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Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. Longer cruises, like the Holland America Alaska Arctic Solstice Cruise spans 28 days, and will take you from your port to the Arctic Circle. The course begins in Seattle and leads through the Inside Passage, Prince William Sound, and up to Anchorage.
Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles
Cruise ship gratuities run $14 to $19 per person, per day, and vary based on cruise line and cabin category. If you are in a suite, you can expect to pay more than those in standard staterooms. Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines.
Small Ship Alaska Cruises
Go back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush on cruises to Skagway, Alaska, once the primary gateway to the goldfields. Take a trip on the scenic railroad and still have time to dine and shop. Stretch out your Alaska cruise vacation with convenient weekend departures. Enjoy a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle on Alaskan Explorer itineraries or from Vancouver on Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries. The “Mendenhall Glacier by Helicopter and Guided Walk” excursion brings guests on a helicopter ride above the Tongass National Forest before landing on Mendenhall Glacier.
Whale Watching on Alaska Cruises
The worst months to cruise to Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Budgeting for these activities is essential, especially if you plan to participate in multiple excursions. Cruise tours cost more per night than cruises alone, likely because the cost of lodging and transportation in Alaska is high and some activities are included. Most cruise tours run 9- to 140nights, featuring a seven-night cruise and a bus- and train-based tour through Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Plus, you will need to factor in airfare, hotel stays, shore excursions, and other costs to determine the total price of an Alaska sailing.
Smaller ships can reach ports of call and destinations that are inaccessible to larger cruise ships, allowing you to explore more remote settings and communities. For an even more customized experience, consider a private cruise on smaller ships like yachts and sailboats. The duration of your journey is another factor that affects Alaskan cruise prices.
Along the way, enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary – including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord. To find the best deals, try weighing the value of the deal against your actual needs (more on that below). Many travelers dream of taking an Alaska cruise with friends or family. Alaskan cruise prices vary widely depending on many factors, but you can expect to pay at least $600 before taxes for a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Factors that will increase the cost include the cruise line selected, cabin type, the time of year and how long your trip is. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks.
So, how much does an Alaskan cruise cost?
The total cost of the cruise and land tour begins at $1410 per person for an interior cabin. Royal Caribbean also offers land-based Cruise Tours before or after an Alaska cruise. These are 3-6 day land tours in either Alaska or Canada that bring guests to destinations inaccessible by cruise ship. You can also visit popular destinations within the ports on your own as opposed to booking an excursion. As an example, instead of purchasing an $80 excursion to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, opt to take the express bus. Located just outside the pier in Juneau is a stand that sells roundtrip tickets to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation area.
What's an Alaska Cruisetour?
While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary. Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers.
Exclusive to Norwegian, all Cruisetours are led by local Alaskan guides to provide you with an authentic Alaska experience. The cost of an Alaskan cruise can vary greatly depending on your itinerary, length of trip, cruise line, and a number of other factors. The good news is there are so many options for travelers that you should be able to find a great trip that fits your budget. As you'll see below, an Alaskan cruise can cost under $500 per person for some week long trips.
Casual dining spots may charge around $20 to $40 per meal, while upscale restaurants can cost $30 to $50 per person or more. Airfare should also be a consideration if you find a last minute cruise deal. While the fare might be enticing, the total cost of the plane tickets might negate any (and all) savings.
Thus, it is not too crazy to think that an Alaska cruise could cost a family of 4 close to $10,000 on the cheap end, once all costs are considered. Also referred to as “service charges”, these additional daily costs go to your room attendant, dining staff, and other crew members who work hard to make your cruise a special vacation. Don’t forget to factor in luggage fees and other related costs, like airport parking, and transport to and from the cruise port. For the ultimate experience, you can take one of the helicopter tours to see the nearby icefields in Juneau. If you want to combine a helicopter tour with a dog sledding adventure, that will easily be over $600 a person.
Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise. The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean.
Onshore activities differ depending on the size and style of the cruise. Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. These are approximate values on reviewing several cruise lines and ships for 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle at double occupancy.
Of course, you might find rates cheaper (or more expensive) depending on the factors above. Every Princess Alaska cruisetour takes you to Denali National Park so you can enjoy a land beloved by millions but only seen by the adventurous. This national park is a dream destination for any serious Alaska traveler. With some of the most stunning wilderness in existence and famous wildlife, it’s part of the definitive experience of traveling to the Great Land’s wild interior. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry.
