Almost every cruise line has a cruise that visits Alaska. That’s because Alaska is AWESOME! No really, it is. It is so different from most places. A beauty that is unmatched and begging to be explored. But, a cruise to Alaska is quited different from one to the Caribbean or other warm destination. Read on and find out the difference of an Alaska cruise!
The Alaska Cruise Difference
The weather
Alaska is much colder than many travelers are used to. Plus, there is no predicting what the weather will be like when you cruise. Some years July is beautiful and August is rainy. Other years June will be spectacular and July is just so-so.
Be prepared for anything! Pack that pair of gloves and warm coat. Bring along a raincoat and waterproof shoes. You might be very glad to have them when you want to be out on the windy or rainy deck viewing the glacier.
Something to look at all the time
On Caribbean or other cruises (probably not European) you spend a lot of time looking at the wide open ocean. Miles and miles of blue sea. Not so on an Alaska cruise. Once you hit the coastal waters of Alaska there is beautiful scenery to watch go by. Sailing the inlets toward the different towns are a treat and the fjords headed to the glaciers are nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s about the ports not the ship
On an Alaska cruise it’s all about the ports. You certainly don’t want to be hanging around the ship when you could be out discovering Alaska. Each port along the way has its own character. Juneau is a thriving small city. Skagway is a frontier town. Icy Strait Point (Hoona) is a typical native fishing village on the coast. Ketchikan has a wonderful Native Alaskan flavor. Each one is too diverse to miss.
Every port has awesome, once in a lifetime, Alaskan experiences. Land in a helicopter on a glacier. Go halibut or salmon fishing. Ride a dog sled. Eat fresh salmon at a salmon bake. Take a flightseeing tour in a bush plane. Ride a train following the treacherous path miners hiked during the Gold Rush.
There is one thing I hate to mention but I feel I must. As much as I love Disney Cruises I am not sure that an Alaska cruise is the best time to sail a Disney ship. Especially if it is your first Disney Cruise. There is so many amazing things to experience on a Disney ship and a limited amount of time to do them on a Disney Cruise. You might find yourself torn between the ship and the Alaska port. Clearly, this is just my own experience and opinion. There are many people who would disagree with me and that’s okay!
The pool deck might be quite empty
Since the outside temperature isn’t very warm already the movement of the boat can make the pool deck downright chilly. Generally a hot day in Alaska is around 70 degrees. On a really hot day it might go closer to 80 degrees but that is rare (unless the summer is like 2019 and there were quite a few days hovering around 90 degrees). But most likely the weather you will experince on your cruise will be somewhere in the 60’s. Beautiful for walking around but on the verge of chilly on a swiftly moving ship and even chillier in a swim suit.
The pool deck is a less utilized space (well at least by swimmers and sunbathers) on many Alaska cruises. It does make a great spot to have some quiet relaxation as long as you have a warm coat or blanket. Definitely a difference of an Alaska cruise!
You will possibly have cell service
When you are on a most cruises you are always out of the country. Not so on an Alaska cruise. Now you might not have any service while in Canada. But, once you get into Alaskan waters you might get coverage once in a while. You’ll know if texts start pinging your phone. And then if you have a nationwide plan you will have plenty of coverage while in port. Three cheers for being connected!
Almost all the ports are US ports
You will probably have to tell yourself over and over again–I am in the United States. When we cruise we have a tendency to fall into the mindset of exploring other countries. Just another way an Alaska cruise is different. You are in the magnificent 49th state of the United States almost the whole time!
Alaska is not international. Alaska uses the same currency. There is no exchange rate. Alaskans speak English. Our food is American but there is probably better salmon and halibut here. You will notice houses not igloos, and cars not dog sleds (just having a little fun with you).
September cruises are an excellent time to get great deals
The cruising season in Alaska is only from May through September. In September things start winding down. Pretty soon all the tourist shops will close up and many of the people will leave for the winter. That means great sales for you! Want that special piece of jewelery at a great price? Just plan a September Alaska cruise!
By the way, Alaskan ports have the required Dimonds International and other jewelers you find in any other cruis port destination throughout the world. In addition there are many local people who own tourist shops and tour companies. Please, shop local!
