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What Cruise Line Is The Best For Alaska

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Featured May Cruises To Alaska

THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE SHIPS | TOP ALASKAN CRUISES ON PRINCESS CRUISES, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, CELEBRITY!

Get to Alaska right when the cruise season begins on an Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise that departs in May from Vancouver, British Columbia. Youll see something new every single day of your cruise in May, from sailing the Inside Passage to visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Hubbard Glacier, and Skagway before ending your cruise in Seward, Alaska, where you might even be able to see some snow on the ground.

Royal Caribbean And Celebrity Cruises To Sail In July With Covid Vaccine Requirement

Royal Caribbean Group announced Friday that its cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will plan to sail from Seattle to Alaska on round-trip itineraries starting in July. Celebrity set a date of July 23, but other restart dates were not specified.;

All passengers over 16 will be required to have been vaccinated to board the sailings. Starting Aug. 1, every passenger over age 12 will be required to be fully vaccinated to board.

We are so pleased that Congress unanimously voted to pass legislation enabling cruise ships to sail to Alaska this season,” Richard D.;Fain, Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO, said in the announcement.

Ultimate Glacier And Fjord Adventure

The best way to maximize time spent in Alaska is to fly into the state first and then make your way back home the long way around.

Such is the case withSebournes ultimate, 15-night fly-cruisepackage. Starting from Seward and ending in Seattle, the trip is as close to “all-in” as youre likely to find. A four-day cruise across some stunning coastline takes you to theInian Islands,Haines, Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan.

But you also get to explore some places most other Alaska cruise routes avoid. The tour includes a visit to theMisty Fjords national monument and an overnight anchorage at theCity of Wrangell.

Later, youll stop at the charming village ofKlemtu — home of the Kitasoo Native Band — and spend some time in the oldest community on Vancouver Island, the heritage town ofAlert Bay.

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Norwegian To Resume Cruises In With Covid Vaccine Required

Norwegian, which announced a vaccine requirement for all passengers and crew on all of its ships in April,;expressed its commitment to safety and to working with the CDC when ticket sales were announced.

“We remain optimistic that by working with the CDC and local port and government authorities in the destinations we visit that we will be able to resume safe cruising in the U.S. this summer,” a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said to Alaska’s News Source;on Tuesday.

Tickets are on sale for Alaska itineraries on the company’s Norwegian Bliss ship;starting;Aug. 7 through the end of the season sailing from Seattle, according to a news;release shared Monday. The statement from the cruise line did not specify what the end of the season would be. In the past, ships have visited southeast Alaska into September.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Featured June Cruises To Alaska

World of Cruising

Experience the wonders of Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier on the gorgeous Celebrity Solstice on a to Alaska. This popular itinerary sails roundtrip from Seattle, Washington.

Along the way, youll stop in the Alaskan port towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, as well as Victoria, British Columbia. As you sail through Endicott Arm to Dawes Glacier, relax on your private veranda and admire the stunning landscapes.

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Best For Teens And Adventure

If youve got active kids who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Anyone else looking to really explore Alaska should also consider an expedition cruise where youll hop aboard skiffs for up-close looks at glaciers, go hiking in Tongass National Forest and kayak the calm waters of the Inside Passage. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten, Lindblad Expeditions , Ponant or Silverseas expedition ships .

Nikon Aculon 1050 Binoculars

Nikon is better to know for their cameras; it should be no surprise that theyre also great at applying their excellent lens technology to binoculars. Ive included a couple of different Nikon options on this list with different specs, including the Aculon 10×50 binocular.

These Porro Prism binoculars are a bit bigger and bulkier and are also not waterproof. But, they are a good option if you prefer this style of binocular and want a larger pair to hang onto , and have better eyecups for those wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.

  • Not good for eyeglasses/sunglasses

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Best Modern Cruise: Celebrity

  • Ship Name: Celebrity Solstice
  • Itinerary: Seattle, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Alaska Inside Passage, Victoria

For an upscale Alaska cruise without the luxury price tag, Celebrity is a fantastic option. The award-winning, Celebrity Solstice is a dignified ship that focuses on modern well-being. Activities include culinary classes, silent discos, and educational lectures. Theres also a half-acre of fresh grass with hot glass demonstrations, private cabanas, and outdoor movies. The ship also has a fabulous fitness center and programs, and the Canyon Ranch Spa situated right next to the Aqua Class cabins. These cabins include access to a health-conscious restaurant as well as the relaxation room and other spa perks. This voyage includes a full day cruising Endicott Arm for fabulous views before concluding in Victoria.

