What Is The Best Cruise Line For Alaska Cruise Tours

What Is The Best Alaskan Cruise

4.3/5

• #1. Viking Orion. Viking Ocean Cruises.
• #2. Crystal Symphony. Crystal Cruises.
• #2. Silver Muse. Silversea Cruises.
• #2. Seabourn Sojourn. Seabourn Cruise Line.
• #5. Celebrity Eclipse. Celebrity Cruises.
• #5. Disney Wonder. Disney Cruise Line.
• #7. Celebrity Millennium. Celebrity Cruises.
• #7. Celebrity Solstice. Celebrity Cruises.

People also ask, which is the best cruise ship to Alaska?

Top Alaska Cruises in 2020

• Norwegian Bliss. One of our top picks for the past few years, Norwegian Bliss still retains its position on this list for 2020.
• Norwegian Joy.

Beside above, what is the best cruise line from Vancouver to Alaska?

• #1. Seven Seas Explorer. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
• #2. Viking Orion. Viking Ocean Cruises.
• #2. Seabourn Odyssey. Seabourn Cruise Line.
• #4. Silver Muse. Silversea Cruises.
• #4. Seabourn Sojourn. Seabourn Cruise Line.
• #6. Celebrity Eclipse. Celebrity Cruises.
• #6. Disney Wonder. Disney Cruise Line.
• #8. Celebrity Millennium. Celebrity Cruises.

Besides, what is the best month to cruise Alaska?

Best Time To Cruise Alaska. Cruise season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-âbut within that time frame, is one time better than another to book your cruise? For a lot of cruisers, mid- through mid- is the peak season, because of optimum weather and daylight.

What are the best ports on an Alaskan cruise?

A Look at Alaska’s Top-Rated Cruise Ports

Choose An Alaska Cruise Line

Just about every line offers sailings to and from the Anchorage area. From big ships to small vessels, luxury sailings and adventure-oriented expeditions, theres something for everyone. Azamara, Cunard, Crystal, Celebrity, Holland America Lines, Norwegian, Ponant, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Windstar and Viking Ocean Cruises all have offerings in this part of Alaska.

There Might Be Other Tour Times Available Besides Those Offered On The Ship

Along with limiting the number of spots available, cruise lines and tour operators also collaborate on the departure times that are offered. This means that one ship might offer the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari only at 7:30 am, while another offers it only at 10 am.

If you want to go at a different time, youre out of luck, right? Wrong. Again, check with smaller tour agencies or the tour company itself to see if there is still space on other departures. This is often the case for everything except the most popular tours .

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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

Dining Is Uneven And Sometimes Additional

One of the biggest surprises about the cruise tour is that meals might not be included. Some cruise tour programs don’t include meals in the price to give travelers the freedom to try local restaurants of their own choosing.

Yet, you might often be compelled to eat at certain times and in certain places. On the Alaska Railroad train rides, you might not be allowed to eat your own food up in the seating area, but since the ride typically takes place smack in the middle of a meal time , you are basically forced to eat in the dining car. And, because the dining car can’t accommodate all the passengers at once, you’ll have to eat in shifts as dictated by the train host.

Eating dinner at the hotel each night will likely be the most convenient option, especially if you’re in a more remote lodge. However, it’s likely to be more expensive with limited options.

On the other hand, shuttle service between out-of-the-way hotels and the restaurant area are not always reliable, especially if you’re eating later at night due to your tour schedule. Be prepared: Getting back to the hotel is part of the adventure.

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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.

Last Minute Cruises Can Sometimes Be The Cheapest Cruise Deal

Sometimes, but not always, the cheapest cruise deal is a Last Minute Cruise. You won’t get a wide selection of stateroom categories or a chance to select your stateroom location but if your schedule is flexible you just might find a cheap cruise price on a last minute cruise. Last minute cruises are cruises leaving in the next 90 days. The cruise line really wants to fill those last few staterooms and sometimes will offer them at a discount cruise price in exchange for you giving up your right to a full selection of cabin categories or deck locations. CruiseExperts.com makes it easy for you to poke around and see what’s available in last minute cruise deals. View our Last Minute Cruise Deals by clicking here and give it a try. This is one of our most popular website features.

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Advantages Of Visiting Alaska In June

• Warming coastal temperatures between 40-60 degrees and even warmer interior temperatures of 50-70 degrees.
• Between 18-20 hours of daylight, giving you lots of time to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.
• Wildlife is everywhere in June, with caribou, black bear cubs, mountain goats, moose calves, and even polar bears, out in force. On the water, pods of beluga whales can be spotted, along with plentiful seabirds and seal pups.
• Cruises offering land tours are available, as all the major national parks open in June.
• The warmer weather and longer daylight hours mean that tourist attractions in towns like Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks are fully open.

