Look through my thread on Alaska
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=621280
Also, some of my comments here applies:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640906
Comments I gave to a friend who wanted to go there:
"I went to Fairbanks mainly to try to catch the aurora at Chena Hot Springs (2 hours drive from Fairbanks). Over there, you should also visit the North Pole (Santa's gift shop is there) and the Fairbanks University museum.
Next, I went to Seward, but there's nothing much there, except for a marine wildlife aquarium. There's nice scenery while driving along Seward Highway though.
If you're interested in mainly wildlife and abit of landscapes, I really suggest going to Denali National Park (in between Anchorage and Fairbanks) in peak autumn. That's when you'll see a splendor of colors, and lots of wildlife. That's a place I would want to go should I decide to go to Alaska again in the future.
I'm not too sure about tours, I flew to Alaska by plane, backpacked there, and rented a car to explore on my own.. I never liked tours anyway, it's too restrictive
However, do go for a flightseeing tour if you can afford it. I didn't go for one the other time due to time/money constraints, but I'm pretty sure it'll be worth it
Either 'Rusty's flightseeing tour' or 'Alpine air' (more expensive, flies from Girdwood, but they fly by helicopter instead of plane)
Alaska can't be completed in one trip... there's lots to do and explore... Plan out what you want to see, don't cram too much into your itinerary."
Cost and expenses for my trip:
"For me, I was ok with driving in the winter, cause I drive slow... just don't speed in the snow. Also, if anything happens while driving, you might not have phone reception if it's out of the city areas... just be extra careful. You can request for a GPS to be loaned to you, but that's gonna cost around USD10/day.
Car rental costs me about $80 for a compact car that's winterized (including under 25 age fees), fuel is about USD 3+ per gallon (3.75 litres), the cheapest hostels will cost about USD 30 in spring/autumn, USD 15 in winter, not too sure about summer. (should be about 50-60)
Cheapest food around is of course, subway (USD 5 for a foot long sub, add USD 3 for a meal)"
For cruises:
Last cruise for the year is in September, they don't operate in winter. Go for the whole day tour, cause you'll see a lot more. (About 10 hours if I remember correctly) Expect to see whales, otters, puffins, glaciers, other sealife, and the occasional land based wildlife. Carry a long tele with you, cause the bigger cruise ships won't get very close to wildlife. If you opt for the smaller boats, you'll get closer, but it'll cost slightly more
In Alaska, daylight in summer lasts for about 20-22 hours, and just 3-4 hours in the winter... so plan your time properly!