How Much Do Shore Excursions Cost In Alaska
While its possible to find great deals on cruise fares to Alaska, shore excursions can often be more expensive than what you are used to on a Caribbean cruise. Knowing how much youre willing to spend on Alaska cruise excursions can better help you budget your vacation while still having an incredible cruise experience.
Shore excursions can run anywhere from $50 to well over $500. To give an example of how varied prices can be, here are a few sample prices you may see for Royal Caribbean excursions:
Grand Mountain Marvels 7a
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks.
Included Experiences Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise with Fox Island Lunch, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.
2023 Departures May 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 14 & 28, August 11 & 25, September 8
Royal Caribbean Cruises To Alaska
Culture, history, breathtaking landscapes, and wildlife sights all merge on an Alaska cruise, creating a picturesque, exciting experience for all onboard. Travelers looking to experience Alaska are in luck as round-trip or one-way Royal Caribbean cruises leave from Seattle and Vancouver in the spring, summer and fall. Before you say, âYes! Buy me a ticket!â consider the following essential pieces of travel information:
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Best For Multigenerational Groups
Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone, as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.
Best Alaska Cruises For Families With Kids
Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and Disney ships.
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The Alaska Royal Difference
Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation and accommodations in the finest lodges available. And with the personal attention and expertise of our Adventure Specialists, youll explore the wild lands of the last frontier your way. If youre going the distance, discover the best of Alaska by land and sea on a Royal Caribbean Cruisetour
Exploring On Your Own
If you dont plan on booking excursions, you may choose to explore Alaskas ports on your own. Most Alaska cruise ports are just a short walk from the main area of town, where you will find restaurants, saloons, historical districts, museums, and nature to enjoy.
You can also visit popular destinations within the ports on your own as opposed to booking an excursion. As an example, instead of purchasing an $80 excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, opt to take the express bus. Located just outside the pier in Juneau is a stand that sells roundtrip tickets to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation area. The total cost for the roundtrip bus ticket was $45 as of 2021 and included the entrance fee into the park.
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Expect Rustic Surroundings For Creature Comforts
Cruise tours tend to favor Alaskan lodges over chain hotels. The lodges typically feature a carefully created rustic look with exposed-log exteriors and blond-wood interiors. Lobbies are homey with cozy seating, fireplaces and “dead animal chic” decor — lopped off noggins of moose and bear locked in eternal staring contests over the heads of visitors .
Even in remote areas, Wi-Fi is often available, but amenities can be scarce. Few lodges have pools, and fitness centers might be tiny.
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Guest rooms are either in wings off the main lobby or in out-buildings. Be prepared to walk, though golf carts might be provided for those with mobility issues. In Seward, you might walk along wooded trails to get from your room to the restaurant or lobby, and in Denali, there’s a bit of a hike through some properties in order to get to the shuttle bus stop.
And, yes, animals do frequent the premises — from a seat on the back patio of the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, you could see a black bear wandering down a walking trail behind the hotel.
Royal Caribbean Cruisetours: Visit Inland Alaska And Canada
In addition to a 7-night Alaska cruise, you can extend your trip with a land-based tour.
Known as pre or post-sailing Cruisetours, these extended trips can range between 9 and 13 nights, including the 7-night cruise. These land tours are arguably the best way to see Alaska’s interior and the most popular destinations.
Highlights of a Cruisetour include visiting Alaskas biggest city of Anchorage, going back in time at a former gold mining boomtown, traveling by train on the scenic Wilderness Express, or marveling at the unbelievably high mountain peaks of Denali National Park.
Cruisetours in Canada are also offered, which feature a comfortable overnight train ride through the Rocky Mountains and visits to Jasper and Banff National Parks, including an overnight stay at Lake Louise.
While Alaskas Inside Passage provides awe-inspiring views of Alaskas fjords, glaciers, and mountains, cruisetours offer the opportunity to see more of Alaska or Canada, which you can book before or after your one-way cruise in Alaska.
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Frontier Flair In The Big City
Set between the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet and the dramatic snow-capped Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is Alaskas biggest city. Nearly half of the states estimated 738,000 human residents live here, along with sizeable populations of bears and moose. Few places in the world can match its appealing blend of metropolitan pursuits and outdoor living. Where else can you see office workers casting fishing lines at lunch time?
