Table Of Content
- Cruise Packing Mistakes Everyone Makes (And How To Avoid Them)
- Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
- What Are The Best Ports To Visit On An Alaskan Cruise?
- The best month for an Alaska cruise: When to go
- What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in September
- Best Time Of Year For The Northern Lights
- Crowds
While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September.
Cruise Packing Mistakes Everyone Makes (And How To Avoid Them)
You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
Visitors can also explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, which offers dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep fjords that can be explored by boat or floatplane. The town itself is rich in history, with several museums and restored buildings that tell the stories of the thousands who flocked here in the late 1800s seeking gold. Hiking trails and tours also offer a deeper look into the scenic landscapes and historic sites around the area. Witnessing these majestic creatures breach the water against the captivating Alaskan landscape is an unforgettable memory you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
What Are The Best Ports To Visit On An Alaskan Cruise?
An Alaska cruise is an unforgettable experience, especially if you have never had the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of America’s Last Frontier. 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. But if you are hoping for warmer weather, May is probably not the best for you.
The best month for an Alaska cruise: When to go
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. For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21. A mythic journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic, this Concierge Cruise is a cultural immersion into Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes. September also increases your wildlife sighting opportunities, as animals across the state begin migrating, foraging for hibernation and engaging in courtship rituals. Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships.
Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise. The chance of rain during this month is over 50%, so you’ll want to pack plenty of waterproof gear – including waterproof shoes and wool socks. During May, you’ll find several whale species along Alaska’s inside passage.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska? It Depends on Your Travel Plans. - AFAR Media
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alaska? It Depends on Your Travel Plans..
Posted: Sun, 24 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness. This is when bears have emerged from hibernation and tend to be fairly active. If you hope to spot a grizzly, you might just have your opportunity if you cruise Alaska during this period, along with viewing moose and even a chance to see more calves or cubs running around. If you plan to book a whale watching excursion or want to see bears, you may be left disappointed if you cruise to Alaska at the very end of the season. Weather can get fairly warm in June, July, and August, which can make port days more comfortable. It’s not uncommon for the weather to be nice enough for t-shirts in the summer as opposed to the raincoats and down jackets you may have to wear in early spring or fall.
The aurora season in Fairbanks lasts from the end of August to April and the lights can be seen four out of five nights if the sky is clear. Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise. If you’re hunting the northern lights, then include a land trip to Fairbanks, where you can enjoy Denali Park and hopefully catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis. Down south, the waters around the southwestern and southcentral regions of Alaska teem with ships visiting Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound and Katmai National Park. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Though it’s the second-largest island in the entire United States, it’s rare that cruise ships visit, mainly because it lacks the infrastructure for big ships. Temperatures can vary anywhere between zero degrees - to mid-20s throughout the summer travel months – inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do. For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance.
The warm temperatures also make it an ideal time to participate in outdoor activities. While early May often carries a chill in the air, by the end of the month, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s. The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. There's also the bonus that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge.
The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales. In July, the whales are usually in full migration, making it an ideal time for whale watching. Visitors can take a whale watching excursion to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close. The salmon are also in full run during this time, which attracts bears and eagles, making it an excellent time to spot these animals in their natural habitat. Another reason June is a great month for an Alaska cruise is that the ports are in full swing. The peak season for Alaska tourism starts in June, and the ports are buzzing with activity.
