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Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list.
Top 10 Alaska Shore Excursions
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Vancouver to Alaska (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 23:18:30 GMT [source]
It's one of the most popular and common itineraries for Alaska cruising. In other words, Alaska can be one of the more affordable bucket-list destinations to reach by ship, especially when compared to other remote cruise destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos. An Alaska cruise costs anywhere from $500 to $8,000 or more during high season. Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. September offers the best possibility for cruisers to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska. They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park.
Featured Alaska Cruise Itineraries
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This time frame allows for diverse experiences, exposure to stunning landscapes, and ample opportunities to explore the unique Alaskan culture and wildlife, making it the perfect escape to the last frontier. It’s a harmonious balance between exploration and relaxation in the pristine Alaskan wilderness. If you’re looking to plunge into the splendors of the Alaskan cruise season, a bit of early planning can save you from potential disappointments and get you some sweet deals. While the peak season for Alaska cruises is from April to October, the golden rule for booking is 6-12 months in advance. As part of your early preparations, it’s worth noting that a valid passport may be required, especially for cruises that have ports of call in Canada.
Alaska Wildlife
You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well. There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop. Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature?
On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights. At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future.
From old saloons to scenic railways, it offers a unique glimpse into a fascinating era. Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line are the all-stars here, offering a range of experiences to make sure you get the most out of your Alaskan adventure. From whale watching to exploring cultural sites, they’ve got the fun and learning covered. During a round-trip Alaska cruise from Seattle, you’ll also sail through the Inside Passage, a maze of fjords and bays home to a number of animals including bald eagles, sea lions, and whales. These itineraries also include a cruising day through Alaska’s Endicott Arm Fjord, a 30-mile-long stretch full of natural beauty, that ends at the gorgeous Dawes Glacier.
Best Alaska Cruises For Families
Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagoff Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers.
Our Alaska Seafood Is Certified Sustainable
Bears – Steep Creek at Mendenhall Glacier when the salmon are running, a bear-watching tour on Chichagof Island, an excursion to Katmai National Park, and the Fortress of the Bear in Sitka. Bald Eagles – The Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan (you’ll enjoy them in a natural setting) or the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka. Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is the ideal stop for those who love nature. The Fortress of the Bear refuge rescues orphaned bears, and the Alaska Raptor Center houses injured birds of prey and returns them to the wild when possible. If you prefer to forego a shore excursion, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and local museums document the history of the Gold Rush.
We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes. Choosing the best Alaska cruise itinerary and cruise line comes down to personal choice. What’s right for one person may be different from the correct one for you. For thrill-seekers, Icy Strait features one of the largest ZipRiders globally.

Once you’ve chosen a sailing, select a mid-ship stateroom on one of the lower decks. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing.
On land, travel inland to Denali, Fairbanks, or an area away from light pollution. Then, check the Aurora Borealis forecast online to see the best chance for viewing. Sea Otters – An otter tour in Sitka offers the best chance to see these playful creatures. They tend to stay in the higher areas when they come out of hibernation.
Step out into your veranda or head up to one of the ship’s outdoor decks and be soothed by the granite Alaskan mountains, cascading waterfalls, drifting icebergs, and spectacular glaciers. For thrill-seeking couples, Icy Strait Point’s shore excursions include glacier hikes, sea kayaking, crabbing expeditions, and more. Go on the ZipRider, the longest ZipRider in the world, where you’ll be able to see stunning views of the tall coniferous trees and the sparkling water of the bay below. Take note that while one-way routes offer the broadest experience of Alaska, there are also roundtrip Alaska cruises from Vancouver and Alaska cruises from Seattle. Alaska small ship cruises offer different itineraries altogether that typically stay within the Inside Passage and feature active day excursions like kayaking and hiking.
Immerse yourself in the wildlife, scenery, and culture ashore and return to aboard our contemporary, design-led ships. After enjoying the untamed beauty, return to your Alaska cruise and rejuvenate your spirit in The Spa. Watch for whales and dolphins from the privacy of your Infinite Veranda stateroom, where the touch of a button brings the outside in.
Many cruises from Vancouver can be open-jaw sailings, which means they begin in Vancouver and end in Anchorage. You could book the next sailing to return to Vancouver, but that would require two weeks. Royal Caribbean offers cruises from two primary ports, Seattle and Vancouver. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point, as well as Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia. Alaska has become a hot spot for multigenerational family travel, with grandparents taking their kids and grandkids of all ages on a memory-making holiday. Princess Cruises is a line that offers something for everyone, and its Alaska-based Discovery Princess is our top choice for family reunion groups.
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