Posts Tagged ‘Alaska’

Cruise Lines Focusing On New Climates

The cruise industry remains suprisingly unbattered by a tumultuous recession, but there may be change afoot in the tastes of their clientele. Tropical cruises have been on top of the industry for twenty five years now, accompanied by a more general Caribbean tourism boom. The number of cruise passengers annually in the Caribbean shot from 900,000 to 2.3 million in the decade between 1983 and 1993.. Whilst there is no sign that Caribbean numbers are down, the growth of new markets and the tastes of long-time cruisers are changing the picture. River based cruises are proving increasingly popular for their emphasis on both the sight-seeing and shore visiting aspects of the cruise experience, where the on-ship entertainment isn’t the only option.

For Egypt cruises 2011 shows every sign of being a tipping point for growing passenger numbers and a continuation of 2010 market profits. The nile, amongst all river cruises, is one of the most obviously appealing. Egypt and northern Sudan are most densely populated along the Nile’s banks, and it is after all the world’s longest river. From the fertile Nile delta in the north, a journey along the river takes in a great cross-section of African terrain, and this is not to mention obvious landmarks like Cairo, the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, all easily accessible by disembarking onto the fertile banks.

The heartland of the European cruise has always been the Mediterranean, but many northern hemisphere lines are venturing further north to attract different markets. The growth of the popularity of the temperate zones has been confirmed by Princess’ plans to move two of their Caribbean cruise ships back to the UK for use in the Scandinavian Fjords. The nearby Baltic also enjoys travel from the same market, with increasing commitments made by operators. To some like silver seas cruises 2011 is expected to be a highly profitable year. The American market is seeing similar success with Alaskan cruises, such as those operated by Crystal cruises, though many alternatives exist.

For a exciting native Alaska vacations consider the Anaktuvuk Pass in the Artic National Park

Alaska Tourist Attractions

Is what you are looking for is a truly rugged Alaska vacation you might want to think about going to Nunamiut Village right on the edge of the Gates of Arctic National Park and Preserve.  There you will find people that are decedents of those that have lived in the habitat since before 500 BC.  They survived on caribou, which they still hunt, eat, and make clothing and more from, exactly as their ancestors.

The small village is one that should be respected for its way of life.  When visitors come to the village and disturb the natural flow of the community it is both harmful and unappreciated.  For this reason the village has provided a camping area that tourist must camp in.  This area is located among the willows along the east side of the runway opposite the village.  Be sure to register with the store, ranger station or community center for more information on the requirements for camping here.  Do NOT camp within sight of the village, it is disrespectful of the local people.  Respect them, they have existed here a lot longer than you have been alive and have a right to be honored in their home.

The Anaktuvuk Pass consists of just 250 individuals.  The village is called a bush community so supplies are in short supply.  The local residents still count on caribou herds for alll of their meat, although they also hunt Dall sheep and harvest trout and grayling, ptarmigan, and waterfowl. 

The temperatures in the area ranges from the 50′s during the summer time to an average of minus fourteen degrees in January.  Of course, since its Alaska, and the far north of Alaska, there have been recorded cold temperatures of between -56 and -91 degrees.  The area gets an average of eleven inches of rainfall with an average snowfall of 63 inches each year.

When touring the area be sure to bring along those items that you will want (and remember you will be packing the load so only pack the necessary items to avoid having to carry the weight).  The town does not have the facilities that you may be used to in other locations so you will not be able to run to the store to pick the items up.  Remember, it is a absolutely rugged Alaska vacation you are enjoying, one that will be a great memory for years to come.

If you want a real Far North Alaska vacation then this is the area that you absolutely will want to consider.  Although you won’t just spend your vacation in Nanamiut Village, but go on to Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, a visit and perhaps an overnight in the village will give you a taste of what it might be like to live this far from the rest of the world and in the manner that their ancestors lived years ago.  Come, enjoy and respect the area so others will have the opportunity to experience this wonderland of the north too.

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