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Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing the best time to cruise to Alaska. With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind. If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities.
Ketchikan
Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands.
Glacier & Wildlife Day Cruises
The best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing is during the summer months, specifically from late June through September. This period aligns with Alaska’s salmon runs, when various species of salmon—king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum—make their way upstream in large numbers. To witness the majestic bald eagles in Alaska, timing your visit can make all the difference. While the summer months offer a good chance to see eagles tending to their nests, the best time is actually during the chillier seasons of autumn and early winter. Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have.
Explore Further
Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising.
Hiking trails are open (bear activity permitting) and the landscape is lush and green. Each type offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Alaska, tailored to different cruising desires. The choice between small and large ship cruises ultimately hinges on personal preferences for intimacy and access to nature versus onboard amenities and stable sailing.
June to August
Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. By September, the first snowfall dusts the mountaintops and rainfall increases; Juneau, for example, may receive more than eight inches of rain. Daytime highs still reach up to 58°F (14°C), and by night, you could spot the Northern Lights shimmering in the sky. They can navigate narrower waterways and get closer to shorelines, which allows for enhanced wildlife sightings and access to smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports. Visitors can also explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, which offers dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep fjords that can be explored by boat or floatplane. The town itself is rich in history, with several museums and restored buildings that tell the stories of the thousands who flocked here in the late 1800s seeking gold.
When Is Low Season?
With smaller crowds and more manageable attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. When planning your Alaska trip, you’ll find endless activities to choose from that will let you view the wildlife up close. A whale watching tour in Seward’s Kenai Fjords National Park, where you’ll also encounter brightly colored puffins and spirited sea otters, is a favorite. A ride on a flightseeing plane will give you an eagle’s-eye view of these cold-weather critters in their natural habitats.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Major Cruise lines
Alaska’s charm varies with each passing month, and your choice of when to set sail can greatly impact your experience. Try to book or reserve your onshore activities as far in advance as possible. Ice calving is both a thunderous warning of climate change and an incredible phenomenon to behold. The best time to view artic-blue ice plunge into the sea is during the warmest months of June, July, and August at active glaciers.
The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. We sailed roundtrip from Juneau, and while I’ve visited the capital city during the busy summer months, I found the restaurants, bars, and shops much less crowded, reliably filled with locals for the most part. On the water, we rarely passed any other ships or boats, aside from fishermen out for their catches. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance. The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities.
They feature a wide range of amenities including multiple dining options, on-board entertainment, fitness centers, pools, different room types to choose from, and plenty of room to spread out and explore. Longer cruises, like the Holland America Alaska Arctic Solstice Cruise spans 28 days, and will take you from your port to the Arctic Circle. The course begins in Seattle and leads through the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and up to Anchorage. Then, you’ll travel over to Kodiak Island, out to the far stretches of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch Harbor, and around to Nome, and through the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer pre or post-cruise fly-in opportunities to remote areas of Alaska, like leaving from Fairbanks to the visit the Arctic Circle.
Fairbanks, Alaska happens to be one of the greatest spots to catch them. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is in September when the sun sets earlier, yielding darker skies that are ideal for witnessing the aerial lightshow. Temperatures start to drop around this time of year, but it’s a small price to pay to cross this awe-inspiring natural wonder off your bucket list.
There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April. Carnival has 14-day Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle and Long Beach in late April.
For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults. The minimum age is 18, and the ship is designed for a luxurious and tranquil experience, so you can truly get away from it all. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. If you want to see fall foliage ashore, wait until the first week of September.
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast.
As luck would have it, the entire Alaska cruise season is also prime whale-watching season. The fact that the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, from May to September, makes it important for you to know all the ins and outs of Alaska cruising so you can choose the best time to sail. When it comes to cruising in Alaska, you’ll be spoiled for choice as no other state has more coastline to explore.
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