Cruising to Alaska
Alaska cruise tips, including the best time to visit Alaska
Alaska covers an area approximately 586,000 square miles in size, and it's by far the largest state in America. It's also home to North America's tallest mountain – the majestic Mt. McKinley, rising an incredible 20,320 feet into the sky. Alaska boasts 34,000 miles of coastline – more than all of the other states combined – and a total of 3 million lakes dot the Last Frontier's wilderness. Alaska's famed Inside Passage is a web of quiet fjords and peaceful islands forested with hemlock and spruce. Shaped by glaciers millions of years ago, it's the traditional home of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Indians.The Alaskan cruise season begins in May and ends in September. Not surprisingly, the peak travel period occurs during the warmest part of the year - mid-June through mid-August. Many travelers, however, consider the fall and spring to be Alaska's most beautiful seasons - and these months generally offer more opportunities for big cruise savings.
Alaska Weather
It's a good idea to plan for four types of weather - warm, cool, cold, and (occasionally) wet. Alaska's vast size, varied topography, and geographical location can result in a wide range of conditions.
During the summer months, high temperatures in the inland town of Fairbanks can reach 80°F. Cruising among the Inside Passage's glaciers generally means cooler temps (with more sea breezes blowing on deck). Further along the coast in Anchorage and Denali, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny but slightly cooler. Average temperatures across the state hover in the mid-60s during peak season and the mid-50s in the spring and fall.
Families who want to experience Alaska's beauty on land can choose from more than 60 organized shore excursions (in three activity levels - easy, moderate, and adventure/considerable). Excursions range from exciting glacial flight-seeing tours and mountain biking expeditions to more leisurely pursuits like nature walks and city tours.
Dressing For An Alaska Cruise
Cruising the Inside Passage and planning to do a little sightseeing on deck? Keep a waterproof windbreaker (or a light jacket) and an umbrella handy - the region is cool year-round and subject to sporadic (but gentle) showers. Rubber-soled shoes are a good idea, too. Touring Alaska's coastal towns? An umbrella may be cumbersome. A raincoat, however, frees up your hands - perfect if you'll be carrying around a camera or a shopping bag filled with souvenirs in a port like Ketchikan, which receives up to 100 inches of rainfall annually. Dressing in layers is the way to go if you'll be exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Pack some short-sleeved shirts (though it's doubtful you'll have much need for a pair of shorts), sweaters, and sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or rubber-soled shoes.
Packing For An Alaska Cruise
The biggest factor to consider is Alaska's weather, of course. But activities at sea and ashore may also require special packing. The following checklist includes some additional suggestions to help you get started - it's by no means comprehensive, but it's a good place to begin.
- Binoculars (one pair per passenger)
- Camera (with extra film and batteries)
- Video Camera
- Sunglasses
- Hiking Boots
- Thermal Socks
- Hat
- Gloves
- Heavy jacket
- Light Jacket/Windbreaker
- Raincoat/Umbrella
- Sweaters, Sweatshirts & Long-Sleeved Shirts
- Short-Sleeved Shirts
- Long Underwear
- Formalwear (for dining and cocktails)
- Jeans
- Swimsuit (for the swimming pool/whirlpool)
- Exercise Clothes (for the fitness center)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes
- Overnight Bag (for the train)
- Government-Issued Photo I.D. (driver's license/military I.D.)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship (valid passport/notarized copy of birth certificate with photo I.D. - Canadian ports of call only)
Alaska Land and Cruise Tours
The most popular way to see Alaska, cruise tours combine the best of the sea and land - a top-brand cruise plus a scenic land tour with deluxe hotel accommodations - to create the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Cruising gives you the chance to get close to the region's magnificent glaciers and marine life, and provides passengers with the opportunity to sample a variety of coastal ports. Land tours feature lodging in one or more destinations and take you deep into the heart of Alaska's mountain wilderness and myriad cultures. Select packages include transportation in the famed domed cars of the Alaska Railroad, offering incredible views en route to Denali National Park or Mt. McKinley. Many cruise tours also include premium motorcoach service, plus fully escorted sightseeing tours of city centers, national parks, and museums.
