Glacier treks, heli-hiking, kayaking in Crystal's 2016 AlaskaGlacier treks, heli-hiking, kayaking in Crystal's 2016 Alaska

The heli-hike/railway excursion, from Skagway, whisks participants high above the Sawtooth Mountains, through the wilderness via train, and on a four- to five-mile hike along the Skagway River to the Laughton Glacier. It's possible to see bears, moose and mountain goats.

Glacier flightseeing and dog sledding is another combo adventure that takes travelers via helicopter to the top of Denver Glacier to view a seemingly endless sea of peaks and glaciers before they enter the world of mushing, guided by the professionals of the Iditarod Dog Races. This excursion is offered from Skagway, while a second 'musher's camp' program is available in Juneau.

A whale-watching eco-adventure links to the Marine Conservation Alliance Foundation’s efforts to preserve wilderness shorelines. Participants may view orcas and humpback whales, as well as Stellar sea lions, harbor seals and more, while learning how the animals are identified and protected.

An ATV adventure through the Tongass National Forest, from Sitka, affords the chance to see Alaskan brown bears and Sitka black tail deer. Participants will cruise along the rough terrain via 4x4, stopping for views of whale spouts and sea otters in the distance.

Fly fishing by floatplane, numerous glacier treks, kayaking, photography-focused expeditions, highlights of Alaska’s Russian and native heritage, zipline thrills, wildlife encounters and crab feeds are among the many other excursion possibilities.

Additionally, a five-night extended land program through Denali National Park will be offered for cruisers on the Aug. 16 Northwest Passage voyage from Anchorage to New York.