Alaska deals celebrate 50 years of statehood
— -- Visitors can celebrate Alaska's golden anniversary of statehood by mining a lode of deals. Promos and special attractions also aim to goose tourism in hard times. "It's a challenge" to lure tourists to a far-away destination, says Ron Peck, president of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. For more deals, visit alaskashottestdeals.com, compiled in honor of the 50th anniversary. Here's a sampling:
The Alaska Railroad.
With trains that provide a convenient way to get to the wilderness, it's offering anyone turning 50 this year a one-day ride free. There also are tour packages and discounts. Information: 800-544-0552; alaskarailroad.com
Holland America.
Cruise lines are onboard with Alaska specials. Holland America has offered a seven-day "Alaska Explorer" outing from $749 in September. 877-932-4259; hollandamerica.com
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.
An exhibit about life in Alaska leading to statehood is a current attraction. It includes a photo of JFK with a donkey at the 1960 state fair. 907-929-9200;anchoragemuseum.org
Alaska Sea Adventures.
Escape the masses on big-ship cruises and get up close and personal with the famed "Inside Passage" leading to Glacier Bay. Alaska Sea Adventures has discounts of $500 a person and other deals. You can customize an itinerary. 907-772-4700; yachtalaska.com
Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge.
Fairbanks is home to Constitution Hall, where Alaska's constitution was drafted. Visit Pioneer Park, with mini-golf and historic displays. Deals include up to 50% off a stay at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, one of the Alaska lodges owned and run by Princess Cruises. Princess is Alaska's largest hotel chain. 800-327-5774; explorefairbanks.com
Phillips Cruises & Tours.
Cruise Prince William Sound, where glaciers, otters, bears and salmon generally outnumber humans. Phillips Cruises & Tours is honoring the state's 50th with a 50% discount off its "26 Glacier Cruise" for anyone turning 50 in 2009. 800-544-0529; 26glaciers.com
Pearson's Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa.
Stay at the state's only AAA four-diamond property in the capital of Juneau from $199, double, in October, including breakfast. It has a "small romance" special for $99 extra, which includes a Champagne welcome, rose, chocolates, bubble bath and rose petals on the bed at turndown. 888-658-6328; pearsonspond.com.
Fishing tours.
Fishermen can catch all sorts of deals this year. Among them: Waterfall Resort near Ketchikan is slashing 50% off on select dates. Jimmie Jack's Alaska Fishing Lodge on the Kenai River is cutting 20% off packages on some dates. 800-544-5125, waterfallresort.com; 866-553-4744, jimmiejackfishing.com
Heli-tours.
TEMSCO Helicopters is lopping 10% off outings in Juneau or Skagway. In Juneau, options include seeing the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter and a guided walking or dog sledding and heli-tour. In Skagway, there's a glacier discovery tour and dog sledding. 907-789-9501; temscoair.com
Alaska Tour and Travel.
Enter Alaska Tour and Travel's photo contest honoring the 50th anniversary. Tourists and residents may send in images of Alaskan wildlife, scenery, people or attractions. The winner gets a "Legacy of Alaska" limited-edition print signed by the state's living governors, including recently resigned Sarah Palin. Entries are due by Oct. 31. photos.alaskatravel.com/contest.