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The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. There's also the bonus that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge. 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.
When is the best time for families to visit Alaska?
They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest. While gray whales are active in Alaskan waters during the early spring, most species, including belugas, orcas, humpback whales, and blue whales, peak between May and September. This partially explains why this stretch is much busier than other times of year for tourism in Alaska. For those hoping to participate in some of the many excursion options you can enjoy in Alaska, like fly fishing and whale watching, longer daylight hours mean you have more time during the day to do so.
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]
Alaska is a beauty for all seasons, discover which season is right for you.
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. 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.
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Even when the daytime temperatures are well above freezing, nighttime temperatures can dip below 32 °F, even in the summer. This is why you must pack for all weather conditions if you plan an Alaska cruise. July and August can be extremely busy months for the Alaska cruise industry.
Smaller cruises max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into Southeast Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit full of exploration. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans. If any ports are visited, they're likely to be smaller communities like Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Yakutat. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.
The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines. Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areasConsider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten. If you want to avoid the cooler temperatures and potential for rain, you may want to choose the late summer to early fall. With that in mind, recognize that you may have to contend with larger crowds and the dreaded Alaskan mosquito swarms.
Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. That being said, while the shoulder season in Alaska may lead to cooler temperatures and more rain, packing appropriately will keep you dry and warm when exploring Alaska’s ports.
Alaska Cruise Tips for the Perfect Cruise Experience
There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun. As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy.
When is the best time to visit Alaska to avoid crowds?
One of the major drawbacks of spending time in Alaska during the late summer is the significant increase in mosquito activity. Mosquitos, along with other biting insects, tend to be at their peak during these late summer months. While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers.
The shops, restaurants, and attractions are all open and ready to welcome visitors, offering a wide variety of experiences to choose from. The larger crowds can add to the atmosphere and make for a lively and enjoyable vacation. An additional perk of opting for a shoulder season cruise, particularly in September, is that it is also the best time to cruise Alaska for Northern Lights.
There’s no question that the best time for most cruisers to go to Alaska is during peak season, and alternately in shoulder season. For these peak season Alaska cruise routes, it’s advisable to book early so you get the best stateroom. Booking a veranda stateroom ensures that you’ll have your own private space to see glaciers during your cruise. Look for reduced fares when booking a cruise to Alaska in late shoulder season (September) with the same travel benefits of still fine but changing weather. 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.
It’s also worth factoring in onboard features that cost extra like the spa and gift shop. The fact that the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, from May to September, makes it important for you to know all the ins and outs of Alaska cruising so you can choose the best time to sail. Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call.
Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. A downside to visiting Alaska in May is that the interior National Parks are still closed, along with many of the land-based attractions and shops that later cruisers will get to enjoy. A suite that costs $2000 per person in May may cost upwards of $3300 per person in mid-July. Such a large price difference allows you to enhance your Alaska cruise experience in other ways, whether booking a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour or kayaking through fjords. Ultimately, there is no perfect time to sail to Alaska, as each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing when to cruise to Alaska comes down to your preferences. The weather in Alaska can, and will, change multiple times per day, but you will find the warmest months to be June, July and August.
Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well. As the school season begins and fall approaches, cruise prices start to dip, affording the opportunity to snag a last-minute bargain for Alaska. We still recommend planning ahead though, as an increasing number of tourists have been booking cruises each year in September. If you’re looking to get away from the summer crowds and enjoy an intimate cruise in remote Alaska, then we recommend booking an ocean view cabin on a smaller ship.
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