Table Of Content
An Alaska cruise is such a popular bucket-list item because it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Not only will you get to see breathtaking glaciers closer than you ever dreamed, but you’re also likely to see eagles soaring and whales spouting—often from the deck of your ship. The best Alaska cruises give you an opportunity to explore the Far North from both land and sea, and we’ve got cruise tips to help you optimize your time and your budget. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists.
What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?
If you plan to book a whale watching excursion or want to see bears, you may be left disappointed if you cruise to Alaska at the very end of the season. There are advantages of cruising in each of the summer months, including when prices will be higher or lower. It is hard to top the majestic beauty of rugged glaciers, plethora of unique animal sightings, or huge mountains. Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin, which tend to be the first categories to sell out.
The best time to cruise Alaska
September is also a great time to get deals on souvenirs, as merchants sell off this year's goods at the end of Alaska's tourist season. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise. You won’t want to miss this indescribable sight, so watch for clear night skies and set an alarm to go on deck (or on your balcony) for potential middle-of-the-night Northern Lights shows. Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. The loss of daylight does mean you could see the Aurora Borealis while cruising to Alaska in late August. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March.
When’s the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Salmon Fishing?
You’re going to want to start planning early, though, as these adventures are popular — the sooner you book, the better the cruise deals. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for an unforgettable couple’s adventure, a vacation like this delivers on every level. From Alaska’s incredible natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, to its rich cultural heritage and history, nothing beats a cruise to this wild northern paradise. With the warmth of summer breathing new life into the outdoors, May through September continues to be the most popular season to travel to the Land of the Midnight Sun. That said, the best time for an Alaska cruise during these months depends on what experiences you’re looking to have. On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more.
Longer sailings from the West Coast
Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. About 30,000 eagles call the Great Land home and they’re more abundant in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States. There’s a good chance you’ll see eagles perched high near the shoreline, in town scavenging garbage dumps, or even feasting off a salmon run.
Tourist Attraction Availability
Or, explore the outdoors on a peaceful boat tour through deep fjords and enjoy a relaxing train ride up the sweeping mountains. As the driest month of the year, May provides optimal conditions to experience the great outdoors. While temperatures cool off in September, witness schools of halibut glisten beneath the Alaska waters and try your hand at casting a reel. Or, strap into a dog sled and venture over frosted terrains that make for an unforgettable ride.
Alaska cruise in July: Wildlife spotting and higher prices
Cruise ships have a short window in which to safely navigate through the ice that may still be present in Alaska’s waterways during the first part of the cruise season. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Alaska has humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, and a small population of belugas.
The Ideal Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise Is Right Now - Thrillist
The Ideal Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise Is Right Now.
Posted: Mon, 31 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights - TheTravel
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
One of the biggest advantages of cruising in May is that you get to avoid the peak season crowds. The summer months are the busiest time for tourists in Alaska, and the ports and attractions can get overcrowded. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker. Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos; summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds.
Not only is school back in session in September, which means fewer crowds at ports, but the chances of seeing the Northern Lights return, especially if combining your cruise with a land tour that takes you further north into Alaska. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. Family favorite Disney Cruise Line offers 13 itineraries over the summer, including a seven-night itinerary from $3,467 per person.
A September cruise has its benefits, including less crowding and cheaper prices. However, a cruise this time of year will also slightly decrease your chance of viewing wildlife and make for sleepier ports of call because most summer workers return home for college. This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind. (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver).
Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. Cruisers booking small-ship cruises like Uncruise Adventures or the Indigenous-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises should also plan to book far in advance, as the small capacity of the ships often limits availability on popular sailings. The Official Visitors Guide for Juneau playfully uses a raindrop graphic for every month in the calendar (in Southeast Alaska it’s never a question of whether it will rain, but how much it will rain). Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn.
A limited number of cruises in October (predominantly on Norwegian Cruise Line) make it possible for cruisers to experience a taste of Alaska in winter without sub-zero temperatures. You will want to bundle up; the average temperature in Juneau in October is 39 degrees. April, May, and September are considered shoulder seasons for cruising to Alaska. Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim.
However, it’s not necessarily a good idea to pick a cruise based solely on price. While price should definitely be a consideration, it’s important to consider other factors before choosing an Alaska cruise. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon. You're also quite likely to see many bald eagles that are also interested in salmon. Of course, temperatures during September will be lower than other times of the year, but the opportunity to see the Northern Lights is a real treat.
This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this.
No comments:
Post a Comment