How Much Are Alaskan Cruises Shore Excursions
If all of these costs are making you feel a little stressed out, then the pricing of shore excursions might just put you over the edge. Unlike Caribbean cruises, which can include some relaxing beach breaks or island tours, Alaska offers so many unique and amazing experiences. With choices like zip lining through the national forest, bear watching and whale watching expeditions, Glacier treks, dog sledding camps, and more, you may feel compelled to try them all.
Helicopter Flight and Glacier Trek was Amazing but a Bit Costly
Sure, there are plenty of reasonably priced tours that give you the authentic Alaskan experience, or you can even explore some of the small Alaskan towns on your own. But, if you are looking for adventure and once in a lifetime experiences, then you have to be willing to pay up. Walking on glaciers, touring the Misty Fjords via sea plane, taking a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railway, and many other uniquely Alaskan shore excursions are quite costly.
Ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
For our cruise, stopping at four ports, we averaged a total of $175, per person per port for our shore excursion costs. We splurged on the helicopter ride and glacier trek in Juneau but opted for other less expensive tours in other ports, saving a float plane ride for another time. That said, know that your total shore excursions could easily cost you $600-$1000 a person depending on your picks.
Cost Of Ferry To Alaska
Taking the ferry can be cheaper but not by much. Especially if youre hauling your car along with you. The route is the shortest and most economical one between the towns along the Inner Passage. So you wont be getting into the smaller bays just to view wildlife or stopping just to see glaciers calving. The views are going to be spectacular all the same.
If you take the ferry from Bellingham and embark at Whittier , youll have to pay $791 per adult. And that price does not include a berth . If you want to add a berth, thats extra.
For a couple of adults, were talking about $1782-$2,381, depending on the size of your berth. And thats without facilities, i.e. no private bathrooms/showers. There are public ones available and in fact, the Ferry People suggest camping out on the ferry
It is perfectly acceptable to camp out on the ferry. During the summer, people will often pitch tents on the deck and during the colder months it is typical to see families sleeping on blow up mattresses, individuals wrapped up in sleeping bags on the lounge chairs, etc.
It actually sounds kinda nice but a far cry from a cruise.
One of the advantages the ferry has is that you can bring your vehicle along. Unfortunately, that costs $1,937 for a midsize SUV .
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
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Glaciers Mountains And Wildlife Await
Perhaps no land captures the adventurous frontier spirit better then Alaska. And, there is no better way to experience its untamed beauty than on an all-inclusive cruise with Regent Cruise Destinations.
Witness the grace and power of a humpback whale breaching the surface, sled across the otherworldly landscape of Mendenhall Glacier and journey through the verdant beauty of the Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Then, discover the human side of Alaska in towns like Sitka, where contrasting cultures are revealed in the totem poles of the native Tlingit and in the domes of the Russian Orthodox church.
Thousands of miles of spectacular shoreline and massive glaciers offer a glimpse of Alaska’s hidden and impenetrable wilderness, and the best way to view it is on a Regent luxury cruise, with intimate ships that allow for deeper exploration and a front row seat to this untamed majesty.
No wonder they say that once you’ve been to Alaska, you never really come all the way back.
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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 A Cruise Cost
Cruises are a fantastic way to vacation. Theyre exciting, adventurous and allow you to visit numerous places and experience new things every day.
But before you book your trip, its essential to know how much cruises cost. Luckily for us, cruise vacations are very affordable, and there is a range of choices for travelers of every budget size.
So how much does a cruise cost?
Cruise fares can be extremely enticing, with weeklong sailings routinely advertised for less than $75 per person per day. Unfortunately, the advertised fare does not accurately represent the total cost, as extra expenses can quickly add up. And, just like buying a car, you can choose to spend as much or as little as you want on your vacation.
To make sure you budget the right amount for your vacation and arent surprised when you get the final bill, check out our tips to estimate the total cost of your cruise before you book:
What Is The Cost Of An Alaska Cruise Tour
Cruise tours cost more per night than cruises alone, likely because the cost of lodging and transportation in Alaska is high and some activities are included. Most cruise tours run 9 to 14 nights, featuring a seven-night cruise and a bus- and train-based tour through Southcentral and Interior Alaska.
When we checked Alaska cruise tour prices on Royal Caribbean, fares ranged from $160 to $210 per person, per night, for an inside cabin, and from $240 to $320 per person, per night, for a balcony. The cheapest cruise tour we found was $1,410 per person for an inside cabin and $1,882 for a balcony on a seven-night September cruise with a two-night tour to Denali and Anchorage.
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How Long Is An Alaskan Cruise
Too short! Make sure to plan extra time for traveling to and from the ship and any extra activities you plan on doing on land.
Most cruises last 1-2 weeks. If you live in a port town and want to get away for a few days look into a 4-day cruise.
Longer cruises can last a month or more, making them best for retirees with plenty of spending money for food and drinks while at sea.