Girdwood Forest Fair. Photo by Brook Binkowski/Flicker

To Book Or Not To Book

Hopefully, these tips will help you to think outside the boat when booking your shore excursions in Skagway or other cruise ship ports. Whether you book with your cruise line or with an independent agency like us, its good to know that there are some things you just shouldnt worry about, like missing your boat.

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Best Cruise Experience: Holland America

Courtesy of Holland America

• Ship Name: MS Koningsdam
• Itinerary: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

Holland Americas mid-sized fleet offers a more sophisticated cruise experience than most mainstream vessels, and although not adults-only, the MS Koningsdam offers a musically-themed cruise voyage that appeals to an older demographic. In the evening, there are instrumental concerts at Lincoln Center Stage, the BB King Blues Club, the two-story World Stage to Music Walk, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard an interactive setting for rock music. The ship also focuses on food and drink with live cooking demonstrations in Americas Test Kitchen and at Blend, a hands-on cocktail class. The 2,650-passenger Koningsdam sails to several destinations from the U.S., including sun-filled itineraries to the Mexican Riviera.

Experience The Rugged Adventure In Comfort And Style With A Variety Of Cruise Lines

Alaska cruises and cruise tours are the ideal way to experience the legendary history of the 49th state. The historic charm and frontier spirit are felt in the Inside Passage and in picturesque ports of call, such as Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau and Sitka. Alaska is also renowned for its magnificent wildlife, whale migrations, exceptional scenery, dramatic glaciers, and iconic natural wonders, such as Mount McKinley and Denali National Park. With departures and arrivals available from Seattle or Vancouver, youre sure to find an adventure that suits you.

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Advantages Of Visiting Alaska In July

• Looking for warm weather? July is Alaskas hottest month, with daytime temperatures ranging between 50-70 degrees and 18-19 hours of daylight.
• If youre planning an arctic cruise, prepare for cooler weather, as the temperature up north dips down to 33-45 degrees. Also pack an eye mask for sleeping, as arctic cruises enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight.
• Grizzlies, black bears, and mountain goats dot the landscape. In the sea, humpback whales and otters splash about, and overhead you can spot millions of migrating shorebirds.
• For the anglers, July is spawning season for salmon, making it perfect for fishing trips.

Alaska State Fair. Photo by Matt Hage/State of Alaska.

Their Activity Levels Are Not Always Very Helpful

Every activity is assigned a level by the cruise line. Unfortunately, these levels are not very descriptive, and for some activities, may be woefully insufficient.

For instance, most cruise lines list both the White Pass train trips and Glacier Point ATV Exploration as easy, but for the former Alaska excursion, you are simply a passenger, while the latter has you piloting your own vehicle.

Its always better to ask, especially if you have any health concerns or mobility issues. Minor issues like stiff knees or a limited range of motion can be unpleasant on an excursion like the Ocean Raft Adventure, even if you are relatively healthy otherwise.

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When Is The Best Time To Cruise Alaska

The best time to cruise Alaska is from May to September. During these months, the weather would not be too wet or too cold. Any month earlier or later than May to September would be too cold and too wet for you to be able to appreciate the cruise. You would not be able to venture outside of your cabin for too long.

Moreover, you may want to book your room earlier, so you can have the luxury of choosing a stateroom that suits your preferences. When you book early, you may also be able to avail of discounts and freebies.

The Royal Caribbean or Harmony of the Seas cruise ships offer fantastic Alaskan cruises that can provide top-notch entertainment, magnificent live views from any suite stateroom, and virtual balconies.

Many Alaskan cruise ships can provide modern amenities and features that can turn your trip into a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable journey at the right cost.

If youre traveling on a budget, dont worry, as there are good options for you as well. It is advisable to scout for a cruise ship congruent with your travel itinerary and financial budget. Dont let money limit your exploration and adventure. Think out of the box. You can accomplish your objectives by being positive about your Alaskan trip.

Small Ship Cruise + Land

The small ship cruise + land is a great alternative for those who still want a seamless experience, but also want to stop at less-visited ports where large ships can’t go as well as stay at wilderness lodges when on land. The downside is that many such itineraries do not include Denali. However, you will still see equally beautiful destinations. See small ship cruise + landitineraries below.

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The 8 Best Alaska Cruises Of 2021

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“Airport transfers, shore excursions, meals, wine and spirits, and park admission is bundled into the price.”

Best for Adventure: Alaskan Dream Cruises See Rates

“Excursions focus on local culture such as totem carvings, folk dances, and other Tlingit cultural presentations.”

