Of course cruising in Alaska is a great way to explore the area. However, that is not the only great way; another fantastic way to see the state is by doing shore excursions. One of the most popular ways to see some of the areas is flying in an helicopter or taking a floatplane. The way the pilots fly over the glaciers and the way they explain the history of the land is just one of the better options you should take advantage of.

Bert van Mackelenbergh is Statendam’s hotel manager.