Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in ALASKA
Sights to see & things to do
Denali National Park & Preserve , Alaska
Anchored by North America’s highest mountain, 20,320-foot Mount McKinley, Denali is a must-see for cruisers who intend to visit Alaska only once and want a land-and-sea experience. Almost a million people a year enter the area by bus or train, making this Alaska’s most visited wilderness area. Once inside, visitors leave behind their deluxe motor coaches and trains and are transported through the park on ordinary school buses. Denali’s roads cannot accommodate the heavier luxury motor coaches.
Diversions
The focal point of Denali is Mount McKinley, commonly called by its original Native name, “Denali,” meaning “the great one.” Arguably, it is the two highest peaks in North America. Mount McKinley’s north face rises to 20,320 feet, while the shorter south face still looms over the Alaska Range at 19,470 feet. Permanently snow-covered, it is surrounded by the lesser Mount Foraker (17,400 feet), Mount Hunter (15,573 feet), and Mount Grosson (12,800 feet).
Aside from the spectacular scenery, Denali is the place to see wildlife. It is home to 161 species of bird, 37 species of mammal, and at least 450 plant species. Look closely for the official state bird, the willow ptarmigan, grizzly bears, and caribou.
Located at the entrance to Denali, Princess Lodge boasts that it has the only cruise/tour accommodations with a view of Mount McKinley. Be forewarned, though—depending on the weather, you may not see the peak of Mount McKinley at all. All the world’s largest mountains create their own weather systems and Mount McKinley is no exception, with fog being its most common condition.
Cool Cruising-- Spring! It's in the air and cruisers' fancies turn north. North to Alaska, with thoughts of majestic scenery, frontiers to explore, and what to pack.
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