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Accommodation
Best Time To Cruise To Alaska
The Alaska cruise season generally runs from April to October, and each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages. While there is no best time to cruise to Alaska, knowing what to expect in terms of weather, wildlife, and activities is helpful before booking your cruise or shore excursion.
Read more: How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise
Cruising to Alaska in the early season, April and May, brings lower crowds and prices. Expect to see daily temperatures with highs in the mid 50s and lows around 40 degrees. Less rain is expected during the early season, as April, May, and June are among the driest months of the year in Alaska. . Daylight hours will increase each day leading up to the summer solstice, with daylight hours from 4AM to 10PM in late May.
Alaskas peak cruise season is from mid-June to August, coinciding with the school vacation schedule. During the summer, visitors can expect to see the warmest temperatures and most hours of daylight. More crowds are to be expected during the summer, too, both onboard and in port.
Related: When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?
The fall shoulder season in Alaska is during the month of September. As days become shorter and temperatures cool down, cruise crowds and prices tend to be lower. In fact, September is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise.
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Alaska Cruise Activities: What To Do In Port
An Alaska shore excursion will allow you to explore what each of the ports have to offer, including taking in the natural beauty of this part of the world.
Alaska cruises tend to favor outdoor activities, whether getting active on a hike or taking a relaxing canoe ride down a river. Exploring the states mountains, glaciers, trails, and lakes is a fantastic way to spend a day in port, although choosing the best tour to book can be a tough decision.
Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise
Whale watching tours are one of the most popular shore excursions to book on an Alaskan cruise, as many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on Earth. A variety of whales are able to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, including grey whales, killer whales , and humpback whales.
Certain ports, such as and Icy Strait Point, tend to offer better whale watching opportunities than other Alaska cruise ports. Be sure to read our whale watching guide before booking your whale watching excursion to ensure you book it at the right port and time of year.
Visiting glaciers is another recommended activity on an Alaska cruise. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is the most easily accessible glacier for cruise passengers, where visitors can view the glacier from easy walking trails and visit the Nugget Falls waterfall. Most cruise itineraries to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day at a glacier as well, such as Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier.
- Salmon bakes
Grand Mountain Marvels 7a*
7-night Northbound Alaska and Hubbard Glacier Cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas followed by a 6-night, post-cruise, escorted land tour to Seward, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks.
Included Experiences Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise with Fox Island Lunch, Anchorage City Tour, Anchorage Museum, and more.
Departures May 20, June 3 & 17, July 1, 15 & 29, August 12 & 26
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Experience The Wonders Of America’s Last Frontier With Member Value In Every Vacation
At Denali National Park and Preserve, there’s an adventure for everyone. Cruise tours that visit Denali include a park tour, so you can take in all the remarkable sights. Aboard the Wilderness Express, a glass-domed train car, you’ll travel in style and comfort through forests teeming with wildlife and mountainous terrain. During your cruise portion, keep an eye out for harbor seals, wolves, bears and other wildlife that inhabit the glacial wonderland.
Active Shore Excursions In Alaska
A cruise to Alaska is less about lounging on the beach and more about getting active and exploring all that the state has to offer. Alaska is a paradise for those who love the outdoors, and youll find plenty of excursions catered to active travelers.
One of the most popular active activities is a kayak tour along Alaskas scenic fjords, lakes, and glaciers. Kayak tours are offered in most cruise ports, offering passengers the chance to feel connected with nature by the gentle rock of a kayak.
Bicycle excursions are also offered on an Alaska cruise, taking visitors through the states forests and historic towns. If youre feeling really adventurous, consider a 15-mile downhill bike ride following the path of the White Pass & Yukon Railway in Skagway.
Outside of kayaking and biking, visitors to Alaska can enjoy canoeing, hiking, ziplining, and even snorkeling!
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Beauty To Go Wild Over
With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise. Whether in remote outposts or cities surrounded by wilderness, the people who call the Great Land home share an independent spirit, a strong sense of community and a love of Alaskas wild beauty so their welcome will make your visit truly memorable.