Best Holiday Cruise: Azamara Club Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara Club Cruises

• Duration: 15 nights
• Ship Name: Azamara Pursuit
• Itinerary: Montevideo, Uruguay Santos, Brazil Ilhabela, Brazil Paraty, Brazil Buzios, Brazil Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Copacabana Beach Brazil, Punta Del Este, Uruguay Buenos Aires, Argentina

Azamara Club Cruises operates smaller, upscale vessels that travel one-off itineraries around the globe calling in smaller, less-visited ports that others don’t stop at. The company puts an emphasis on destination immersion, and appeal to adults who want to go deeper into the local culture with shore excursions. Azamara is one of the few companies that stays in port overnight, and in doing so they bundle evening excursions in the price . The newest ship, Azamara Pursuit, debuts this year and is offering a winter holiday cruise that spends New Years Eve at Copacabana Beach in Brazil.

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The Knockout Scenery Might Be At Midnight

Only in Alaska can you choose from an array of interesting wake-up calls. The Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers a Mount Denali wake-up call. The hotel staff will ring you if the skies clear, providing a view of the majestic mountain from the hotel’s back deck. If your trip is blessed with clear skies and sunny weather, you might actually see the mountain several times, say, during a jet boat tour on Talkeetna’s three rivers or on the way to board the bus in the morning.

In Denali and Fairbanks, you can request a northern lights wake-up call, and the front desk will alert you in the middle of the night should the aurora borealis be especially active. The heavenly phenomenon is not common during the summer months of cruise season, but don’t count out a phone call at 11:30 p.m. to view a ghostly arc of green, shimmering across the night sky.

The wake-up call opportunities show just how much scenery is a part of an Alaskan vacation — in addition to many hours riding buses, trains and boats. One of the most scenic rides is from Seward to Anchorage, along the Turnagain Arm, where snow-capped mountains and rolling hills rise on each side of the bay.

Cruise From Home And Relax

Everyone knows that a cruise vacation is one of the most relaxing, hassle free vacations you can take. Imagine if you also didn’t have to worry about traveling to start your vacation but could just drive up to a port near your home and get onboard your luxury cruise ship. Here at CruiseExperts.com we’ve made it easy to see which cruises start close to home. Get started with our Home Port widget by clicking on your home port below.

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Some Cruise Lines Impose Additional Weight/age Limits Beyond Those Of The Tour Company

This most often happens to families with small children. The family will go on Alaska shore excursions and leave the small ones behind because they didnt meet the age or weight limit. Then they get there and find out that everyone could have participated because the operators limits are lower.

Some Alaska shore excursions, like the Chilkoot Horseback Adventure, are very strict, while others, like Grizzly Falls Zipline, are more lenient. If you have any doubts, you should contact the operator directly or speak with a tour specialist at Alaska Shore Tours.

The Tours Booked On The Ship Are Exactly The Same As The Ones You Can Book Elsewhere

This is a big one. With very, very few exceptions, you can book the exact same tour off the boat, as you can on the boat. In other words, it is more than possible to do Alaska shore excursions on your own. Often times, you can do so for a cheaper price as well. Exceptions to this rule tend to be the large coach tours, which in Skagway are operated almost exclusively by Holland America Princess Alaska. However, by booking the exact same tour elsewhere, instead of riding in a large coach bus, youll enjoy a more personalized and smaller group experience in a comfortable mini-coach bus.

You should definitely do your research when selecting your tours, as sometimes Exclusive to us can mean something as simple as adding a 10-minute marshmallow roast to the end of a regular tour. Nothing else has changed, except the price!

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Missing Your Boat Is Never A Problem

Most cruise lines will say, We cant guarantee that youll be back on time unless you book through us. But the people who book independently are on the same tour as those who book through the ship, so the timing remains the same. Everyone, from the dock reps to the bus drivers to the guides, has been trained and coached to keep their timing as consistent as possible no matter the day, week or month.

The tour departures for an Alaska excursion are built around the cruise ship schedule. This is especially the case in ports like Skagway and Ketchikan, where the majority of visitors arrive on a cruise. This means that it is almost impossible to miss your boat unless you purposefully try to.

With that said, if a tour operator says that a certain Alaska excursion departure time will not work for your boat, please believe them. As mentioned earlier, they know their timing better than anyone, and asking them to delay or rush through a tour is unfair to other guests who might be on the tour with you.

At Alaska Shore Tours, we offer a guarantee that you will return to your ship on tours that have been booked through us, so you can fully enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Why Take An Alaska Cruise Tour

The great state of Alaska draws tourists from around the world for many reasons – one of which is the unbridled majesty of its landscapes. There is truly no better way to appreciate the scale of this geographically stunning region than from the comfort of a cruise ship. An Alaskan cruise will give you the opportunity to gaze upon tree-covered mountains, gigantic glaciers and other awe-inspiring geological structures, as well as a range of untamed wildlife.

While the cruising portion of your Alaska Cruise Tour gives you the chance to lay back and relax, taking in Alaska’s visual richness from afar, the land tour provides an exciting expedition into the interior of the state. Starting from Seward, you’ll take a train or motor coach further into the state, where you’ll traverse the rugged and scenic landscape.

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