Best Time To Cruise Alaska. Cruise season in Alaska runs from mid-May to mid-September—but within that time frame, is one time better than another to book your cruise? For a lot of cruisers, mid-June through mid-July is the peak season, because of optimum weather and daylight.
Likewise, what is the best month for whale watching in Alaska?
Best Time To See Killer Whales: The best time to see Alaska’s resident Orca whale pods are between Early May to early June with whales being spotted during the months of June through September. They can be seen near Seward Alaska in the waters of Resurrection Bay.
Furthermore, how far in advance should I book an Alaskan cruise? six to 12 months
Similarly, you may ask, which cruise line is best for Alaska?
Top Alaska Cruises in 2020
- Norwegian Bliss. One of our top picks for the past few years, Norwegian Bliss still retains its position on this list for 2020.
- Norwegian Joy.
- Ovation of the Seas.
- Radiance of the Seas.
- Celebrity Solstice.
- Celebrity Millennium.
- Royal Princess.
- Star Princess.
What months do Alaskan cruises run?
Cruise season in Alaska runs from May through September, although some companies offer sailings in late April and early October. Typically seven to 14 days in length, cruises tend to follow one of two major routes: southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage or glacier cruises to south central Alaska.
17 Related Question Answers Found
Can you see the northern lights in May in Alaska?
In fact, the area of interior Alaska, from Denali, north to Fairbanks and Fort Yukon, is perhaps the best place on Earth to watch the aurora. After the first of April, the length of the days prevent skies from getting dark enough to see the northern lights well. By May 1, the skies do not get completely dark at all.
Where is best whale watching in Alaska?
The best place for whale watching in Alaska is Juneau, because there are so many whales that seeing whales on your excursion is guaranteed. Icy Strait is also very good for whale watching, but there are no guarantees for this port (though most tours do see whales.)
Will I see whales on my Alaska cruise?
Alaska’s cruise season runs from May through September and whales can be spotted during that entire time. Humpback whales tend to be more prevalent in the months of June and July and can sometimes even be spotted from the deck of the ship feeding along the Inside Passage route of Alaska that most cruises take.
Are the waters rough on an Alaskan cruise?
Cruise Ships For instance, a roundtrip Vancouver Inside Passage itineraries stay behind Vancouver Island in more protected (and scenic) waters. The itineraries that sail the Inside Passage from Seattle, on the other hand, travel two full days on the open Pacific Ocean, which can be rough.
How much does it cost to go on Alaskan cruise?
A 7-night Alaska Cruise can cost anywhere from $500 per person to $5000+ per person, depending on the type of cruise ship and your choice of stateroom. Alaska land tours with 3-star hotels, train travel, and popular day tours generally cost around $300 per person per day, based on double occupancy.
When can you see whales in Glacier Bay?
Schedule May 28 – September 5 7 Days a Week Morning Excursion 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Afternoon Excursion 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Where should I cruise in Alaska?
The Inside Passage. This is what Alaskan cruising is all about. Ketchikan. Check out Creek Street when your ship docks here. Tracy Arm. Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau. Mt. Glacier Bay. White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Hubbard Glacier.
Can you see whales in Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay is a Humpback Whale sanctuary. In the park’s waters, Humpback Whales benefit from some of the strongest protections found anywhere on our planet. Once in rapid decline, the number of whales spotted in Glacier Bay is growing every year.
Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?
A balcony may absolutely be worth it to you, but probably not if these are your primary reasons: 1) You’re looking for a place to smoke. You can’t smoke on cruise ship balconies. Guest demand has made most areas on most ships non-smoking, but in this case the reason is largely safety.
Can you see the northern lights on an Alaskan cruise?
For the same reason, a new moon on September 17 means that mid-to-late September 2020 would also be a great time to go on a northern lights hunt to Alaska. According to the Geophysical Institute, the best time to see the aurora is at around midnight, give or take an hour. However, they can occur at any time.
What clothes to take on an Alaskan cruise?
Think khakis and collared shirts for men and dress pants, dressy jeans, or casual dresses for woman. Alaskan cruises are more casual overall, but many cruise lines do still have “formal” or “evening chic” nights where you can feel fancy if you choose.
Which Cruise Line has the best food?
Which cruise lines have the best food? Disney Cruise Line — 4.53 / 5. Celebrity Cruises — 4.43 / 5. Royal Caribbean — 4.26 / 5. Holland America — 4.22 / 5. Carnival Cruise Line — 4.13 / 5. Princess Cruises — 4.10 / 5. Norwegian Cruise Line — 3.97 / 5.
Is it worth getting a balcony on an Alaskan cruise?
If you’re sailing in the Mediterranean or to another scenic destination, the view is definitely worth the money, Driscoll says. “If you’re doing an Alaska cruise, it’s so nice out on the balcony, watching the glaciers,” he says. And a balcony may not matter much to them.
Do you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?
If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport.
What do you see on an Alaskan cruise?
10 Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise 01 of 10. See Whales. 02 of 10. Ride the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. 03 of 10. Visit Glacier Bay National Park. 04 of 10. See Bald Eagles on the Chilkat River. Ride in a Helicopter. TripSavvy / Linda Garrison. 06 of 10. Go Dog Sledding. 07 of 10. Ride the Alaska Grandview Train. 08 of 10.
Can you swim on Alaskan cruise?
Swimming in alaska. Depends – some ships have covered/indoor pools – those would be warm enough to swim in – usually fairly popular. The inside/covered pools though, are usually very comfortable. Enjoy your cruise.
What does Inside Passage mean on an Alaskan cruise?
An Alaska Inside Passage cruise is one that makes a round-trip journey from Seattle or Vancouver, B.C., sticking to the southeastern “panhandle” area of Alaska, an area roughly 500 miles long and 100 miles wide. Inside Passage cruises will usually stop at three or four ports.