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The best time for an Alaska cruise is from late spring to early fall, and you’ll find lots of itineraries to choose from sailing from May to September. You’re going to want to start planning early, though, as these adventures are popular — the sooner you book, the better the cruise deals. Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for an unforgettable couple’s adventure, a vacation like this delivers on every level. From Alaska’s incredible natural wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes, to its rich cultural heritage and history, nothing beats a cruise to this wild northern paradise. Disney Cruise Line set sail in 1998 with its first three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas and made its way to Alaska in the spring of 2011.
Best for megaresort fans: Ovation of the Seas
From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver.
WILDERNESS EXPRESS RAILCARS
With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory. Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys.
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska - Cruise Blog
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS
After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling. In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months.
Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea.
Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum. Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise.
Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking a later dinner time, or simply eat dinner elsewhere on the nights the sailaway overlaps with your dining time.
Featured Alaska Cruises
Practice taking pictures at home and watch a few beginner photography tutorials on YouTube to ensure you have the skills needed to take that perfect shot. If you’re unsure what to pack for an Alaska cruise, check out our comprehensive packing list. When scheduling your return flights, don’t book a flight too early on disembarkation day. Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class.
Unless you plan on doing some serious trekking in each port, there’s no need to bring hefty hiking boots or rain boots. A pair of sneakers made from a water-resistant material will keep your feet dry and warm under most weather conditions. On my Alaska cruise last June, it was nearly 80 degrees on several port days—I spent the day sweating while walking around Skagway.
Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship. Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing.
Instead of getting upset over a cold, rainy day in port, maintain a positive attitude. Find a cozy saloon to enjoy a warm Irish coffee, or bundle up in your rain gear and make the most of the day. Should your cruise encounter rough seas, an itinerary change, or another unforeseen circumstance, there’s a chance a showtime could get canceled or rescheduled. Booking reservations for earlier in the week ensures you have wiggle room in case of an unanticipated schedule change. In 2022, for example, I booked the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find on Radiance of the Seas. The cruise fare was only $240 for an entire week with $293 in taxes and fees.
We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port. Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations. Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks. Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium.
Come aboard Norwegian Cruise Line to Alaska and feel what it's like when you let the outside in. Browse through our Alaskan cruises and find the best cruise deals designed to make your cruise experience unforgettable. With 7 cruise ships sailing from 6 departure ports, including land and sea packages on our Alaska Cruisetours, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The fun continues the minute cruisers disembark in each port, with excursions ranging from dogsledding to private helicopter tours. Back on board, Gabree recommends The Chef’s Table for a truly memorable meal — and I, too, can attest to this. While on board a Caribbean sailing with the cruise line, I had the chance to indulge in this chef- and sommelier-led multi-course food and wine pairing adventure.
A northbound cruise to Alaska lets you start your journey in vibrant Vancouver. Pack binoculars for spotting all that incredible wildlife, and camera lens or smartphone. Remember swimwear for the ship; even if it’s cool outside, the Solarium on board is climate controlled and covered, so you can relax on a lounger in the warmth, and swim in the pool. When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to plan for any kind of weather, from hot sun to ethereal mist and rain showers—often in the same day.
