Cheap 2022 Alaskan Cruises
During the past few years, interest in sailing to Alaska has soared. Its not hard to see why.
Alaska is known at the last frontier, and like any frontier, it can be difficult to traverse. With a limited amount of roads and other transportation, the easiest way to get around the picturesque coastline is via boat or plane. Luckily, thats also the best way to view the natural scenery.
And as word spreads about the beauty of taking an Alaskan cruise and as the cruise industry grows in general more and more people are considering taking a trip.
The good news is that with increased interest in cruises to the region, cruise lines are sailing more ships to Alaska. Today, there is a staggering amount of Alaskan cruises to choose from across every budget, cruise line, and itinerary.
If youre looking for cheap Alaskan cruises, however, then you need to be prepared to shop around. Trips to this area are seasonal sailing from May through September. Since there is only a limited window of time to cruise, prices are considerably higher than similar Caribbean cruises you might be familiar with. As well, prices change frequently.
Below, we highlight some of the cheapest 2022 Alaskan cruises. The prices for these trips start at just $339 per person. But before we get too far, here are some tips on how to find the most affordable trips to this region
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Average Total Cost Of A Cruise In 2022
So with all these different things to spend money on, how much does it cost to take a cruise?
As we mentioned above, the cost of your specific cruise will vary. Those who want an interior cabin will spend less than those sailing a suite. And people who can sail during the spring or fall will save hundreds versus sailing in the summer.
But we have some estimates below to give you an idea of the cost of taking a cruise.
Cruise Fare Obviously its impossible to give you a specific cost of your cruise fare. There are so many different factors that go into what youll pay, including:
That means the price you pay will see a wide range. Sailings can be less than $100 per person, per day, into several hundreds of dollars each day.
That said, we can get a good idea of what youll spend. All the major cruise lines are public companies that publish annual figures for their revenue and passenger statistics.
From these public reports, we know that the average cost of cruise fare runs from about $150-220 per person, per day .
For example, in 2019 , Carnival Corporation which owns several different lines including Carnival, Princess, Cunard, and others took in $14.1 billion in ticket revenue, and sailed 93.4 million passenger days. That comes out to $151 per person, per day.
Royal Caribbean Group was slightly higher , and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. came in at the top of our list .
Port Fees and Taxes
So how much will you pay?
Cruising For 7 Nights In Alaska
Alaska is difficult to comprehend for people unfamiliar with cold climates. Doubters believe that everywhere in Alaska is the same covered in snow and cold. This misconception is soon dispelled, as the natural beauty of Alaska, carved in stone by massive glaciers, showcases deep harbours and passages that cut far into the interior. Alaska in summer is breathtaking and can actually be quite temperate, although it is changeable and bringing a change of warm clothing is advisable.
Alaskan culture is very diverse, another surprise for first-timers. Thousands of kilometres of coastline has been settled at various times, resulting in unique ports displaying the culture of settlers from Norway, Russia, gold-rush era USA, and native Indian peoples. Cruise ships visit Alaska from May to September when the weather is warm and the wildlife is on the move. Wildlife sightings cant be guaranteed on a cruise, but the chances of success are high.
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How To Find The Cheapest Alaskan Cruise Deals
Sail Early in the SeasonThe Alaskan cruising season is short usually only five months long. Running from May through September, your opportunities to sail are limited, although there are a number of ships sailing at any given time.
If you want to save the most, look for cruises that sail in May. These trips early in the season are before the busier summer travel season. That means the pool of available passengers is smaller. In order to fill the ships, cruise lines slash prices. A cruise departing in May can be hundreds of dollars less than the same trip leaving in July.
Sail Late in the SeasonDidnt we just say to sail early in the season to save? Well, the same logic applies to sailing late. If you can wait until September, cruise fares to Alaska are much cheaper. With school back in session, the summer season largely over, and the bulk of the sailing season already past, you can find deals that are hundreds of dollars less than sailing just a few weeks earlier.
Sail One-Way or from Different PortsMost cruises sail round-trip, departing ports like Vancouver or Seattle. But if you look around, you can find one-way trips or that that depart from one port and let passengers off in another . Since these cruises are less convenient for most passengers, they tend to be cheaper.
Sites like AvoyaTravel.com or Orbitz allow you to search by cruise lines, destination, dates, and more to find the trip that matches your schedule and budget.
Why Are Msc Cruises So Cheap
MSC Cruises are cheaper than others because they have a lower space-to-guest ration and a lower crew-to-guest ratio. Plus, MSC Cruises charges extra for things that other cruise lines include for free.
Before you consider booking a cheap MSC cruise, I recommend that you read my full guide to why MSC Cruises are so cheap.