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One Note About Cruising In 2021
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 looks to creep back into service slowly in 2021.
But there are big changes coming to cruise lines. Of course, health and safety measures will be introduced, but there are bigger changes that could impact the cost of a cruise.
During 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.
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 prices in the future.
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How Expensive Is Food In Alaska
As a result, food prices in Alaska are high. In Anchorage, the recommended minimum amount of money spent on food for one person is $451.71 , according to Numbeo.com data from April 2019. Compare this to the national average of $323.72 , and you can see how food can get pricey in the northernmost state.
Onboard Prices For Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Of The Seas
Pina colada: $10+
Specialty Dining: $35 per person, Giovanni’s Table
Latte: $4.25
Shore Excursion: $74, St. John Beach and Snorkel
Fitness Class: $12
Souvenir Photo: $19.99+, 8×10
Bingo: $10+ for one card
Basic Internet Package: $12.99+ per person, per day, per device
Gratuities: $14.50 per passenger, per day
Total price: $311.73
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Which Is The Best Alaskan Cruise
A cruise can be the time of your life or a total nightmare. So how can you be sure youll have wonderful memories to share when you get back, and not a week of terrible food and a dirty pool?
Start by asking yourself what you really want out of your vacation. Do you want a calm, luxurious experience or an exciting party boat with something going on at all hours?
These tools will help you narrow down what youre looking for in a cruise:
Cruise Price Comparison Table
One of the biggest factors affecting the price of your cruise is your choice of the cruise line.
The table below shows the average price for a 7-night Caribbean cruise in a balcony cabin .
| Cruise line | |
|---|---|
| not available | $2645 |
The aim of this data is to give you a rough idea of the average cruise prices for each cruise line. I sourced the prices from the cruise lines websites.
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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.
Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise
The extra price for a balcony is worth it if youll put it to good use. Your ship design places balcony rooms on higher decks. This means rooms with balconies have better views, especially on river cruises where lower rooms are close to the water line. If you want the extra space offered by a balcony room.
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Take Advantage Of Alcohol And Dining Packages
We all know drinks at the bar can add up fast. So can eating out for every meal. Thats why major cruise lines offer alcohol and dining packages that cover most, if not all restaurants and bars on board.
We took a look at three popular cruise lines meal and alcohol packages:
Most Expensive: Norwegian Cruise Line $89 for three meals, $100/day unlimited alcoholLeast Expensive: Holland America $50 for three meals, no unlimited packageMid-Range: Royal Caribbean $75 for three meals, $55/day unlimited alcohol
Holland America is the only cruise line that doesnt provide an unlimited alcohol option, but they still give you a chance to save money. Their fountain drink card is only $25 for $50 worth of beverages.
You can always splurge on for-fee restaurants on the ship and there will be plenty of food and alcohol to choose from on port days as well.
Does Your Fantasy Cruise Line Offer a Payment Option?
Cruise lines know theyre a luxury buy for most customers. Its why most of them offer payment plans to make it even easier for you to book your room.
Most of these plans will require a deposit of a few hundred dollars to reserve your spot while you continue to pay for your ticket.
For reference, Royal Caribbeans Uplift program requires a $500 deposit for cruises lasting 6-9 nights. You can make payments on your own schedule as long as the bill is paid off in total no less than 75 days before departure.
Onboard Prices For Holland America Line’ Nieuw Amsterdam
Pina Colada: $5.75
Specialty Dining: $35 per person, Pinnacle Grill
Latte: $2.50
Shore Excursion: $54.95, St. Thomas Turtle Cove Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
Fitness Class: $12
Bingo: $25 for three cards
Basic Internet Package: $55, 100 minutes
Gratuities: $13.50 per passenger, per day
Total price: $368.65
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What Is The Best Month To Take An Alaskan Cruise
Unfortunately, most of the Alaskan snow doesnt begin to melt until late June, so if you plan on doing any hiking be sure to stay only on designated routes.
The last thing you want on your vacation is to get stuck in an icy crevice waiting for help. But if youre a fan of wildlife and bird watching, the earlier the better when it comes to Alaskan cruise deals.
The trees wont have all their foliage until the summer, so spotting moose and other wildlife are much easier.
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.
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The Complete Guide To Alaska Cruise Deals
Imagine it. Snow is blanketing your balcony through the night. By the time you wake up, you can see the tallest mountain on the continent in the distance.
Youve planned the best excursionsday after day of hiking through the wilderness, cocktails from the coolest bars, and all your favorite foods made by classically trained chefs. But you arent going to get to enjoy any of it. Why?
Because you went with a low-rated cruise to save money and the food is so bad youve been chained to the toilet since departing.
Just as you think youre feeling a little better, you remember how sick having a room close to the top of the ship makes you and you run right back to the bathroom.
Every cruise ship passengers worst fears right? But theres good newsyou dont have to give up quality to save a ton on your dream vacation. How?
In the next few minutes, were going to arm you with some of the best tools and services so you dont have to settle.
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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