There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty. An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases. Generally the first port on northbound cruises, Ketchikan serves as an introduction to the rugged Alaskan frontier for many visitors. The cruise lines provide a slightly upscale atmosphere with fewer kids and affordable cruise fares. From the pools on the ship (hopefully covered) to hot tubs that are nice and warm during a cool Alaskan night, youll definitely want to pack that swimsuit. 24 Things To Do In Skagway Alaska Cruise Port - High Seas Cruising There are lots of things to do in Alaska. In any part of Southeast Alaska you need to be ready for rain, any day, all year, but Haines gives you a better chance of a dry day than most. You can make your head spin by searching site after site for the best cruise deal. The Northern Lights are most visible further north during darker nights. Anchorage, Alaska Cruise Port - Cruiseline.com Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas. When youre out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Flying in for your cruise? But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior cabin. Im not sure about that. No votes so far! If youre doing a lot of shore excursions, a small ship cruise may not be as much more expensive as you think so look into that. Glacier Bay National Park: The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Denali National Park has become one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports stops in the past few years. 5. by Indy1. Save. I have a whole post about what to pack for Alaska, including if youre taking a cruise! On a cruise to Alaska you can enjoy the comfort and luxury of your ship in the evenings and traipse into the wilderness for daytime excursions. Drink packages make things extremely simple. With kids still in school, theres less demand for cruise vacations. Sure in Alaska you arent going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if its clear out especially with sun reflecting off of the water. Skagway - best shore excursion. Alaska Cruises: Things to Do - alaskancruise.com Pros: The biggest benefit of a big ship is its less expensive and airfare is also usually less expensive if you are flying round trip to Seattle. 10. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad gives you the unique opportunity in Southeast Alaska to get up into the mountains and inland and see a completely different climate. One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer. Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports arent separated by large bodies of the ocean. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if youre in town during the event. Pros: The biggest benefits of small ships are the small number of guests and the intimate setting as well as the opportunity to explore smaller inlets and places where bigger ships arent able to go. Be forewarned that parking during your trip is expensive. Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio 6. Prepare for wet and cold weather, and dress accordingly so you can enjoy your hike. Thousands of prospectors visited Skagway in the late 1890s with dreams of finding gold. Take a Whale Watching Cruise 2. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Even on sea days, theres always something to look at. If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure thats both fun and educational. Walking tours and hikes: Pick up a free map of the . All the major cruise lines now have apps that you should download before you board the ship. Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier: The 32-mile-long fjord is home to the beautiful Dawes Glacier. If you are coming from a hot climate, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes. When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind. Alaska is a popular cruise port for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. I love using independent operators but I don't leave it to chance upon disembarking, so I book excursions in advance. The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. Small ships do not generally have programming specifically for kids. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. It also means you travel in mostly protected and calmer water. Kayaking is unique in Haines because you can take a tour for sea kayaking or you can kayak in Chilkoot Lake, giving options for every preference and every skill level in a kayak. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun. The Alaska cruise season runs from early May through late September. The Best Alaska Cruise Ports and Choosing the Right Itinerary for You To attract cruise customers, some hotels in Seattle have cruise shuttles that will take you to the port when its time to board. Nearly every cruise calls at Juneau, so look for a cruise that gives you the maximum amount of time there to see as much of this wonderful town as possible. As a born and raised Seattleite, here are my absolute must do things in Seattle, as well as a three day itinerary for this beautiful city. 30 BEST Ketchikan, AK Shore Excursions: Things to Do, Cruise Day Tour 12 Things You Absolutely Need to Do on an Alaskan Cruise Amanda Sadlowski | January 27, 2018 Travel News Cruises & Crossings Outdoorsman | Dreamstime.com The ultimate checklist for. Now it doesnt take a genius to know that any time you gamble the edge always goes to the house. Add in port fees and taxes, gratuity, and charges for double occupancy, and you can expect to spend $2,000 at a minimum. This varies based on the length of the trip and the choices you make (especially about shore excursions) as well as the specific cruise company you plan to travel with. The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the areas deep history and culture. But theres one significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise line. Alaska Shore Excursions | Local Picks for Each Port | ALASKA.ORG If youre interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, its an amazing experience, but its very different from a cruise! But on sunny days, the temperature can rise into the mid-70s. If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Mexico you know to pack sunscreen. Once youve decided whether to take a big ship or small ship, youll need to decide if youre going to do a one way cross gulf cruise (named because it crosses the Gulf of Alaska) or round trip from Seattle or Vancouver BC, which goes through the Inside Passage and returns to Seattle or Vancouver. Jun 29, 2023, 10:43 PM. To make things simple we have a drink package calculator here that can give you a better idea of the package is worth it for you. From mountains to whales, theres so much for kids to see. Big ships offer lots of amenities and entertainment such as multiple dining and restaurant options, shows and spa treatments. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. Related: DIY travelers guide to having a blast on a cruise. This untamed park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness and offers a variety of excursions to cruise travelers. this is the best shore excursion available in Southeast Alaska! 11 Map Website. Park rangers usually come aboard to share about what youre seeing and experiencing. Eagle Island Sea Kayak Tour 9. I recommend the cross gulf (one way) trip if you are also adding a land portion of your trip to other parts of Alaska, such as Denali National Park, Anchorage or Fairbanks. Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise (What It's Like) A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather. 1. The Alaska ferry is absolutely wonderful, but its public transportation and that is how its used by Alaskans. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. Cross Gulf (one way) or Inside Passage (roundtrip) only? The good news is that cruise ships are getting more generous with plugs in the stateroom cabins. Don't veer off the trail and be mindful of signs about recent wildlife activity, including bears. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isnt as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports. Walk Through the Tongass Historical Museum 7. If you like to explore on your own, Sitka is the port for you! Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers. From packing to selecting the right ship to when to sail, weve got everything covered. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room. In addition to the scenery that every Alaska town has on offer, Haines is positioned to have the best weather in Southeast Alaska, making it ideal for outdoor activities like kayaking! Juneau Rolling mountains standing over 3,000 feet tall overlook the still waters below, waiting for the majestic 20-foot Orcas to break the tranquil surface and make their grand debut. Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world. If your ship calls at Victoria, read all about my suggestions for making the most of a short port call there. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord. In addition to the stunning natural beauty that every Alaska cruise port has on offer, Juneau has options for exploring around town on your own, many wonderful shore excursions including whale watching and fishing, a fascinating excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and fantastic hiking and other outdoor activities. Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Alaska cruises are less of a party and more of a laid-back scenic cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska. The ruling by a three-judge 9th Circuit Court panel means the summer chinook, or king, salmon season will start . A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Embark on a magical voyage and celebrate the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. If this happens to you, wed suggest waiting until you get into port to pick up whatever you needs. Other possible glacier cruising areas include: No matter where your ship sails for glacier viewing, it is sure to be absolutely stunning. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. No roads to travel on or telephone masts to connect to. If you embark in Seward or Whittier, youll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port. There is no civilization here. My second favorite city in the world (after Seattle) in Vancouver, BC! Even during the summer months, some days can be chilly in Alaska. We were fortunate enough to sail beside the glacier and were awestruck by the blue ice wall that stood before us. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, youll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September). Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. The best things to do in Alaska with kids - Lonely Planet (Getty Images) Fairbanks is known as the "Golden Heart of Alaska" and one of the top places in the world to view the northern lights: Aurora chasers may want to visit the city during . One site that can be a little different is CostcoTravel.com if youre a Costco member. Its well-heeled tourists had to shimmy into small . Local companies such as Denali ATV offer larger off-road machines that accommodate booster seats (provided) so the whole family can take part. Most Alaskan cruises include at least one scenic cruising day. Many cities are inaccessible by land. Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. Other ports (Wrangell, Petersburg, Victoria, Anchorage/Whittier/Seward) Is it better to do an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver? Get more information on the Red Onion Saloon website. If not, look to reserve the moment you get on the ship. Gold Panning at Alaska 360. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush. If you can afford it, its preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canadas Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours. Join a Tasting Session at Alaska's Wildest Kitchen 7. Then it is a 15-minute walk over to the cruise terminal. On the cruise ship there are cash machines, but expect to pay dearly. Answered: How Much Cash Should You Take On a Cruise? If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries. Its always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise. It is possible to have much hotter days but definitely be ready for some chilly and damp days, even in the middle of summer! Ketchikan, Alaska, is best known as the Salmon capital of the world. But the town is also popular for its Misty Fjords National Monument and numerous totem poles carved by Alaskas Indigenous peoples, the Tlingit. 12 Best Things to Do in Ketchikan, Alaska- Cruise Maven For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure. On a cruise ship that edge can be even larger. See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here. If you dont mind bundling up with some hot drinks while watching the rain and getting the full Inside Passage experience then September is the time for you! Sailing ships with indoor observation areas looking out on the scenery are ideal. With school back in session, fewer families can take a week off to sail to Alaska. Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. Here are some of our favorite spots that you can visit without joining a group outing. Explore the Beach and Nature Trails 8. Is it better to do an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver? All told however, the differences are usually small. But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August. Tips for Hiking Trails Near Alaska Cruise Ports