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Radiance Of The Seas: 7
Ocean view: $1935.50
Balcony: $2538.50
Unlike in destinations like the Caribbean and Europe, sailing on an older and smaller ship does not necessarily mean the cruise fare will be cheaper than a new ship. Because smaller ships can fit into more Alaska ports, demand for those ships are often higher than the larger ships.
We recommend booking a cruise as soon as you decide you would like to sail to Alaska. Waiting for a lower price usually does not pay off, as cruise fares tend to get higher closer to the sale date.
Plus, with Royal Caribbeans Cruise with Confidence policy, you are able to reprice your cruise as many times as you want up to 48 hours before your sail date. If you notice the price is lower, you will receive the fare difference in onboard credit.
Alaska Cruise Travel Faqs
Do I need a visa to travel to Alaska?Is tipping customary in Alaska?What is the internet access like in Alaska?Can I use my cell phone while in Alaska?Do I need a power adapter/ converter?Can I drink the water in Alaska?What is the most common way of paying for things in Alaska?Should I purchase travel insurance for my trip?Once Youâre Booked
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Alcoholic Beverages & Some Non
Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise price, and since soft drinks come over the bar there is charge for them as well. Specialty coffees are also almost always additional.
All beverage purchases are signed to your shipboard account and the service charge, a.k.a. the gratuity, is automatically added. Prices are usually about the same as they are at home, and a lot less than youâd find at most hotels and resorts!
Some cruise lines have a soda package, which is great news for families. Not only is it a lot more economical, it has really cut out a lot of whining. In the past, youâd have to pull yourself out of your deck chair every time your kid needed a soda. Now, he or she can approach the bar themselves and hand the bartender their bottomless bottle or show their soda card. Feeling like an adult probably makes them suck down twice as much, but what do you care as long as they leave you alone?
How Much Should I Budget For Shore Excursions
I definitely recommend giving yourself a large budget for shore excursions on your Alaska cruise. Given that Alaska is part of the U.S. and also a remote destination where many products must be shipped long distances from elsewhere, goods and services in Alaska tend to be more expensive than youll find at home. Shore tours are typically priced higher than in the Caribbean or the Bahamas.
Second, youll discover a few fun attractions and lots of shopping within walking distance from each Alaska cruise pier, but the real draw lies beyond the city limits. Youll want to take tours in nearly every port to make the most of your once-in-a-lifetime visit to the 49th state.
Looking at Alaska shore excursion prices on Norwegian Cruise Line, one- or two-hour city tours or guided walks cost $40 to $100, but youll find the majority of half-days tours cost $100 to $300 per adult. A dogsledding and flightseeing tour on a glacier can cost $550 or more per adult.
Depending on what kind of bucket list experiences you plan to have, you might want to budget $1,000 per person for shore excursions on your Alaska cruise.
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Budgeting For Shore Excursions And Adventures
For an excellent itinerary and a vacation you will never forget, we recommend budgeting $1,000 – $1,500 for shore excursions per person for a 7-day cruise. This would get you a whale watching tour in Juneau or Icy Strait, helicopter dog sled tour in Juneau or Skagway, a train tour in Skagway, a float plane flightseeing tour in Ketchikan, and then a different excursion in a different port.
Of course, theres plenty of room for flexibility. A shore excursion budget can range from low to high depending on what type of excursions you are interested in. You can buy city tours in almost every port for less $75 or spend as much as $600 for an extended helicopter dog sledding tour.
Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise
Yes for the majority of people. Proof is that there are far more balcony cabins than any other type for sale on all the major lines. This evolved over the last couple decades from outside cabins . Even if you dont sit on the balcony much, the floor to ceiling windows of your sliding doors let more light in. You will feel like a balcony cabin is bigger.
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Adventures And Shore Excursions
Experts recommend budgeting an extra $1,000 $1,500 per person for excursions. This will allow you to experience an unforgettable vacation and exceptional itinerary from the time you board to the time you depart.
This is ideal for a seven-day cruise. It will allow you to experience whale watching in Juneau or Icy Strait, dog sled rides in Skagway, helicopter rides, train tours, or flightseeing tours in Ketchikan. There are always different excursions available at various ports. Dont forget to plan for these.
When trying to plan for excursions, remember there is flexibility in costs. Budgets range depending on the type of excursion. For example, city tours in most ports may cost approximately $75. In contrast, you can spend $600 to participate in an extended helicopter ride or dog sledding tour.
