Have you been considering an Alaskan adventure for your next vacation? A cruise might be the perfect way to explore the northernmost state. Even if you’re an experienced cruiser, you’ll likely find that an Alaska cruise will offer a very different experience than ports that are generally more tropical in nature.
Alaska Cruise Tips
You’ll need to keep a few things in mind if you’re planning an Alaska cruise. First, optimal times for travel to Alaska fall between May and the beginning of September. This timeframe allows you to experience the state’s relatively mild summer, which leads to the next tip: pack to dress in layers. While there’s plenty of springy weather during cruise season in Alaska, there’s a good chance you’ll get some less-than-cozy days. Next, you’ll find yourself spending more time on the ship than you do on the average cruise. While there will still be land excursions, there probably won’t be as many as on a tropical cruise. However, since the main point of an Alaskan cruise is to experience the state’s natural beauty, you probably won’t mind less stops if you’re thinking this sounds like the perfect vacation for you.
7 Night on the Celebrity Solstice
This cruise takes you from Seattle to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Victoria, and then back to Seattle, with time spent cruising along the iconic Tracy Arm and Inside Passage. The ship itself features classy dining and drinking options and a luxurious, modern feel. This cruise is perfect for those who want to begin and end their cruise at the same port as that’s not the norm for Alaskan cruises.
7 Night from Seward on the Radiance of the Seas
This Royal Caribbean ship is made with tons of glass sides ideal for the incredible ocean views you can expect of an Alaska cruise, and the Southbound track from Seward to Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, and Ketchikan, ending in Vancouver is the most popular Alaskan itinerary this ship sails. This particular cruise is an excellent value, so it’s the perfect trip for the Alaskan cruiser on a budget.
7 Nights on the Ruby Princess
If you love off-ship time, this might be the Alaskan itinerary for you. Departing from Seattle, you’ll port at Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, and Victoria. The Ruby Princess offers great entertainment and lots of free options for dining. This ship is designed for romance, so it’s perfect for a couples getaway.
Viewing the natural beauty of Alaska from the sea makes for a once in a lifetime vacation, and the slower pace and more relaxed atmosphere of the average cruise to the 49th state make it perfect for an older crowd. If an Alaska cruise sounds right up your alley, take a look at these options and find the perfect trip for you! Shop these or other Alaska cruises below.