As snow totals mount and winter breathes ever harder down muffler-clad necks, tropical destinations sound more appealing than ever.

Then why are many northeastern Iowans planning Alaskan cruises?

"It's one of the last American frontiers. People want the experience, to see scenery, the glaciers, the wildlife and the wilderness," said Gregg Humble, owner of Humble Travel Service LTD, Cedar Falls. " Its truly a unique experience."

This will be a particularly exciting year for tourists who can help the 49th state observe its 50th year of statehood. On Jan. 3, 1959, Alaska officially became a state on Jan 3, 1959. Now the state is a favorite destination for summer cruising. Intrepid explorers may prefer to skip cruising and visit in winter to see the Northern Lights or Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

"People like the idea of mushing sled dogs, and they hope to see bears and whales. Sometimes they get lucky and catch watch a chunk of ice break off a glacier. All of those things pique people's interests. Cruising is a wonderful way to first experience Alaska, but it's a huge state and you miss a lot if you don't take advantage of inland trips," said Eva Haan, owner of Cruise, Travel & More.

Mid-size and luxury vessels sail to Alaska from early May to mid-September. Peak season is June, July and August with temperatures averaging 70 F or 75 F, while May and September temperatures at 50 F.

Most cruise lines offer a seven-day itinerary that sails along the Inside Passage and visits Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, with stops in ports along the way, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Extended cruise-tour options take passengers deeper into Alaska via train and include land stays, according to the Cruise Lines International Association.

"Alaska is the prettiest place I've ever been. It's unspoiled, unpopulated and majestic. If you just stay on board the cruise ship, you don't see the full beauty of Alaska or the wildlife you can see in a national park. I always encourage passengers to do a land trip. You can fish or hunt or explore. In winter months, you could go to the North Pole. Alaska one of those destinations that's attractive to people who love the outdoors," said Helen Allen from Short's Travel.

Only about 250,000 tourists venture to Alaska between October and April (compared to some 1.7 million summer visitors). But most winter tourists are making thei second trip to the state, according to the most recent data from the Alaska Visitor Statistics Program.

During the peak season, Humble said his travel agency offers a popular 12-day trip that gives passengers five days on land to explore Fairbanks, Anchorage and Denali, then boards in Seward for a 7-night cruise ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Humble recommends passengers reserve a veranda or balcony state room. "You can walk out sliding doors and be on a veranda to watch passing mountains or glaciers, then relax in the cabin. These are popular cabins and are the first to fill up," he explained.

Haan agreed. "It's probably the best way to experience an Alaskan scenic cruise. Otherwise you have to be on the top deck for a view and it's hard to get close to the railing for sightseeing because that's where everyone is."

Shipboard experiences mirror Caribbean cruises - plenty of food and activities. Fresh seafood, such as salmon, is showcased on Alaskan cruises, along with cultural programs ranging from Native American dance to totem poles.

More exclusive (and expensive) tour options can range from small yacht cruises to safari cruises. Smaller ships can slip into smaller inlets, offering passengers greater opportunity to see wildlife.

Allen suggested working with experienced travel agents. "We're always checking prices, upgrades and rate changes and keeping our clients up to date. We're plugged into what Alaska has to offer. "