Table Of Content
These historical averages are simply averages and will vary somewhat from year to year and port to port. But they give cruise planners a general idea of what to expect with weather and what clothing to pack. The following breakdowns of weather by month combines 30 years of weather data for five major Alaska cruise ports from the U.S. The good news is that no matter which month you choose, your Alaskan cruise will reward you with incredible experiences and memories that last a lifetime.
Seattle Sightseeing: Key Spots to Visit Before Your Cruise
Not only will there likely be more guests onboard during the summer, but in the ports you are visiting as well. If you are looking for a more quiet experience onboard and on shore, consider cruising to Alaska in May or September. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds. The Alaska cruise season is quite short, with just six months to choose the best time to cruise Alaska.
Cruises
Find a cozy saloon to enjoy a warm Irish coffee, or bundle up in your rain gear and make the most of the day. Should your cruise encounter rough seas, an itinerary change, or another unforeseen circumstance, there’s a chance a showtime could get canceled or rescheduled. Booking reservations for earlier in the week ensures you have wiggle room in case of an unanticipated schedule change.
Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours
Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone. The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning.
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season - Cruise Critic
What's New for the 2024 Alaska Cruise Season.
Posted: Mon, 11 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers, there are many options to choose from. No one enjoys navigating crowds, but it’s almost inevitable when cruising to Alaska. If you want to avoid the highest crowds, we recommend disembarking your ship early on each port day. While you can purchase packages once onboard, the cost may be significantly higher than what you could have booked ahead of time.
My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. 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.
Travel Planner
One of our favorite “tricks” when planning an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean is to take advantage of cheap last-minute sailings. You’d be surprised by how many activities you can fit into a pre-cruise stay in Seattle or Vancouver. Even if you arrive at 3PM the day before your cruise, you will have around twenty hours in either city before embarkation begins.
So pack your bags and get ready to spot humpback whales and get up close and personal with a glacier from a kayak because "The Last Frontier" is waiting. Another way to save some money is to check out glacier routes that go northbound, which can be slightly cheaper than those heading southbound. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, choose "a sailing that starts mid-week rather than on a weekend," suggested McDaniel.
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.
Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. There's also the bonus that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge. July and August are the most active cruise months, followed by June, according to scheduled cruises on major travel booking websites.
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. If prices are lower, or if there’s availability on a tour that’s sold out on the Cruise Planner, there’s no harm in booking through a third party.
She added, "May tends to be a pretty dry month, which makes it appealing." If you're intent on a Gulf of Alaska cruise, book a northbound route so you'll cruise the Gulf at the end of the trip when you have your sea legs. If you get seasick easily, also think twice about round-trip cruises from Seattle that spend days cruising in the open ocean. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska.
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. With nearly endless summer days and coastal breezes, you’ll want to make sure to dress with flexibility in mind.
The darkening skies offer a chance to view the Northern Lights from the deck of your cruise ship. It’s a remarkable bonus to an already unforgettable Alaska cruise experience. Another reason June is a great month for an Alaska cruise is that the ports are in full swing.
Here is your guide for figuring out the best times to visit for your first (or 50th) Alaska cruise. Fishing is good during any month—there are just different species of salmon that peak as the weeks go by. Although the service comes with a small fee in addition to any airline baggage fees, it offers unparalleled convenience for travelers.
The summer months are the busiest time for tourists in Alaska, and the ports and attractions can get overcrowded. Most major cruise lines also offer the opportunity for pre or post-cruise land packages that will take you by bus or train to destinations in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. If you have the time, these cruise packages give you the best of both worlds for exploring Alaska's coastal communities and some of the top sights in Alaska's heartland, including Denali National Park. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions. For example, flightseeing via fixed wing or helicopter is a popular way to see glacier fields and spectacular mountain vistas, but small aircraft are sensitive to weather conditions.
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. The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall.
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