How to Choose the Perfect Alaskan Cruise for You

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

How to Choose an Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is a land of beauty and adventure, and a cruise is the perfect way to experience it all. With so many different cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about choosing an Alaskan cruise, from the different types of cruises to the best time to go. We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best deals and make the most of your trip.

So if you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Alaskan adventure, read on for all the information you need to plan the perfect cruise.

Criteria What to consider Example
Departure port Where do you want to start your cruise? Seattle, Vancouver, Seward
Duration How long do you want to be on the cruise? 7-day, 14-day, 21-day
Cruise line What type of experience are you looking for? Luxury, budget, family-friendly
Ship size How big of a ship do you want to be on? Small, medium, large
Itinerary What ports do you want to visit? Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan
Budget How much are you willing to spend on your cruise? $500-$1,000, $1,000-$2,000, $2,000+

How to Choose an Alaskan Cruise?

An Alaskan cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning scenery, wildlife viewing, and plenty of outdoor activities. But with so many different cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.

This guide will help you choose the best Alaskan cruise for your needs and budget. We’ll cover everything from when to go to what to pack, so you can relax and enjoy your trip to the Last Frontier.

When to Go

The best time to go on an Alaskan cruise depends on your interests and budget.

  • Summer (June-August) is the most popular time to visit Alaska, as the weather is warm and sunny, and there are more opportunities for outdoor activities.
  • Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) are also good times to visit, as the weather is milder and there are fewer crowds.
  • Winter (November-April) is the least popular time to visit Alaska, as the weather is cold and snowy, and many cruise ships do not operate during this time.

Where to Cruise

There are a number of different ports of call in Alaska, each with its own unique attractions.

  • Some of the most popular ports of call include:
  • Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is located on the Gastineau Channel and offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
  • Ketchikan, located on the Tongass National Forest, is known for its totem poles and salmon fishing.
  • Sitka, located on Baranof Island, is home to the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Michael, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in North America.
  • Glacier Bay National Park, located on the northern coast of Alaska, is home to a number of glaciers, including the massive Hubbard Glacier.

Cruise Line

There are a number of different cruise lines that offer Alaskan cruises, each with its own unique offerings.

  • Some of the most popular cruise lines include:
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Carnival Cruise Line

Itinerary

The length of your Alaskan cruise will depend on your budget and how much time you have.

  • Shorter cruises typically last between 7 and 10 days, and include ports of call in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka.
  • Longer cruises can last up to 21 days, and may also include stops in Glacier Bay National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the Aleutian Islands.

Budget

The cost of an Alaskan cruise will vary depending on the cruise line, itinerary, and time of year.

  • Shorter cruises typically start at around $500 per person, while longer cruises can cost upwards of $5,000 per person.

Packing

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, it’s important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

  • In summer, you can expect warm days and cool nights, so pack light layers that you can easily layer.
  • In spring and fall, the weather can be more unpredictable, so pack a variety of clothing options, including waterproof jackets, pants, and boots.
  • In winter, the weather can be very cold, so pack warm layers, including a winter coat, hat, gloves, and boots.

Other Things to Consider

In addition to the above factors, there are a few other things to consider when choosing an Alaskan cruise.

  • Accommodations: Most Alaskan cruises offer a variety of cabin types, from standard inside cabins to deluxe suites.
  • Food: Alaskan cruises typically offer a variety of dining options, from casual buffets to fine dining restaurants.
  • Activities: Alaskan cruises offer a variety of activities, from sightseeing to hiking to fishing.

Choosing an Alaskan cruise can be a daunting task, but with a little research, you can find the perfect cruise for your needs and budget. By considering the factors listed above, you can create an Alaskan cruise experience that you’ll never forget.

Additional Resources

  • [Alaskan Cruise Guide](https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/alaska-cruise-guide/)
  • [Alaskan Cruise Ports of Call](https://www.cruiseline.com/articles/alaska-cruise-ports-of-call/)
  • [Alaskan Cruise Lines](https://www.cruiseline.com/articles/alaska-cruise-lines/)
  • [Alaskan Cruise Itineraries](https://www.cruiseline.com/articles/alaska-cruise-

How To Choose An Alaskan Cruise?

3. What to Do

There are a number of different activities to enjoy on an Alaskan cruise, including:

  • Wildlife viewing: Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, whales, and seals. You can see these animals from the comfort of your cruise ship, or by taking a shore excursion. Some of the best places to see wildlife in Alaska include:
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: This park is home to a variety of marine mammals, including whales, seals, and sea lions. You can also see bears, wolves, and moose.
  • Denali National Park: This park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Mount Denali. You can see bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep in the park.
  • Glacier Bay National Park: This park is home to a number of glaciers, as well as whales, seals, and sea lions. You can also see bears, wolves, and moose in the park.
  • Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in Alaska, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the best hiking trails in Alaska include:
  • Mt. Roberts Trail: This trail leads to the summit of Mt. Roberts, which offers stunning views of Juneau.
  • Glissade Trail: This trail leads to a glacier, where you can go glacier hiking or ice climbing.
  • Pyramid Peak Trail: This trail leads to the summit of Pyramid Peak, which offers stunning views of Denali National Park.
  • Fishing: Alaska is a great place to go fishing for salmon, halibut, and other fish. You can fish from the comfort of your cruise ship, or by taking a shore excursion. Some of the best places to fish in Alaska include:
  • Kenai River: This river is home to a variety of salmon, including king salmon, sockeye salmon, and coho salmon.
  • Kachemak Bay: This bay is home to a variety of fish, including halibut, rockfish, and lingcod.
  • Prince William Sound: This sound is home to a variety of fish, including salmon, halibut, and lingcod.
  • Boating: There are a number of different ways to explore Alaska by boat, including cruises, kayaks, and canoes. Some of the best places to go boating in Alaska include:
  • Inside Passage: This passage is a series of narrow channels that wind through the mountains of Alaska. You can take a cruise through the Inside Passage to see glaciers, whales, and other wildlife.
  • Glacier Bay: This bay is home to a number of glaciers, as well as whales, seals, and sea lions. You can take a cruise through Glacier Bay to see these animals and glaciers up close.
  • Kenai Fjords National Park: This park is home to a variety of marine mammals, including whales, seals, and sea lions. You can take a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park to see these animals up close.

