Carnival Cruise Ship Back Sailing After Completing Dry Dock
Carnival Miracle is looking fresh again as the vessel completed a dry dock in Portland, Oregon. The ship recently resumed cruises from California.
Carnival Miracle retired to service this week after completing a regular scheduled dry dock. The Carnival cruise ship is one of the very few cruise ships that has undergone dry docking in the United States, whereas most Carnival cruise ships have maintenance performed in Italy or the Bahamas.
Besides regularly scheduled maintenance to technical areas, the Spirit-class cruise ship also received her new colors, the stunning blue, white, and red hull that has become synonymous with Carnival Cruise Line in recent years. Carnival Miracle has picked up her scheduled itineraries on the west coast, sailing from Long Beach.
Cruises To Alaska From California
Twenty cruises a year leave from California to explore Alaska. Departures out of San Francisco and Los Angeles are available April to September. Ports of call include Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway. Scenic cruising of either Tracy Arm Fjord or Glacier Bay is also often included.
Alaska is an awe-inspiring destination for a cruise from CA. Most cruises are on Alaska’s Inside Passage, a coastal route that weaves through islands. Experience the wildlife, rugged scenery, glaciers, and friendly people.
is the state capital and can only be reached by boat or plane. Attractions include the shops of South Franklin Street, museums, hiking trails, and Mendenhall Glacier. See the humpback whales that visit the area in the summer.
Ketchikan is the town at the southern tip of the Inside Passage. It’s a tremendously rainy place. Many homes and businesses are built on stilts over the water.
Skagway is a popular cruise stop on the Inside Passage. The town was the starting point for Gold Rush stampeders headed for the Yukon. Many of the buildings are part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Take a walking tour of the historic district and see the nearby scenery on the White Pass & Yukon Railway.
Benefits Of Booking An Alaska Cruise During The Cheapest Months
Booking an Alaska cruise during shoulder season can lead to benefits beyond a cheaper cruise fare.
Cruising to Alaska in the early season of late April and May can come with a lower chance of rain than late summer and fall. In addition, daylight hours are from around 4AM to 10PM in May, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy Alaskas attractions. Temperatures can be quite comfortable as summer approaches, with highs in the 60s common in mid to late-May.
The early season also brings the chance to spot gray whales, bears, and orcas.
Cruising in September brings the start of fall foliage and snow capped mountain peaks. You may also have the chance to spot the northern lights in late September, although this is not guaranteed.
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When To Visit Alaska On A Cruise
Cruise season in Alaska begins in May and ends in September. The schedule sometimes includes a few sailings in late April or early October as well.
There are only minor differences in weather by month. Temperatures are warmest in July and August, but even in May you can expect temperatures in the mid-50 and mid-60s. Anchorage is also much drier than other parts of Alaska, the wettest month, August, only still only averages about 10 rainy days. You might also find a little extra elbow room and a few deals in May, early June and September.
Late summer sailings have one other tantalizing prospect: by late August, the skies of Alaska are once again dark during the night. That means aurora viewing is a possibility.
Helpful Tips Before You Go
- Be aware of the unusual length of days and nights in these northern latitudes. In May or June, the sun doesnt set until after 11pm giving you more time to see more of Alaska.
- In Alaska, some of the best tasting water comes right out of the tap. Thats because its glacial watercrisp, clean and clear.
- Much of Alaska is covered by a rainforest, so pack water-resistant clothing.
- Temperatures can vary based on what you are doing . Wearing layers can help keep you comfortable throughout the day no matter what the activity.
- Book Flights by Celebrity® to be protected in case there is any cancellation.
- Research the shore excursions and book them in advance, pre-cruise. The popular shore excursions get sold out fast.
- All destinations in Alaska take U.S. dollars and most take credit cards but be sure to check before your purchase.
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Drawbacks Of Booking An Alaska Cruise During The Cheapest Months
There are also fewer daylight hours in September, with only around 12-13 daylight hours in Juneau as opposed to 18 in June.
Read more: What its like to go on an Alaska cruise at the end of the season
If you are planning an Alaska cruise with kids, the shoulder season falls during the school calendar. Cruising in April, May, or September may require taking kids out of school for a week, which can lead to extra logistics with making up homework and tests.
