includes the continent’s tallest mountain, Denali (6,190 m, 203,804 ft), and wide expanses of tundra. The wildlife includes everything from massive grizzly bears to herds of caribou to a wide variety of birds including the state bird - the willow ptarmigan.

The south-central area holds more than ½ of the state’s population including Anchorage, the state’s largest city.

The southwest is pure nature. Brown bears gather to feed on salmon with more than 240 bird species inhabiting the area’s wetlands and coastline.

Of course, there is the Arctic with its coastline and vast tundra with its own variety of wildlife and vegetation.

Of particular interest to many who take cruise ships (large and small) is the Inside Passage, a narrow 800 km (500 miles) long strip of coastal land and fiords tucked between Canada and the North Pacific Ocean. The area is dramatic with fiords and cliffs which were carved out by massive glaciers, many of which remain in their much-reduced sizes. The channel waters are rich in sea-life including harbor seals, humpback whales, and many, many fish. The shoreline along the channels has abundant wildlife including many bird species( including 100s of Bald Eagles), brown bears, sea otters and others. Of course, there are the salmon that run the streams to and from the channels.

The land is covered with lush vegetation, beautiful streams, and waterfalls everywhere. All types of fungus (all colors and shapes), massive trees, and dense ground cover and shrubbery.

The human history of Alaska starts with numerous Indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Both Russians and Europeans colonized the area before it eventually became part of the United States. From the massive gold rush to natural disasters such as earthquakes, there is a lot to learn about Alaska and its peoples and cultures.

My recommendation for exploring the Inside Passage is to do it on small cruise ships, such as the ones by Uncruise. These smaller ships can get further into the different channels, usually provide more personal experiences, and allow you the opportunity to learn and experience the area (lectures, land and water excursions, food, etc) in a way that large cruise lines just can’t offer.