Cruise tours run anywhere from 9 to 21 nights. For the most variety, choose a one-way northbound or southbound cruise, since any pre- or post-cruise hotel stay allows for extended sightseeing in two different cities. When you choose a Northbound Cruise Tour, you'll cruise first and conclude your journey with a land tour. Southbound Cruise Tours are a popular choice with travelers looking to treat themselves to a relaxing voyage at sea after experiencing the excitement of a land tour. You can't go wrong either way.
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Amazon.com Gift Card:
Up To $750 To Prepare For Your Vacation * Amazon.com Gift Card: Up To $750 To Prepare For Your Vacation *Get the fun started before you’ve even boarded your cruise! Book a new and qualifying cruise and receive a Amazon Gift Card valued up to $750. Spend it on luggage, flip-flops, sunscreen, bathing suits, or any other Amazon.com merchandise that would make your upcoming vacation that much more special. Your gift card code will be emailed to you approximately 30 days before departure date. Amount of bonus varies & is based on your booking price (found in your invoice as "Total") MINUS taxes, fees, port expenses, and port charges*
If you book a cruise that departs soon (within 36 days), your gift card code will be sent to you after you return home. Use your gift card to prepare for your adventure or to enhance your next vacation experience!
Total Price (minus port charges & taxes)Gift Card Value$0 - $1,250$25$1,251 - $2,250$50$2,251 - $3,000$75$3,001 - $3,500$100$3,501 - $4,000$125$4,001 - $4,500$150$4,501 - $5,000$200$5,001 - $7,500$300$7,501 - $10,000$400$10,000+$750
Hurry - Offer Ends Soon! -
Onboard Credit:
Up To $750 To Spend Onboard † - Book Online or Call!Onboard Credit: Up To $750 To Spend Onboard † - Book Online or Call!Spend it in your ship's spa, shops, and specialty restaurants or apply it towards shore excursions! Simply book a qualifying voyage, then prior to departure, complete and submit the redemption form found on your invoice, and we'll credit up to $750 to your onboard account, which you can use while you're sailing. Please see our grid below for bonus amounts. Restrictions apply, see terms below for details. Amount of bonus varies & is based on your booking price (found in your invoice as "Total") MINUS taxes, fees, port expenses, and port charges †
Total Price (minus taxes, fees, port expenses, & port charges)Onboard Spending$0 - $1,250$25$1,251 - $2,250$50$2,251 - $3,000$75$3,001 - $3,500$100$3,501 - $4,000$125$4,001 - $4,500$150$4,501 - $5,000$200$5,001 - $7,500$300$7,501 - $10,000$400$10,000+$750
Book Online or Call! -
Book Now, Pay Later:
We'll Waive Your Deposit - Book Online or Call!Book Now, Pay Later: We'll Waive Your Deposit - Book Online or Call!Put your dream vacation on the calendar now, and pay for it later! When you book select 3+ night sailings, we'll waive the booking deposit for the first 5 staterooms on your reservation.
BOOK NOW - OFFER ENDS FRIDAY!Additional Terms & Conditions
Advanced Deposit offer is valid for new individual cruise reservations for sailings departing by 12/31/20. Offer is limited to sailings of 3 nights or longer booked at least 110 days prior to departure (or 140 days for Disney, 7-night or longer Norwegian sailings, and 15 night or longer MSC sailings); maximum $500 value and not valid on bookings requiring non-refundable deposits. Deposit must be paid 10 days prior to final payment due date; if changes are made benefit will become void and the cruise lines full deposit is required; changes resulting in a new cruise line booking are considered a cancellation, subject to cruise line’s cancellation policy, our $24.99 processing fee, and $100 cancel fee. Credit card used at time of booking will automatically be charged when the deposit remainder is due. Offer limited to 5 deposited cabins max. for 1 sailing. Offer is not applicable for redemption bookings. Additional restrictions apply. -
Our Norwegian Exclusive:
Free Pre-Paid Gratuities Our Norwegian Exclusive: Free Pre-Paid GratuitiesSet sail with your tips on us. For a limited time only, book a balcony or suite stateroom aboard select sailings – including three- and four-night sailings – and the first and second guest in your stateroom will receive free pre-paid gratuities! Hurry – this incredible offer ends soon!
