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This is because the best Alaska cruise month is somewhat subjective. Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people. That said, deciding when to embark on your adventure can significantly impact the overall experience. A suite that costs $2000 per person in May may cost upwards of $3300 per person in mid-July.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in September
If you plan to book a whale watching excursion or want to see bears, you may be left disappointed if you cruise to Alaska at the very end of the season. On average, more than half the days in the month of August experience rain. This may seem like a reason to skip an Alaska cruise in August, but it's still a great time to take in lots of activities around the state. One downside to July is the price of your cruise will be higher than other months of the year. It's the very peak of the Alaska cruise season, which makes July expensive.
What is the best time of year to see the northern lights on an Alaska cruise?
The best cruises in Alaska offer unparalleled experiences that will bring you up close to some of the most unique and awe-inspiring places in the world. From the lush rainforests and tranquil seas of the Inside Passage, to the endless horizon and luminous ice of the Arctic, there’s no shortage of what Alaska offers to cruise enthusiasts. 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.
What Months Can You Sail To Alaska?
Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer. There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
In this post, I share a month-by-month guide about the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise. I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state. Alaska’s cruise season is seven months long, from April to October. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
June
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. Royal Caribbean also sails to Alaska in early May and into late September or even October, where you can find some great deals.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August
This is also the time of year when King Salmon runs both begin and end. If you are an angler, there is nothing like hooking and reeling in a King. With an average size of 24 to 36 inches and weighing pounds, you’ll finally have a true fishing story worth telling.
You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering that many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend your cruise with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals. When traveling from Vancouver in the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, the waters are mostly protected and provide smooth sailing.
You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. May is an excellent cruising month for birdwatchers as migratory songbirds start to arrive in Alaska and seabirds gather in their nesting spots or rookeries. Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles.
Carnival has 14-day Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle and Long Beach in late April. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain. Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy.
25 BEST Alaska Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Alaska on Cruise Critic - CruiseCritic.co.uk
25 BEST Alaska Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Alaska on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:08:06 GMT [source]
The warming weather allows cruise ships to travel through the Arctic waters providing unique opportunities for passengers. 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. As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall.
Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July. During long days of light, you'll find hearty Alaskans swimming in the sea and enjoying water sports. At the beginning of the month, you might still be able to find some early season pricing; the peak season for Alaska cruising begins in late June.
Sailings departing earlier in the season will less frequently be sharing berth space in port with numerous other ships, meaning that crowds in the ports will be somewhat lighter. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior. Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight. With over 18 hours of golden sun each day, Alaska landscapes kiss the snowy surfaces goodbye and welcome the lush green meadows that bear the fruits of winter’s labor.
The Alaska cruise weather in June is fairly cool, but it has the least amount of rainfall during the Alaska cruise season. You can expect Alaska cruise temperatures in May to have lows of around 40 and highs of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June.
For a cruise-tour option, Princess’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person. Family favorite Disney Cruise Line offers 13 itineraries over the summer, including a seven-night itinerary from $3,467 per person. Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn.
