Friday, March 22, 2024

Best Time To Cruise In Alaska

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Six Million Acres Of Discovery

Best and Worst Time to Cruise Alaska

Towering high in the center of the Alaska Range is the Denali, North Americas tallest peak at 20,310 feet. Central to the cultural heritage of the native peoples who have lived here for thousands of years, the giant mountain is the ultimate symbol of the Alaskan wild. Denali National Park remains a wild kingdom, where animals large and small, roam free. View Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, moose and the mighty grizzly bear among many. And come summer, they are joined by more than 160 species of migratory birds.

Night Alaska Glacier Cruise

Another one of my favorite seven-day Alaska cruises is the aptly named 7 Night Alaska Glacier Cruise offered by Royal Caribbean as well as Holland America, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

In contrast to the Voyage of the Glaciers offered by Princess Cruises, this cruise will start its journey in Seattle. Youll cruise through the sea, up into Alaska, seeing sights along the way until you arrive at Juneau.

From there, youll continue on to more historic port towns in Alaska and get your full fill of glacial sightings and natural beauty. You can expect to see the iconic Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier along the way. Depending on what cruise line you are on you might see Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier.

With plenty of flexible options, this is one of the best cruises for Alaska newcomers.

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Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Save thousands on ocean, river and expedition cruises to destinations that include Antarctica, Norway, the Amazon, the Caribbean, East Asia, the Nile, the Arabian Sea, the Mediterranean and more with this Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale from Vantage. Book select itineraries though Nov. 30, and snag discounts of up to $7,000 per person.

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Why Cruise To Alaska

The 49th U.S. state is home to a beautiful mountainous landscape and an abundance of wildlife, from bald eagles to bears and moose. It possesses a unique Gold Rush history and a vibrant mix of native Alaskan cultures. You wont find this blend of scenery, outdoor pursuits, history, and culture in any other cruise itinerary.

Plus, many of the Inside Passage ports are tricky to visit by land. For example, Ketchikan is only accessible by air or sea. You cannot visit the breathtaking glaciers of Glacier Bay by car, so if you want to explore this region of Alaska, youll need a ship to get there.

Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports arent separated by vast swaths of ocean. When you cruise the Inside Passage, the ship is constantly within site of land. Most sea days offer something to see, even if not an official scenic cruising day. Its a different kind of cruise experience, and one many travelers are eager to pursue.

Plan Your Alaskan Cruise With Windstar

The Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska

Now that you know the best time to take an Alaskan cruise, its time to make it happen! Why not turn your dreams into reality with us at Windstar Cruises? Connect with fellow travelers and the crew as you sail the Alaskan waters on our intimate cruises. Our smaller ships give us access to ports the other ships cant reach, meaning you get a unique experience and opportunities you couldnt anywhere else.

Take a look at the Alaskan cruises we offer to see what will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Well take you on guided fishing trips, through scenic forests and close to legendary fjords and glaciers for the Alaskan trip of a lifetime. Plan your voyage today by calling us at 800-258-7245 or requesting a call. We cant wait to have you aboard a Windstar Cruise!

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If Youre Hoping To Spot Wildlife

If spotting wildlife is a priority for you on an Alaska cruise, pick your sailing date carefully. June, July, and August are fantastic times to cruise Alaska to view wildlife, as these months bring the highest chances of spotting whales, bears, and salmon.

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.

When To Cruise Tracy Arm

Another popular cruising destination in the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm is a narrow fjord over 30 miles long. This particularly icy fjord is home to some of Alaskas largest glaciers and offers sheer rock walls with tumbling waterfalls, plus hundreds of harbor seals, eagles, and whales.

You can go hiking and kayaking in Tracy Arm or let everyday life drift away as you watch the spectacular scenery pass by.

May to August offers the driest conditions in Tracy Arm, with the wettest months being September and October. The area just north of Tracy Arm is a prime spot for seeing humpback whales and orcas during the summer months. You can spot seal pups during June and admire large icebergs at the start of summer. The middle of summer onwards offers the best hiking conditions.

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Alaska Cruise Guide: Planning Tips And Best Cruise Itineraries

Most people equate cruising with tropical destinations. Why would anyone cruise to chilly, rainy Alaska, where you might be wearing fleece jackets and knit hats and gloves in July?

Look beyond the iffy weather, and youll find many reasons to cruise Alaska. Perhaps youre drawn to the gorgeous scenery, the areas cultural and historic riches, or its abundant wildlife. With a variety of itineraries, cruise ships, destinations, and activities to consider, no two cruises to Alaska will be the same. However, first-timers can easily become overwhelmed choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary or picking the perfect cruise line or cruise tour.

In our definitive Alaska cruise, well take you through everything you need to know to choose and plan the Alaska cruise vacation of your dreams.

