Skip The Most Expensive Excursions
Based on the above advice, you will probably find that some high-ticket excursions are worth the money but dont fit your budget. Thats an unfortunate reality some tours in Alaska are really great and really just cost a lot.
If you want to save while visiting Alaska, you may just need to set a limit on how much youre willing to pay per-person for excursions. Maybe thats $500 per person maybe its only $250 depending on your budget. Its easiest to make that decision before you do too much research so you already have that in mind when you come across something above your limit and can come up with a more budget-friendly alternative.
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.
Best Cruise Lines For An Alaska Cruise
Alaska is one of the top cruise destinations with over a million cruisers travelling here each year. With that said, more and more cruise lines and ships are sailing to the region every year.
From family-friendly cruise lines, to luxurious, all-inclusive experiences, to small ship adventure cruises, there is truly no single best cruise line for an Alaskan cruise. Truthfully, it all depends on what your travel party wants out of their cruise vacation.
Brands like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer more diversity for multi-generational families. With some of the newest and most innovative ships in the fleet cruising this region, like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Ovation of the Seas, and Quantum of the Seas, there are onboard amenities for the whole family to enjoy. These ships also have some of the best entertainment at sea.
Brands like Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises offer a bit more luxury for the sophisticated traveler with fewer kid-friendly options. This is not to say that these brands necessarily appeal to an older clientele though.
In 2021, Holland America Line plans to go all in on Alaska offering cruises on six different ships with itineraries sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier. Princess Cruises, known for having a big presence in the region, is planning to offer cruises on seven ships in 2021. Of course, this is subject to change based on re-deployments due to the global pandemic.
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How Much Does It Cost To Cruise From Seattle To Alaska
How much does it cost to cruise from Seattle to Alaska?
How much does it cost to go on a cruise to Alaska? 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.
What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska? May or September
The very beginning and very end of the Alaska cruise season typically sees the lowest prices for Alaska cruises. Generally speaking, May and September have the coldest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, and it is also the time of year when school is still in session.
Do you need a passport to cruise to Alaska? Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Alaska? Even though Alaska is part of the United States, most cruise itineraries will require you to travel with a U.S. passport. If youre on a cruise to Alaska that begins or ends in Canada, you are required to carry a passport book or passport card.
When Is A Good Time To Cruise To Alaska
Alaska is a seasonal destination, meaning cruise ships only visit for a few months out of the year due to harsh, long winters and ice blocking the waterways. The standard Alaska cruise season coincides with summer, beginning in May and ending in September. Some small adventure-style cruise lines run special voyages that depart as early as March and continue into late September.
The most popular time to cruise to Alaska is smack in the middle of July and August. The midnight sun shines in many parts of the state during the summer, meaning nearly endless sunny days. For savings on your cruise, consider a sailing at the beginning or end of the season.
The weather here can be unpredictable no matter the month be sure to pack lots of light, waterproof layers. Days can get surprisingly warm, especially considering your activity level, while wind and rain on an outdoor tour can have you reaching for a hat and gloves.
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What Is Minimum Wage In Alaska
What is the minimum wage in Alaska? Alaska is one of 29 states with a minimum wage above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The minimum wage in Alaska was $10.19 throughout 2020 and will increase to $10.34 on January 1, 2021. Notably, Alaska does not allow a tip credit against the states minimum wage.
What Is The Average Cost Of A 7 Day Alaska Cruise
It is possible to find cruises that cost as little as $500 per person up to over $5,000 each, depending on the type of ship and the type of stateroom you choose. The average cost of an Alaskan land tour with 3-star hotels, train travel, and popular day tours is around $300 per person, per day, when based on two people sharing.
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One Note About Cruising In 2022
Of course the world has changed since the health crisis. Nowhere is that more the case than with cruising. The entire industry was shut down for almost all of 2020 and slowly made its return in 2021.
But there have been big changes to cruise lines. Of course, health and safety measures have been introduced, but there are bigger changes that could impact the cost of a cruise.
Longer-Term PricingDuring the stop, the major cruise companies took on massive amounts of debt to survive. Now as cruising resumes, expect them to be focused on improving their balance sheets. That could involve higher pricing, if the market allows. Cruise lines have said repeatedly that demand is strong in later parts of 2022 and onboard spending is at considerably higher levels than before the pause.
As well, several cruise lines sold off a number older, smaller ships. In general, older ships offer lower pricing. Along with the removal of older ships, this also reduces the capacity of cabins available. If demand returns, that could mean higher cruise prices in the future.
Short-Term PricingFor early 2022, however, there are signs of slower demand for travel as the world continues to battle the health crisis. Thats why if youre able to sail in the first few months of the year, were seeing some very attractive prices. If you are fully vaccinated, the first part of 2022 seems to be an affordable time to sail.
What Is A Cruisetour
A. A Cruise Tour is the best of both worlds. It combines a fabulous cruise with an exciting multi-night land tour traveling into the heart of Alaska and Canada*. And as anyone whos traveled before knows, coastal areas are beautiful, but some of the most interesting cities and sights are often inland.
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Is Food Free On Cruise
Is food on a cruise free? You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for free on a cruise. This includes access to all complimentary food venues onboard. Main dining restaurants feature versatile menus that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, which comes included in your cruise fare.
