Spring travel season is in full swing for Alaskans looking to travel within the state

Summer cruise season officially began last week in Southeast Alaska, but it's a little early here in the railbelt between Seward and Fairbanks. There is still plenty of snow and the Nenana River tripod still stands tall.

Still, spring specials are popping up all over the place for Alaskans who can't wait to go exploring. Be sure to bring a hat, gloves, and an extra jacket. Or two.

Seward's sightseeing cruise began last month. Sailing in Resurrection Bay is always fun when the snow is deep in the water. Observe coastal and underwater life, including large gray whales and the occasional killer whale. Bring binoculars to see otters and porpoises up close.

Kenai Fjord Tours offers cruises departing at noon Thursday through Sunday. The 4-hour Resurrection Bay Cruise is available through May 16th for just $116 per adult. Children under 12 years old are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult (1 child free per adult). Lunch (chicken burrito) is included.

Major Marine Tours operates daily cruises throughout the spring and is offering 25% off hotel and cruise packages through the end of April.

Cruises depart daily at 12:30pm and cost $109 per adult. Hotel rates at Harbor 360 are $169 per night, excluding discounts, port fees, fuel surcharges and local sales tax.

With everything added up and discounts applied, the cost for two adults on the cruise and staying overnight is $328.64, or $164.32 per person. The children's expenses did not add up. $54.50 per child (ages 2-11).

If you're planning a cruise in May or early June (through June 15), Major Marine is offering a 20% discount on hotel and cruise combinations at Gateway Hotels.

Overnight visitors have more time to see the Alaska Sealife Center. Alaska residents can save about $5 on the typically $25 to $30 admission fee per adult. Admission for children living here is approximately $15. Sea Life Center offers staggered admission, so it's important to book your tickets online.

Alaska residents receive a 30% discount on nightly rates at Alyeska Resort. Whether you're looking to ski or soak in the new Nordic spa, this resort is conveniently located. We entered several weekday dates to get the lowest rate, around $228 per room with discounts.

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The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge in Talkeetna is perched on a bluff overlooking the airstrip and downtown Talkeetna. This offers some of the best views of Denali for miles. In recent years, this lodge has started opening in March for spring travelers.

From now until May 5th, the lodge is offering a 30% discount. Use promo code 'SPRING' when booking online at talkeetnalodge.com.

If you like the idea of ​​cruising in a big boat, even when it's a little chilly outside, there are some great spring rates to depart from Seward.

Nate Vallier of Juneau's Alaska Travel Desk is a huge cruise fan. He found some particularly good early season specials, including:

1. On April 22, sail aboard Norwegian Jewel to Vancouver, British Columbia for $199 per person in an indoor cabin (based on double occupancy). In this case, port taxes and fees will be higher than the cruise fare ($301 per person). Still, her $500 for her seven-day cruise around the Inside Passage is a pretty good deal.

2. Take advantage of the outdoor cabins on the Jewel, which sails from Seward on May 6th. The price will be a little higher. If she shares the cabin with two people, it will cost her $309 per person, plus taxes and fees of $301 per person, or a total of $610 per person.

3. If you need a balcony, Vallier recommends the Celebrity Summit, which sails from Seward on May 17. The cost is $399 per person, plus $383 in taxes and fees, which means he is $782 per person. Mr. Vallier chose this date for far fewer reasons than Summit's other sailing dates.

All of these cruises end in Vancouver, British Columbia. Travelers must have a passport. May travelers can return home on Air Canada's nonstop flights to Anchorage starting May 14. Early morning travelers in April can fly through Seattle.

For a more intimate experience on a smaller ship, consider Alaskan Dream Cruises, which sail from Juneau and Sitka on seven- or eight-day itineraries through the Inside Passage.

Alaska residents can save 49% on cruises from May 12th to June 14th using discount code 49FOR49. Special pricing is not listed on the website and must be reserved by calling: 855-747-8100.

Still, you can check itineraries online at alaskandreamcruises.com.

These ships carry between 40 and 80 passengers and go places that larger ships can't go. One of her early cruises on the Alaskan Dream docked at Glacier Bay, with calls at Kake, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Pelican. Once discounts are applied, rates start at $2,497 per person, which is double her.

The Last Frontier Adventure on the Admiralty Dream or Chichagoff Dream is a slightly different seven-night itinerary that includes a visit to the Ford's Terror Reserve area near Tracy Arm. There will be four departures from May 18 to June 14, with prices starting at double $2,038 per person.

There are several itineraries to choose from, but pricing details for Alaska residents are not available on the website.

Whether you're looking to stay in a lodge or cruise on a boat, spring travel season is in full swing.

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