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What Is The Best Month To Cruise Alaska

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The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip.

  • Do you want as much sun and daylight as possible? Then book a June or July cruise.
  • Would you like to see lots of wildlife? Then purchase a May, August or September cruise as these months feature young animal families and migrations.
  • Do you want to get into the interior and see Denali National Park or the Yukon? Then select July or August.
  • Are you chasing bright tree foliage? Then book a cruise at the end of August or in September.
  • Would you like to avoid mosquitoes? Then May and September are the best months for your cruise.
  • Are northern lights on the itinerary? Then your trip will be in September or October. Would you like to fish for salmon? Then select any summer or shoulder month.

The good news is that no matter which month you choose, your Alaskan cruise will reward you with incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

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Best Time To Go On An Alaska Cruise Best Price Weather And Wildlife

Alaska cruise season is five months long from May to September.

During these five months, the scenario changes every week.

Every week, one there are noticeable differences in weather, wildlife, and cruise pricing.

Therefore, the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise is rather subjective.

The best time to board an Alaskan cruise depends on whether youre looking for cheap Alaskan cruise options, or the best wildlife experience, or the maximum daylight to enjoy the scintillating Alaskan views.

To help you pick your best time for an Alaskan cruise we have broken down the conditions to expect in three parts.

Best time for an Alaskan cruise if you are interested in:

  • Best Alaskan cruise prices
  • Best exposure to Alaskan wildlife
  • Best Alaskan weather conditions

Our month-by-month break up of what to expect during an Alaskan cruise will help you take an informed decision.

If you are in a hurry to know whats the best time for a cruise to Alaska, here is our short answer: Any month is a good month to be on an Alaskan cruise.

However, the locals of Alaska, and those who are part of the Alaskan tourism industry suggest the most favorable time for an Alaskan cruise is between 20 May to 10 June.

This period offers the most beautiful Alaskan weather for a cruise. Besides, there is less crowd as the kids are still in school.

For a more detailed answer to the question What is the best time for an Alaskan cruise continue reading.

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Save On Airfare And Cruise Costs

Off-peak means great deals when it comes to travel and Alaska is no exception to this rule. Not only is spring the best time to cruise Alaska, but youll be treated to discounted airfare with fewer connections and cost savings on your cruise bookings.

You also have a better chance at cabin upgrades during off-peak cruising times too.

We cant vouch for any of the other cruise companies that operate cruises in Alaska but stand proudly by UnCruise Adventures as the best way to cruise the Inside Passage.

They agree with us that spring is the best time to cruise Alaska. Read more about UnCruise: 11 Reasons to Take an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise with UnCruise

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Grand Circle Cruise Line

We all know airfare can significantly increase the cost of a vacation, even if youve managed to grab a great deal on your cruise. This year for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Grand Circle is offering free roundtrip airfare from all airports when you book by Dec. 2 for a cruise departing between April and June 2023. There are five itineraries from which to choose, including sailings on the Rhine, Rhone, Mosel, Seine and Black Sea.

Scenic Cruise Destinations In Alaska

When Is The Best Time To Do Alaska Cruise

Glaciers are a must-see in Alaska, and every cruise itinerary features at least one day of scenic cruising. Glacier Bay National Park is the top pick for glacier-viewing because of its multiple glaciers and generally passable channel. However, so many cruise lines wish to visit that the national park issues a limited-number of day-use spots each year.

Other scenic cruising sites along the Inside Passage include Tracy Arm with its Sawyer Glacier andEndicott Arm with Dawes Glacier. One-way Alaska cruises that travel to/from Seward and Whittier may also visit the spectacular Hubbard Glacier.

Typically, the big ships will open up all the outer decks for passengers to crowd the railings to watch the glaciers calve and scan the area for wildlife. If you want to get out on a kayak or small boat to get closer to the glacier or the marine life, youll need to book an expedition cruise.

Compare the options in our guide to scenic cruising in Alaska.

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See The Wilds Of A Great Frontier

Immerse yourself in a world of Tlingit heritage and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. As you cruise this pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, meet local Tlingit who have fished these waters for centuries, and hear tales both tall and true of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive.

Immerse yourself in a world of Tlingit heritage and experience the outpost atmosphere that prevails in charming, mountain-ringed seaside towns. As you cruise this pristine wilderness of misty fjords, lush forests and gleaming walls of ice, pan for gold like prospectors of old, meet local Tlingit who have fished these waters for centuries, and hear tales both tall and true of a region where a Wild West spirit still feels very much alive.

Disney Cruise Dawes Glacier

This isnt a port stop in the conventional sense. However, it is an experience sailing around the Dawes Glacier.

