Alaska Cruises: Exploring The Last Frontier
Did you know that cruise lines only travel to Alaska for several months each year? Alaska cruise season normally lasts from May to September, with some occasional sailings in late April and early October. Peak season is June through August. Why is the season so short? May through September is when temperatures are highest (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and the weather is sunniest. The rest of the year is colder with snowy weather and icier waters.
Why take an Alaska cruise?
Because Alaska is so remote, some areas (such as Juneau) can only be reached by boat or plane, making a cruise the perfect way to explore several destinations in Alaska during one vacation. If Alaska isn’t already on your bucket list, you may be wondering, “What is there to do in Alaska?” Probably more than you think! Alaska is perfect for any nature lover, adrenaline junkie, or world traveler. Besides unforgettable views of glaciers and majestic mountains, some of the top activities on an Alaska cruise include: whale watching, helicopter tours, kayaking, canoeing, dog sledding, nature hikes, railway tours, salmon fishing, gold panning, ziplining, and more.
An Alaska Cruise is not a “one-size-fits-all” vacation.
There are two main types of Alaska cruise vacations: A cruise starts from a departure point, has several ports of call, and then returns to the original or a different port so that you can disembark and return home by plane or car. Not every cruise embarks or disembarks in the same city with the same ports of call. Each cruise line and ship offers different amenities and activities. Bigger ships have more activities to enjoy while you’re onboard (great for families with kids) and smaller ships are able to fit into more destinations along Alaska’s inside passage. One of our ADJ travel advisors, Emma Bennett, sailed on the Disney Wonder to Alaska for her honeymoon several years ago. She remembers the fun character meets, Frozen deck party (instead of the traditional pirate night on Caribbean cruises), hot soups available on deck to enjoy while glacier gazing, and educational programming onboard. We work with several wonderful cruise lines that offer Alaska cruises, including Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess. We can help you find the perfect cruise line, ship, and itinerary for your travel party.
Most cruise lines offer a cruise tour option that allows you to spend several days at sea exploring various ports in Alaska. Then, you’ll disembark the cruise ship and spend several days exploring Alaska by land before your return home. The cruise tour includes your lodging at night, some meals, and activities. Cruise tours are a great option for guests who want to see as much of Alaska as possible.
Cruisetour options differ per cruiseline. Some cruise lines have you board in rustic lodges outside of populated areas and others include boutique hotels in towns. The destinations and activities included in each cruisetour also vary, but this is yet another reason why using a travel advisor provides so much value to your vacation; we can go over the details and make sure you’re booking the experience of your dreams.
TIPS FOR AN ALASKA CRUISE:
Book a balcony room. You won’t regret enjoying scenic views from the privacy of your balcony.
Bring binoculars. These will come in handy for all of the wildlife you’ll see along the way, whether onboard or at ports of call.
Leave time to explore towns like Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. There is so much history and culture in Alaska; set aside time to explore on your own and eat and drink locally.
Pack layers. Even during the “warmer” months, temperature can be unpredictable or rainy. It’s better to be prepared and have more layers than not enough.
Plan to arrive in your embarkation city early. Many cruises start in either Seattle or Vancouver, so a couple of extra days can give you some time to explore all these cities have to offer.
Excursions can be pricey, but try to budget for at least a couple of excursions during your Alaska cruise. You’ll see and learn the most about your destination with an experienced tour guide and reliable transportation.
If you’re looking for an Alaska cruise that doesn’t require a passport, there are some that start and end in Seattle, so there’s no passport required!
While June through August is peak Alaska cruise season with the warmest weather and most activities, late April/May and September are considered to be “shoulder season”. In shoulder season, prices and crowds are lowest.
Think an Alaska cruise sounds right up your alley? Now is the perfect time to book for the 2024 Alaska cruise season before pricing goes up and availability goes down. Contact an ADJ travel advisor today!
