Re: Alaska
I would think the first thing you need to decide upon is whether you are an adventurous type or if you require the luxury of tours like the cruise ship tours.
If you like adventure and if you want to have the thrill of seeing large bears in their native habitat, then may I suggest you make arrangements to go to McNeil River Falls
(July and August). You would see bears fishing for salmon, often in quite large numbers, perhaps as many as 75 bears congregated in one spot and competing for the best fishing spots. Tourists are allowed to get within just 15 meters of the bears but not to worry. No-one has ever been hurt by the bears. Simply do what the park ranger says.
I believe that watching permits are now required, so you should make advance arrangements. McNeil River is only about 320 Km from Anchorage