Table Of Content
Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters onboard Disney cruises or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa).
Windstar Cruises
For most people cabin selection will be based on your budget but there are a few things to consider when selecting your room and whether its worth upping your budget a little to get a room you truly love. There are a variety of state rooms, and I think the first choice is whether you want an interior room (no windows), a sea view room (has a window), a balcony room or a suite with balcony. On our recent cruise with Carnival we had two large suitcases (around 20kg each) and we had plenty of space to hang up all of our clothes and store the cases in the wardrobe.
Alaska Cruises - First Time Cruiser Guide & Essential Tips
Best Alaska cruise tips - The Points Guy
Best Alaska cruise tips.
Posted: Tue, 24 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
As the leader in all things related to cruising, our travel blog provides expert guidance and valuable information to enhance the cruising experience. We have earned our position as the top search result for cruising by providing unparalleled resources, insights, and inspiration to our over 1 million readers every year. With 23 sailings, 87 ports of call, 128 days at sea, and voyages across 6 different cruise lines, we have firsthand knowledge and experience to share with fellow cruisers.
Denali National Park
Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all. While onboard, Princess immerses its guests into the sites, sounds, tastes and history of the 49th state through its award-winning North to Alaska programming. Life onboard is made easy, too, with the cruise line’s revolutionary Medallion technology that not only keeps people traveling together connected, but makes buying gifts in ports a snap by charging purchases back to your cabin. The cruise line’s Voyage of the Glaciers itinerary offers two glacier viewing experiences, as well as a voyage across the Gulf of Alaska to see Prince William Sound, known for its abundance of marine and coastal life. Guests can extend their Alaska cruise with three- to 10-day day pre- and post-cruise tours.
Shore excursions range from adventures like zip lining, hiking and rafting to seaplane exploration, photo safaris and high teas. Adults can enjoy themselves on an Alaskan Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining; an adult-only pool and hot tub; fitness center; and Senses Spa & Salon. They’ll even offer last-minute specials right up until the time of sailing, but selection will be limited and the most popular shore excursions will have long wait lists.
We evaluated over a dozen Alaskan cruises before selecting the best in each category. We considered various elements like the cruise line’s reputation and quality of service, ship design and architecture, and notable ship amenities (e.g., swimming pools, entertainment, technology, access to nature experts, etc.). We also reviewed each ship’s cruise itinerary, dining and wellness options, and the types of experiences and excursions available to guests. In determining this list, we evaluated numerous customer reviews and considered whether the cruise line has collected any accolades in recent years.
The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. In addition to offering passengers complimentary Champagne and caviar and housing them in spacious suites, the ship boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks. If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions. The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises.
These ships can also more easily follow aquatic wildlife (within legal limits). Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. If you’d like a small ship cruise to Alaska, but crave a bit more adventure, expedition cruises might be more your speed.
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. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today.
I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went - Royal Caribbean Blog
I tried the cheapest Alaska cruise I could find: here's how it went.
Posted: Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise. When we cruised Alaska in 2018, I researched the heck out of everything - see my attached cruise doc. I would have liked to do a land + cruise option, but it was an extended family trip (my parents and siblings) and not everyone could afford that much time away (and wasn't sure how my elderly dad would handle it) so we did a roundtrip.
Lastly, consider bringing a power strip or multi-port USB charger to keep your electronic devices charged, as well as a small travel umbrella or rain poncho for unexpected showers. With proper planning and packing, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your Alaskan cruise adventure. The journey typically includes top ports of call such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway, which offer a blend of natural wonders and rich cultural experiences. In Juneau, the state capital, explore the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier and embark on thrilling whale-watching tours to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Compared to other types of cruises, Alaska cruise vacations can be relatively pricey. The overall cost will vary depending on factors such as the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and the time of year you choose to travel. The breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and unique cultural experiences make an Alaskan cruise a once-in-a-lifetime journey that offers exceptional value for your money.
In addition to more than 140 shore experiences that immerse guests into this magical destination, Cunard invites explorers, travel writers and locals onboard to share their passions and knowledge. The cruise line takes inspiration from Alaska with special local dishes served in its onboard restaurants, and the return of the Ice White Ball, a formal gala affair with a glacial twist. Most major cruise lines also offer the opportunity for pre or post-cruise land packages that will take you by bus or train to destinations in Southcentral and Interior Alaska. If you have the time, these cruise packages give you the best of both worlds for exploring Alaska's coastal communities and some of the top sights in Alaska's heartland, including Denali National Park.
The Alaskan cruise season typically stretches from late April or early May through September, with some sailings extending into October. With its favorable combination of pleasant temperatures, reduced rainfall, and extended daylight hours, July offers optimal conditions for exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska. You can expect milder weather and longer days to soak in the stunning scenery, engage in shore excursions, and spot magnificent wildlife in their natural habitats. Disney Cruise Line set sail in 1998 with its first three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas and made its way to Alaska in the spring of 2011. The cruise line, which is celebrating its Silver Anniversary at Sea, offers 23 five-, seven-, eight- and 9-night round-trip Alaskan itineraries aboard the Disney Wonder, all of which depart from Vancouver. As on all Disney Cruise Line sailings around the world, its Alaska cruises feature spacious cabins with split bathrooms; kids clubs for ages three to 17; all meals, including snacks and room service; Broadway-quality stage shows and more.
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