How Much Are Alaskan Cruises Cruise Fare
Besides cruise line and time of year, the cruise cabins themselves are also highly variable in costs. For those new to cruising, understanding the costs of a cabin can be frustrating. In general, all ships have different cabin categories, with the cheapest being inside rooms on lower decks.
Typical cabin;categories include Inside, Outside, Balcony , and Mini-Suites/Suites. Some cruise lines may offer more categories, especially on the;upper end like Norwegian Cruise Lines Haven Suites;or Celebrity Cruise Lines Concierge Class. With additional features and amenities comes extra costs. Reviewing prices for most Contemporary and Premium Cruise Lines, below are price ranges for the most popular cabin;categories.
Price Ranges for Alaskan Cruise Fares
- Inside Cabins $650-$1200 a person
- Ocean Views $800-$2000 a person
- Balconies $1300-$2500 a person
- Mini Suites/Suites $1800-$3500 a person
While not an exact science, looking at the costs of upgrading across brands, we find that costs;tend to increase by 50% by moving up one category. So, it is not uncommon to see pricing for an Inside room starting at $800 and a balcony on the same ship for the same date going for $1800-$2000.
For Many a Balcony is a Must;on an Alaskan Cruise
On our Alaskan cruise, we opted to get a balcony and scored a shoulder season deal with the cabin costing us;$1400pp. But, during peak season, a balcony on the same ship would have cost close to $2000 a person.
Price Per Cruise Line
How much does Alaskan cruise cost per different cruise lines? Below are examples of the cheapest advertised fare for lowest level cabins that you can find online:
- Contemporary Cruise Lines
- Carnival Cruise Lines starting at $619 a person
- Royal Caribbean starting at $671 a person
- Norwegian Cruise starting at $649 a person
- Princess Cruises starting at $699 a person
- Premium Cruise Lines
- Celebrity Cruises starting at $799 a person
- Holland America starting at $799 a person
- Disney Cruise Line starting at $1299 a person
- Luxury Cruise Lines
- Oceania Cruises starting at $1799 a person
- Silversea Cruises starting at $2799 a person
- Crystal Cruises starting at $3000 a person
Cost Of Flights To Alaska
No doubt, the fastest way to get to Alaska is by air travel.
Is it cheap though? Well, actually, the price of flight can be ok and cheaper than the alternatives.
For a more comprehensive price analysis, we sampled prices along several dates. We checked the price of one-way tickets between Anchorage and three popular destinations: New York and Los Angeles in the United States and, for the benefit of those arriving from Europe, London .
| ;CHEAPESTReturn Flights From Anchorage to the Lower 48 and Europe | |
| Anchorage, AK New York, NY | |
| ;Delta Air Lines: from $239 | ;Sun Country Airlines + Norwegian + Air France |
Keep the following in mind
Budgeting Tip #1
You can get the best rates on airfare by being flexible. If you can, base your travel dates NOT on your preference but rather on which days have cheaper airfare. There are other considerations as well but overall, flexible dates mean cheaper flights.; Shoulder seasons are more likely to have cheaper flights to Alaska.
Budgeting Tip #2
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How Much Is A 7 Day Alaska Cruise
A 7 night Alaska Cruise can cost anywhere from $500 per person to $5000+ per person, depending on the type of cruise ship and your choice of stateroom. Alaska land tours with 3-star hotels, train travel, and popular day tours generally cost around $300 per person per day , based on double occupancy.
Alaska On A Shoestring Budget
A traveler flying into Alaska in September for three weeks. Flexible flight dates, renting a small vehicle, couchsurfing along the trip and relying on supermarkets for food can actually this person can see the state for as little as
- Flights: $300
- Vehicle rental for one week: $270
- Gas: $100
Total: $11,800 or just over $560 per day
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How Much Is The Cruise Ship Docking Fee
Carnival Glory docked in Miami, Florida.
Once the pilot has safely guided the ship into the port, the next round of charges begin. Now the cruise company has to pay for space theyre occupying on the dock, the line handlers and the use of the facilities at the pier.
The workers at the pier are typically members of a union, so the hourly rate tends to be pretty high.
Other costs accrued at this point might look something along these lines, keeping in mind it varies by port:
- Dockage fee: $.393 per gross registered ton
- Head tax: $12.49 per guest
- Port labor rates, per hour : $29-$69 per employee
This does not include the labor charges the cruise line pays for check-in agents, security agents and wheelchair assistance. Those positions are normally contracted through third party companies.
Read Your Cruise Contract
Heres one section from Carnival Cruise Lines cruise contract:
Cruise Fare does not include Cruise Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses. may include any and all fees, charges, tolls and taxes imposed on Carnival, by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities, as well as third party fees and charges arising from a vessels presence in a harbor or port.
Cruise Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses may include U.S. Customs fees, head taxes, Panama Canal tolls, dockage fees, wharfage fees, inspection fees, pilotage, immigration and naturalization fees, and Internal Revenue Service fees, environmental fees, as well as fees associated with navigation, berthing, stevedoring, baggage handling/storage, and security services.
FACT CHECK: Do Cruise Lines Pay U.S. Taxes
Cruise Taxes, Fees, and Port Expenses may be assessed per passenger, per berth, per ton or per vessel. Assessments calculated on a per ton or per vessel basis will be spread over the number of passengers on the Vessel. Subject to applicable laws, Cruise Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses are subject to change and Carnival reserves the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full.
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How Much Does It Cost To Go On A Cruise
A cruise can cost anywhere from $50 per person, per day, with a budget cruise line like Costa Cruises to well over $1,000 per person, per day, with an ultra-luxury cruise line like Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The average cost of a cruise is $161 per person, per day. This equates to $1,127 for a 7-night cruise.
How Much Does Alaskan Cruise Cost
If an Alaskan Cruise is not on your bucket list, what have you been thinking? It better be!
Alaskan cruises offer many ships and ports itineraries ranging from different onshore trips to wildlife encounters and zip lining through the forests.
Alaska is the northernmost and westernmost state in the U.S.A. and has the most easterly longitude in the United States. It is the only non-contiguous U.S. state in continental North America.
This 49th state of the U.S.A. is one of the worlds most popular cruise destinations and best-known for its majestic scenery stretching along its icy coastline and other offshore side trips it offers.
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How Much To Budget For An Alaskan Cruise
A typical Alaska Cruise can cost between $600 and $5,000 per person, depending on the length of your cruise, the type of cruise you choose, and your room choice. We recommend budgeting an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to get the most out of your Alaskan cruise. Youll also want to consider airfare, transportation, and lodging before and after your cruise in your budget.
The Difference Is In The Details
With more people watching their pennies today than ever before, if you want to plan a trip to Alaska, you will likely want to do it in the most budget friendly way that you can. Here are some things that you can help you to navigate the wide range of choices and prices you can find something you can afford without having to sacrifice your ideal time.
First of all, remember that generally the larger and the more luxurious the cruise liner, the more you can expect to spend for your trip. In addition, the number of ports you will visit will also affect the bottom line. Stopping at fewer ports is a more economical move, but will also cause you to miss some great opportunities, too, so be sure to weigh the cost against what you will get in the end.
Some of the smaller ships can be much less expensive but often offer fewer extras. But if you can live with simple meals and simple activities, you can spend much less than you might on a fancier cruise ship.
If you dont need a private experience but first-class amenities do make a difference to you, a luxury cruise liner is likely your best fit. This is typically a large ship that can hold several thousand passengers at a time, and feels like a big city at sea, complete with movie theaters, fitness centers, big name entertainers and multiple bars, restaurants and other dining options. Just remember that these details will add to the overall expense.
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Whats Included In A Cruise
Cruise tickets generally include accommodation, meals, some drinks and entertainment. Youll pay extra for speciality dining, alcoholic drinks, gratuities, spa services, casino, wifi, flights, transfers and excursions.
Whats included in your cruise varies for each cruise line. Some cruise lines include gratuities in the ticket price. You may also get a drinks package included at no extra cost. Sometimes, cruises come with free onboard credit, which you can spend on the ship.
If you plan your cruise carefully, its perfectly possible to not spend anything extra on top of the price of your cruise ticket.
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 Much Are Alaskan Cruises Onboard Purchases
If you cruise on a Contemporary or Premium cruise line, your base fare will not include additional onboard purchases . Besides the typical souvenirs and gambling money for the casino, other things you will want to factor in when creating your Alaskan cruise budget are alcoholic beverages and specialty dining.