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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Helpful Cruise Line Information
If you’ve cruised before you probably have a favorite cruise line. Here at CruiseExperts.com we make it easy for you to sort through the cruise line of your choice for the best cruises at the best discounts on your favorite cruise line. Choose from the best cruise lines in the world including Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Holland America, Celebrity, Crystal, Azamara, Oceania, Viking, Avalon, and Disney. You can be confident that you’ll get the cheapest cruise price possible with concierge like service from our cruise experts here at CruiseExperts.com. View information on your favorite cruise line.
Cultural And Historical Tours In Alaska
Cruising to Alaska provides the chance to learn more about the states culture and history. Food tours, visits to Native villages, and touring museums can offer unique insights into the region.
If learning more about Alaskas Native history is of interest to you, youll be amazed by the hand carved, detailed totem poles dotted throughout Southeast Alaska. Some excursions may even offer the chance to visit where totem poles are carved and see this impressive handiwork in action.
Read more: Visiting Saxman Native village in Ketchikan
Alaskas gold rush history is another fascinating topic to discover. From saloons to historic hiking trails and Ketchikans red-light district, you dont need to travel very far off the ship to spot remnants of the gold rush era.
Lastly, if tasting Alaskas fresh seafood is on your Alaska cruise bucket list, consider booking a tour that includes a salmon bake. Most salmon bakes will occur in the rainforest, where you can feast on freshly-caught salmon, chicken, baked beans, salads, and blueberry cake.
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Cost Of An Alaska Cruise
Your budget for an Alaska cruise can affect your ship choice, sailing date, stateroom category, excursion options, and onboard add-ons. Knowing how much Alaska cruises cost in advance is helpful to ensure you can budget and save for such an incredible vacation.
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There is no set cost for an Alaska cruise. Cruise fares are dynamic, with prices constantly shifting based on demand. The shoulder seasons of May and September will see the lowest prices whereas June, July, and August see the highest cruise fares.
A 7-night cruise for two adults in an oceanview stateroom on Serenade of the Seas in July may be around $2200 whereas the same cruise in September can be around $1600. Newer ships, such as Ovation of the Seas, will often be priced $300-500 more expensive than smaller ships on a similar itinerary.
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Newer cruise ships have more balcony staterooms available, though, so balcony staterooms on ships like Quantum of the Seas are not usually significantly more expensive than interior or oceanview cabins.
As smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas have far fewer balconies available, booking a balcony stateroom on a small ship can be much more expensive than other cabins.
Related: How to cruise to Alaska on a budget
Best For Couples And Big Celebrations
The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if youre a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.
Look at Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Scenic, Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar Cruises and Viking.
Related: 5 luxury lines thatll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about cruising
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Visit These Amazing Ports On A 7
Book a 7-Night Alaskan Cruise on the Radiance of the Seas this summer with your TierOne Travel Consultant and save over 60% off published fares!
Prices start at just $1,072 pp for a Balcony Stateroom.
With both southbound and northbound options for this itinerary, you can decide whether or not you want to start or finish your cruise in Vancouver. The southbound sailing departs on August 19, and the northbound sailings depart on August 12 and September 9.
Bonus because these are one-way cruises, you can plan to extend your trip either before or after you board the ship to explore further!
Please note that there is limited availability at these prices, so act fast!
Learn more and request a quote at: tieronetravel.com/rccl
Visiting Glaciers On An Alaska Cruise
Outside of port stops where passengers disembark the ship, Alaska cruises offer scenic cruising days to glaciers along the Inside Passage. Passengers do not disembark the ship on these days. Instead, the ship slowly sails within a view of a glacier, often completing a 360 degree turn to ensure all guests onboard can have an excellent view of such amazing scenery.
Theres also the opportunity to spot harbor seals, wolves, brown bears, and other wildlife that call these areas home.
Tracy Arm Fjord is another glacier visited on scenic cruising days. The deep, narrow passage of the Tracy Arm Fjord travels over 30 miles alongside the Tongass National Forest, with the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the passage.
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier will surely impress cruise passengers, featuring a scenic sail through the Endicott Arm Fjord followed by a panoramic view of Dawes Glacier, a 600 foot tall, half-mile wide active icecap.
Hubbard Glacier is a glacier commonly visited on an Alaska cruise. Located in Disenchantment Bay, Hubbard Glacier is an astonishing sight. The glaciers ice is 400 feet tall, 76 miles long, and 1,200 feet deep.
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