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While you’re on the boat, you’ll enjoy delicious and local cuisine, with many of our cruises offering fine-dining options. As for land trips, June sees Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park open, both of which offer stunning floatplane and flightseeing adventures. Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. Have a question or looking for advice about the best time to visit Alaska? Use the comments below and we’ll answer your questions about the best time to travel to Alaska.
Find Your Best Time to Visit Alaska
It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. Juneau is the best port for whale watching, because seeing whales is 100% guaranteed. Icy Strait is also a good choice for whale watching, because whales are abundant (though not guaranteed).
Travel Is Our Tradition
If budget is as big a concern as Alaska cruise weather, May is one of the cheapest months to sail due to shoulder-season discounts. If you’re planning a cruise tour to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s worth noting that the bus service doesn’t begin until late May. Cloud cover and precipitation conditions from May persist throughout June and July, and wind speeds remain low as well. While you’ll pay more, you won’t be battling the weather or have to dress up like the Michelin Tire mascot to stay warm. You’ll also be able to take the excursions you want without the risk of them closing down for the season (providing you book enough enough). Even with bad weather conditions, some cruise guests love to go in the fall for the chance to see the northern lights.
Alaska Cruise in July: Alaska in July Is the Best Month to Spot Wildlife
You can expect hours of daylight in June, providing lots of time to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness and abundant wildlife. As Alaska cruises have grown in popularity, the crowds have grown as well. It’s not uncommon for there to be three, four, or even five cruise ships docked in Alaska's ports at once. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking a later dinner time, or simply eat dinner elsewhere on the nights the sailaway overlaps with your dining time.
What To Expect on an Alaskan Cruise: Weather and Wildlife
There’s a good chance you’ll see eagles perched high near the shoreline, in town scavenging garbage dumps, or even feasting off a salmon run. Bald eagles hatch and rear young in April and you can see their mottled fledglings from May through June. Winter, when nights are long, dark, and clear, is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. That said, it is possible but not guaranteed to see them on an Alaska cruise.
If so, you can almost always expect warm temperatures and, aside from a chance of rain, pleasant weather conditions. When packing for an Alaska cruise, we recommend bringing a pair of sneakers that are water resistant. Unless you plan on doing some serious trekking in each port, there’s no need to bring hefty hiking boots or rain boots. A pair of sneakers made from a water-resistant material will keep your feet dry and warm under most weather conditions. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.
Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise - Cruise Hive
Itinerary Change, Cancelled Ports for Carnival's Epic Cruise.
Posted: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Running from late June to mid-August, summer has the warmest temperatures, near endless sunlight (approximately 18 hours or more per day!), and the best chances for viewing wildlife. And with the tourism industry in full swing, you’ll find more services and a seemingly endless list of activities to take part in. But you won’t be alone — more stuff to do and nicer weather in Alaska means more people — and the prices will generally be a bit higher. After spending the winter in warmer climates, humpback whales migrate north and break the waters of the Inside Passage, marking the dawn of Alaska’s most vivacious season.
Our favorite Vessi runners are 100% waterproof, vegan, washable, and lightweight. In 2023, the Norwegian Bliss makes its last sailing on October 21st, followed by the Norwegian Encore the following day. You may be able to find some deals towards mid-August, but expect full fares for the most part. You can expect to see lots of snow-capped mountains, and there are fewer insects and mosquitos.
Glacier Bay cruise: 16 ways to make the most of your day in the park - Cruise Blog
Glacier Bay cruise: 16 ways to make the most of your day in the park.
Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Use Seattle airport’s port valet service when disembarking in Seattle
Of course, you’ll want to look at the terms and conditions of each tour operator before booking. Check the tour’s cancellation policies—and whether or not they provide a guaranteed arrival back to port before your ship's departure—before booking. Due to the popularity of excursions on an Alaska cruise, they can fill up quickly, so it’s important to book excursions well ahead of time.
However, we’ve broken down the weather in Alaska by season and area, with advice on what to expect, so you can choose the best time to cruise to Alaska. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. A September cruise has its benefits, including less crowding and cheaper prices. However, a cruise this time of year will also slightly decrease your chance of viewing wildlife and make for sleepier ports of call because most summer workers return home for college.
We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way. To help you get ready for your awe-inspiring adventure, learn about Alaska cruise temperatures by month. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.
Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise. The Alaska cruise temperature is warmer in June, with lows of 45 and highs in the low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to pack insect repellant when you visit Alaska in June, as mosquitos and other insects can become a nuisance. The Alaska cruise season generally runs from May to September, with occasional cruises in April and October. While it could be tempting to sleep in, we advise starting your port day earlier rather than later.
For 2023, the last cruise from San Francisco leaves September 14th (Ruby Princess). While you can cruise later in the year, it’s important to note you can’t do a cruise and land tour after mid-September. So, when shopping for the best Alaska cruise, consider one in the shoulder season if you want to save money and enjoy fewer crowds. Both May Alaska cruise itineraries and those in September are considered the shoulder season.
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