Steiner 1042 Predator Binoculars

Alaska’s New Best Cruise Ship: Ovation Of The Seas

Alaska is home to many species of apex predators wolves, orcas, bears, and more. If you want to feel like a predator only insofar as youre the most eagle-eyed person on your Alaska cruise, the Steiner 10×42 Predator binoculars are the way to go.

These binoculars have a different look ;theyre clearly more tactically designed for hunters. But you can just be a visual hunter, rather than, you know, a hunting hunter. However, being designed for more intense activities than spotting wildlife, these binoculars also have a higher price point.

  • Over $300

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Relax On Decadent Alaska Cruises From Seattle By Oceania Cruises

Alaskan cruises offered by Oceania Cruises are premium experiences. Aboard one of Oceania Cruises ships, you will be staying in luxurious suites and rooms that are furnished in the neoclassical style.

Besides having some of the finest accommodations, Oceania Cruises Alaska cruises feature lounges, bars, casinos, spa centers, stylish restaurants, and more. Not to mention exciting shore excursions and wildlife viewing.

Oceania Cruises offers both 7 and 10-night cruises from Seattle to Alaska.

The 7-night Alaska cruise includes highlights such as:

  • Seattle

Ketchikan. Photo by Holland America.

Best For Couples And Big Celebrations

Look to the luxury cruise lines 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 Ocean.

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Carnival Princess Holland America To Resume Require Covid Vaccines On Initial Sailings

Carnival Corp.;said Thursday in a statement;provided by spokesperson Roger Frizzell, that the plans to resume sailing with paying passengers came based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent guidance, collaboration with Alaskan officials.;;

Each cruise line will resume with one ship sailing round trip.;

To board, passengers will be required to show proof that they have been vaccinated 14 days ahead of the cruise’s start date.;Carnival Corp. hasn’t announced a decision on whether vaccines will be required more;broadly.;

“Our highest responsibility and top priority are always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside personnel,” Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp., said in a statement.

;Princess Cruises will resume sailings in Alaska July 25, and seven-day cruises on the Majestic Princess will run through Sept. 26 visiting ports, glaciers and other attractions, such as Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Ketchikan and Juneau.

;Holland America Line will start Alaska seven-day;sailings on the Nieuw Amsterdam with port calls at Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan departing July 24 with 10;Saturday departure dates scheduled to run through Oct.;2.

What Excursions Do You Want To Do

Royal Caribbean announces Alaska 2022 cruises

Each cruise port has a range of different excursions available at an extra cost. Some of the more common ones like floatplane sightseeing, bear-watching, whale-watching,;dog sledding and fishing you can do in multiple places, but others are only available in one location.

Its worth doing a bit of research in advance to work out what you want to do as some of the most popular excursions book up fast, especially in peak season. So if theres something you particularly want to do then its a good idea to reserve a spot when you book your cruise. The pros of official cruise line excursions is that youre usually allowed off the ship first and itll wait if there are delays, but they can be pricey and sometimes have big group sizes.

Float plane in Juneau

You can also book excursions independently, either through companies like Get Your Guide or Viator, or directly with local operators. There are usually tour desks lined up at cruise ports too where you can book something last-minute too if you dont want to book ahead we did a last-minute trip to the Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau when we knew itd be a sunny day. Make sure you allow plenty of time though as the ship wont wait if youre late back.

An excursion to the Mendenhall Glacier

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What About The Ferry

You might have heard someone refer to the Alaska ferry as a locals cruise or a cheaper cruise and I want you to know that is not accurate! I cringe whenever I read or hear this. The Alaska ferry is absolutely wonderful, but its public transportation and that is how its used by Alaskans. Its also more expensive than people expect and there are lots of hidden costs, such as getting a small cabin and eating in the cafeteria. If youre interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, its an amazing experience, but its very different from a cruise! Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here.

Advantages Of Visiting Alaska In August

  • Warm weather, with temperatures between 45-65 degrees and 18 hours of daylight.
  • Abundant fishing opportunities, as halibut, northern pike, rainbow trout, and salmon are all in season.
  • Numerous cruise and land tour packages on offer, giving you access to the breathtaking fall foliage of the Last Frontier.
  • As for wildlife, August is peak migration season for songbirds and youll see numerous caribou, bears, beavers, orca, and loons on your adventure.

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Whens The Best Time To See The Northern Lights On An Alaska Cruise

Seeing the northern lights from the cruise ship is a rare occurrence, but if youd like to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis from the balcony on your stateroom, then you need to book a trip in late September or early October.

To maximize your chance of witnessing the northern lights, get off the boat and join a land excursion to Fairbanks. The aurora season in Fairbanks lasts from the end of August to April and the lights can be seen 4 out of 5 nights .

Best For Families With Younger Kids

Alaska Cruise Tips | Top Tips for Cruising Alaska | Princess Cruises

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships. Disney kicks that up a notch with meet-and-greets with its beloved characters on board. You can hang with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival and there are DreamWorks personas aboard Royal Caribbean ships.

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Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise Celebrity Eclipse

This starts in Vancouver and takes you through the iconic Inside Passage to Ketchikan and Juneau. Youll explore basically the entire Alaska panhandle, which is home to some of North Americas most breathtaking coastline, including deep fjords, calving glaciers, and coastal mountains and forests. The final destination on this epic Alaska cruise is the massive Hubbard Glacier.

This is one of the best Alaska cruises if you have a weeks time. In 2019, there are twelve sailing dates, running from late-May through mid-September.

  • From/to: roundtrip from Vancouver

Featured September Cruises To Alaska

Increase your chances of seeing fall foliage on an Alaska Southbound Glacier Cruise itinerary that sails from Seward, Alaska down to British Columbia. The northern ports youll visit along the way may already be showing signs of autumn, and by beginning in Alaska, you can enjoy a couple of days before your embarks to explore on land when the first signs of the impending Alaskan winter are just starting to show.

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What Are The Excursions Like

Alaska is about getting out into nature for those once in-a-lifetime experiences. Here’s a look at the type of shore tours offered in some of the most popular ports:

What to Do in Juneau:

Alaska’s state capital sits at the base of Mount Roberts; explore the nearby ice fields of Mendenhall Glacier or take the tram up to the top of Mount Roberts for spectacular views of the harbor. Or kayak in nearby Auke Bay to soak up the beautiful scenery of the area and maybe spot seals and eagles as you’re paddling around.

What to Do in Skagway:

Charming Skagway is all about the legacy of the Klondike Gold Rush; it was the place prospectors converged more than a century ago to seek their fortunes in the snowy mountains about the town. From Skagway, take a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railway , or sign up for the mostly downhill 15-mile bike ride along the scenic Klondike Highway with endless views of snowcapped peaks.

What to Do in Ketchikan:

It might be the rainiest port of the Inside Passage, but don’t let that stop you from checking out Ketchikan’s totem poles, salmon, and flight-seeing opportunities over the Misty Fjords National Monument. From Ketchikan, the Misty Fjords flight-seeing tour will give you aerial views of rocks rising 3,000 feet from the sea. The grand finale is when the floatplane actually lands on a wilderness lake for a quick look around. Juneau is also a great port for flight-seeing tours, many flying over the nearby ice fields.

Nikon Prostaff 7s 842 Binoculars

Best Alaskan Cruises

When it comes to binoculars lens quality obviously varies ;but so do handgrips, which are obviously important if youre going to spend a week using them to try and see everything you can on your Alaska cruise. These Roof Prism-style Nikon Prostaff 7S binoculars are compact and futuristic, but also pack all the features you need.

While these binoculars come with other specs , the 8×42 binoculars are the most versatile and worth the price. That means theyll do well when watching a glacier calving up close or seeing a bald eagle preening.

  • Not great for eyeglasses/sunglasses

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Savor Delicious Food & Rugged Alaskan Coastline On This 8

Carnival Cruise Line is all about making the cruise experience enjoyable for everyone. Onboard activities are diverse and numerous ensuring that no matter the age group of the people youre cruising with, theres an activity to be enjoyed.

If youre cruising with your family, enjoy the ships very own SkyRide, Sky Zone, or Water Works park. If youre cruising with only adults, take advantage of the ships many lounges, bars, and restaurants.

Onshore, excursions you can join include hiking, wildlife viewing, whale watching, glacier trekking, and more!

Ports of call on this Alaskan cruise include:

  • Seattle

Stika. Photo by Holland America.

Got Questions About Alaska Cruises

If you have any questions about which Alaska cruise and itinerary would be best for you, get in touch;with one of AAAs travel agents today.

Here at AAA, weve made it our mission to provide travelers with access to luxurious and fun cruise experiences. We look forward to providing you with the answers that you need in order to make the best decision for your upcoming trip.

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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.

Small Ship Alaska Cruises From Seattle

See the Best of Alaska on a Cruise Vacation | Princess Cruises

At this time, AAA does not offer 3-day Alaska cruises from Seattle, small boutique cruises from Seattle to Alaska, or cruises from Seattle to Alaska one way.

Please contact one of our travel agents with any questions you may have about our Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle.

We hope to see you soon on one of our cruises!

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