Have you been on an Alaska cruise? What did you think was different from other cruises? Is an Alaska cruise in your future for the first time or a repeat trip? Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like to explore booking an Alaska Cruise please contact me! I would love to get you started and on your way to Alaska!
In my humble opinion, Alaska is the best state to visit! There is so much to see and do and it is so different from so many places in the Lower 48. I know, I am slightly biased because I live in this great state but just go with me. Follow along with me as I introduce you to cruising in Alaska!
So, right now cruising in Alaska isn’t possible. At least not until after July 1, 2020, but as we know, that date is very fluid. If you are would like to have a little more certainty about your travel, now is a great time to put my blog from a couple of weeks ago into practice.
Visiting Alaska on a Cruise Ship
(Not just for visitors but Alaskans too)
Today I want to talk about visiting Alaska by sea, meaning from walking off of a cruise ship. Cruising in Alaska is a fantastic way to see Southeast. In fact, many people on cruise ships have seen more of this part of our state than Alaska residents. Except for Skagway and Haines we are unable to drive to this part of our state. I have lived in Alaska my entire life and only saw Juneau and Ketchikan last summer. I will say that my kids have probably seen a little more than I have since they go on roadtrips to play teams in these faraway locations. So, Alaskans you can benefit from an Alaska Cruise too. But, I digress.
Let’s talk about how you can see Alaska by sea on an Alaska Cruise whether you are a tourist or a resident!
Cruise Ship Departure Ports
Round Trip Cruise Itinerary
Round trip cruises begin and end in Vancouver, BC, Canada; Seattle, Washington; or San Francisco, California. These itineraries go up the coast through the Inside Passage and turn around stopping at Alaskan port towns on the way there and back. Round trip itineraries can be less expensive due to not having to purchase a ticket to/from Alaska.
Disney Cruise Line 7N Alaska Itinerary
Princess Cruises 7N Alaska Itinerary
One Way Cruise Itinerary
On a one way cruise (my favorite way to see Alaska by sea) you begin in Vancouver, BC, Canada or Seattle, Washington and sail up to Alaska where the cruise ends. You can also begin in Alaska and sail the other direction. I highly recommend these cruises because you also see Southcentral Alaska which is VERY different from Southeast.
The Alaskan port depends on the cruise line you choose to sail with. The possibilities are Seward, AK (most common, pronounced Sue’-werd), Whittier, AK, and sometimes Anchorage, AK. Seward is approximately 2.5 hours from Anchorage (major airport), and Whittier is about 1 hour. I highly recommend Seward as a port of call since it is a very cute little town and the drive to Anchorage is very beautiful. Whittier, while beautiful, is mainly a harbor. But, the tunnel is pretty cool and the drive along the Turnagain Arm into Anchorage is beautiful (you drive the same portion from Seward too).
Other benefits of a one-way Alaska cruise include more glacier experiences and more stops at Alaskan ports. One-way itineraries usually include scenic cruising through Glacier Bay/Hubbard Glacier. Also, you get to see more of Alaska since you stop at more ports in Alaska since ships from Seattle must stop in Canada. If you desire, you can also add a cruisetour to visit the Interior or your add your own touring days.
Cruise Lines Who sail to Alaska
Most every cruise line sails to Alaska so you have so many choices! They all know that a great way to see Alaska is by sea. The main line cruise companies have pretty standard ports of call–Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Skagway. But the Luxury lines have some amazing and unusual Alaskan ports as well as different US departure ports and even some across the Pacific Ocean.
Round Trip ONLY:
Disney Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line
Oceania Cruise Line (Luxury)
One-Way and Round-Trip:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Princess Cruise Line
Holland America Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise Line
Crystal Cruise Line (Luxury)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Luxury)
Windstar Cruises (Small Ship)
Uncruise Adventures (Smaller, more unusual adventure cruise)
One-way ONLY:
Silversea Cruises (Luxury)
Viking Ocean Cruises (Luxury)
Alaskan Coastal Towns
Most port towns in Alaska are small and quaint. You can easily walk from the ship into the town. One of the great things about ports in Alaska is the accessibility for those who have mobility issues. These towns also have transportation readily available at the dock for those who didn’t book an excursion and want to explore on their own.
Below is a list of towns you might visit on your adventure cruising in Alaska. A short description is included and soon you will be able to click on the town to get to a post with a bit more information.
