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If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. Winter, when nights are long, dark, and clear, is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. That said, it is possible but not guaranteed to see them on an Alaska cruise. An Alaska cruise in early April, or late September, close to the fall equinox (September 21), will increase your chances.
Read more on when to cruise to Alaska:
On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. Alaska is a thrilling cruise destination no matter which month you sail. Look to the early and late sailings of the season if you are a bargain seeker. Choose a May or June sailing for drier weather and fewer mosquitos; summer is the best time to cruise to see abundant marine life and birds. Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park & Preserve switches into summer mode in May.
When’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?
As you plan your Alaskan cruise, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the timing of your voyage. Alaska’s charm varies with each passing month, and your choice of when to set sail can greatly impact your experience. A cruise ship offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore this vast and picturesque region, giving you the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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The Best Time to Cruise Alaska - TripSavvy
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 07 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The majority of cruise lines sail to Alaska from April to September. 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.
The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. Some attractions and shops will be closed for winter, though your cruise line will still operate a full roster of shore excursions. On the plus side, you will experience southeast Alaska towns as they are most of the year, sans tourist crowds.
You’ll enjoy wildlife viewing, warmer temperatures, and daylight returns to more typical hours. However, the dry season has ended, so rainfall will begin to increase as the month progresses. 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. As you venture into the depths of Alaska’s wilderness, reach new heights where you can enjoy unparalleled views of staggering glaciers and roaming hillside wildlife. With lows in the upper 40s and highs in the mid-60s, allow the revitalizing, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb.
These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses.
Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions. You’ll be very happy if you purchase a quality raincoat and pack clothing you can add or remove in layers. On Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22), the state breaks out of its winter hibernation and begins gaining a few minutes of sunlight each day. By the time Summer Solstice occurs (June 20,21, or 22), travelers to Juneau, Alaska, a common port, will experience a day with 19 hours of sunlight.
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. Although the weather will likely include more rain, you have a better chance of viewing the Northern Lights, which might outweigh this drawback. They begin migrating from Hawaiian waters in the springtime to feed in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter.
Various wildlife-viewing trips (whale, bears and more) and visits to dog-sled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.
Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.
In these months, the weather remains cool, and most schools are either still in session or just starting, resulting in fewer crowds. Each part of the season offers something different, so aligning your cruise with these times will maximize your chances of a successful fishing experience. Whether you’re a novice or an avid angler, Alaska’s rich waters provide an unforgettable salmon fishing adventure. To witness the majestic bald eagles in Alaska, timing your visit can make all the difference. While the summer months offer a good chance to see eagles tending to their nests, the best time is actually during the chillier seasons of autumn and early winter.
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. The ideal time to experience the stunning glaciers of Alaska is during the summer, particularly from June through August. During these months, the warmer temperatures melt much of the winter ice, allowing cruise ships to navigate closer into the Inner Passage and Fjords. Lows of 4 degrees and highs of around 15 allow the revitalising, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb.
An Alaska cruise in April may be bitterly cold and you may still see snow. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. June is a very popular month to sail to Alaska as this is when kids start getting out of school for the summer and the weather allows for calmer seas and sunny skies.
Every port in Alaska has something special to offer, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. Whales start migrating from Mexico’s warm waters to Alaska in February, with the first sightings typically occurring in April. If you are ready to book your Alaska Adventure visit the Princess Cruises website.
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