Friday, April 12, 2024

How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips

best time for cruise in alaska

There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July.

What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June

Shoulder season for the Alaska cruise season includes the months of May and September. The weather is still cool (May) or cooling down (September), and with school still in session or just beginning, special offers can be found during these months. You can spot whales on Alaska shore excursions like a safari vessel whale-sighting tour in Stephens Passage, Juneau, to evening whale-quest cocktail cruises where sighting a whale is guaranteed. Depending on which itinerary you sail and when you choose to cruise, you can increase your chances of seeing certain species, including humpbacks, orcas, and Minke whales. Don’t forget to throw in a good pair of binoculars when planning your Alaska cruise packing list.

Alaska Cruise in July: Alaska in July Is the Best Month to Spot Wildlife

Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. Temperatures are relatively mild, with daytime highs in the upper 40s and into the 50s depending on where you're visiting and cloud cover. Despite having the best weather, Alaska’s weather in July is very unpredictable. You’ll want to pack for all kinds of weather and wear a lightweight rain jacket. During May and September, Alaska is a bit on the cold side (40 to 53 degrees), so you will want to pack plenty of layers to wear around the ship and at the port.

When is the warmest time to visit Alaska?

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]

The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees. My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. 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.

One of the best ways to become acquainted with Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships is to watch a full tour of the ship on YouTube. On our YouTube channel, we have full, high definition tours of each Royal Caribbean ship sailing to Alaska. Search for shore excursions on websites like GetYourGuide.com and ShoreExcursionsGroup.com, and compare them to what you see on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner.

When is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights?

Because I’ve been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences. After combining all that information, we came up with this guide to the best Alaska cruises. The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. To maximize your chance of witnessing the northern lights, get off the boat and join a land excursion to Fairbanks.

best time for cruise in alaska

Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year for an Alaskan Cruise

While it is impossible to see and do it all over the course of a one week cruise, Alaska has the power to enchant even brief visitors. So while you are stuck at home, this may be the perfect time to start planning a cruise to The Last Frontier. In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting.

Best Time to Cruise

Alaska’s summer cruise season, from early May to late September, boasts several cruise ship options. Whether you prefer a small luxury ship for a premium experience or a large, family-friendly vessel with plenty of amenities, you’ll find the perfect fit for your cruise adventure. Cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries catering to different interests and budgets. With many choices, you can select a cruise that aligns perfectly with your preferences. This is but one of the incredible experiences that may be had when visiting Alaska in the “secret season”—springtime. Not only are the flowers and plant life awakening from their wintertime slumber, so is its wildlife.

When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. There are definite ebbs and flows to demand and crowds in the ports you will visit depending on which month you sail. There are advantages of cruising in each of the summer months, including when prices will be higher or lower. It is hard to top the majestic beauty of rugged glaciers, plethora of unique animal sightings, or huge mountains. Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. While they tend to be less of an issue while you are on a cruise ship on the water, they can be a menace on shore.

It does get dark enough at night to see them by the second week of September, but it's still not as brilliant as what you’ll see on a winter, land-based Alaska aurora viewing vacation. With more daylight and improved weather, your options for excursions also increase. This can help enrich the overall experience of your Alaskan adventure and give you more of an opportunity to see what it would be like living in the United States’ most inhospitable state. To help you plan your perfect trip, we will explain which months are the best for Alaskan cruises. We’ll also discuss factors you may not have considered, such as visibility of the Northern Lights, financial costs, and more. And especially as Alaska is so different compared to your typical warmer cruise destination.

Temperatures are beginning to warm, and vegetation hasn't fully grown in or concealed the best views. Bears, caribou, sheep and mountain goats are all active, and you can find them in easily accessible areas. If you are along the coast of western Alaska, you may also spot a bowhead whale, seal or walrus. Most visitors head north to Alaska in the summer, between May 10 and Sept. 15.

Fewer families travel during the shoulder season as school is in session during May and September. Also, many cruise passengers prefer to travel to Alaska in the warmer summer weather. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions.

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. Weather can get fairly warm in June, July, and August, which can make port days more comfortable. It’s not uncommon for the weather to be nice enough for t-shirts in the summer as opposed to the raincoats and down jackets you may have to wear in early spring or fall. A suite that costs $2000 per person in May may cost upwards of $3300 per person in mid-July.

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