Table Of Content
Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. A handful of cruise lines -- mostly small ship and luxury lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Windstar -- offer Alaska cruises ranging from nine to 14 days in length (generally departing from Vancouver). Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Ship captains expertly maneuver the vessels to perform full 360-degree turns, ensuring that passengers from all sides can fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery. This period is especially spectacular at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Located along the Chilkat, Klehini, and Tsirku Rivers, the preserve becomes a prime spot for viewing these birds as they fish and rest near the waterways. For bird watchers, especially those keen on seeing eagles, May and June are prime times as the weather is nice and the birds are plentiful.
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.
Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
September Alaska Cruises
When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born. Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Of course, temperatures during September will be lower than other times of the year, but the opportunity to see the Northern Lights is a real treat.
What to Expect on an Alaska Cruise
Then, you’ll travel over to Kodiak Island, out to the far stretches of the Aleutian Islands to Dutch Harbor, and around to Nome, and through the Arctic Circle. Some cruise lines offer pre or post-cruise fly-in opportunities to remote areas of Alaska, like leaving from Fairbanks to the visit the Arctic Circle. The best time to cruise Alaska isn't obvious—until you're quietly sailing along its calm waters under a cloudless, late-spring sky. Within minutes it seemed everyone on board had gathered at the railings on deck to watch. The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals.
Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights. According to McDaniel, some ships are even starting to extend the Alaska cruise season, sailing as early as April.
Other than May, September is the best month for an Alaska cruise if you're looking for a deal. The price of an Alaska cruise in August should be cheaper than June or July, especially if you can take a cruise in the latter half of the month. The best months to catch a glimpse of the amazing fauna that call Alaska home are the months of June and July.
Alaskan Cruise Month-By-Month Guide
Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,
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.
If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Plus, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings provide a captivating backdrop that can both entertain and educate kids. It’s a comfortable and convenient way to experience the vast wilderness of Alaska together as a family.
September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. Check out our list of the 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise for more information on packing necessities on your Alaskan cruise. A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State. Come prepared, and always check trail conditions with locals or tourist information centers first before setting out.
If having the highest chance of warm temperatures and sunny days is important to you, cruising to Alaska in the peak summer months is your best bet. The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning.
These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.
Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dog-sled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation.
If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. The cost of an Alaskan cruise, of course, rises during high season and will be less expensive before and after those months during shoulder season. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife.
No comments:
Post a Comment