Seward, AK
Seward, Alaska is the beginning or ending point for many cruise itineraries. This is a great little town to visit before or after your cruise. There is some great restaurants, hiking, and shopping. Transportation is available to take you into the town of Seward or to Anchorage.
Whittier, AK
Whittier, AK is the other beginning or ending point for a few select itineraries. This port is closer to Anchorage. Whitter consists mainly of the boat harbor and a few businesses. There are some fantastic glacier cruises out of Whittier and some beautiful hiking (one hike goes up the hill for some gorgeous panoramic views). Transportation is available to take you through the tunnel to Anchorage.
Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and the beginning and end for a very few cruise itineraries. It is a large city with tons to do. This is where you will fly in and out of for your Alaskan adventure. It may not be where you will want to spend a lot of your vacation since it is a city but it definitely has its charms.
Juneau, AK
Juneau, AK is our capital city. It is the third-largest city (but it is only a little smaller than Fairbanks) in Alaska. Juneau has some fantastic glacier excursions you can take or make your way on your own. In town, you will find plenty of shopping, restaurants, Alaska history, and even Starbucks.
Ketchikan, AK
Ketchikan is a small fishing town with lots to see and do. It looks like the town is perched on a hill and is a fantastic place to be out on the deck viewing the scenery as you come in and out (really, don’t miss this!). As the “Salmon Capital of the World”, this is a great place for fishing charters. Ketchikan is also home to some wonderful opportunities to learn more about Alaskan Native culture.
Sitka, AK
Sitka, AK is another quaint Alaskan fishing village. They have an amazing music festival here during the summer.
Icy Strait Point, AK
Icy Strait Point, AK is a tourist destination created by the people and Native corporations of Hoona, AK. Right off the boat (there is a really nice gangway) you come to a visitor’s center which has a lot of information. They can connect you with tours, excursions, and their ropes course. The town of Hoona, just a 5-10 minute shuttle ride or a 20-30 minute walk along the coast, is more typical of Alaskan towns and a little less touristy. This town has quite a different feel than the other port towns.
Skagway, AK
Skagway, AK brings you back to the Klondike Gold Rush days of old. Sprinkled among the tourist stores you will discover quite a few interesting museums with lots of information on the Alaska Gold Rush. One of the highlights of Skagway is the White Pass Railroad which follows the arduous path the prospectors took years ago.
Haines, AK
If you have a chance to take a cruise that stops at Haines seriously consider that itinerary. Haines, AK was settled in a gorgeous setting in between two waterways. Haines is similar to Skagway with it’s own Gold Rush History to satisfy any history buff. It is a small town with a small port, fitting for only one large ship and possibly a small ship too. As a result, Haines seems a lot less touristy. You also have the option of taking a 45 minute Fast Ferry over to Skagway from Haines.
Thank you for hanging in there with me and checking out how to see Alaska by sea. Alaska has something for almost every traveler–history, adventure, nature, hiking, boating, fishing, flightseeing, dog-sledding, and so much more. Here’s to putting cruising to Alaska on your bucket list!!
If you are considering seeing Alaska by sea, I would love to help you plan your adventure. You can contact me by phone (907) 952-7055, or click here to fill out a contact form (you can also click contact me above).
Have you wondered why so many people go on cruise vacations? Have you wondered if a cruise might be something your family would enjoy? Do you have questions about what benefits a cruise might provide over another type of vacation? Then, this post is for you! Read on to find out some reasons why you should take a cruise vacation.
We took our first cruise vacation in 2000. We sailed to the Western Caribbean. The cruise was a lot of fun but we didn’t’ go on another cruise until the summer of 2017. Why? Other vacation opportunities (aka DISNEY) called us elsewhere. But in 2017 my interest in cruising the high seas was renewed.
What’s great about a cruise vacation?
This post is all about why I think that taking a cruise is a great vacation option for your family. So, keep reading (this kind of long post) and find out why I think cruises are great!
Cruises are all-inclusive
On a cruise, you pay one price and that includes all of your food, lodging, entertainment, a lot of activities, and transportation to different places.
Cruise lines differ in the amount of all-inclusiveness. Some cruises include almost all the food and activities onboard. On others, there are sufficient complimentary choices to have a fantastic vacation but also have quite a few options with additional fees. A few cruise lines even include an excursion in each port.