BOOK NOW – ENDS 2/28
Search Norwegian cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Valid only on new individual bookings made between 2/21/19 and midnight EST 2/28/19. Prepaid gratuities offer is valid for balcony or suite staterooms for select Norwegian Cruise Line sailings departing between 4/1/19 and 3/31/2020. Offer will appear on client's onboard account as paid service charges for guests 1 and 2 traveling in same stateroom. Offer is not applicable for guests 3-8 in same stateroom. Offer has no cash value, is non-transferable and if changes done to reservation may result in loss of offer. Prepaid gratuities only cover gratuities for the complimentary restaurant staff and stateroom stewards. Guests are responsible for onboard gratuities applicable to all other shipboard purchases including but not limited to room service fees, specialty dining gratuities, beverage fees, spa gratuities and butler or concierge tips. -
Celebrity Eclipse Exclusive:
Up to $200 to Spend on Board Celebrity Eclipse Exclusive: Up to $200 to Spend on BoardTake to the seas aboard Celebrity Eclipse and treat yourself to up to $200 to spend on board your cruise. Use your credit at onboard shops, specialty restaurants, or the spa. Credit amount is per stateroom and based on category purchased: $50 for interior staterooms, $75 for oceanview staterooms, $100 for balcony staterooms, and $200 for suites.
This exclusive offer will be gone in a flash, so book now to take advantage!
HURRY – EXPIRES SOON!
Search Celebrity Eclipse cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Onboard Credit is valid only for new individual bookings made between 2/15/19 and 2/22/19 on select Celebrity Eclipse sailings departing between 5/9/19 and 12/21/19. Onboard Credit amount is based on the stateroom category purchased. Onboard credit will be appearing on your onboard account within 24 hours of embarkation. Onboard spending is non-refundable, non-transferable, cannot be used in the casino, and may not be redeemed for cash; unused portions will become void after cruise is complete. Additional restrictions may apply. -
Our Celebrity Exclusive:
Free Pre-Paid Gratuities Our Celebrity Exclusive: Free Pre-Paid GratuitiesWe'll take care of your gratuities at sea! For a short time longer, your tips are on us when you book a balcony on select 2019 sailings. Take advantage of the best views on board and this exclusive offer!
HURRY – ENDS SOON!
Search Celebrity cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Offer is valid only for new individual bookings made between 2/21/19 and 3/1/19 in a balcony stateroom category on select 2019 Celebrity Cruises. Offer is subject to availability, capacity-controlled, limited by the cruise line, and may be changed or withdrawn from select sailings at any time without prior notice. Gratuities will be applied to cruise line reservations approximately 14 days prior to departure. Gratuities are non-refundable, non-transferable and any changes to reservation may result in forfeiting this promotion. Additional restrictions may apply. -
Our Princess Exclusive:
Upgrade Your Alaska Experience with a CruiseTour Our Princess Exclusive: Upgrade Your Alaska Experience with a CruiseTourDiscover the beauty of Alaska with next-level excursions and complimentary cruisetour upgrades! You'll have the unparalleled opportunity to explore more by both land and sea – offering an authentic taste of Alaska like never before. Witness awe-inspiring glaciers, incredible Music of Denali Dinner Theater, and take advantage of an exclusive $50 bonus spend on board. These premier, multi-night cruisetours give you the unique opportunity to experience Alaska and make memories that will last a lifetime.
BOOK TODAY
Search Princess Alaska CruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Cruisetour offers and upgrades valid only on new individual and qualifying Princess Alaska Cruise bookings made between 9/20/18 and 8/29/19. Offers may vary. Call for details. -
Our Holland America Exclusive:
Free Pre-Paid Gratuities - Call to BookOur Holland America Exclusive: Free Pre-Paid Gratuities - Call to BookYour tips at sea? They're on us! Call our cruise experts now to score free pre-paid gratuities for 2 aboard your Holland America cruise when you book a verandah stateroom or higher. It's our exclusive treat just for you! But don't delay — this deal is leaving the dock soon.