To give you an idea of the cost of excursions, we checked Holland America Lines top choices as the cruise line is popular in the region. Its excursion costs are listed as follows:
- Wilderness Sea Kayaking Adventure Starts at $179.95, appx 3 hours long, meals included
- Best Of Sitka: Otters, Raptors & Bears Starts at $189.95, appx 5 hours long, meals included
- White Pass Summit Scenic Railroad Starts at $139.95, appx 2:45 hours long, no meals
- Mendenhall Glacier & Juneau Tram Starts at $89.95, aprx 4 hours long, no meals
- Dog Sledding & Glacier Adventure By Helicopter Starts at 659.95, 3:15 hours long, no meals
What To Pack For An Alaska Cruise: 10 Must
Alaska cruises certainly arent anything like a day at the beach. So when it comes to packing, what ends up in your luggage likely wont resemble the bikinis and Hawaiian shirts youd choose for a tropical getaway. We were curious about what our members thought were the most essential items to pack for the unpredictable weather conditions and rugged terrain found on an Alaska cruise.
In a poll on the Cruise Critic Message Boards, we asked members many whove already experienced a sailing in the scenic state to vote for the most important things to remember to take for a cruise to Alaska. The results are in, and weve compiled a list of the top 10 things you cant leave home without.
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How Much Does An Alaskan Cruise Vacation Cost Prices
Ballpark Estimate: $500 to $6,000+
If youve always wanted to explore Alaska, this summer just might be the perfect time to put your plan into action. Today it is easy to find a wealth of cruises that offer a chance to experience all the culture, beauty and natural habitat Alaska has to offer, while creating memories that will last for a lifetime. Imagine viewing humpback whales, glaciers, mountains and exotic wildlife. These are just a few of the many exciting things you will find if you venture to this part of the country. Just keep in mind that such a trip generally comes with a high price tag. However, some cruise lines are currently advertising reduced rates, making such an extravagant journey much more affordable at least for the immediate future, anyway.
Approximate Total Cost Of My Alaska Cruise: $112886
My Alaska cruise was significantly cheaper than most passengers will encounter due to the fact that it was at the very end of the season and that I was traveling solo. However, even if my cruise fare had been a more normal price, such as around $1500, my cruise still would have been relatively budget friendly.
I found it easy to pick excursions for my budget, and since most food and expenses are complementary while onboard, a cruise can be a nice way to visit Alaska without incurring as many expenses as you might on a land-based vacation.
The total cost of an Alaska cruise will vary widely based on the month you sail, stateroom you book, and excursions you reserve while in port, but there are options to fit any vacation budget.
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How Much Is A Cruise
So, how much does a cruise cost? Now you know that the answer is: As much as you want to spend. You can take the cheapest cruise and still have fun because cruises will always have the basics for you. Youll have some good food, a quiet place to rest your head at night, and at least some entertainment to keep you occupied during the day.
The rest is really up to you. You dont need to spend a cent more if you dont want to or you or you can pick and choose the extras that are important to you.
When considering cruise expenses, its all about what kind of experience youre looking for, which is what makes cruises the ideal vacation. For more tips and tricks, head to our First Time Cruisers guide to keep learning about what to expect.
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
And if you like, feel free to cast your vote in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards covering a range of categories, including best cruise ship and best cruise line.
Flights And Transportation To & From The Cruise Ship
Even if you live in the port city from which youll depart , youll still have transportation costs associated with getting yourself to the gangway. More likely, youll need to factor in the cost of flights, airport transfers, hotels, and/or parking. Some cruise lines may offer additional transfer packages at the time of booking , but these prices are also adjusted to include overhead for the additional manpower needed to coordinate travel. They can certainly save you a headache, but if your budget is your main concern, spending a few extra hours checking airfare, transfers, and hotels can save a lot of money.
How much does transportation usually cost?
Not to sound like a broken record, but it ultimately depends greatly on your departure dates, how far in advance youre able to book transportation and lodging, and where your cruise departs. Generally speaking, plan to spend around $500 per person for flights, with transfer costs averaging anywhere between $20 and $100 per person.
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How Much Are Alaskan Cruises Time Of Year
When you decide to sail to Alaska will also impact how much your Alaskan cruise costs. The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to September. The lowest fares, regardless of cruise line, will usually be in May and September, which are typically referred to as the shoulder season. The most expensive time to travel is July. The weather tends to be the warmest, and there is the greatest chance of seeing wildlife. July is typically considered the peak season for Alaskan cruises.
More Sunlight and Warmer Weather Means More Wildlife Sightings
Booking well in advance can also help you save money. For Alaskan cruises, we suggest booking 10 months or more in advance. We booked our cruise exactly a year out and took advantage of a promotion being run by the cruise line that we then combined with an additional sale from a local travel agent. This ended up saving us a bunch of money.