Getting up close and personal with a gigantic brown bear isn't something you're likely to do on a sweltering stretch of sand in the Bahamas. But with the enormous variety of discount Alaskan cruises and Alaska cheap cruises from Summit Travel Group, the wilderness and splendor of this vast land is at your fingertips.

The majority of the world's glaciers are located within the Arctic Circle, creating formidable ice walls several miles long. In addition to popular ports for viewing in Anchorage and Juneau, several cruise lines travel through the Inside Passage to more remote spots. These incredible structures are constantly moving, breaking apart with magnificent cracks and slowly growing with trickling waterfalls. Many cruises from Los Angeles to this pristine location make visiting the glorious glaciers a prime activity that travelers continuously enjoy.

While the glaciers and fjords are certainly spectacular, the wildlife of Alaska is unrivaled in its' grandeur. From the graceful humpback whales that return every summer to the boisterous sea lions in search of fresh fish, the sheer number of species encountered is staggering. Those who travel on discount Alaskan cruises may also glimpse the smooth orca whales or the official state marine mammal, the beluga whale.

Over 70 percent of North America's brown bears are found here, including the massive Kodiak and grizzly bears. Elusive polar bear, with their clear fur and stately presence, can be spotted in the frigid waters hunting for prey. Visitors delight in the casual attitude of the prevalent moose population, as the creatures are often spotted strolling down urban city streets or pedestrian walking paths.

Cruises from Los Angeles take travelers along the northern Canadian coastline to many popular ports of call throughout Alaska. Whether witnessing the great caribou migration, experiencing the rise and fall of the mighty glaciers, or fishing for salmon, the pure beauty of Alaska is unsurpassed.