BOOK NOW!
Search Holland America Line cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Offer is valid only for new individual bookings made between 2/21/19 and 2/28/19 for verandah or higher categories on select 2019 Holland America departures. Offer will appear on client's onboard account as paid service charges for guests 1 and 2 traveling in same stateroom. Offer is not applicable for guests 3-8 in same stateroom. Offer has no cash value and is non-transferable. If changes are made to reservation, it may result in loss of offer. Guests are responsible for onboard gratuities applicable to all other shipboard purchases, including but not limited to room service fees, specialty dining gratuities, beverage fees, spa gratuities, and butler or concierge tips. Additional restrictions may apply. -
Alaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus:
Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit & More Alaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus: Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit & MoreDiscover the beauty of Alaska with up to $2000 to spend on board. You can also enjoy free pre-paid gratuities (that's right – we'll pre-pay your shipboard tips), as well as free drinks in Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. On top of that, your third and fourth guests can sail for as low as $100. Act fast, these offers won't last long.
BOOK NOW – ENDS SOON
Search Cunard Alaska cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Alaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus offers valid only on new individual bookings made between 1/8/19 and 2/28/19 by midnight EST. Valid only on qualifying stateroom categories on select Cunard sailings. Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit per stateroom ($1,000 per person) offer is based on reserving a Queens Grill Suite on voyages 7 nights or longer. Amounts may vary by voyage length and category booked. Third/fourth berth guests are not eligible. Singles paying the single supplement earn the equivalent of the per-stateroom Onboard Credit applicable to the category booked. Guests booked in single-occupancy staterooms receive the per-person Onboard Credit applicable to the category booked. Onboard Credit may be used on a single cruise only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used for the casino and expires at the end of that cruise. Additional third/fourth berth guest in the same stateroom are charged $100 per person in Britannia and $500 per person in Grill Suite regardless of voyage length. Space is subject to availability at time of booking. The Free Drinks Package offer is applicable only to guests reserving a Princess Grill Suite or Queens Grill Suite on voyages 7 days or more listed under this promotion. The Free Drinks offer applies to all drinks $12 and under purchased on board during the cruise. Drinks under this promotion can be purchased and consumed free of charge by the participant only, and may not be purchased for people who are not booked on the promotion. Offer is not applicable to guests under 21 years of age. Drinks priced above the threshold shown above must be purchased at full price. Paying the difference between the threshold and the higher price is not permitted. The standard 15% service charge applied against all bar orders will be included under this promotion for all drinks ordered under the price threshold. Tipping beyond the 15% is at the discretion of the guests. For drinks purchased over the price threshold, the 15% service charge will apply as standard. Free Gratuities offer is based on pre-payment by Cunard of suggested gratuities in the amount of $13.50 per person per day for Grill. Free Gratuities offer is not available for Britannia staterooms or third/fourth berth guests. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other offers. Free Gratuities are applicable to bookings on voyages included in this promotion only. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for details. -
Alaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus:
Free Drink Package and Tips - Call to BookAlaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus: Free Drink Package and Tips - Call to BookCall now to book your Alaskan adventure and you can enjoy free pre-paid gratuities (that’s right – we’ll pre-pay your shipboard tips), as well as free drinks in Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. On top of that, you can receive up to $2000 to spend on board and your third and fourth guests can sail for as low as $100. Act fast, these offers won’t last long.
