• Cruise ships offer otherwise inaccessible views of the Alaskan coastline.cruise ship in alaska image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Most major cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises, many of which usually depart from cities such as San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver. One-way cruises may travel as far north as the towns of Seward or Whittier, which both feature train service. Passengers can book shore excursions in many of Alaska's ports-of-call, including scenic train rides throughout Alaska's wild frontier.
  
  

7-Day Northbound Glacier Discovery

• The 7-Day Northbound Glacier Discovery cruise, operated by Holland America, originates in Vancouver and disembarks in Seward, Alaska. Passengers can enjoy cruising Glacier Bay and College Fjord, which feature natural wonders and wildlife indigenous to the region. Shore excursions include stops at Ketchikan, Skagway and the capital city of Juneau. Travelers sail aboard the MS Ryndam vessel, featuring staterooms outfitted with verandas and ocean views. The ship also offers a host of attractions, such as a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool and a culinary center with cooking demonstrations.
  
  7-Day Northbound Glacier Discovery
  Holland America
  877-932-4259
  hollandamerica.com
  
  

Alaska Railroad Corporation

• The Alaska Railroad Corporation operates three lines during the summer months, including the famed Denali Star which runs between Fairbanks and Anchorage with scheduled stops at Denali National Park. Sights along the way include forests, rivers and Mt. McKinley, the nation's highest peak. The train features high-end dining cars and double-deck glass dome cars for sightseeing. Other summer lines include the Coastal Classic, which travels between Seward and Anchorage, and the Glacier Discovery, which runs between Anchorage and Whittier.
  
  Alaska Railroad Corporation
  327 W Ship Creek Ave.
  Anchorage, AK 99501
  907-265-2300
  alaskarailroad.com
  
  

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

• The White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad offers three scenic excursion lines. The White Pass Summit Excursion travels 20 miles from Skagway up through the White Pass, offering views of glaciers, waterfalls and gorges along the way. The Fraser Meadows Steam Excursion runs for 26 miles through the White Pass and into the lush landscape of Fraser Meadows. Finally, the Yukon Adventure features a 68-mile one-way journey from Skagway into Carcross, British Columbia. With Skagway serving as a common cruise ship port, the round trip White Pass & Yukon Route excursions often cater to cruise ship passengers.
  
  White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
  231 Second Ave.
  Skagway, AK 99840
  800-343-7373
  wpyr.com