• Cruise ships are a popular method of travel in Alaska.cruise ship in alaska image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Cruise lines are a popular method of tourism in Alaska. The large cruise ships travel along glaciers and mountains and stop in several port towns where fishing opportunities are numerous. There are also smaller charter cruise boats that have fishing opportunities from the deck. The type of cruise and the route will determine the fishing opportunities that are available.
  
  

Day Trips

• Day trips are the only option with the large cruise lines. The ships port in Sitka, Seward, Ketchikan, Skagway and other coastal villages. Every port village has day charters available. Many of the charter boats depend on the cruise lines for a certain percentage of their business. Check the route of your cruise and plan the fishing trip in advance. It is possible to book a trip immediately after arriving in the village, but researching and contacting the numerous charter captains is advantageous.
  
  

Multiple Day Trips

• Multiple day trips are available on smaller charter cruise lines. The boats are much smaller than the large cruise ships. They also offer more privacy and route options. The boats have several rooms and are either shared by several small groups or they are booked by a single large group. The multiple day fishing cruises can access river mouths and open water. The boats allow the angler to fish throughout the trip without booking a separate guide.
  
  

Species

• Alaska fishing cruises are based along the coast and ocean fishing in the ocean is common. Ocean fishing will produce salmon, halibut and bottom feeding rock fish. The smaller boats can access the river mouths where salmon gather before spawning. Smaller boats also have the ability to park near the river mouth and access the shoreline. From the shore, anglers can hike upstream for grayling, rainbow trout and steelhead.