BOOK NOW – ENDS SOON
Search Cunard Alaska cruisesAdditional Terms & Conditions
Alaska 2020 Early Booking Bonus offers valid only on new individual bookings made between 1/8/19 and 2/28/19 by midnight EST. Valid only on qualifying stateroom categories on select Cunard sailings. The Free Drinks Package offer is applicable only to guests reserving a Princess Grill Suite or Queens Grill Suite on voyages 7 days or more listed under this promotion. The Free Drinks offer applies to all drinks $12 and under purchased on board during the cruise. Drinks under this promotion can be purchased and consumed free of charge by the participant only, and may not be purchased for people who are not booked on the promotion. Offer is not applicable to guests under 21 years of age. Drinks priced above the threshold shown above must be purchased at full price. Paying the difference between the threshold and the higher price is not permitted. The standard 15% service charge applied against all bar orders will be included under this promotion for all drinks ordered under the price threshold. Tipping beyond the 15% is at the discretion of the guests. For drinks purchased over the price threshold, the 15% service charge will apply as standard. Free Gratuities offer is based on pre-payment by Cunard of suggested gratuities in the amount of $13.50 per person per day for Grill. Free Gratuities offer is not available for Britannia staterooms or third/fourth berth guests. Up to $2,000 Onboard Credit per stateroom ($1,000 per person) offer is based on reserving a Queens Grill Suite on voyages 7 nights or longer. Amounts may vary by voyage length and category booked. Third/fourth berth guests are not eligible. Singles paying the single supplement earn the equivalent of the per-stateroom Onboard Credit applicable to the category booked. Guests booked in single-occupancy staterooms receive the per-person Onboard Credit applicable to the category booked. Onboard Credit may be used on a single cruise only, is not redeemable for cash, cannot be used for the casino and expires at the end of that cruise. Additional third/fourth berth guest in the same stateroom are charged $100 per person in Britannia and $500 per person in Grill Suite regardless of voyage length. Space is subject to availability at time of booking. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other offers. Free Gratuities are applicable to bookings on voyages included in this promotion only. Additional restrictions may apply. Call for details.
FEATURED ALASKA CRUISES
NORTH OR SOUTHBOUND GULF OF ALASKA CRUISES
Crisp air, the spray of ocean as whales crest the surface, and thundering cliffs – welcome to Alaska. Choose from a huge selection of cruise lines and set out into the great North, where you'll visit settlements and cities, witness herds of wildlife on the shores, and encounter the splendor of Mother Nature every time you step out onto deck. Alaskan Gulf cruises span all the way up into the Anchorage area, and include sailings across the Icy Strait, a visit into Sitka for shopping and hiking, and encounters with the Mendenhall Glacier when you weigh anchor in Juneau.
Departure Ports for NORTH OR SOUTHBOUND GULF OF ALASKA CRUISES:
ROUNDTRIP ALASKA CRUISES
From drifting icebergs to towering pine trees and beyond, an Alaskan getaway through the Inside Passage is a strikingly beautiful voyage. The passage itself is over 1,000 miles along and is famous for its unusually calm waters. Take in the sights of gray wolves, herds of caribou, and grizzly bears. Sail Glacier Bay and snap photographs of tidewater glaciers. Dock in Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau to learn more about the history and culture of this rugged landscape. Visit research stations, parks, hiking trails, shopping centers, and more. With a wide range of cruise lines to choose from, build you dream Alaskan vacation and explore the Great North at your own pace, in your own style.
Search Cruise Lines Traveling to Alaska
Azamara Club Cruises
from $1,724
Carnival Cruise Lines from $609 Celebrity Cruises from $449 Crystal Cruises from $2,355 Cunard from $1,309 Disney Cruise Line from $1,697 Holland America Line from $499 Norwegian Cruise Line from $549
Oceania Cruises
from $1,599
Princess Cruises from $449 Regent Seven Seas Cruises from $4,399 Royal Caribbean from $499 Seabourn from $4,299 Silversea Cruises from $4,230 Viking Ocean Cruises from $5,399 Windstar Cruises from $2,699
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Free upgrade!
Book an eligible stateroom on any qualifying sailing and receive a free upgrade! In some cases, you'll be upgraded to a more desirable location aboard your ship. In other instances, you'll be upgraded to a stateroom with extra space and/or a better view. It's also possible that you might receive all of these benefits. Select your sailing date to see which upgrades are available.