Escape Fall 2023 | Page 18

Expert ’ s View | Royal Caribbean International
BEST OF ALASKA
Wilderness Exploring the wild lands of the Last Frontier is one of the most popular ways to spend a vacation in Alaska . With vast virgin forests , glacier-fed rivers , crystalline lakes and towering mountains , Alaska invites you to explore the outdoors on your own or with a knowledgeable guide . From lively Ketchikan to tiny Talkeetna village , there are excursions and tours for every pace and interest . Whether it ’ s dogsledding to a backcountry photo safari , there ’ s a thrilling experience just waiting for you in Alaska .
Mountains Denali National Park invites guests to explore the mountain landscapes of the Alaskan backcountry . Dozens of walking , hiking and biking trails allow guests to craft their own outdoor adventure . River rafting , flightseeing and sled-dog summer camps are also nearby . Flights to the remote western end of the park offer the best views of the tallest mountains in the Alaska Range and the glacier that connects them .
Wildlife Alaska ’ s Big Five animals are bears , wolves , caribou , moose and Dall sheep . But those are just the beginning . More than 30 other mammals are commonly seen , like the red fox and arctic squirrel , along with over 160 species of migratory birds during the warmer months . Tours depart from Juneau in search of humpback whales , orca whales , Stellar sea lions , Dall ’ s porpoises and harbor seals .
Ovation of the Seas , Solarium
8 · ESCAPE Fall 2023