A three-day small-ship cruise through Prince William Sound offered an intimate way to experience Alaska’s spectacular coastal wilderness, with towering mountains, tidewater glaciers that are almost close enough to touch, and abundant marine wildlife surrounding the route. From Anchorage, the journey continued by train north to Talkeetna, a historic town at the base of Denali known for its dramatic views of the Alaska Range. On arrival, the Mt. Denali was typically shrouded in clouds, but he next morning the majesty of the mountain was visible in the morning light. From Talkeetna, a bus ride carried us into Denali National Park, following the park road deeper into the wilderness to Kantishna Roadhouse, a remote destination surrounded by some of Alaska’s most impressive scenery and wildlife. The combination of small-ship cruising, scenic rail travel, and a journey deep into Denali created a memorable introduction to Alaska’s diverse landscapes.
