Here are some of our favorite spots that you can visit without joining a group outing. Most Alaskan cruises include at least one scenic cruising day. Disney Cruise Line Fall 2024 Itineraries. Uber/Lyft/Taxi Are The Easiest Options to the Seattle Port Flying in for your cruise? Cruise lines dont let you bring beer or liquor on the ships. Still not convinced. This is as far north as cruise ships go in the Inside Passage (some continue north from here across the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier while others turn south here to return to Seattle or Vancouver). Don't veer off the trail and be mindful of signs about recent wildlife activity, including bears. Experience setting foot on a remote glacier through a private helicopter tour, enjoy an authentic . On an Alaskan cruise, you can take a tour to see whales in Juneau or one in Icy Strait Point. See Bears at the Wildlife & Bear Search 5. Cruising While Pregnant: What to Know Before You Book. These two spots are about two miles away from each other. And with cruise lines sending their latest and greatest ships to the region, youll find enough entertainment for the whole family. Jun 29, 2023, 10:43 PM. For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. I love using independent operators but I don't leave it to chance upon disembarking, so I book excursions in advance. This will allow you to get stunning pictures of the beauty of Alaska, even if you are quite a distance from your subject. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canadas Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours. Expedition cruise lines often include complimentary shore excursions and provide zodiacs, kayaks, and bikes for you to use. There are good chances to see bears and goats on this trip too! In my opinion, Juneau is the best Alaska cruise port overall. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. While there can be some overcast days, those sunny days can hit hard. The city is home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show. You might call the cruise line for information. One of the big draws of cruising is that it can be a cheap vacation. You pay one price and get to drink pretty much anything on the ship for no additional charge. Juneau Rolling mountains standing over 3,000 feet tall overlook the still waters below, waiting for the majestic 20-foot Orcas to break the tranquil surface and make their grand debut. Prepare for wet and cold weather, and dress accordingly so you can enjoy your hike. Sailing from Seattle to Alaska? Your budget is an important first consideration as small ship cruises are generally at least double the cost of big ship cruising. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony. If youre embarking or disembarking in Whittier or Seward, youll be flying in or out of Anchorage. Embark on a magical voyage and celebrate the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Learn more here about Wrangell, here about Petersburg and here about Glacier Bay. You might have heard someone refer to the Alaska ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) as a locals cruise or a cheaper cruise and I want you to know that is not accurate! Juneau is Alaskas capital city, located at the base of Mount Juneau. Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America. One issue with sailing on most cruises is that your phone doesnt work. If youre taking any vacation, but especially a trip to remote regions like Alaska, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer. The cruise lines provide a slightly upscale atmosphere with fewer kids and affordable cruise fares. Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours. Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species. A cruise-by of Hubbard Glacier offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, forget the outside world, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska's unspoiled scenery. That means transportation is always a big issue. To be sure youre prepared for anything, layering your clothes can give you options for when it warms up or it cools down. There are specific programs for kids. You have entered an incorrect email address! Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice. The weather can drop into the 40s or 50s in the morning during the cruise season. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. Theres no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style. Trips during the peak months can start higher than that. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These days almost all of us use our phone as our camera. Most likely your ship will dock a few miles outside of town, but theres a free shuttle downtown that goes every 15 minutes while a ship is important and its easy to zip around. And its essential to keep in mind that you wont be able to book round-trip airfare, which means youll have to pay more for flights. If you get warm or simply like having some airflow, its a great thing to pack with you. Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The cruise ship with about 1,000 passengers anchored off Nome, too big to squeeze into into the tundra city's tiny port. Big ships offer lots of amenities and entertainment such as multiple dining and restaurant options, shows and spa treatments. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Things to Do. When you sail to Alaska, shore excursions are a must. So you can definitely take in the views, but you might not be sitting on the balcony as much as you think. This varies based on the length of the trip and the choices you make (especially about shore excursions) as well as the specific cruise company you plan to travel with. If sailing to Alaska, there is at least a chance (depending on your carrier) that youll have your normal cell service when in port. On our last 7-day cruise, we could spot pods of orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles without leaving the vessel. Round-trip cruises are the most popular, typically beginning and ending in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, Canada. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. The ruling by a three-judge 9th Circuit Court panel means the summer chinook, or king, salmon season will start . The cruise tours visit places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, the city of Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula. It also means you travel in mostly protected and calmer water. Even though it isnt in Alaska, many cruises which start or end in Seattle stop in Victoria. Meanwhile some ships either arent sailing yet or have moved on for the season. If you find yourself in this small town, here are some suggestions to make the most of your trip. Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises. I've been a tour guide for many years in both Alaska and Washington and am a field editor for the Milepost. Landmarks like the Russian Bishops House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites. My second favorite city in the world (after Seattle) in Vancouver, BC! It can be challenging to explore ashore on your own (though it is always possible! Explore the Beach and Nature Trails 8. If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about. A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. When you visit Alaska, youll want to pack very differently than you would for a Caribbean cruise. Answered: How Much Cash Should You Take On a Cruise? Thats on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (its four hours behind the East Coast). One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If you've dreamed of seeing brown bears in the wild in one of Alaska's best spots for brown bear viewing as well as experiencing flightseeing and kayaking, this trip is for you. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that wont take up a ton of space in your luggage. Even if youve taken a regular tropical cruise before, preparing for a trip to Alaska is completely different than any other vacation you might take. A one-way cruise is the best way to visit the Gulf of Alaska, with calls in northern ports like Whittier or Hubbard Glacier. Some of the tallest mountains have sharp edges towards the peaks. Alaska is a popular cruise port for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Shore excursions are cruise activities that take place while your cruise ship is in port. Sure in Alaska you arent going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. We did the 26 Glacier tour with Phillips cruises via Holland America and it was spectacular scenery. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the towns wooden boardwalks. And you get to wake up in a new stunningly beautiful place every day without having to repack! And for even more on Alaskan cruising, dont forget to see our list of things to pack, what to consider when selecting the right ship, and our best cruise deals to Alaska. Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. Its best to have a passport, but if your cruise starts and ends in the same port you can travel with a government-issued birth certificate. Save the money and bring cash from home. These cookies do not store any personal information. Related: DIY travelers guide to having a blast on a cruise. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canadas Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields). Times for the best restaurants and the hottest attractions fill up quickly because they are so popular. This is one of the questions I get frequently from my readers and clients. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s. That means those trying to get off the elevators are stuck while those wanting to get on move out of the way. When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind. If sailing from Seattle to Alaska, its a bit different. 5. by Indy1. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, foreign flagged ships (all the big ships) cannot take people from one American port to another. One thing thats very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. Just because youre not going to the Caribbean doesnt mean you can leave the sunglasses at home. Sitka - best Alaska cruise port to explore on your own. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, youll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September). Want to sail with fewer crowds and ships? Make sure to visit Crazy Wolf Studio, which is Alaska Native owned and features Native art from across the northwest coast. 10. Consider that a moderate bottle of wine in a grocery store can cost $10-12. Nothing about Juneau is small. Nearly every cruise calls at Juneau, so look for a cruise that gives you the maximum amount of time there to see as much of this wonderful town as possible. In particular, weve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals. This is a wonderful place to try kayaking for the first time! The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities. 4. Sailing during the shoulder season is the best time to find cheaper cruise fares. Located approximately 15 minutes drive from Juneau cruise port, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is the largest Salmon Hatchery in Southeast Alaska raising over 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon annually. There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty. Glacier Bay National Park: The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. One minute its warm, and the next, its cold and rainy. Why? All the major cruise lines now have apps that you should download before you board the ship. Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. Take a Whale Watching Cruise 2. Where Skagway is a historic small town full of history and adventure, Juneau is a large city with great eateries and shopping. If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Mexico you know to pack sunscreen. Visit the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center 3. Even if its sunny when youre on the ship, you can expect the weather to change at a moments notice. Whats the Earliest You Should Schedule a Flight After a Cruise? Its just the way things are. Denali National Park has become one of the most popular Alaska cruise ports stops in the past few years. Look to set sail in the early part of the season (May) or the later part of the season (late August-September). The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. Yes, there can be cold, damp, and breezy days. The state's vast and wild terrain suits adventurers . Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight. Its well-heeled tourists had to shimmy into small . There are also plenty of opportunities . Its important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. Details You Should Know Before You Sail, 57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers, 7 Common Things You CANT Pack on a Cruise (And 5 Surprising Things You Can), 7 Top Nassau Hotels with Day Passes for Cruise Passengers, 20+ Best Miami Park and Cruise Hotels (Free/Discount Parking), Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room. If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk. Inside Passage cruises typically have ascenic cruising day at a Fjord or glacier. The seas in the Gulf of Alaska can be particularly rough. For instance, you have to purchase the drink package for every day of the cruise, even when you are in port and unlikely to use it that much. You likely want to bring some cash on your cruise. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If you're planning a cruise to Alaska, it's natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. Ive spent many seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and visit all of these ports frequently and even lived in two of them. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. Go for it! You can only reach Juneau by plane or boat. For instance, you might actually show up in the afternoon and then leave later in the evening. If you are doing a cruise only (no land tour), I recommend doing the Inside Passage only on a round trip cruise. Contributor. Join a Tasting Session at Alaska's Wildest Kitchen 7. You best to see the Northern Lights on a cruise ship by booking a Gulf of Alaska itinerary during September. The Gulf of Alaska itinerary brings you the furthest north, and sailing in September provides more hours of darkness. This is despite the fact that the two cities are just over a hundred miles apart. The lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and blue glaciers provide an experience unlike any other. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ships casino. 1. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday halted a lower court ruling that would have shut down southeast Alaska's chinook salmon troll fishery for the summer to protect endangered orca whales that eat the fish. Alaska offers opportunities for active travelers, history buffs, shopping, wildlife encounters, and sightseeing. Pack several for each person in your party because once you used them you arent going to want to try to dry them out and fold them up again. But if youre most interested in seeing Alaska and not the ship then most cruise lines offer similar routes. Its more straightforward and usually less expensive to fly if you do a round trip from the same port. August and September are much rainier, but you can get some good deals at this time of year. That said, in general you'll find that a trip to Alaska can be more than a cruise to the Caribbean. The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. Dressing in multiple layers prepares you for any weather. Visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and forests. If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold but youd be surprised. 39 reviews. Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids. Instead, just enjoy in ports if you want to partake and leave the rest on land. Take the Ocean Raft Adventure 6. Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. If youre doing a lot of shore excursions, a small ship cruise may not be as much more expensive as you think so look into that. The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, youll want to look at expedition cruises. Yeah, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. That can mean fewer people in ports of call. You can expect long lineups and higher prices at popular attractions if youre sailing during peak season. Big cruise ships either sail one way from Seattle or Vancouver to Whittier or Seward near Anchorage, or they sail round trip in the inside passage from Seattle or Vancouver. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They often offer cash you can use in the store as an incentive. With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea. Its also more expensive than people expect (often more than a cruise) and there are lots of hidden costs, such as getting a small cabin and eating in the cafeteria. One quirk is that recreational marijuana is legal in both states. Ill also talk about how to decide between a cross gulf cruise or inside passage only (and what that means), a big ship or small ship and options for scenic cruising around glaciers. It's best to research what activities fit within your interest, fitness level, and budget. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here. In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship. Simply stay a night and your transportation is taken care of for you. Flying in for your cruise? I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. They're found outside of the towns where ships stop. The good news is that a pair of binoculars doesnt have to be big or expensive. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if youre in town during the event. High Seas Cruising is for those who love to cruise. May, June, and September are known as the shoulder season. Many towns across Alaska offer activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, and more high excitement activities like off-roading (ATVing). 16. Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Some ships like the Norwegian Joy have observation areas. When youre out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Im so glad to have you along on the journey to experience your best adventure in Washington, Alaska and Western Canada! In any part of Southeast Alaska you need to be ready for rain, any day, all year, but Haines gives you a better chance of a dry day than most. If you can afford it, its preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. Shop at Crazy Wolf Studio 6. This untamed park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness and offers a variety of excursions to cruise travelers. When I say best weather I mean less rain than most other ports (except Skagway) but it doesnt have the wind that Skagway has. You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep. Expect to spend significantly more. No votes so far! Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours. Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Not only do they now include more on newer ships, but they also include USB charging ports. But they do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine of champagne. Whether selecting a ship or planning your time in port, you don't want to miss out on all of the outdoor and cultural activities Alaska has to offer. Try the ZipRider 3. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships.