Cruising on a paddlewheeler makes for a unique vacation.
Alaska is famous for its scenic views, long days and glaciers. Traveling by paddlewheeler allows visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with whales and other sea animals, while enjoying leisurely meals or even dancing. While most paddle boat cruises in Alaska are day trips, there is one company operating overnight cruises. The cruise tour season runs from May through September.
Empress of the North
The 235 passenger Empress of the North is the only overnight paddlewheeler cruising in Alaska. The boat was built in 2002 and is designed to resemble a 19th century paddlewheeler. It also features hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of original aboriginal art. There are cruises that run from Seattle to Alaska as well as cruises of Alaska itself. The ship also has numerous amenities including the Golden Nugget Showroom which has a bar, dance floor and stage, for cocktails, entertainment, dancing and historical presentations. Also on board is the Calliope Bar & Grill, a 24-hour self-service snack bar and a gift shop. All the rooms have large exterior facing windows and complimentary bathrobes and some feature private verandas and large screen plasma TVs.
Empress of the North
1-800-434-1232
emilive.com/portals/304/tour/2134/1.html
Riverboat Discovery
The Riverboat Discovery offers a three hour cruise along the Chena and Tanana rivers. The tour includes watching a bush floatplane taking off alongside a "bush" style runway, a visit the home and kennels of the late four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher and her sled dog team, and a personalized tour of the Chena Indian Village.
Riverboat Discovery
1975 Discovery Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-479-6673
riverboatdiscovery.com
Alaska Queen Paddle Wheel Adventure
This two and a half hour cruise in the steam powered Alaska Queen is family friendly, includes beverages and an "I Was Paddled In Ketchikan" pin. There are theme costumed performers and musicians acting as though they are still in the "Creek Street" red-light district. The tour also shows where moon shine was hidden during prohibition.
Best of Alaska Day Tours & Attractions
9085 Glacier Highway,
Suite 301
Juneau, Alaska 99801
1-800-323-5757
bestofalaskatravel.com
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