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During these months, as Alaska’s tourism activity begins to wind down, you can often find deals both on and off the cruise ships. Lower prices and fewer crowds can enhance your overall experience, making it an attractive option for savvy travelers. According to McDaniel, some ships are even starting to extend the Alaska cruise season, sailing as early as April. Those summer months, however, are when you're likely to see the warmest weather, with temperatures around 50 to 70 degrees, as well as the longest number of daylight hours, she said.
Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise
However, the largest number of whale species in the Inside Passage and Alaskan coast can be found during peak whale season in June. To maximize your chances of spotting whales, consider booking your Alaska cruise during this prime time. According to a spokesperson for Princess Cruises, the best cruise weather typically occurs from mid-June through August. The shoulder seasons — which run from the end of April through early June and September — are less crowded and cheaper, but the weather may be rainy and colder. If you’re wondering when is the best time to cruise Alaska, you’ve come to the right place.
The best month for an Alaska cruise: When to go
September is also a great time to get deals on souvenirs, as merchants sell off this year's goods at the end of Alaska's tourist season. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Unless you booked early, cabin choice could be limited — especially if you are looking for a fancy suite or cheap inside cabin, which tend to be the first categories to sell out. At the beginning of the month, you might still be able to find some early season pricing; the peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.
July Alaska Cruises
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.
Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
April, May, and September are considered shoulder seasons for cruising to Alaska. Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail.
Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's history here you shouldn't overlook.
North America Travel Guide
One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
The Studio Lounge is a welcoming spot to meet other solo travelers so you can join up for meals or shore excursions to places like Dawes Glacier and Icy Strait Point. At AAA, we offer a wide selection of cruise itineraries to those explorers who want to get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife, landscape, and culture. As for land trips, June sees Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park open, both of which offer stunning floatplane and flightseeing adventures. Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born.
Alaska cruise in May: Cheap prices when you cruise in May
So, the best month for an Alaska cruise depends entirely on which excursion you want to embark on during the summer season. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages.
Cruise to Alaska from April to October for an Incomparable Life Experience
You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun. As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it.
You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering that many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend your cruise with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals. Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have. The best time to view this dramatic display is mid-July to mid-August, though you can take wildlife excursions to bear hangouts at any time during cruise season. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists. Each part of the season offers something different, so aligning your cruise with these times will maximize your chances of a successful fishing experience.
Alaska is also the only place in North America to see the Pacific walrus, which will be at some of the more remote beaches and islands in the western part of the state. Most visitors head north to Alaska in the summer, between May 10 and Sept. 15. Temperatures are highest June through August, with highs often in the 60s. In August — the rainiest month of the year — the state receives an average of almost 3 inches.
You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions. You’ll be very happy if you purchase a quality raincoat and pack clothing you can add or remove in layers. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.
Few places allow for viewing of the aurora borealis, and the best time see the Northern Lights is in September. While it is impossible to see and do it all over the course of a one week cruise, Alaska has the power to enchant even brief visitors. So while you are stuck at home, this may be the perfect time to start planning a cruise to The Last Frontier. Fishing is good during any month—there are just different species of salmon that peak as the weeks go by.
It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. There’s always a chance of seeing whales from the deck of your cruise ship, but for a closer look and more immersive experience, small boat tours in the ports of call can provide unforgettable encounters. Expert tour guides will share fascinating facts about the different species and whale pods you may come across.
The area is also renowned for whale watching, with numerous tours available that offer the chance to see humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. For those planning to take an Alaskan cruise, consider booking a balcony cabin. Imagine starting your day with a cup of coffee on your private balcony, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Inner Passage, Fjords, and glaciers—a truly unforgettable experience that enhances your journey. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Under the Midnight Sun, with the latest updates about new multi-day tours and day trips from Alaska Tours. For those embarking on their first Alaska adventure or with limited time, we recommend two outstanding options.
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