Table Of Content
- First-Timers and Limited-Time Visitors
- Cruising Alaska Between Mid-Summer to Early Fall (Late July to Late September)
- Cruises
- Consider the Size of Your Ship if Alaska's Scenery Is Important to You
- Weather
- Alaska Cruise in April: Fewer Rainy Days When You Visit Alaska in April
- When is the best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing?
With more options to choose from, you can typically find a good deal if you are booking for the period that stretches between May and June. If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike. In the summer, Alaska basks in the magic of the Midnight Sun, with approximately 20 hours of daylight each day.
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess - Upgraded Points
My (Somewhat) Disappointing Alaska Cruise on the Grand Princess.
Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
First-Timers and Limited-Time Visitors
It's the very peak of the Alaska cruise season, which makes July expensive. The median months will see higher temperatures and longer days for touring, and it represents the limited summer that Alaska enjoys. However, July and August tend to also have higher levels of precipitation. 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 it may seem counterintuitive that a popular time to travel would mean that cruise fares are lower, the reason is that there are more ships operating at this time.
Cruising Alaska Between Mid-Summer to Early Fall (Late July to Late September)
Bears emerge from hibernation, foraging for berries and roaming the landscape. Glaciers also get in on the summer action, calving massive chunks into the waters below. The abundance of wildlife in summer creates a captivating spectacle that you won’t want to miss, making it the best time to go on an Alaska cruise.
Cruises
Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, travel guides, and more. Fortunately, you don’t need to sweat too hard about that last one as there’s no bad month to do an Alaska cruise.
Any of the fishing tour companies offer services that package up your catch and ship it back to your home packed in dry ice so you can have a feast, and bragging rights, when you return home. Imagine being able to enjoy Alaska’s incredible natural beauty during days of near-continuous sunlight. With so much daylight, you can enjoy all the best Alaska shore excursions, from biking alongside the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau to hiking in the Tongass National Forest.
You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares. The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife.
Cruise ship passengers can comfortably explore in T-shirts and shorts, taking in Alaska’s stunning scenery with its vibrant natural colors. You’ll witness lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and fields of wildflowers in every hue, from pink and purple to yellow. In this guide, we’ll explore why the summer months, from early May to late September, are the best time of the year for an Alaska cruise. Get ready to discover the beauty, wildlife, and adventures that await during your summer cruise to Alaska.
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing?
Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival.
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Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list. Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days. Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting.
July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. In August, the wildlife can sense that winter is on its way, and activity picks up to prepare for the months of cold, snow, and darkness.
On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise. With lots of outdoor activities and great wildlife sightings, an Alaska cruise is ideal for kids, and not surprisingly, no one does it better for them than Disney. Little ones will be just as happy to see Goofy as they are to see a glacier, making this the best cruise for kids. The Denali Express Cruisetour includes a 7-night sailing with three days of touring up to Denali National Park and back down to Seward.
Nature is in full bloom during cruise season in Alaska, but what you’ll see depends on the time of year and location. Tell a sun-worshiper that you’re taking an Alaska cruise and they’ll raise an eyebrow. On average in July, Alaska boasts high temps in the mid-60s, but occasionally climbs into the 70s and 80s.
You can take a guided hike through the wilderness or try your hand at fishing in one of Alaska's many rivers. By cruising in May, you can beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience. You can also take advantage of the lower rates offered by the cruise lines during the shoulder season, which can help you save money.
They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park. You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. So pack your bags and get ready to spot humpback whales and get up close and personal with a glacier from a kayak because "The Last Frontier" is waiting.