How Much Does The New Disney Wish Cost
The newest Disney ship to set sail is the Disney Wish.
The new Disney Wish is sailing beginning June 2022. The ship will set sail from Port Canaveral with sailing to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay with 3 and 4 night sailings. Currently pricing for the Disney Wish is slightly higher than the other Disney Cruise ships and we anticipate that to last for about a year. That being said, the new ship looks amazing and we cant wait to set sail on one.
For a Family of 4, a 3 night sailing will be around $3,000 $5,000 per sailing which comes to about $250-$450 per person. The 4 Night cruise is typically a better deal as it sails during the week. For 4 nights the pricing for 4 people is $3,400 $6,600, which comes to $212 $412 per person.
Want a Custom Disney Cruise Cost Quote: Fill out our Disney Cruise Inquiry form and one of the representatives from Tinks Magical Vacations will contact you within 1 business day.
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Alaskan Cruise Cabin Prices
Cruise companies offer plenty of incentives to attract passengers, but the best incentive is a low ticket price. Competition between cruise operators is fierce, and cruise prices are better value than ever. Indicative prices in US dollars for a seven night cruise are listed below as a guide only.
- Interior cabin: starting from $450
- Oceanview cabin: $735 to $1,350
- Balcony cabin: $1,350 to $2,400
- Suites: $2,400 to $3,400
Larger family suites and even more palatial suite options are available on most vessels. Cruise prices reflect modern cruise demographics, with solo travellers able to enjoy on a par with family groups and intimate couples, with prices reflected accordingly. An alternative Alaska cruise option is the highly regarded National Geographic eight day adventure, costing $6,000 per person. The smaller ship has greater manoeuvrability in remote locations, giving passengers more chances to get up close and personal with the local wildlife.
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
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Alcohol And Premium Dining
Alcohol is not included in your fare, so if you are planning on taking in some cocktails, budget appropriately for these expenses. On the Disney Cruises Ships, you can pay a little extra to dine at Palo or Remy, which offer top-notch cuisine. Palo is available on all 4 Disney Cruise ships, while Remy is only available on the Dream and Fantasy.
Cruise Ship Cost Increase Over Time
We also looked at how much does a cruise ship cost to build today vs. in the past? We expected an increase and were not disappointed! The chart below shows the average price tag of ships throughout the decades.
The blue bars show actual dollars spent. The green line depicts “cost in today’s dollars.” These figures were derived using an average inflation rate of 3.22%.
It’s clear that prices have grown significantly! Both in terms of actual dollars and inflation-adjusted costs.
Even with the current speed bump in the industry, we expect this to continue. Vessels are continuously adding capacity and extravagant features. The average cost per cruise ship is quickly approaching one billion dollars!
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Night Caribbean Cruises Cruise Only
The table below shows example prices for a selection of Caribbean cruises. These cruises are during the months of April, August and November.
Only one example from each cruise line was used for the comparison, prices do vary even within the cruise line based on the cruise ship but the prices below do provide a good example of what to expect.
Drawbacks of Cruising The Caribbean in Peak Season:
- Cruise ships are usually full
- Ports can be busy
- Children arent off school
- Have to make bookings ahead of time
Dont Forget About Gratuities
The excellent service on cruise ships is almost always worth the extra cost. â
Unless youre sailing on one of the high-end lines that include everything in the fare, tipping on a cruise ship is expected and will set you back about $80 to $100 per person per week about $13 per person per day. On some cruise lines, the tip is required rather than optional, so read the fine print. Some lines discount this amount for children, but many of them donât. In addition, 10 to 15 percent gratuity is typically added to bar bills for alcohol and soft drinks and gratuities are applied to spa treatments as well.
Estimated Cost: $100 â $150 per person
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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.
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.
Are There Any Cruises Around The Hawaiian Islands
Norwegian Cruise Line Pride of America is the only cruise that winds through the Hawaiian Islands from start to finish. Many cruise lines stop and depart from Hawaii, but only one goes transpacific from end to end. A cruise that visits four islands in 8 days is ise makes visiting four islands in eight days a breeze! It doesnt require any flights, and unpacking takes only a few minutes.
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Where Youll Spend Money On A Cruise
Think that the cost of a cruise is simply the fare that you pay to get on the ship? While that makes up the lions share of your spending, theres a lot more that goes into the cost of your vacation.
Cruise FareOf course, when most people think of the cost of a cruise, they are thinking mainly of the price of the cruise fare. This fare is what the cruise line charges for you to sail on the ship. Cruise fare includes your cabin, meals, entertainment on the ship, and access to pools, lounges and more.
What it doesnt include are the extras like drinks, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, gambling and other things bought on board.
What you pay for your fare can vary widely. Factors that go into the price include the type of cabin you choose, length of cruise, when you sail, and even the ship and cruise line you sail.
Short cruises on budget cruise lines can run as little as a few hundred dollars, while long luxury trips can run well into the thousands of dollars per person.
Onboard SpendingThink youre done spending money after you buy your cruise fare? Think again. Once on the ship there are lots of extras that you will likely want to purchase that add to the cost of your cruise.
Onboard spending is a wide umbrella. It includes everything from money spent gambling in the casino to alcohol, specialty restaurants, cruise line shore excursions, and even the souvenirs you buy in the gift shop.