How To Pick The Best Time of Year to Cruise to Alaska

Table Of Content

• The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
• Juneau
• Celebrity Cruises
• October
• Longer sailings from the West Coast
• Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. You might see bears that are continuing to fatten up before hibernation. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August.

The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024

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. The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities. The warmer the weather, the better your chance to view a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence called “calving.” This is when a large chunk of the glacier separates in a giant icy landslide. 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.

Juneau

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and other marine species are also more active during these months.

Celebrity Cruises

May is an excellent cruising month for birdwatchers as migratory songbirds start to arrive in Alaska and seabirds gather in their nesting spots or rookeries. Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles. Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. While prices in the early season are generally less expensive, your experience during a May cruise will look different from during the high season in July and August. Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise. “Resident” orcas (who stay near shore and feed on fish) are easy to spot and fun to watch from the cruise ship or on a whale-watching excursion.

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. Late May and early June are the best possible times to view a momma moose and her calves in Alaska. If you do see these majestic creatures hulking around, stay far back (at least 50 feet) and never disturb a lone calf, as mom is somewhere nearby. This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list.

June

Holland America Line has offered Alaska cruises for 75 years and is clearly a market leader. The line tops the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The company operates its own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska's interior and beyond. The line always stations one or two Quantum-class ships in Alaska for the season. Adults can linger in the glass-walled Solarium, relaxing in the indoor pools and whirlpools, while their kids zoom around the SeaPlex in bumper cars.

Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922 - Reader's Digest

Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922.

Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While price should definitely be a consideration, it’s important to consider other factors before choosing an Alaska cruise. The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon.

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals.

The Best Time for Whale Watching

My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June. The 60s can feel downright tropical after winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s.

She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs. July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for.

The truth is that both of these stretches can allow for an exciting and memorable experience. You must remember that Alaska is a rugged landscape that poses countless challenges for human life, so these cruises will never be as tranquil as a tropical cruise. As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult. Alaska is often considered the last American frontier due to its pristine and seemingly endless natural landscapes. This is just part of why Alaskan cruises are skyrocketing in popularity.

Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships. You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

The Best Time To Cruise Alaska What To Expect In Every Month

Table Of Content

• What’s the Best Time to See Whales on an Alaska Cruise?
• Summer at Crystal Mountain Is Filled with Adventure
• Alaska cruise in May: Cheap prices when you cruise in May
• First Time Cruisers
• The Best Time for Whale Watching
• Best Alaskan Cruise Shore Excursions for 2023
• Cruising Alaska Between Late Spring and Mid-Summer (Late April – Mid-July)

If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. The Official Visitors Guide for Juneau playfully uses a raindrop graphic for every month in the calendar (in Southeast Alaska it’s never a question of whether it will rain, but how much it will rain). Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn.

What’s the Best Time to See Whales on an Alaska Cruise?

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]

A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaska towns when all the other tourists have returned home. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise. You won’t want to miss this indescribable sight, so watch for clear night skies and set an alarm to go on deck (or on your balcony) for potential middle-of-the-night Northern Lights shows.

Summer at Crystal Mountain Is Filled with Adventure

If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience.

Alaska cruise in May: Cheap prices when you cruise in May

For a cruise-tour option, Princess’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person. Just remember our earlier reminder that you are visiting the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy the lush greenery. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions. You’ll be very happy if you purchase a quality raincoat and pack clothing you can add or remove in layers.

First Time Cruisers

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. An Alaska cruise in early April, or late September, close to the fall equinox (September 21), will increase your chances.

The Best Time for Whale Watching

With binoculars, cameras, and phones at the ready, the passengers and crew aboard UnCruise Adventures' 86-guest S.S. Legacy settled in for what turned out to be an hour-long private show by a juvenile humpback who had migrated from Hawaii to spend the summer in the nutrient-rich Alaskan waters. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. While the tourism season in Alaska doesn’t really kick in until June, many small cruise ships start running tours in May.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.

Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s.

Additionally, June, July, and August may come with more crowds, but offer several more hours of daylight compared to in the fall. The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages.

Cruising Alaska Between Late Spring and Mid-Summer (Late April – Mid-July)

You also might see fuzzy harbor seal pups and sea lion pups (born in June and July) warming themselves on rocks with their mothers. Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July. The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees.

As you sail into each port of call, delight your taste buds in the delicacies of Alaska’s waters. Donning subtle notes of the sea, the silver salmon is one of the most sought-after fish and just so happens to be most fruitful this time of year. Whether or not fishing is your forte, be sure to pack water-resistant apparel for every splash and sprinkle that may arise from kayaking down crystalline fjords and hiking through misty rainforests. With lows in the upper 40s and highs of around 60, you’ll feel refreshed and eager to explore the captivating wonders of Alaska. Guests can explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or search for orca and humpback whales in Frederick Sound.

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. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season. If the Northern Lights experience is high on your Alaska bucket list, consider a September cruise with more dark nighttime hours and increased solar activity.

So the “best time to visit Alaska” looks different for each person, as your personal trip preferences are what determine the best month for you. As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall. The lush green forests transition into vibrant hues of gold and saffron while the mountaintops become freckled in snowfall.

The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days. If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Fishing is good during any month—there are just different species of salmon that peak as the weeks go by.

While gray whales are active in Alaskan waters during the early spring, most species, including belugas, orcas, humpback whales, and blue whales, peak between May and September. This partially explains why this stretch is much busier than other times of year for tourism in Alaska. These months are also incredibly popular times for Alaskan cruises, which is why there is some debate over which period is the best between the two. Given the warmer temperatures of July and August, many people who want to avoid the cold will choose to book during these months.

The aurora season in Fairbanks lasts from the end of August to April and the lights can be seen four out of five nights if the sky is clear. A downside to visiting Alaska in May is that the interior National Parks are still closed, along with many of the land-based attractions and shops that later cruisers will get to enjoy. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season when Norwegian Bliss sets sail on a weeklong, roundtrip itinerary from Seattle; she will be the only ship sailing in Alaska the first two weeks of spring. Balcony cabins are still available on the season’s inaugural sailing at a discounted fare of $1,029 per person. When traveling from Vancouver in the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, the waters are mostly protected and provide smooth sailing. If ports include Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, cruise ships must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which has notoriously rougher waters.