If You Want Affordability
Is money the most important factor for your cruise to Alaska? First things first, be prepared to spend more than you would for a comparable Caribbean cruise. Its not unusual to find week-long Caribbean cruises for under $500. Similar length cruises to Alaska are often twice as much.
If you are interested in the cheapest Alaskan cruises, then your best option is to 1) sail during the shoulder season and 2) look for cruises aboard Holland America.
The Alaskan cruise season runs from May through September. For cheaper prices look for trips in either of those months. June, July, and August tend to be more expensive. As well, weve found that for the 2019 cruise season Holland America offers a number of cruises that are cheaper than their competitors. Specifically, the cruise line offers a number of trips in September for $799 per person a low rate by Alaskan cruise standards and the cheapest we found.
Alaska Cruise To Ketchikan
On an Alaska cruise, see the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan which boasts the worlds largest collection of traditional Native American totem poles, with thirty three unique and original totems on display at the exhibit. Here, you can take a guided tour around the fascinating exhibitions to learn the story of the local peoples history and culture through their most famous art creations. For any thrill seekers, there’s also the chance to take a zip line journey across the rainforest canopy.
How Much Do Alaska Cruise Fares Cost
Alaska cruise prices are constantly changing, even for the same ship and itinerary. As a ship sells out, cruise fares will increase. If one itinerary isnt selling well, prices might drop. A shoulder-season sailing will typically be cheaper than a midsummer voyage, and an inside cabin is nearly always cheaper than a balcony cabin. Suites range from a mini-suite to a lavish multi-room, multi-deck enclave, and cruise fares vary accordingly.
You can use the following ranges to estimate how much your Alaska cruise fare will cost on a big-ship cruise line:
- Inside cabin: $50 to $150 per person, per day
- Outside cabin: $75 to $200 per person, per day
- Balcony cabin: $100 to $300 per person, per day
- Suite: $250+ per person, per day
For a family-friendly, big-ship cruise line, Disney is always priced higher than lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Its inside cabins start from $225 per person, per day, and the smallest suite starts at $1,000 per person, per day.
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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.
What Are Tips To Find Cruise Deals To Alaska
Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Alaska. If you book a guaranteed cabin , a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Alaska. Last minute cruises deals to Alaska appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Alaska in the shoulder season can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.
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If You Want A Big Nice Ship
If youve taken many cruises, then you know that the cruise ship you sail can make or break your trip. After all, even if you hit several ports, you are still on the ship for the vast majority of your cruise. Thats one reason why many cruisers prefer to sail on the newest ships. These ships are not only larger offering more space around the ship but also offer the latest in amenities.
If you want to sail upon the latest and greatest ships, then youll want to look at either Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises aboard the Ovation of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Launched in 2016, the ship measures more than 1,140 long and can carry more than 4,000 passengers. On board, youll find many of Royal Caribbeans most famous innovations including the Bionic Bar , the North Star , the Flowrider, and more than a dozen places to eat.
Meanwhile, Norwegian offers sailings aboard the Norwegian Bliss, built in 2018. It holds 4,000 passengers as well, and measures more than 1,000. While the paint is barely dry on the ship, you might have seen the headlines. The Bliss offers a go-kart race track at sea one of the most unique innovations for kids and adults alike. There are also more than 15 places to grab a bite to eat, including a Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville at Sea.
Saving Money On Your Stateroom
If youre sailing to Alaska on a budget, sacrifice that balcony stateroom for an inside stateroom instead. When shopping for a Caribbean cruise, the price difference between an inside, outside, and balcony cabins tends to be minimal. However, Alaska cruises have huge price jumps from inside cabins through to balcony staterooms. Sometimes the price difference is a whole other cruise. Selecting the right stateroom for Alaska isnt hard, just think about the destination.
Ive sailed a back-to-back Alaska cruise in an inside cabin for $349 per week. I didnt spend much time in my stateroom and was thrilled to take a 14-day vacation for under $700.
Cruisers who book a guaranteed stateroom save the most money by allowing your cruise line to pick your cabin. You have to be prepared to take whatever your cruise line gives you. So, if youre a light sleeper, or suffer from motion sickness, choosing a guaranteed cabin might not be a wise choice.
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The Best Months For An Alaska Cruise For Low Prices
Alaska is not a cheap cruise, but if you want to save money on your cruise fare, then your best bet is May or September.
For the same reasons May and September feature lower crowds, these months see most often the lowest prices for a cruise because of the combination of colder temperatures and the school calendar.
Alaska On A Budget: Planning
If you want to cruise Alaska on a budget, its best to start pre-planning long before your anticipated vacation. Start shopping a year in advance and watch the prices regularly. Pricing can rise and fall rapidly from week to week.
Its important to note the Vancouver cruise port offers more Alaska sailings than Seattle. When comparing Alaska cruises from Seattle and Vancouver, youre more likely to find cheap cruises from Vancouver, Canada. While round trip and one-way cruises are both offered from Vancouver, the one-way itineraries are by far the better deal. Also, they usually have a more desirable route since they travel further north. Since fewer ships are sailing from the US, its tough to find a cheap Alaska cruise from Seattle.
To save money, you should consider sailing a drop and go, as the savings can be as much as 70% off the recommended price. I often shop online at Vacationstogo.com. Their website has a 90-day ticker, which I watch on a regular basis for last-minute Alaska cruises. Lets face it no cruise ship wants to sail with empty cabins, so the empty staterooms are often hugely discounted.
Also, booking more than a year in advance can sometimes save a significant amount of money. Living in Vancouver, I always search for inexpensive Alaska vacations since its so close to home. I recently saw an Alaska cruise for 2022 for a mere $400. Seeing Alaska on the cheap is certainly attainable if you do your planning.
