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Shoulder season for the Alaska cruise season includes the months of May and September. The weather is still cool (May) or cooling down (September), and with school still in session or just beginning, special offers can be found during these months. You can spot whales on Alaska shore excursions like a safari vessel whale-sighting tour in Stephens Passage, Juneau, to evening whale-quest cocktail cruises where sighting a whale is guaranteed. On an Alaska whale-watching cruise, you’ll have the chance to see some of the state’s eight magnificent species of whales that frequent its icy waters.
June
Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. They're also useful for getting a close-up view of glaciers or spotting eagles in port. Consider bringing a pair for everyone in your group because you don't want to fight over one pair when a pod of whales comes into view. Big ships often have more for kids to do on board, which might be more important than where the ship goes. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. These voyages offer a more intimate and close-up Alaska experience, with outings on kayaks and Zodiac boats that launch directly from the ship.
Enjoy the Views
With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. You also might see fuzzy harbor seal pups and sea lion pups (born in June and July) warming themselves on rocks with their mothers. Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible.
Cruises for couples
While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle. For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney.
The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities. More hours of daylight on an Alaska cruise means more time to sightsee, whether in port or when sailing through the Inside Passage. Juneau, for example, sees around 18 hours of daylight in June compared to just 12 in September. If a cruise with fewer crowds is important to you, it might be a good idea to avoid Alaska cruises in June, July, and August. Not only will there likely be more guests onboard during the summer, but in the ports you are visiting as well. If you are looking for a more quiet experience onboard and on shore, consider cruising to Alaska in May or September.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Does this mean you shouldn't take advantage of last-minute Alaska cruise deals if you find them? Snap those babies up — just come prepared with a list of second and third choices of excursions, just in case. 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.
Juneau
During May cruises to Alaska, it’s still on the cold side (40 to 53 degrees), so you may find the state’s wildlife just emerging. The weather may also play a role in your cruise ship’s route, as some areas may still be unpassable with ice. However, May is the state’s driest month, with little to no rainfall. Depending on which itinerary you sail and when you choose to cruise, you can increase your chances of seeing certain species, including humpbacks, orcas, and Minke whales. Don’t forget to throw in a good pair of binoculars when planning your Alaska cruise packing list.
Blueberries are in season, with berry festivals following, bears roam the hills, and Seward’s Silver Salmon Derby is the perfect place to cast your fishing rod. Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Now that we’ve covered the basics of all things Alaska cruising, keep reading to discover the best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler, featuring expert insight and award-winning picks. Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn. Juneau averages 15 days of rain in June, reaching 21 days of rain by October. In Anchorage and the northern part of the state, the rain often turns to “termination dust”—i.e. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska.
Unfortunately, those tight turns can contribute to nausea for some people. As for cameras, I recommend that everyone in your travel group has a water-resistant camera or a waterproof smartphone case or pouch. One, most cameras dropped into the depths of an Alaskan bay pose a less traumatic loss than most smartphones. Mosquitoes in Alaska aren't always a nuisance, but they can be horrendous. Pack insect repellant and full-coverage clothing as though you were planning to visit a rainforest ...
Mature travelers who'd like a more adult-centered experience often choose to wait until the middle or end of August to cruise, when most kids are back in school. Small ship cruises tend to offer more adventure-focused shore excursions alongside personalized service and luxurious accommodations and amenities. Smaller ships can reach ports of call and destinations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships, allowing you to explore more remote settings and communities. For an even more customized experience, consider a private cruise on smaller ships like yachts and sailboats. The spring and summer months are when nearly all cruise ships visit each year. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food.
You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut.
King's Blues Club, play a game of pickleball on the outer deck or enjoy fine dining at numerous restaurants serving sushi and Asian cuisine, steak, seafood, Italian fare and Dutch treats. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Summer berry-picking on shore is best late in August or early September.
The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.
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