Table Of Content

Another time to book is during the “Wave Season” during the first two months of the year, when cruise deals abound for all destinations. Last-minute deals are also most common on large-ship lines, including Cunard, Celebrity, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. So, when planning a vacation, it is important to choose the right time to get the most out of your Alaska trip.
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Day Alaska Cruise Review: Norwegian Sun Experience
If you are willing to trade warmth for less precipitation, then go for May. In fact, the end of May and early June offers some of the best weather in the region throughout the year. While it is impossible to see and do it all over the course of a one week cruise, Alaska has the power to enchant even brief visitors.
The Best Time of Year for an Alaska Cruise: A Complete Guide
July is filled with opportunities to see the stunning wildlife of Alaska while enjoying milder temperatures. If you are an angler, there is nothing like hooking and reeling in a King. With an average size of 24 to 36 inches and weighing pounds, you’ll finally have a true fishing story worth telling.
The best time to cruise Alaska
Depending on your family’s interests, you’ll want to decide whether to book earlier or later in the season, since there can be a difference in weather and activities between the end of June and mid-August. The height of the Alaska cruise season (June, July, and August) is the best time to cruise Alaska on these itineraries to ensure you’ll be able to see and enjoy the glaciers on each of the routes. Alaska has humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, and a small population of belugas. Though it’s species-dependent, the best time to go whale watching in Alaska is in high summer, when the days are long and the feeding is plentiful.
It’s also an excellent time for wildlife viewing if you want to see Alaska’s more iconic marine life, like humpback whales, orcas, and various species of seals. You’ll be able to choose from a huge number of shore excursions from the cruise lines, including cruisetours from Princess Cruises and Holland America Line at Denali National Park. According to McDaniel, some ships are even starting to extend the Alaska cruise season, sailing as early as April. Those summer months, however, are when you're likely to see the warmest weather, with temperatures around 50 to 70 degrees, as well as the longest number of daylight hours, she said. If you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices, May, early June and September are the best times for an Alaska cruise. In May and early June the weather is drier; in September there are noticeably less mosquitoes than during the height of summer.

You can also book an Alaska cruisetour with an optional Evening Aurora Pursuit excursion in Fairbanks that offers the best chance to see this spectacle of light. Seeing a single whale, as they prefer to travel, or in small pods, as they like to feed, is highly likely. If humpbacks are your favorite, book an Inside Passage cruise during late June, July, or August. When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born. Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. Winter, when nights are long, dark, and clear, is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
Alaska Cruise in June: See the Sights on an Alaska Summer Cruise
Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have. The best time to view this dramatic display is mid-July to mid-August, though you can take wildlife excursions to bear hangouts at any time during cruise season. Whales, including the majestic humpbacks and orcas, make their way to Alaskan waters during this season. Numerous bird species, some journeying from as far as Antarctica, fill the skies. Bears emerge from hibernation, foraging for berries and roaming the landscape. Glaciers also get in on the summer action, calving massive chunks into the waters below.
In conclusion, the Alaska cruise shoulder seasons offer a balanced experience that combines budget-friendly options, fewer crowds, and the beauty of Alaska’s ever-changing landscapes. The cruising window in Alaska is notably brief, usually extending from May to September. While a few cruise lines venture out in April and October, these sailings are more the exception than the rule.
While this can be incredibly enticing for nature lovers, it can be off-putting for those who do not enjoy the cooler temperatures. To help you plan your perfect trip, we will explain which months are the best for Alaskan cruises. We’ll also discuss factors you may not have considered, such as visibility of the Northern Lights, financial costs, and more. And especially as Alaska is so different compared to your typical warmer cruise destination. Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people. That said, deciding when to embark on your adventure can significantly impact the overall experience.
Alaska’s cruise season coincides with a variety of local festivals and events that can add a unique flair to your trip. For instance, the Midnight Sun Festival in Fairbanks takes place in June, while the Alaska State Fair occurs in late August to early September. These events offer a glimpse into Alaskan culture and traditions, enriching your cruise experience. The summer months are your best bet for itineraries that include ports like Whittier or Seward in the Gulf of Alaska. This is important if you want to extend your journey with a land tour, such as a visit to Denali National Park. Make sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as the extended hours of sunlight can be intense.
Shoulder seasons, typically May and September, are often considered the hidden gems of the Alaska cruise calendar. These months offer a unique blend of advantages that might make them the best time for your Alaskan adventure. The Alaska Inside Passage boasts milder weather, making it a viable option even during the off-season, such as late April and October. If you’re short on time but still want to experience this iconic route, consider a 7-day cruise departing from Port of Seattle.
The high season, characterized by the warmest weather and longest days, typically occurs from late June to August. If you’re looking to save, consider the shoulder seasons of May and September for getting the best-price cruise. These months offer more cruise budget-friendly options and also more cabin availability. With this diverse range of experiences, we offer insights on what to expect and how to prepare for your Alaska cruise, no matter when you choose to go. If you’ve ever wondered, “When is the best time to go on an Alaska cruise? Alaska’s cruise season is relatively short, typically running from May through September.
With smaller crowds and more manageable attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. If you’re looking to explore Alaska without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May and September. In these months, the weather remains cool, and most schools are either still in session or just starting, resulting in fewer crowds. Summer break, which is peak cruising season, is an ideal time for families to go on an Alaska cruise.
No comments:
Post a Comment