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In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. 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. Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person, and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person. Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season when Norwegian Bliss sets sail on a weeklong, roundtrip itinerary from Seattle; she will be the only ship sailing in Alaska the first two weeks of spring.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in August
June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.
Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]
The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska. But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours.
Avoid the Cruise Crowds and Travel During Alaska's Shoulder Season
You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities.
A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State. Come prepared, and always check trail conditions with locals or tourist information centers first before setting out. Dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off (or add on) slowly as the thermometer dictates. You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose.
Price-conscious travelers will generally find price breaks before Memorial Day or after mid-August, when schools in many parts of the country will be in session. For departures from West Coast gateways, it’s easier to arrive the day of departure and go straight to the ship, but it’s almost always a good idea to fly in the night before to account for the possibility of delays. Arriving in West Coast ports is much easier than arriving in Anchorage, as there are typically flights available throughout the day. Cruise lines tend to price higher for early bookings, with included add-ons like onboard credits or prepaid gratuities to entice buyers. It also pays to monitor fares after the initial deposit—many cruise lines will honor lower fares after the initial booking as long as the final payment hasn’t been made. However, lower fares may not come with the same included amenities originally applied.
August
The midnight sun means many hours of daylight, especially on June 20, the longest day of the year — when you'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all. Another time to book is during the “Wave Season” during the first two months of the year, when cruise deals abound for all destinations. Last-minute deals are also most common on large-ship lines, including Cunard, Celebrity, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. Ships sailing in Alaskan waters range from the newest megaships from the world's largest cruise lines to intimate expedition ships that can squeeze through narrower passages and transport passengers to deserted island beaches. On these smaller ships, the destination (and conversation about it) is front-and-center in the onboard experience; however, expedition vessels, while comfortable, lack many of the amenities of large cruise ships.
Bug Spray Is a Must for Anyone on a Cruise to Alaska
A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days. You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda. September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. That's especially true in Skagway, where snow can keep the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad only traveling a few miles due to snowed-in tracks.
July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. 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. You also might see fuzzy harbor seal pups and sea lion pups (born in June and July) warming themselves on rocks with their mothers.
That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. Seas in Alaska are choppiest on Gulf of Alaska itineraries where waters are open. Alternatively, Inside Passage cruises in Alaska tend to be calmer as the waters are protected. Temperatures in Alaska can change considerably from one destination to the next. That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise.
While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. Cruisetours are not the best choice for travelers who prefer to travel away from groups or want flexibility with their schedules. Itineraries often run at a vigorous pace, with some early morning starts and evening arrivals when traveling between cities. It’s also worth noting that the accommodation options at or near Denali National Park are not luxury resorts—they’re wilderness lodges providing what is best described as a “better-than-modest” standard of accommodation. The best time to go depends on whether you're aiming for ideal weather or smaller crowds.
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