Travelers just want more. The Alaska cruise continues to be the second most popular cruise in the world, with many of its visitors repeat passengers. And it makes perfect sense to me—Alaska is one-fifth the size of the continental United States and four times the size of California. It is a land of spectacular Ice Age glaciers, Native American culture, awesome mountain ranges and fjords, historic Russian settlements, and world-class sport fishing. I’ve often thought that it was the Aleuts who named the region best: Alyeska—The Great Land.

Sitting on the deck of the 2,501 passenger Royal Caribbean’s “Radiance of the Seas” with the Vancouver sun at my back, I couldn’t wait for the cruise to begin. Soon we would be gliding through the stunning Inside Passage. Yes, I was one of those repeat visitors. I knew what to expect, and relished the attractions that awaited me. I opted for the cruise/land tour package, which included transportation by motor coach and train into the state’s mighty interior. I was also ready for a serious dose of Royal Caribbean’s seemingly endless amenities: themed bars and lounges, specialty restaurants, indoor/outdoor country club, spa and fitness center, Las Vegas-style shows and Casino Royale. Perhaps this time I would finally attempt the rock climbing wall.

KETCHIKAN

Today Ketchikan is billed as the Salmon Capital of the World. If it’s a fishing excursion you want, this is the place for it. My personal pick is a tour of the Totem Heritage Center, which features a collection of carved totem poles and carving demonstrations.

JUNEAU

Spread along Gastineau Channel, Juneau is the only state capitol city inaccessible by road. A trip to Mendenhall Glacier is the most popular excursion, but my pick is the 1800-foot tramway ride to the top of Mount Roberts for wildlife viewing platforms, the Juneau Raptor Center and breathtaking views.

SKAGWAY

Located on the northern tip of the Lynn Canal, Skagway was born as the land entryway for thousands of gold-crazed miners to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. The town is well-preserved and rich in gold rush history. My pick: A trip aboard the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route railway, for a train journey back in time.

SITKA

My favorite of all of the cruise's destinations, Sitka is nestled on Baranof Island and offers an amazing mix of Tlingit Indian, Russian and American history and culture. The attractions are endless. My pick: The Sitka National Historical Park. The 113-acre coastal park features the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center, great beaches, hiking trails and scores of totem poles.

SEWARD

One of Alaska's oldest communities, Seward is considered the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This is where land packages within the peninsula begin, and I look forward to spending more time in this historic area in the future. Fairbanks: Based 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks is the ideal venue to experience a real living history, highlighted by the majestic midnight sun. My pick: An excursion on the Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler, with a stop at an Athabascan village, as well as demonstrations of traditional fishing, hide tanning and dog sledding.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Departing from Fairbanks, the Wilderness Express train travels deep into the Alaskan interior to the 6-million acre Denali National Park. Seeing one of the world's last great frontiers from the comfort of a luxurious glass-domed train car only enhances the experience. My pick: A seven-hour bus ride on the Tundra Wilderness Tour for undisturbed wildlife viewings.

TALKEETNA

A locale that’s perfect to just bask in the beauty, Talkeetna also offers fishing, nature and float tours, and white water rafting. My pick: A helicopter ride above Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. To experience such a heaven’s view was like being there at the moment of creation.

ANCORAGE

Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage boasts all the urban pleasures of fine dining, shopping, nightlife, and world-class museums. My pick: The 26-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center, which provides a fascinating insight into the arts, customs and lifestyles of the five distinct native cultures found in Alaska. It was a perfect way to end my visit to “The Great Land.” For information, contact Royal Caribbean International at 800-327-6700 or RoyalCaribbean.com