On the cruises we have been sailed, we pretty much stick to the included stuff and have a fabulous vacation. I think the only thing we have spent extra on is a basic beverage package. Although, if we were on one of the ships with the go-karts we would have to splurge on a ride or two.
Delicious food
Dining options are abundant on almost every cruise line. Larger ships usually have more than smaller ones. The amazing selection of dining options is a great reason to take a cruise vacation.
Main Dining Room–This dining option is included in the cruise fare. These are fabulous sit-down meals at which you choose appetizers, salads, main entrees, and yummy, yummy desserts. Meals in the dining rooms are served a specific times. The really awesome thing is that you can order whatever you want. Do you want two entrees? Order both. Do many desserts look delicious? Order them all? Want a side from one entree and a different one from another? Feel free to mix and match. Where else can you order with such freedom! (Note of caution: be a bit mindful of wastefulness. If there are many things you like maybe think about sharing)
Buffet–The dining room serving the buffet is usually open more hours than the main dining rooms. At the buffet, you will discover many different fantastic food options. There is something for everyone and eating at the buffet doesn’t take nearly as long as in the dining room.
Complimentary Restaurant–On some ships there might be a smaller restaurant option that is included. It might serve lighter fare and a smaller menu.
Signature Restaurants–Signature restaurants are another fantastic dining option. On some ships, you might have one or two options but on larger ones, you could have 10 or more to choose from. These restaurants often have even better food than the classic dining room. These restaurants usually have a specific type of food such as sushi, Mexican, Italian, Bistro-style, and others. Most of these restaurants charge a small fee. But, sometimes cruise lines offer dining in their restaurants as an incentive and then you only have to pay the gratuities.
Snack Options–Your cruise might have a complimentary pizza parlor, hot dog stand or lounge with desserts. Maybe you can enjoy an ice cream soda shop or Coffee Bar (both usually additional fees apply).
Room Service–Most cruise lines offer room service right to your stateroom. Leave a placard out the night before and awaken to a delicious breakfast delivered right to your door. Maybe you would like an afternoon or evening snack. All possible with room service. Some cruise lines have complimentary room service and on some, there is a small fee. Check with your travel advisor about your specific cruise line.
Excellent lodging
Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wonder
From the simplest interior stateroom to the sprawling suites, the accommodations are top-notch. Your room Steward is always nearby to help you with anything you might need. Feel pampered with your bed turned down each night and put back together each morning. Your bathroom is cleaned twice a day as well as your room tidied.
For even more luxury on the major cruise lines, you can opt for suites and concierge-level service. Many lines have a special suite level that allows you to access special dining rooms, reserved outdoor pools and relaxation zones in addition to the glorious rooms that are just a cut above the rest.
Of course, you can step off the luxury even further by cruising on one of the actual luxury cruise lines.
World-class Entertainment
Entertainment abounds on a cruise ship. You might see a death-defying water show or a beautiful production on ice. Some lines produce Broadway-caliber plays and musicals for their guests. Evening shows are even worked around dining schedules so that each guest is able to see each production. You don’t have to worry about missing anything.
In addition to the nightly entertainment, you will find many other opportunities. Some ships have jazz clubs, piano bars, comedy shows, and more. Join in the fun of a Newlywed Game or Talent contest.
Abundant Activities
The rock climbing wall on the Oasis of the Seas
From morning to night activities are planned for your enjoyment. Trivia, pool games and parties, sports tournaments, Bingo, karaoke, contests, arts and crafts are just a few diversions to help you pass the time.
In addition to planned activities, there are many other things to do onboard the ship. Relax by the pool or jump in for some fun. Waterslides, other slides, rock walls, ice rinks, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, escape rooms, sports courts, movies, carousels, trampolines, VR activities, video game rooms, and so much more. For those looking for tranquility, some ships have libraries, cozy nooks and crannies, and game rooms. Each cruise line and even each ship has different levels of onboard activities. Larger ships might have many while the smaller ones have just a few.
Cruises Help You Explore the World
A cruise ship is your floating hotel that takes you from one destination to another. You only have to unpack once and you get to explore many different countries and cultures. You can find an itinerary that will explore almost any part of the world you want.