Likewise, if you are interested in booking an Alaska Cruise Tour before or after your cruise, its important to note that visits to Denali National Park & Reserve are limited to when the park is open to visitors. The earliest and latest Alaska cruises of the season will likely not offer a Cruise Tour option.
Princess Cruises Introduces New Roundtrip Summer Cruises From Los Angeles
Princess Cruises introduces a brand-new summer season of roundtrip cruises out of Los Angeles, California in 2023.
Princess Cruises will be operating a new summer season of cruises roundtrip from Los Angeles. Sailing on a wide range of itineraries ranging between five- and 16-nights, Emerald Princess will be visiting Mexico, Hawaii, and the California Coast.
The newly introduced itineraries expand Princess Cruises summer offerings, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, and a world cruise onboardCoral Princess.
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Is It Worth It To Cruise To Alaska In The Shoulder Season
While prices may be cheaper in May and September compared to June, July, and August, its important to consider the pros and cons of each month before selecting a sail date.
If an Alaska cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and you want the warmest temperatures and most daylight, booking the cheapest fare in, say, late September, may lead to disappointment.
Read more: Why you shouldnt book the cheapest cruise you can find
Temperatures on an Alaska can actually be quite comfortable in late spring, so while its of course recommended to pack a jacket, hat, and gloves, you may be surprised with sunny skies and somewhat warm weather.
Regardless of the month you book an Alaska cruise, its important to remain flexible. Temperature, precipitation, port changes, and unexpected mishaps can happen at any time of year in Alaska, so keeping an open mind will help you have the best experience possible.
Best Alaska Cruise Lines
Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.
If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.
Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so dont let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what youre after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.
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What Is An Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is a popular route that sticks to the southeastern Alaskan panhandle area. The Inside Passage is a network of waterways that connect Puget Sound in Washington, the Pacific coast of British Columbia, and the waters of the Alaska panhandle. It provides views of the Tongass National Forest, many islands, and plenty of mining towns used by prospectors in the Klondike Gold Rush.
Embarking On Alaskan Cruises
Boarding an Alaskan cruise for your next vacation is an excellent way to see and experience the true American wilderness. As you embark on these journeys, you will have the opportunity to see unique spots unlike anywhere else such as large and beautiful mountains, natural Alaskan wildlife such as bears, whales and sea lions, famous bays and so much more. With a shorter season than typical cruise lines, running from May through September, cruises to Alaska are typically in high demand, making them a bit more costly to enjoy than other cruises. In addition to on-board activities and amenities, passengers are also able to enjoy one-of-a-kind shore excursions throughout different ports of call in Alaska.
What sets Alaska cruises apart from other cruises is what you can see from the ships rail: the states geological wonders. Theyre just as much a part of the Alaska cruise experience as stops in port.
Some of the sights you may see as you sail past include Columbia Glacier College Fjord, with its quintessential examples of tidewater and hanging glaciers and the vast Glacier Bay National Park, with 50 named glaciers and seven active tidewater glaciers.
Hubbard Glacier, Misty Fjords National Monument and Tracy Arm Fjord are other dramatic sights that offer visitors the chance to see nature in action.
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How I Beat My Fear Of Slot Canyons Despite 127 Hours
Canyoneering involves moving up and down steep slot canyons, using climbing, crawling and rappelling. And, in my case, praying, cursing and regretting my decision to leave L.A.
The excellent Anchorage Museum features the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, a collection of Indigenous Alaska artifacts, and through Nov. 28, an intriguing exhibit, Black Lives in Alaska. You can also visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center outside Anchorage, said Golden. It offers a fantastic introduction to native culture, with all the major tribes represented.
Day trips are plentiful, and most wont require a rental car, especially if you spring for the Alaska Railroad. You can ride the train to the tiny port town of Whittier to take Phillips Cruises 26-Glacier Cruise in College Fjord, priced at $159 plus taxes and fees. Or rail to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, where you can take a gentle float trip with Chugach Adventures past icebergs and raft seven miles down the Placer River for $252 including train fare.
Girdwood, another town reached by rail from Anchorage, is home to Alyeska Resort, which offers hiking, mountain biking and a new Nordic spa. Nearby, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center has a 1.5-mile loop through 200 acres of natural enclosures featuring Alaskas best-known mammals black and brown bears, moose, caribou, lynx, wood bison and more.
