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Programs like Princess Cruises' Cruisetours take the stress out of planning on-shore excursions and curate incredible itineraries for extensive, luxurious travel across the state. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours.
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. While the most popular time to travel to Alaska on a cruise is June through August, it's also when it tends to be the most expensive. Instead, McDaniel suggested looking at the shoulder months of May and September, when you can save a little money. On either end of your sailing, you can tour on your own or book a cruise tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. Almost all Gulf of Alaska cruises visit to Hubbard Glacier and spend some time scenic cruising in College Fjord.
Cruises for couples
If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in April
Another advantage of traveling during the shoulder season is that booking shore excursions becomes more convenient. With smaller crowds and more manageable attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. The best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing is during the summer months, specifically from late June through September. This period aligns with Alaska’s salmon runs, when various species of salmon—king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum—make their way upstream in large numbers.
Longer Alaska Cruises: A Chance to Explore More of the State
The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list.
Alaska Tours – Your One-Stop Shop for Alaska Cruises and Tours
The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. By aligning your travel with the activities that most captivate your imagination—be it wildlife, fishing, or glacier viewing—you can ensure that your Alaskan cruise becomes the unforgettable adventure of a lifetime. Cruising Alaska can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a small ship or a large ship, as each offers distinct experiences, benefits, and limitations.
The best time to cruise to Alaska if you want to avoid crowds
You'll likely encounter the highest chance of rain if you take an Alaska cruise in August, but it's also when you can expect to find the most comfortable outdoor temperatures. The weather in May is usually mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. As mentioned in this article, not only does September provide the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, but you will also enjoy less crowds and likely lower prices on a cruise.
Shoulder Seasons Offer Lower Prices
While layering is advisable for port visits, consider lightweight clothing for active shore excursions like hiking or glacier walking. The best time to visit Alaska to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is during the darker months when nights are longer. Although the northern lights can potentially be visible all year, your chances are much better from late September to early October. Cruising in Alaska offers several opportunities to witness the beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Numerous species, such as humpbacks, orcas, grey whales, and minke whales, inhabit Alaska’s waters during the prime whale-watching season from May to September. During this peak season, you’ll enjoy milder weather, vibrant wildlife, and stunning, clear views of Alaska’s famous landscapes.
The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More - Travel + Leisure
The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour combines a 7-night Alaska cruise with seven days of touring the inland area of Alaska through Denali National Park and up into Fairbanks. You can also choose tours tailored to your interests during your July cruise. Get to Alaska right when the cruise season begins on an Alaska Northbound Glacier Cruise that departs in May from Vancouver, British Columbia. One of the best ways to experience salmon fishing is by booking a shore excursion.
Cruisetours are not the best choice for travelers who prefer to travel away from groups or want flexibility with their schedules. Itineraries often run at a vigorous pace, with some early morning starts and evening arrivals when traveling between cities. It’s also worth noting that the accommodation options at or near Denali National Park are not luxury resorts—they’re wilderness lodges providing what is best described as a “better-than-modest” standard of accommodation. With more than 250 miles of trails, this charming Northern capital is a mountaineer’s dream.
Any of the fishing tour companies offer services that package up your catch and ship it back to your home packed in dry ice so you can have a feast, and bragging rights, when you return home. The good news is that no matter when you visit, you’ll experience the best way to see Alaska aboard a luxury cruise ship. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about choosing the best time to cruise to Alaska.
The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. 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.
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