Ocean cruises can take you to:
Bahamas
Caribbean
Mediterranean
Coastal Europe
Northern European Countries
Great Britain
US and Canada’s East and West Coast
Alaska
Hawaii
Panama Canal
Central America
South America
Polynesia
Australia and New Zealand
Singapore, Thailand and Southeast Asia
Japan
China
Antarctica
Africa
Middle East
India
Overlooking St. Maarten
River Cruises will explore these rivers around the world:
Danube–Europe
Rhine–Europe
Moselle–Europe
Main–Europe
Elbe–Europe
Rhone–France
Seine–France
Dordogne and Garonne–France
Douro–Portugal and Spain
Volga–Russia
Dnieper–Ukraine
Mekong–Cambodia and Vietnam
Yangtze–China
Ganges–India
Nile–Egypt
Chobe–Southern Africa
Amazon–South America
Columbia and Snake–Washington and Oregon
Mississippi–United States
Cumberland, Tennessee, and Ohio–United States
Great Lakes–US and Canada
St. Lawrence Seaway–US and Canada
A Cruise Line for Every Traveler
No matter how you like to travel there is a cruise for you.
Small Ships
Does a small ship that can cruise into small ports in out of the way locations appeal to you? There are cruise lines that just have small vessels that carry from 6 to just a couple hundred passengers. Love to sail? There is even a line that is made up of luxury sailboats. Wow!!
Large Ships
Are you someone who wants to go, go, go? You want to have many, many options for food, entertainment, and activities? Do you love to be in the middle of all the action? A very large ship that carries 4000-6000 passengers might be just for you. There are also cruise lines that cater to this more than others.
Major Cruise Lines
The major cruise lines have somewhat different flavors. Are you a foodie? Do you like to party? Do you like more tranquility? Do you want to cruise with a generally younger or older crowd? Do you want a very family-friendly vacation? Do you want a cruise that caters to your children?
Luxury Cruise Lines
Are you all about luxury, concierge service, and gourmet meals. Do you like educational, cultural learning and education on vacation? Certain cruise lines cater to this travel style beautifully.
Do you want a cruise that focuses on the family? Do you want to travel without any kids? There are cruises specializing in this too.
As you can see there is probably a cruise line out there that would fit the desires of your family!
Vast Array of Itineraries
Oh my goodness! As you saw above you can travel all over on a cruise ship. You can stick to oceans or travel inland waterways to see even more. But you can customize your trip even more which is another reason why you might want to take a cruise vacation.
Pick your number of cruising days
Do you want to cruise to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days? Yes, these are all choices. How about longer, 2 or 3 weeks? Maybe a month? Or even a year?
Pick Days at Sea vs. Port Days
More days at sea
Cruises are a combination of days in port and days at sea. Do you like to relax on the ship more? Cruise on an itinerary that has more days at sea and less ports. You could take a Transatlantic cruise, Transpacific or repositioning cruise.
More days exploring different countries
Are you hungry for adventure, culture and different countries? Pick an itinerary that stops more frequently in port. River cruises really do this well. Most of your time on a river cruise is spent in port exploring the area. There are also cruise lines that excel in this more than others.
Enjoy the ship on port days
Or, you can choose an itinerary that has some ports that you like and some that you don’t. Explore the countries you are interested in seeing. Stay on the ship for the ports that don’t excite you. You can stay on the ship on port days and enjoy all the ship has to offer with less people onboard.
Private Island Beach Days
Labadee, Haiti–One of Royal Carribean’s Private Islands
Some travelers love having beach days. Often ports will have a beach excursion option. But some cruise lines have their own private island stops for their guests to enjoy. They provide many beach activities as well as food that is included in the cruise fare. To make your day extra special, some up the ante with extra activities, beach clubs, cabanas, and water parks that are available at an additional cost. Plus, they often stay at their private islands all day so you can soak up all the sun.
Choose your itinerary wisely to either avoid private islands or to stop at your favorite one. If beach days are your absolute favorite you can even find itineraries that stop at private islands twice in one trip. Score!
So, Let’s Find the Cruise for You!
I kept this post pretty basic to get you thinking. Once you decide that a cruise vacation might be for you and your family it is time to dig into the details. A travel advisor will be able to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect trip for you.
Please comment below if you have other reasons you love cruising!
Questions about cruising? Let me know in the comments.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Want to do a little cruise research? Cruise Critic is a good place to start.
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