It's the same story everywhere, only maybe more so in Alaska: Travel companies there are discounting like mad to lure visitors to America's northernmost state.

''I have seen seven-day cruises going as low as $350. It's unheard of,'' said Ron Peck, president and COO of the Alaska Travel Industry Association. Normally, a fare of $699 would be considered a bargain.

Travel to Alaska is suffering more from the economic downturn than other areas of the country, because Alaska is a long-haul destination. Flights are longer and more expensive, food costs more, and all tourism is compressed into a short, five-month season.

That said, a trip to Alaska this year may cost less than it ever will be again.

Most visitors come to Alaska by cruise ship, more than 1 million a year, and many land tours are taken in conjunction with a cruise. With more than 40 ships plying Alaskan waters this season, the competition is heating up. That translates to lower prices and more perks for consumers.

Here is a sampling of Alaska deals. Prices are starting rates per person, double occupancy, unless otherwise stated, and do not include taxes, government fees or gratuities. Packages are subject to availability, blackout dates, booking deadlines and validity dates, and their prices and terms are subject to change without notice. Note: Alaska cruise fares are lowest in May and September, highest in midsummer, when the weather's at its best.

CRUISE-ONLY

• Princess Cruises' seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers sailings Vancouver-Whittier (or reverse) start at 349 per person on the Coral Princess May 18 and 25 and on the Diamond Princess May 16, 23 and 30. Outside cabins $449, balconies $749 or $799. 800-774-6237, www.princess.com.

• Regent Seven Seas offers free roundtrip air fare from 22 North American gateways on all seven-night Alaska cruises. Early-booking savings of 35-45 percent on all departures, kids sail free on certain sailings June 17-Aug. 5, and shore excursions are free on selected dates. Offers expire March 31. Fares start at $3,198. 800-285-1835, www.rssc.com.

• Holland America: Seven-day cruises start at $449 for Vancouver-Seward (or reverse) sailings, $599 on roundtrips from Seattle or Vancouver. 877-932-4259, www.hollandamerica.com.

• Norwegian Cruise Line's seven-night roundtrip sailings from Seattle or from Vancouver start at $479, plus an onboard credit of $25-$250. On many sailings, kids sail for $99 each. Must be booked by March 15. 866-234-7350, www.ncl.com.

• Royal Caribbean offers cruises as low as $499 on Radiance of the Seas, $549 on Serenade of the Seas and $599 on Rhapsody of the Seas. It also grants a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for those booking a cruise tour by April 30. 866-562-7625. www.royalcaribbean.com.

CRUISE TOURS

• Holland America is offering cruise tours at 50 percent off. An 11-day Great Land Klondike Cruise Tour visiting Denali, Dawson City, Yukon River and Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm starts at $1,149 for an inside cabin, $1,199 outside and $1,329 balcony on seven-day cruise. Various dates available. Glacier Discovery Cruise Tours start at $949 for 12-day tours. 877-932-4259,www.hollandamerica.com.

• Princess' 12-day Direct to the Wilderness tour includes a seven-day cruise plus five-day land tour on the Coral Princess departs May 20 and costs $1,449 inside or outside cabin, $1,949 for balcony cabin. Same tour on Diamond Princess with three days on land departs May 27, $1,349. 800-774-6237, www.princess.com.