Some travelers have recommended the 26 Glacier Cruise by Phillips, which operates out of Whittier and covers a large area, offering better chances of encountering wildlife. The Glacier Quest by Phillips is a shorter alternative that still offers scenic views but covers less distance.

For those looking for a smaller boat experience, the Lazy Otter offers an intimate setting and operates out of Whittier as well. This option tends to be more expensive but is favored for its smaller group size.

According to forum posts, the best times to embark on these glacier cruises are from late May through June. Travelers also suggest combining these cruises with other activities such as wildlife sighting or scenic hikes to maximize the experience.

According to forum posts, Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferries operate routes connecting various locations in Alaska, including a service from Bellingham, Washington to Juneau. However, travelers noted that ferry schedules are subject to change and may be reduced, so checking updated schedules is crucial.

Some travelers said that the AMHS ferry schedules are usually released in January for the summer season, and it's advisable to book as soon as schedules are published due to high demand and limited capacity. There's mention of dynamic pricing, meaning costs can increase as ferries reach capacity.

For many users, specific routes like Juneau to Gustavus are available, but the return might not be direct, requiring additional planning or alternative transportation like flights. Additionally, services to places like Sitka might only run once a week, which can complicate travel plans without careful scheduling.

According to forum posts, travelers recommend a diverse range of activities for an Alaska trip. Some suggest starting in Anchorage to explore local attractions like the Native Village of Eklutna and the Anchorage Museum. For nature enthusiasts, visiting Denali National Park is highly recommended, where activities can include a Tundra Wilderness tour and river rafting.

For those venturing south, Seward offers attractions like the Alaska SeaLife Center and marine cruises of Kenai Fjords National Park. Travelers have called out the potential for a half-day glacier hike and ranger-led tours. In Homer, options include kayaking around Kachemak Bay or taking a water taxi to explore nearby islands.

Some travelers expressed interest in spending a night or two outside of an RV for amenities like swimming pools, particularly in Seward's Harbor Hotel. This provides a comfortable break from the more rugged aspects of an Alaskan adventure.

According to forum posts, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage offers scenic biking and walking opportunities with views of the city skyline. Travelers have also recommended visiting the Anchorage Museum as it showcases local art and history, which is ideal for experiencing the culture.

Some travelers said the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Girdwood is a popular spot, offering close encounters with local wildlife. Additionally, the Earthquake Park provides insights into the great earthquakes' impact on Anchorage, making it an educational stop.

For unique outdoor experiences, forum users suggest the Portage Pass Trail, which leads to Portage Glacier and offers breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The Native Heritage Museum offers an authentic look into native Alaskan cultures, highly valued by those interested in indigenous history and arts.

Some travelers have recommended Allen Marine and Adventure Bound Alaska for Tracy Arm Fjord tours. They praised Adventure Bound for providing a memorable experience with reasonable prices for snacks and a well-managed social distancing setup on deck. Allen Marine was noted for operating faster boats, which shorten the travel time to the fjord.

For dog sled tours, travelers on the forum suggested Denali National Park for its exemplary care of animals and adoption practices for retired dogs. Crazy Dog Kennels on the Denali Highway was also mentioned as a potential choice for those looking for humane treatment of sled dogs.

In terms of RV rentals, Great Alaska Holidays and ABC were highlighted as reliable companies with fewer customer complaints. For fishing charters, Baranof Charters in Ketchikan was specifically called out for its good service and ability to accommodate the schedules of cruise ship passengers.

For those looking for help in planning their Alaska tours, Alaska Tour and Travel in Anchorage was recommended for its great reputation in organizing local tours and travel arrangements.

According to forum posts, travelers can take the train from Anchorage or Fairbanks to Denali National Park, which offers scenic views along the way. However, once at Denali, the challenge is getting from the rail depot to lodging and the park entrance. Some accommodations near the park offer shuttles to and from the railroad depot and park entrance, but availability and hours may vary, requiring careful coordination with park shuttle schedules.

Many users recommend renting a car for flexibility and ease of travel within Denali National Park. This allows visitors to manage their schedules more freely and explore the park at their own pace. Local car rentals like Keys to Denali and Alaska Auto Rentals provide options near the park, with some specifically allowing travel on rougher tracks like those found in Denali.

For those relying on public transportation, it's noted that options are very limited and have been further reduced due to operational changes like those from COVID-19 impacts. This has led to the suggestion that without a rental car, navigating Denali can be quite restrictive and challenging.

According to forum posts, Alaska offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities across different locations. Denali National Park is recommended for its potential to see a variety of mammals during bus rides into the park. The Turnagain Arm and the Seward Highway south of Anchorage also provide opportunities to see wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which houses orphaned and injured animals.

For bear viewing, some travelers suggested visiting places like Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park or Anan Creek, where viewing platforms are available. However, bear viewing often requires quiet observation, which might not be suitable for all, especially young children. Solomon Gulch in Valdez and Chilkoot River near Haines were also mentioned as sites where bears can be observed, particularly from late July through August when salmon are running.

Additionally, the Kenai Peninsula was identified as a location for marine wildlife sightings during boat tours. The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward was recognized for its marine life exhibits. For bird enthusiasts, locations like Potter Marsh and various national wildlife refuges offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

According to forum posts, the Alaska Railroad offers several scenic routes, with the Anchorage to Seward route mentioned for its stunning views. Some travelers have highlighted the Glacier Discovery Train as an exceptional choice, offering stops at Grandview, Spencer Glacier, or Whittier for a glacier cruise.

Travelers have called out the GoldStar Dome service on the Alaska Railroad for its enhanced experience, providing large dome windows and dining services. This service allows passengers to enjoy panoramic views and on-board comforts, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more luxurious train ride.

For many users, booking tickets through alternative platforms like alaskatravel.com has been helpful, especially when official Alaska Railroad tickets appear sold out. This tip can be crucial for planning during peak travel seasons or for securing preferred travel dates.

Travelers have appreciated the luggage handling service provided by the railroad. Luggage is transported directly to the cruise ship terminal for those transitioning from a train ride to a cruise, allowing a hassle-free continuation of their journey.