This is an amazing experience and is often the highlight of a Disney Alaskan cruise.

To be able to get up close and see the amazing scenery is an experience not to be missed.

Dawes Glacier is part of the scenic Endicott Arm fjord which is located approximately 45 miles south of Juneau, Alaska.

You get very close to the glaciers. Nothing can prepare you for that amazing sight of the spectacular glaciers.

The Tracy Arm experience will last around 5 hours, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the experience from different view points. Remember to dress in layers and bring those binoculars with you!

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Disney Alaska Cruise Ketchikan Port And Excursions

Another fascinating port on your Disney Cruise is the town of Ketchikan.

Disney Wonder docks right in the town so you can just step off the ship and explore.

As you would expect, the town is full of tourist shops.

It is worth taking a short time to browse around, but you will probably want to book a Port Adventure to explore much more than the town itself.

Ketchikan is most famous for its colorful totem poles which you can see around the town.

The Misty Fjords National Monument by Seaplane is a very popular excursion. This 75 minute flight will have you flying over spectacular scenery and enjoying a view of the surrounding fjords, waterfalls and lakes. The cost is $499 for adults and $409 for children aged 2 to 9. Under 2 are free.

Ketchikan is also famous for its lumberjack show, which is a short walk from the cruise ship. You can book the Exclusive Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show at $50 for adults and $28 for children. For an extra charge you can even try your hand at axe throwing!

There are lots of Disney Alaska Cruise Port Adventures to get you out in the amazing Alaskan scenery. These include an Alaksan Bear Adventure, Zipline Adventures, Hunting for Halibut, Mountain Point Snorkeling Adventure, Rainforest Family Adventure and a Wilderness Exploration and Crab Fest.

Book Your Alaskan Cruise Adventure

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At AAA, we offer a wide selection of cruise itineraries to those explorers who want to get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife, landscape, and culture.

While youre on the boat, youll enjoy delicious and local cuisine, with many of our cruises offering fine-dining options. And in addition to the glaciers outside, you can stay entertained with phenomenal live music performances featuring musicians from The Juilliard School, B.B. Kings Blues Club Memphis, and other institutions.

Interested in planning your next Alaska cruise with AAA?Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, travel guides, and more.

Interested in planning your next road trip with AAA Washington? Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Find more Pacific Northwest scenic drives and road trips.

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Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise: Wildlife

Besides the majestic snow-capped mountains, fjords, and glaciers, you are probably traveling to Alaska to see the wildlife. Many will tell you that anytime during the months of May through September is the best time of year to go on an Alaskan cruise to see wildlife. While compared to the winter months that might be true, but some months are better than others for viewing some wildlife.

In terms of whales, you have the opportunity to see a variety of different species on an Alaskan cruise. The most common whales in the region are the massive Humpback Whales. While they are found in the Gulf of Alaska during the entire cruise season, you have the best chance of spotting pods during the months of June and July.

Most whale watching tours will guarantee a whale sighting, but they wont tell you what types of whales you will see or how many.

If bears are what you are looking to discover on an Alaskan cruise, then traveling from late June through early August will increase your likelihood of seeing these creatures, especially if you take tours that depart from Juneau or Ketchikan.

So Whens The Best Time To Cruise Alaska

May to September marks the best of Alaska cruise season, with the fall and winter being a bit too unpredictable. But of those months, which is the best time for an Alaska cruise? Thats difficult to say because every traveler is unique. If we had to pick just one month, wed lean toward June for its low rainfall and abundance of daylight hours, but you cant go wrong any time during cruise season. When you decide on what month to take your Alaskan cruise, be sure to think about factors such as the following.

Consider what you and any travel partners want to experience and any other needs you have before you book. Are you prone to seasickness? Do you need optimal conditions to get some sleep and prepare for the next day? If you cant decide on one month or dont have any particular concerns, you can always make multiple trips to experience all that Alaska has to offer!

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Best Time Of Year To Take An Alaskan Cruise: Price

Alaska cruise fares fluctuate considerably depending on a few factors. Pricing can range widely depending on the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and time of year.

The Alaskan cruise season generally runs from late April/early May through the end of September. As with most seasonal cruise regions, the shoulder season is when prices tend to be the lowest. For those looking to save money, the best time of year to take an Alaskan cruise would be either early in the season or late in the season. Besides having lower fares, you will have greater choices for cabins and can score the perfect mid-ship balcony at a reduced cost.

If you travel towards the end of the season, you may be able to score some great deals on souvenirs too as many of the local shops run sales to get rid of merchandise before closing for the season. Another perk of sailing in September is that you will have a chance at seeing the Northern Lights. On our September cruise, we were told to be on the lookout for the Northern Lights on two separate nights, but we never did see them.

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