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4. Choosing a Cruise Ship

When choosing a cruise ship for your Alaskan cruise, there are a number of factors to consider, including:

  • Size: Cruise ships range in size from small, intimate ships to large, megaships. Smaller ships are more maneuverable and can get into smaller ports, while larger ships offer more amenities and activities.
  • Amenities: Cruise ships offer a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, casinos, and spas. The type of amenities you want will determine the type of cruise ship you choose.
  • Itinerary: The itinerary of a cruise ship will determine what ports of call you visit and what activities you can do. If you want to see a variety of different places, you will need to choose a cruise ship with a long itinerary.
  • Budget: The cost of a cruise ship will vary depending on the size of the ship, the amenities offered, and the itinerary. You will need to set a budget before you start looking for a cruise ship.

Here are some of the best cruise ships for an Alaskan cruise:

  • Small ships:
  • Alaskan Dream: This ship has a capacity of just 200 passengers and offers a variety of intimate experiences.
  • Coral Princess: This ship has a capacity of 1,250 passengers and offers a wide range of amenities and activities.
  • Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam: This ship has a capacity of 2,100 passengers and offers a variety of dining options, bars, and casinos.
  • Large ships:

How To Choose An Alaskan Cruise?

Q: When is the best time to go on an Alaskan cruise?

A: The best time to go on an Alaskan cruise is between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild and there is plenty of daylight.

Q: What are the different types of Alaskan cruises?

A: There are three main types of Alaskan cruises:

  • Inside Passage cruises: These cruises sail through the Inside Passage, a protected waterway that winds through the mountains of Alaska. Inside Passage cruises are typically shorter than other Alaskan cruises, and they offer a more intimate experience of Alaska’s natural beauty.
  • Glacier Bay cruises: These cruises visit Glacier Bay National Park, one of the most popular destinations in Alaska. Glacier Bay cruises are typically longer than Inside Passage cruises, and they offer the opportunity to see some of Alaska’s most impressive glaciers.
  • Cruises to Alaska’s national parks: These cruises visit several of Alaska’s national parks, including Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. These cruises are typically longer than other Alaskan cruises, and they offer the opportunity to see some of Alaska’s most diverse and stunning landscapes.

Q: What ports do Alaskan cruises visit?

A: Alaskan cruises typically visit the following ports:

  • Seattle: The Port of Seattle is the largest cruise port in Alaska. It is located in the heart of the city, and it offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Vancouver: The Port of Vancouver is the second-largest cruise port in Alaska. It is located in the heart of the city, and it offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Whittier: The Port of Whittier is a small port located in the Chugach Mountains. It is the gateway to Prince William Sound, one of the most popular destinations in Alaska.
  • Juneau: The Port of Juneau is the capital of Alaska. It is located on the Gastineau Channel, and it offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers.
  • Ketchikan: The Port of Ketchikan is located on the Tongass National Forest. It is a popular destination for fishing, hiking, and kayaking.

Q: What are the different cruise lines that offer Alaskan cruises?

A: The following cruise lines offer Alaskan cruises:

  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International

Q: What is the cost of an Alaskan cruise?

A: The cost of an Alaskan cruise varies depending on the cruise line, the type of cabin, and the time of year. The average cost of an Alaskan cruise is around $1,000 per person per day.

Q: What should I pack for an Alaskan cruise?

A: You should pack for a variety of weather conditions, including cool, wet weather. You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as you will be doing a lot of exploring on your cruise.

Q: What are the best things to do in Alaska?

There are many things to do in Alaska, including:

  • Hiking: There are many hiking trails in Alaska, ranging from easy to challenging. You can hike to glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.
  • Fishing: Alaska is a great place to fish for salmon, halibut, and other fish. You can fish from a boat, from a shore, or from a glacier.
  • Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to explore Alaska’s waterways. You can kayak in the Inside Passage, in Glacier Bay, or in one of Alaska’s many lakes.
  • Snorkeling: You can snorkel in Alaska’s clear waters to see fish, seals, and other marine life.
  • Wildlife viewing: Alaska is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and whales. You can see wildlife from a boat, from a plane, or on a hike.

Q: What are the safety concerns for an Alaskan cruise?

There are a few safety concerns to be aware of when taking an Alaskan cruise, including:

  • Bears: Bears are common in Alaska, and they can be dangerous if they are provoked. Be sure to follow all safety instructions when hiking or camping in bear country.
  • Glaciers: Glaciers

    choosing an Alaskan cruise can be a daunting task, but it is one that is sure to be rewarding. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect cruise for you. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Alaska has something to offer everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Alaskan cruise today!

Here are some key takeaways to remember when choosing an Alaskan cruise:

  • The best time to go to Alaska is during the summer months, from June to September.
  • The most popular ports of call in Alaska include Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway.
  • There are a variety of cruise lines that offer Alaskan cruises, each with its own unique offerings.
  • The cost of an Alaskan cruise can vary significantly, depending on the cruise line, the length of the cruise, and the type of cabin you choose.
  • When choosing an Alaskan cruise, it is important to consider your budget, interests, and desired level of activity.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.