The Inside Passage
is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though there are some itineraries originating in Juneau.
Is it worth it to pay for a balcony on a cruise?
If you’re sailing in the Mediterranean or to another scenic destination, the view is definitely worth the money
, Driscoll says. “If you’re doing an Alaska cruise, it’s so nice out on the balcony, watching the glaciers,” he says. “You see all the people on their balconies watching the beauty go by.”
What time of year should you cruise to Alaska?
Alaskan cruise season is
May through September
with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier.
What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?
May or September
The very beginning and very end of the Alaska cruise season typically sees the lowest prices for Alaska cruises. Generally speaking, May and September have the coldest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, and it is also the time of year when school is still in session.
Is it cold on an Alaskan cruise?
What is the best weather for an Alaska cruise?
Temperatures can vary anywhere between 30 to 80 degrees throughout the summer travel months
– inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable.
Can you see the northern lights in Alaska?
While the northern lights can be seen anywhere in Alaska, they’re visible most often in the Interior and Arctic regions
.
Where do Alaska cruises depart from?
There are 4 ports that most Alaska cruises depart from:
Seattle, Vancouver, Seward and Whittier
. Other ports such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Juneau are used less frequently.
Is the Inside Passage international waters?
Canada maintains that the Passage is part of its internal waters
and that no right of innocent passage exists within it, whereas the United States of America believes the Passage is an international strait where the right of transit passage exists.
Which deck is the best on a cruise ship?
The best deck on a cruise ship to avoid seasickness is
the lowest passenger deck
. This is because the top of a ship sways from side to side much more than the bottom. To avoid motion sickness, choose a cabin close to the waterline.
Can you refuse to pay gratuities on a cruise?
Q: Can you refuse to pay gratuities added to your bill?
Yes, though cruise lines highly discourage it and will work with guests if they are not satisfied with the service on their voyage to adjust the fee to lesser gratuities if necessary.
What part of a cruise ship is the smoothest?
The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship’s center.
The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most
.
Can you see the Northern Lights from a cruise ship in Alaska?
Where and When Can You See the Northern Lights? Aurora Borealis can only be seen from a few places in the world.
One of the best viewing locations is Fairbanks, Alaska
, which is why this landmark is one of the central highlights of a Norwegian Cruise Line tour.
Is it better to visit Alaska in May or September?
Alaska is busiest from mid-June through mid-August, which is also when you will likely experience the best weather.
If you’re worried about crowds, your best bet is to visit in April through May and September
. During these months, the days are still long and good weather windows are still probable.
What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Alaska?
Wildlife Viewing:
May – September
is the best time to see wildlife in general. Fly-in bear viewing begins mid-June but is best in July. You can see Moose year-round. Gray whales migrate up in March/April; humpbacks are here from May to September; orcas are here year-round.
Do I need passport for Alaska cruise?
Do you need a passport to go on a cruise to Alaska? Even though Alaska is part of the United States,
most cruise itineraries will require you to travel with a U.S. passport
. If you’re on a cruise to Alaska that begins or ends in Canada, you are required to carry a passport book or passport card.
How much does a 7 day Alaskan cruise cost?
| Per Person Double Occupancy Cruise | Transportation $1200 – $3000 for Lodging, Transportation & Meals | Meals | Excursions $800 – $1200 (5 excursions) | Total $2000 – $4200 |
|---|
Is May too early for Alaska cruise?
The best times to go to Alaska on a cruise ship are between the months of May and September
, but between July and August is going to be peak season.
Can you see whales from the cruise ship in Alaska?
Therefore,
the best time to cruise to Alaska to see whales is any time throughout the cruise season
. However, there are certain months when you’re more likely to see certain species of whales than others. Humpback whales tend to be more visible in the months of June and July.
What kind of shoes should I take on an Alaskan cruise?
In fact, Ketchikan, Alaska is arguably one of the rainiest cities in the world. So, a pair of
rain boots or waterproof hiking shoes
will be essential. Some options include Sperry duck boots, Merrell hiking shoes, or Hunter rain boots.
What is the warmest month in Alaska?
July
is peak season in Alaska and also typically the warmest month of the summer.
What months do aurora borealis occur?
The best time of year to see the northern lights is
between September and April
, when the sky gets dark enough to see the aurora. (Far northern locales experience the midnight sun, or 24 hours of daylight in the summer.)
What month is best to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between
November and March
, with the highest probability in the middle of winter (December, January and February). What is this? You need to have clear skies, and look for auroras between 10 pm and 2 am.
Can you drive to Alaska from America?
You can drive to Alaska from anywhere in the United States except Hawaii
. From the majority of USA, you need to take the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek in British Columbia except California, Oregon and Washington State where the Dease Lake Highway is a better route to Yukon.
How far north do Alaska cruises go?
It stretches for about
950 miles
from Seattle along the coast of British Columbia to the northern part of the Alaska panhandle near Haines and Skagway, Alaska. Cruises usually include stopovers in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and the famous Glacier Bay National Park.
Which is the major embarkation port for Alaska cruises?
Seattle and Vancouver
are two of the most popular embarkation ports for Alaska cruises. Both are incredible cities with major airports and plenty to explore on pre- or post-cruise stays.
How long does a cruise ship take from Seattle to Alaska?
On round-trip cruises from Seattle to Alaska, you’ll spend
seven days
visiting ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway and sailing through the stunning Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier and the Inside Passage in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.