Many cruise lines now offer beverage packages and specialty dining packages, so you do not have to worry about paying a la carte prices. If you cruise on a luxury line, those will most likely be included in that already steep cruise fare price.
Drink packages run between $45-$90 a day, per person, depending on the category and cruise line. Each line has slightly different packages and inclusions, but if you do like to enjoy a few cocktails while on vacation,;investigating these packages could save you money in the long term. Some;cruise lines offer package deals that include drink packages for certain room categories. So, upgrading your room could pay for itself if you get one of these;free perks.
Norwegian Cruise Line Offers Many Specialty Restaurants on Their Ships
Summing Up The Total Cost Of A Cruise
So whats the grand total?
The chart below lays out the costs of taking a cruise, using the estimated amounts mentioned above. Weve also laid out the estimates for both a shorter cruise and the traditional seven-day trip.
Keep in mind that these are just estimates, per person. A couple would expect to double these prices.
As well, remember that what you spend will vary widely based on any number of factors, including your own budgeting for the trip and how much you let loose on your vacation.
But as you can see, on a per-person basis the cost for a 7-day cruise can run around $2,000 when you factor in everything youll spend. Shorter cruises will run around $1,500.;
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Factors Affecting Cost Of Alaskan Cruise
- Cruise ship/line Different cruise ships offer different Alaskan cruise prices. Be sure to compare rates to get the best deal.
- Season Around July through August is the peak season for the Alaskan cruise. Avoid booking for during this period if you want to save a lot on your trip.
- Type of Cabin Cabin categories have different rates. Comfort has a price.
- Number of persons traveling traveling in groups can be cheaper than being alone as solo traveler tends to get the same rate room rate intended for two. Also, educational trips sometimes get a special rate.
What Do You Do On An Alaskan Cruise
10 Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise 01 of 10. See Whales. 02 of 10. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. 03 of 10. Visit Glacier Bay National Park. 04 of 10. See Bald Eagles on the Chilkat River. Ride in a Helicopter. TripSavvy / Linda Garrison. 06 of 10. Go Dog Sledding. 07 of 10. Ride the Alaska Grandview Train. 08 of 10. Cruise Misty Fjords near Ketchikan.
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How Much Does It Cost To Vacation In Alaska
It might surprise you to learn that an Alaska vacation is within the financial reach of all travelers, regardless of their budget. But be aware that the cost of traveling in Alaska does vary considerably, depending on the time of year you want to travel, the mode of transportation you choose, the type of accommodations you select, and what activities you choose.
Estimate rates for Alaska Trips.
Alaska Bargains in the Winter Season
The least expensive time to visit Alaska is during the winter. ;We recommend the months of December March. Winter in Alaskais a great value where you can go skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing through Alaskas pristine wilderness very affordably. These months are also the best time to view the Northern Lights. If you stay in a moderate Alaska hotel and take a few local tours, you should estimate about $200 per person/per day, based on double occupancy. If, however, you choose to take a scenic helicopter or flightseeing private plane flight or stay at an all-inclusive remote lodge, you would probably need to increase your budget to about $500 $800 per person per day.
Traveling during the shoulder seasons in Alaska , reduces the price of an Alaska tour by about 10% versus peak summer prices.
Summer Prime Time Alaska Vacations
The summer time in Alaska is the most expensive season but of course, also the most popular time to visit.
Please contact us to get a price quote on your Alaska vacation
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 You’re Booked
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Cost Of Cruise To Alaska
Cruise liners offer you more than the ability to reach from point A to point B. They usually include a variety of amenities and offer stops in the more touristy harbors along the way. Cruise liners usually include Glacier Bay National Park in their itinerary too.
My point is that cruises may not be cheap but they could still be suitable for some vacation plans.
What do I mean by not cheap?
As youll see in the following table, we checked a bunch of companies and starting points. The price is indicated by night and the duration of the trip is 7 nights if you take the cruise from Seattle.
Depending on the level of luxury and amenities offered as well as on the season a cruise going out from Seattle will cost you between $700 to $2500 per person.
You could opt for a cruise that starts in San Francisco or even Los Angeles. Add 3 nights at sea for San Francisco departures and five for a cruise starting in Los Angeles.
All in all, were talking about roughly $1,500 per person. That comes to a total of over $6,000 for a family of four. And remember, this is just one way.
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