Mexican Riviera From Los Angeles Ca
Ship: Carnival Miracle
If youre looking for an unforgettable luxury day sail and snorkel experience, look no further than Cabo san Lucas on the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles , CA. All-inclusive packages include a luxurious yacht cruise with drinks, lunch, and entertainment onshore at one of Cabos exclusive restaurants. For an extra adventure, try out a camel ride through the dramatic canyons or take a drive in the remote Mexican outback both are included in our all-inclusive package.
When its time to relax and enjoy some aquatic fun, book yourself onto Aqua Trio an exciting dolphin swim followed by relaxing poolside lounging with refreshments included. Whether you want to explore beautiful islands like Isla Mujeres or wish to learn about Mexicos rich maritime history while swimming with dolphins we have the perfect sailing & diving trip for you.
Scenic drive with plenty of photo opportunities, on the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles , CA to Ensenada. Jeeps are perfect for exploring the beautiful Guadalupe Valley and its gems stop at any of the wineries on your way. Dont forget to enjoy lunch in one of Ensenadas charming restaurants before taking a wine country tour.
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Princess: Circle North Pacific Cruises
In addition to its 12-day Alaskan cruises, Princess offers a couple of longer voyages that take you to Alaska. Its epic, 60-day Circle North Pacific is a round trip from Los Angeles that begins with the same itinerary as its shorter Alaskan cruises, then adds Icy Strait Point and Kodiak Island. Leaving Alaska, the ship ventures west to Kushiro, Japan, a journey that takes five days at sea and crosses the international date line. Tokyo , Osaka and Hiroshima in Japan are also featured, followed by the ports of Incheon in Korea, Beijing and Shanghai in China three ports in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, and Manila in the Philippines. On the way back across the Pacific to California, youll call at Guam, then the Hawaiian ports of Honolulu and Kauai. A shorter cruise, the Circle North Pacific Segment, follows the same itinerary for 28 nights before ending in Shanghai.
Tip
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The Alaskan cruise season runs from mid-May to late September. You can expect the weather in Los Angeles during these months to be hot, dry and sunny, but in Alaska, daytime temperatures might range from the 50s to low 80s. You should pack clothing to cover a wide range of weather conditions, along with plenty of sunscreen and bug spray.
References
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When Do Cruises Go To Alaska
Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.
Alaska cruise weather can be chilly first thing in the morning and at night. However, if its a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It does rain a lot in Alaska, too its drier in the spring months than in the summer.
When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning and end of Alaskas cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.
Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown
Set on a busy road lined with restaurants and office buildings, this upmarket hotel in Downtown is a 4-minute walk from a SkyTrain station, and 2 km from the waterfront Stanley Park and sports events at the Rogers Arena.
Relaxed rooms, most with city views, offer flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi , plus tea and coffeemakers. Club-level rooms have access to a lounge with free continental breakfast and evening snacks, while suites provide separate living areas. Room service is available 24/7.
Set on a busy road lined with restaurants and office buildings, this upmarket hotel in Downtown is a 4-minute walk from a SkyTrain station, and 2 km from the waterfront Stanley Park and sports events at the Rogers Arena.
Relaxed rooms, most with city views, offer flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi , plus tea and coffeemakers. Club-level rooms have access to a lounge with free continental breakfast and evening snacks, while suites provide separate living areas. Room service is available 24/7.
Theres a hip international restaurant with a bar and big-screen sports. Additional amenities include an indoor pool and a whirlpool, plus a sauna and a gym.
Phone: 604-684-1128
Bellman gratuitiesTransfers between Hotel and Pier
Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.
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Life Onboard Celebrity Summit
Recently modernised Celebrity Summits offers world class dining, luxury staterooms and exclusive suite classes. Read more
The Roof Terrace offers a comfortable place to unwind by day and movies under the stars at night. Read more
This special experience brings movies together with regional food and wine as depicted on screen. Read more
Climb to the heights of tranqulity with the aqua therapy treatments offered in the on board spa. Read more
Overseen by Michelin starred chefs, savour the international menus of the complimentary and specialty dining restaurants. Read more
Celebritys international crew will greet you with friendly,impeccable service to give you the holiday you deserve. Read more