Table Of Content
Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations. Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks.
Cruise Lines
So don't start telling me I shouldn't do it because whales are migrating, we've already done our homework. I can't wait, even if we get to stay on the ship and enjoy the spa balconies we have. Upon resumption of service in the late Spring everything in slow motion start up mode. The good news is, everyone I've spoken to who has been to Alaska during the fall or winter (but not on a cruise) has loved it. Will be interesting to see what is open, the ship has excursions running as well as some other websites, so I'm guessing one or two will still be running. The sea could be stormy and rough, this will likely make the first sea day a very bumpy ride.
Visit Denali National Park on every Alaska cruisetour
Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - CruiseCritic.co.uk
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Skagway, Alaska
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. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions depending on your interest and budget.
Ports will be far less crowded
We went two years ago the first week of June and the weather was perfect. Saw glaciers, whales, bears, moose, otters, eagles and seals. Honestly, we don't care if all we do is sip martini's and watch the rain from the observation deck. Having lived in Alaska, I can reiterate what the whale watching boats are telling you. Historically shops begin closing up for the entire season late September. Because of the suns angle in the sky, the sun will not be directly above your head, instead it will circle around you, so even daylight can seem a bit dusky.
Cruise Tips for Alaska Weather: Month by Month
In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the Lingít Aaní (traditional lands) of the Tlingit people. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to explore Native Land.
Things you can Expect on a Cruise to Alaska in October
So, based on both my own experience and extensive research, here are 12 things you can expect on a cruise to Alaska in October. I’ll start with 5 advantages to cruising in October before moving on to some (possibly) problematic things to consider before you decide to book an October itinerary. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova.
Best Alaska cruise ports
Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area. We’ve taken care of everything on your Alaska cruisetour, so you can spend less time worrying and more time exploring. Explore five of Alaska’s National Parks with our National Park Cruisetour.
Get up close to Mother Nature’s masterpieces and listen for the crash of “white thunder”. Visit wilderness playgrounds like Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – along with even more natural wonderlands like Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier. Only an hour and a half from the cruise port of Whittier lies the largest city in Alaska – Anchorage.
Travelers get at least fifteen hours of daylight and twilight in May, providing more time for whale watching and other outdoor activities. With low wind speeds, cold temperatures, and precipitation, travelers may want to pack plenty of knit sweaters, a jacket, warm pants, and waterproof boots or shoes. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles. Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park & Preserve switches into summer mode in May. You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering that many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend your cruise with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.
From bald eagles to humpback whales, many animals call Alaska home. On an Alaska cruisetour, encounter wildlife in their natural habitats and experience their unique personalities for yourself. 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.
Temperatures during this month usually range from the mid-forties to the low sixties, and days are typically cool or chilly. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port. Between the natural masterpieces and the animate personalities, every part of Alaska tells an extraordinary story.
Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali.
Unfortunately our whale watching season only runs through the end of September. The whales start to head down to Hawaii around mid-October, the weather drastically starts to change, and the daylight hours become shorter. The abundant cloud cover and frequent rain make the landscape all the more beautiful, but visitors should dress properly for a better overall experience. Like July, nights and early mornings can be very cold, so late nighters and early risers should be prepared to bundle up for icy temperatures. Plenty of layers are also essential in August, and travelers should be sure to pack waterproof jackets, shoes, and bags as August and September are among the rainiest months of the year. Embark on an unforgettable Alaska cruisetour to the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge®, where you can take in the beauty of Wrangell-St.
When you cruise with Norwegian, the awe of Alaska stays with you throughout your vacation. Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®. The months of May through September make up the relatively brief Alaska cruise season.
