Alaska Cruises - Everything You Need to Know

Alaska is certainly on many people’s bucket list and taking a cruise to Alaska is not only the most budget-friendly way to visit but also a way to spend several days sailing among glaciers and enjoying amazing views while you are sipping your coffee. There are many options to cruise Alaska and here are some things to consider before you choose your sailing:

WHEN TO GO?

The Alaskan cruise season starts in late April and runs through the end of September. The best and warmest weather is in June and July and that is why cruises during these months are in high demand. But cruising in September sometimes finds the best deals and temperatures are not much lower than in the summer months (typical September weather is in the 50s while in July it can get as high as 70).

WHERE TO SAIL FROM?

Most popular ports to leave from are Seattle and Vancouver but some cruises leave out of smaller Alaskan ports. The benefits of leaving out of Seattle are the cheaper airfare and the convenience for people residing in the Western part of the US. However, cruises leaving from an Alaskan port allow you more time to enjoy the glaciers and the opportunity to visit more ports.

ONE-WAY OR ROUND-TRIP?

Round-trip cruises out of Seattle or Vancouver typically visit several Alaskan ports and spend a couple of days at sea, at least one crossing the Inside passage. Those are a great way to see the highlights of Alaska and save on airfare, but if you want a more in-depth experience, the best way is on a one-way cruise from Seattle/Vancouver to an Alaskan port.

HOW LONG ARE THE CRUISES?

Most Alaska cruises last 7 days and either cruise round-trip from Seattle/Vancouver or one-way to Alaska or back. However, there are a number of longer cruises, some as long as 14 days, that go further along the Alaskan coast, crossing the Icy Strait, cruising around Hubbard Glacier and reaching all the way to Anchorage and Kodiak.

WHAT TYPE OF CABIN TO CHOOSE?

There are typically three types of cabins on most cruises - Inside cabins (no window), Oceanview cabins (porthole or small window) and Balcony cabins. While Inside cabins offer the most value and, in some cases allow budget-minded travellers to cruise Alaska for under $1000 per person, one of the main reasons people choose to cruise Alaska is the stunning views. The best way to enjoy them is from your very own balcony and Alaska, more that any other destination, warrants a splurge on a Balcony cabin. Imagine spending your morning having breakfast on your verandah while trying to spot a whale or reading a book while being surrounded by the blue colors of the glaciers.

WHICH CRUISE LINE TO CHOOSE?

Most cruise lines offer a number of sailings to Alaska and choosing the best one would depend on what type of vacation you are looking for. Princess Cruises is the most highly rated Alaskan cruise line and it offers stylish ships, award-winning food and a variety of itineraries, many of them offering the option to add a few days in Denali to your cruise. If you are travelling with kids or are looking for a more fun-filled family vacation, then Norwegian Cruise Lines’ new ship, Norwegian Bliss, is your top choice. It offers numerous entertainment options like giant slides, laser tag, car racing, a myriad of specialty restaurants and evenings filled with entertainment for all ages.

WHAT IS A CRUISE-TOUR?

Cruise tours are a very popular options for those who have a bit more time to spend on their vacation. They combine a 7-day cruise with 3-5 days spent in a private lodge in Denali National Park. The cruise line takes care of all the details like transportation, accommodations and food in the lodge. Many day trips are available in Denali and these cruise-tours are a great way to see wildlife, climb or hike glaciers and even go dog-sledding, while exploring Alaska’s wilderness in a unique way.