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Cheap Alaska Cruise Deals
Cruise Critic can help you find affordable cruise deals to Alaska. Choose from the best cruise deals and specials for Alaska cruises. Save up to 72% on last minute Alaska cruises. For the best cruise deals, its best to book far in advance of your trip. Popular time cruise deals are released is during wave season .
Popular Alaska cruises often sail to Juneau, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Whittier and Wrangell during their cruise itinerary. Alaska cruises could leave from Anchorage, Seattle, Seward, Vancouver and the West Coast. Most commonly, Alaska cruises sail for 6-9 Days days.
Alaska Cruise To Vancouver
Just over the border from US territory in Canada, you can make a trip ashore to discover the big city attractions and brilliant outdoor pursuits of Vancouver, such as the glittering views of the Puget Sound and the magnificent Cascade Mountains. Explore the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver’s historic district, which features restored heritage buildings, antique shops, boutiques and restaurants.
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How Much To Budget For An Alaskan Cruise
A typical Alaska Cruise can cost between $600 and $5,000 per person, depending on the length of your cruise, the type of cruise you choose, and your room choice. We recommend budgeting an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to get the most out of your Alaskan cruise. Youll also want to consider airfare, transportation, and lodging before and after your cruise in your budget.
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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:
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Cost Of Alaska Cruise In May
These first trips to Alaska are also known as the off-season trips and hence the cruise prices are 20% lesser.
If you are lucky, you may be able to find Alaska cruises for as less as $100 per day.
Even though this is the shoulder season dont bet on last minute booking because even in May the tickets get sold out soon.
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What Are Popular Ports In Alaska
Glacier Bay is not a physical port, but due to its stunning scenery it’s one of the highest-rated destinations in Alaska. The U.S. National Park contains glaciers, lush forests and is part of one of the largest protected biosphere preserves in the world, as well as a U.N. World Heritage Site.
Most sailings to Alaska follow the Inside Passage, or the southeastern “panhandle” around Alaska. Popular ports along this route include Skagway, Ketchikan, Juneau and sometimes Sitka . From Vancouver or Seattle, you will also typically call on the Canadian port of Victoria in British Columbia.
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What Are Popular Activities In Alaska
The variety of shoreside tours in Alaska is second to none. Whether you take a helicopter tour to a dogsledding camp, learn about indigenous cultures or go salmon fishing like the local bears, excursions in Alaska are an unforgettable experience.
Active types will thrive with plenty of opportunities to hop in a kayak, hike and even ice climb. Passive activities can be just as thrilling, like the White Pass Summit scenic rail of Skagway or a whale-watching boat tour in Juneau. Alaska caters to all ages and activity levels meaning you don’t have to break a sweat to see some truly awesome sights here, and to learn about their history in the process.
Find Out When Is The Cheapest Time Of The Year To Cruise And Book With Cruiseexpertscom For The Best Deals
Have you been planning this years vacation but want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck? If so, you are probably wondering when is the cheapest time of the year to cruise. You will be happy to learn that there are multiple times of the year when cruising offers rock bottom prices to those looking to sail away on vacation. On the flip side, there are also peak season prices that could cause sticker shock for those who are trying to find hot deals, or who want to spread their vacation savings across multiple cruises.
Today we are going to take a look at when is the cheapest time of year to book a cruise. Some of the time frames may actually surprise you! In general, cheap cruise prices typically occur for cruises sailing in the late winter and the early fall. It makes sense as kids are still in school or just going back to school, so most families are not traveling during this time. Also, winter holidays have just passed so most people are staying put and not spending money. Going against the grain and sailing during these times still offers you all of the perks of the cruise ship and onshore excursions without the hurried crowds and long wait time in line.
Victor and Pat C.
Now, the key to finding cheap cruise deals is knowing particular low price weeks in the seasons we mentioned above. Here is a quick cheat sheet:
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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.
Cheap 2022 Alaskan Cruises
During the past few years, interest in sailing to Alaska has soared. Its not hard to see why.
Alaska is known at the last frontier, and like any frontier, it can be difficult to traverse. With a limited amount of roads and other transportation, the easiest way to get around the picturesque coastline is via boat or plane. Luckily, thats also the best way to view the natural scenery.
And as word spreads about the beauty of taking an Alaskan cruise and as the cruise industry grows in general more and more people are considering taking a trip.
The good news is that with increased interest in cruises to the region, cruise lines are sailing more ships to Alaska. Today, there is a staggering amount of Alaskan cruises to choose from across every budget, cruise line, and itinerary.
If youre looking for cheap Alaskan cruises, however, then you need to be prepared to shop around. Trips to this area are seasonal sailing from May through September. Since there is only a limited window of time to cruise, prices are considerably higher than similar Caribbean cruises you might be familiar with. As well, prices change frequently.
Below, we highlight some of the cheapest 2022 Alaskan cruises. The prices for these trips start at just $339 per person. But before we get too far, here are some tips on how to find the most affordable trips to this region
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Alaska Cruise To Sitka
Sitka gives you a real taste of Alaskas history and scenery. The towns orthodox cathedral sports a Russian onion dome, and the nearby battle ground – marked by a path of totem poles – was the scene of Alaskas first colonial rulers victory over the native tribes. Meanwhile, the backdrop of the Sitka National Park boasts some of the most iconic views in all the Inland Passage.
All Inclusive Cruises Vs Traditional All Inclusive Vacations
Sail to the destination of your dreams from the departure port that works best for you. Enjoy cruise perks all for one affordable price. Similar to a traditional all inclusive vacation, food and entertainment on board is included in your cruise fare. Most cruise lines also offer a special and affordable drink package for your trip. Different from an all inclusive resort, you wake up at a new port throughout your vacation rather than the same scenery.
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For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. In addition, average cruise prices are updated nightly.
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