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That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. The best time to cruise Alaska is in May or June, at the beginning of the cruise season. Alaska’s cruise season has always been short, peaking quickly at the height of the summer months and then done by early fall.
Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home
Toward the end of August, you'll see leaves changing to fall colors. Multiple major cruise lines offer sailings in Alaska, but mainly during the Spring and Summer months. Princess Cruises is one of the main operators, with seven ships sailing the northern region. Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises also offer sailings. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier.
If you want the best weather…
The wildlife is out and about and enjoying the weather before the short autumn soon arrives and before Alaska is then plunged into darkness when winter begins all too soon. Take the time to head north, and you’ll quickly find the cruise crowds dissipate, and you’ll have the backcountry all to yourself. Those summer crowds really make their first appearance in June, because this is the start of the high season. It’s not quite high season yet but everything is open and operating again. It’s still winter, but in March the temperatures are rising incrementally, and the darkest days are now over.
Best Time to Take an Alaska Cruise
That said, deciding when to embark on your adventure can significantly impact the overall experience. If we were to pick one mega-ship operator to see Alaska on, it would be Norwegian Cruise Line. If your idea of a good time includes loads of onboard amenities (like over-the-top spas, nightly theater productions, go-kart tracks, and a water park), this is the sailing for you. It’s also one of the more family-friendly lines sailing in Alaska, with kids clubs and programming specifically geared at youngsters. In Alaska, NCL offers passengers countless off-ship activities to choose from.
Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours
The season you choose influences not only the activities available but also the overall atmosphere of your trip. Having explored Alaska multiple times, both by land and sea, Chris and I bring firsthand experience to this guide. Our last cruise took us through the Inside Passage at the cusp of August and September. We experienced 80-degree temperatures and sunshine in June and cold and rainy days in July. (That’s why they say dress in layers and pack an assortment of outfits). June is a very popular month to sail to Alaska as this is when kids start getting out of school for the summer and the weather allows for calmer seas and sunny skies.
April is when the weather begins to transition from winter to summer. This is the short Alaskan springtime and it’s the best time to visit Alaska before the summer crowds arrive. In fact, the skies are beautifully clear when the sun is out for its brief stint each day.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. Seeing the northern lights from a cruise ship is rare, but you can increase your chances of seeing them by booking a trip in late September or early October.
Alaska Cruise Shoulder Season (May, September, and sometimes April and October)
What’s appealing about this Maple Leaf Adventures itinerary is that it’s a good mix of Alaska’s natural landscapes and coastal cityscapes. Visits to bustling port towns like Sitka and Ketchikan are balanced with days spent entirely in the wilderness of Endicott Arm and Misty fjords. You'll want to book at the peak of the salmon fishing season, from mid-June to mid-August. Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few don't, so make sure it's on the itinerary if you wish to fish. Starting in 2024, Uncruise Adventures will be offering a winter cruise, where winter sports and northern lights viewings are all part of the package! Running February through March, this is a great option for travelers looking to experience Alaska during the winter months.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
May can be one of the finest months across Alaska, as daylight reaches near-summer heights, while June is even nicer, with the last chill of the arctic winter departing for the season. Whatever month you choose for your Alaska cruise, though, is sure to bring the opportunity to visit charming towns, explore phenomenal nature, and make memories with family and friends. There’s no right or wrong time to cruise to Alaska, but having an idea of the pros and cons of each season should help decide which time of year works best for you. More hours of daylight on an Alaska cruise means more time to sightsee, whether in port or when sailing through the Inside Passage.
The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
Remember that Denali National Park is fully open from late May to the beginning of September, so timing your cruise accordingly is essential. By understanding these key factors, you can better decide on the best time of year for an Alaska cruise that aligns with your interests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone who wants to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, there’s a perfect time for you to set sail. If you’re a last-minute vacation booker, you might be in luck during this time of the year. Any cabins that haven’t been booked at this point are being offered at discount pricing before the end of the season. The good news is that means you can usually score some pretty good deals on Alaskan cruises.
There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun. As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. When it comes to Alaskan cruises, balcony cabins come at a premium.
Alaska endures long, dark winters with some areas having no daylight for weeks at a time. There are fierce snowstorms and temperatures are well below zero for much of the year. This month by month breakdown will help you figure out the best time to travel to Alaska, depending on what you’d like to do and see. The choice between small and large ship cruises ultimately hinges on personal preferences for intimacy and access to nature versus onboard amenities and stable sailing. As you plan your Alaskan cruise, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the timing of your voyage. Alaska’s charm varies with each passing month, and your choice of when to set sail can greatly impact your experience.
By the time Summer Solstice occurs (June 20,21, or 22), travelers to Juneau, Alaska, a common port, will experience a day with 19 hours of sunlight. For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. As a rule of thumb, fewer people will be traveling when school is in session, and therefore, fewer crowds. You can often find great deals on Alaskan cruises that sail during the shoulder season.
The best time to view this dramatic display is mid-July to mid-August, though you can take wildlife excursions to bear hangouts at any time during cruise season. Tell a sun-worshiper that you’re taking an Alaska cruise and they’ll raise an eyebrow. On average in July, Alaska boasts high temps in the mid-60s, but occasionally climbs into the 70s and 80s. However, if you prepare for Alaska’s chill and damp weather, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have a great time.
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