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You’ll want to carefully consider Alaska cruise packages and itineraries as the scenery, price and length of time all vary considerably. The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. September offers the best possibility for cruisers to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska.
Best Time To Book A Cruise In 2024 - Forbes
Best Time To Book A Cruise In 2024.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time To Cruise Alaska
Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. If having the highest chance of warm temperatures and sunny days is important to you, cruising to Alaska in the peak summer months is your best bet. The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales. In July, the whales are usually in full migration, making it an ideal time for whale watching. Visitors can take a whale watching excursion to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close.
Bug Spray Is a Must for Anyone on a Cruise to Alaska
A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s.
Alaskan Cruise Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay - NerdWallet
Alaskan Cruise Costs: What You Can Expect to Pay.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Shoulder Season Cruises in Alaska
And with cruise itineraries that run from spring to the start of fall, getting there is easy. Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Another reason June is a great month for an Alaska cruise is that the ports are in full swing.
How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise
While it’s possible the ship will not be sailing at 100% capacity, it’s unlikely you will encounter an empty ship. Plus, Royal Caribbean will adjust prices according to demand, so if a shoulder season cruise is not selling well, prices may drop until more people book the cruise. If spotting wildlife is a priority for you on an Alaska cruise, pick your sailing date carefully. June, July, and August are fantastic times to cruise Alaska to view wildlife, as these months bring the highest chances of spotting whales, bears, and salmon. One of the biggest advantages of cruising in May is that you get to avoid the peak season crowds. The summer months are the busiest time for tourists in Alaska, and the ports and attractions can get overcrowded.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year for an Alaskan Cruise
Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours. Tourist attractions are in full swing, salmon swim upriver and bears (and humans) have access to fishing. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall.
Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
You can take a guided hike through the wilderness or try your hand at fishing in one of Alaska's many rivers. By cruising in May, you can beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience. You can also take advantage of the lower rates offered by the cruise lines during the shoulder season, which can help you save money. For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds.
Along with cooler weather, you’ll also find lower fares that will please your bank account. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better.
Bears Feeding On Salmon
Few places allow for viewing of the aurora borealis, and the best time see the Northern Lights is in September. If you are willing to trade warmth for less precipitation, then go for May. In fact, the end of May and early June offers some of the best weather in the region throughout the year. 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.
The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning. The warm temperatures also make it an ideal time to participate in outdoor activities. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds. To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s, both on and off ship.
That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain. Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. Even if you're a seasoned fisherman, we recommend using a local guide to help find you the best fishing spot. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between!
When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs.
They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park. You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis. 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. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise.
