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If you are willing to trade warmth for less precipitation, then go for May. In fact, the end of May and early June offers some of the best weather in the region throughout the year. Royal Caribbean also sails to Alaska in early May and into late September or even October, where you can find some great deals. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, travel guides, and more. Fortunately, you don’t need to sweat too hard about that last one as there’s no bad month to do an Alaska cruise. September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events.
First Time Cruisers
The majority of cruise lines sail to Alaska from April to September. Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel. We provide expert advice, insightful reviews, and comprehensive guides to help seasoned and novice cruisers create their ideal sea journeys. Whether you desire adventure, luxury, or exploration, High Seas Cruising is your compass to unforgettable cruise vacations. The northern lights can be visible at any time of the year, but they are harder to spot during the summer because of the long hours of daylight.
When’s the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Salmon Fishing?
In addition to cooler temperatures, there is a higher tendency for rain during the late spring. For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21. However, it’s not necessarily a good idea to pick a cruise based solely on price. While price should definitely be a consideration, it’s important to consider other factors before choosing an Alaska cruise. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon. You're also quite likely to see many bald eagles that are also interested in salmon.
Cruises
Juneau, for example, sees around 18 hours of daylight in June compared to just 12 in September. The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds.
When is the Best Month to Visit Alaska?
Best time to go on a cruise - The Points Guy
Best time to go on a cruise.
Posted: Tue, 02 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaskan cruises are most popular in July and August, partly as a result of warmer temperatures both months. July and August are the driest months of the year with an average of less than two inches of rainfall each month. July and August are the most active cruise months, followed by June, according to scheduled cruises on major travel booking websites. 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.
You can take a guided hike through the wilderness or try your hand at fishing in one of Alaska's many rivers. By cruising in May, you can beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience. You can also take advantage of the lower rates offered by the cruise lines during the shoulder season, which can help you save money. This month brings cooler weather and more rain but fails to dampen the high spirits on cruise ships.
Few places allow for viewing of the aurora borealis, and the best time see the Northern Lights is in September. 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. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more.
Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway. If you book a Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.
Alaska Cruise Deals: Prices, When to Book, and Tips - Cruise Critic
Alaska Cruise Deals: Prices, When to Book, and Tips.
Posted: Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Adventure Awaits on a Cruise to Québec, Newfoundland and New England
All of the line's itineraries boast an active component, but its "Wild, Woolly and Wow" itinerary claims to be "the most active back country itinerary" of UnCruise's 2024 Alaska cruises. The ship offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. The line always stations one or two Quantum-class ships in Alaska for the season. Adults can linger in the glass-walled Solarium, relaxing in the indoor pools and whirlpools, while their kids zoom around the SeaPlex in bumper cars. It can be hard to figure out which cruise ship will deliver your idea of a "bucket list" experience in The Last Frontier. 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.
The weather in Alaska is unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice. If you are looking for more of a fall experience, aim your travel plans for the end of August or the beginning of September to see some leaves starting to change color. You’ll also end up paying more for excursions this month and have to book early as they sell out quickly. Another great thing about June is that it is a relatively dry month so your chances of getting rained out of an excursion are much lower.
That said, the best time for an Alaska cruise during these months depends on what experiences you’re looking to have. On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. The best time to take an Alaska cruise is in the summer when beauty and adventure instill a newfound sense of wonder into the Great Land. Lush green landscapes are sprinkled with delicate, magenta flowers while the horizon dons frosted alps and royal blue skies. Locals gleefully prepare for peak fishing season, and iconic wildlife take their graceful positions among the pristine backdrop.
Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone. Most cruise passengers tend to avoid the early season because of the school calendar and cooler weather. By going in the summer months, many people get to enjoy Alaska when things are in full swing and of course the warmer weather. Since Alaska cruises are so dependent on outdoor activities, your best chance for sunny days can be opposite of when the best time for crowds are each season. The Alaska cruise season is quite short, with just six months to choose the best time to cruise Alaska.
If you’re looking to get away from the summer crowds and enjoy an intimate cruise in remote Alaska, then we recommend booking an ocean view cabin on a smaller ship. Smaller boats have access to quieter coastlines, like the Wrangell Narrows, that larger cruise ships don’t have access to. Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions.
For those hoping to participate in some of the many excursion options you can enjoy in Alaska, like fly fishing and whale watching, longer daylight hours mean you have more time during the day to do so. This period also seems to have longer daylight hours than earlier stretches. This means you have more time to stroll the deck of your ship and look out onto Alaska’s stunning landscapes and glaciers. Each month within the April to September stretch offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
