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While price should definitely be a consideration, it’s important to consider other factors before choosing an Alaska cruise. The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon. You're also quite likely to see many bald eagles that are also interested in salmon.
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
May can be one of the finest months across Alaska, as daylight reaches near-summer heights, while June is even nicer, with the last chill of the arctic winter departing for the season. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well. Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
This Is the Cheapest Time to Cruise to Alaska
Mid-to-late September is one of the best times to spot wildlife in Alaska. Bears will be hunting for the last of the berries and salmon, and caribou, deer and moose will be mating. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. April and May are also the driest months in Alaska, so the chances of rain are slim. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
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. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska.
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess - Upgraded Points
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Juneau
The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising. Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October. The seven- and nine-day itineraries sail roundtrip from Seattle, and a recent search found fares more than 80% off published fares, starting at $499 per person. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge sets sail for the first time in Alaska this year and has four six- and seven-night itineraries in September, starting at $599 per person. For a cruise-tour option, Princess’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person. Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned.
Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip.
Many of Alaska’s most popular activities can be done anytime from May through September, depending on the port of call. Walk to Skagway’s historic downtown from the cruise dock and tour the town’s infamous saloons, including the Red Onion. Then, tip back a genuine Southeast Alaska specialty, a spruce tip ale at the Skagway Brewing Company; this unusual ale uses spruce tips instead of hops in its brew. Sitka hosts a summer music festival each year in June, with formal evening concerts, casual cafe concerts, a three-hour dinner cruise with live music, and a Sunday outdoor crab feed fundraiser. Humpback whales start making their journey from the warm waters of Mexico and Hawaii in March and April, and by June and July they’re happily feeding in the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. However, it’s not necessarily a good idea to pick a cruise based solely on price.
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The worst months to cruise to Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising.
While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day.
Cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries catering to different interests and budgets. With many choices, you can select a cruise that aligns perfectly with your preferences. Cruise lines typically lower their prices in September, so if you are traveling on a budget, September is a great time to cruise. Perhaps the best reason to cruise in September is a chance to see the northern lights. Nights are dark again, and while your chance of seeing them in Southeast Alaska is low, taking a land tour package along with your September cruise gets you farther north into Aurora Borealis country. Another reason to consider cruising in September is the smaller crowds.
The midnight sun means many hours of daylight, especially on June 20, the longest day of the year — when you'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all. This is but one of the incredible experiences that may be had when visiting Alaska in the “secret season”—springtime. Not only are the flowers and plant life awakening from their wintertime slumber, so is its wildlife. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior.
If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice. For the most midnight sun, travel 3 weeks before or after June 21, the summer solstice. With its scenic landscapes, abounding wildlife, and majestic glaciers, Alaska is a beautiful destination any time of year. But if you’re thinking of exploring this vibrant region on an Alaskan cruise, the best time to do so is between May and September.
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