Dreaming of that perfect Alaska cruise? The rugged coastline, incredible wildlife, and historic ports are some of the reasons why Alaska is such a popular cruise destination.
But sailing to Alaska can be a little different than your typical Caribbean, fun-in-the-sun vacation. It’s easy to overlook something, especially if you have never cruised to Alaska before. Dealing with cooler climates and different types of excursions requires consideration and some good planning.
We share some of the easy-to-avoid mistakes to make the most of a cruise vacation and enjoy all that Alaska has to offer.
Here are our top 25 Alaska cruise mistakes to avoid.
1. Picking the cheapest cruise
While price is a major factor when picking a cruise, it is not the only thing to consider. Not all Alaska cruises are equal. Make sure to research the cruise line, itinerary, schedule, how old the ship is, and what onboard amenities there are. This will help you figure out which sailing suits your style of cruising.
There is also consideration of where the cruise starts and how easy it is to get to the departure port. For example, If you are flying into Vancouver, Canada, you will need a valid passport, and it can be more expensive to fly to.
2. Assuming kids won’t enjoy a cruise to Alaska
This is a bit of a myth- Alaska cruise vacations are not just for adults. There are plenty of fun activities both on and off the ship for kids to enjoy. Some cruise lines like Princess Cruises have an exclusive partnership with the Discovery Channel, providing amazing activities for kids, such as visits from super cute Alaska sled dogs and other immersive experiences.
Some cruise ships are stacked full of the latest in fun activities, entertainment, and amenities lines, like waterparks, slides, arcades, movies, sports courts, bumper cars, and more.
3. Booking all cruise line excursions
There may be some ports where you have a specific excursion you want to do, and it may be best to book ahead of time with the cruise line, but there are lots of activities that can be done on your own without paying those expensive cruise ship prices. Not only do cruise line activities tend to be more expensive, but the large groups can also be slow to travel with, and you may not spend enough time doing your favorite things.
Ports of call in Alaska have lots of local operators or do-it-yourself excursions. If you go this route, it is best to research third-party vendors for good reviews and look into what's easy to do on your own.
4. Thinking it's going to be really cold in Alaska
Alaska cruises differ from Caribbean cruises, but it is not the frigid arctic air you may expect. In fact, summer in Alaska is mild, and you can enjoy plenty of good weather, which can be a nice break for those of you who can’t handle 90-degree weather often found in tropical climates.
With the right clothes and footwear, you can easily enjoy the great outdoors in any month. These more moderate conditions can be great weather for walking, biking, kayaking, and a whole host of other activities.
5. Not packing the right clothes
One thing about cruising to Alaska – it will be difficult to predict the weather on any given day. While there are general trends, temperature and precipitation can vary, so it is best to pack for a variety of situations.
Pack for cold, rainy, and sunny weather. This means lots of layers, wet weather gear, warm fleece, good socks, and footwear that are well suited to excursions you want to do. If you are kayaking, you may want to bring a waterproof phone case.
6. Picking the wrong type of cabin
There is a considerable amount of debate as to whether a balcony cabin is a must for a cruise to Alaska. For those cruisers who enjoy their own private space to see glaciers and wildlife, a room with a view is the perfect choice.
But, sometimes, it can be chilly, and you may not get as much use of your balcony as you think, especially in shoulder season when the weather is cooler. There is also the issue of light, as Alaska can see as much as 22 hours of sunlight in the summer months. Those who are sensitive to light may want to consider this when booking a cabin; an inside stateroom might be a better choice.
7. Forgetting seasickness medication
Seasickness is an undesirable side effect of cruising that plagues some cruisers. Specific parts of the ships tend to be better than others when wanting to avoid a lot of movement. Cabins in the mid-ship area tend to feel less motion. If you are worried about this issue, select your cabin ahead of time and avoid the front or back of the ship.
Different itineraries can also play a role in how you feel and whether you suffer from seasickness. Alaska cruises of the Inside Passage in the more southern region of Alaska tend to be more calm. However, those who cross the Gulf of Alaska and its wide open waters can feel more movement. Regardless of the itinerary, it is best to come prepared.
8. Not packing insect repellant
Bugs can be an issue when visiting Alaska, and mosquitos can be particularly annoying. Alaska reportedly has 35 types of mosquitos, and you may encounter some while walking through the woods, not to mention other insects like black flies.
Covering up and wearing insect repellant can be the best way to avoid these nasty critters. Don’t rely on the ship stores for this; it is best to pack ahead of time and make sure to get good quality bug repellant.
9. Selecting the wrong itinerary
Not all Alaska cruise itineraries are the same, so have a look at the ports of call and glacier tours scheduled for each sailing. While Alaska cruises leisurely tour the southern part of Alaska along the Inside Passage, some head farther north across the Gulf of Alaska.
There are also round-trip cruises, and some that are one-way, providing pre or post-land tours, an excellent opportunity to explore the interior areas and parks of Alaska. It is also recommended to look at the length of time in port to make sure the schedule aligns with your cruise vacation expectations.
10. Flying in the day of departure
Flying in the same day of the cruise is a risky proposition and has caused people to miss their Alaska cruise vacation. The simple reality of airline travel, or even driving long distances on the day of the cruise, can be fraught with delays. It is far better to come in the night before and relax in a hotel.
This can also be beneficial for those flying to the West Coast for a cruise. Having time to adjust to the time difference is a bonus. Jet lag is real for many people, and a couple of hours can make a difference in quality sleep.
11. Setting your budget too low
A number of cruisers have found Alaska cruises to be more expensive than other popular cruises, such as those in the Caribbean. There are still deals to be had, especially for those who are willing to travel in April, May, and September – shoulder season.
Another consideration is excursions – which can be more expensive, especially if you want to do some thrill-type of adventures like a helicopter tour of a glacier. Also, consider the cost of flying if you need to fly to a cruise port such as Seattle or Vancouver or flights to/from Alaska for a one-way cruise.
12. Picking the wrong ship
Beyond the itinerary and cruise line, it is a good idea to have a look at the ship itself. Some of the cruise lines use ships that cater to cruising in colder climates with retractable roofs over pools or indoor viewing spaces that are perfect for Alaska’s scenic views.
Some ships are older, providing the class cruise ship experience, while some of the newer, larger ships have all the bells and whistles like waterparks, slides, racetracks, bumper cars, and lots of other fun things to do.
13. Not being prepared for rain
Although May is said to be the driest month in Alaska, that does not mean you should not expect rain, especially in the temperate coastal regions.
An umbrella, good waterproof shoes, and an outer layer are a great way to stay dry (and warm). Being damp can make for a very unhappy port day and something to prepare against.
14. Forgetting about sun protection
Even though the temperatures don’t get much above 70F in Alaska, the UV index can be quite high, and with hours of endless sunlight in the summer, it is a good idea to pack sun protection products. This may be a surprise to some people as it is not the sunny shores of the Caribbean or the hot sun of Cozumel.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are all items to pack; even if you are cruising early in spring and later in the fall, the glare from snow and glaciers can be surprisingly intense.
15. Not realizing you need a passport
For cruisers wanting to embark in Vancouver, which is a popular port for many cruises, a passport is a must if you are flying in. This is something to plan for, and ensure current passports are valid or arrange to get one and give yourself plenty of time to get one.
In addition to this, some excursions such as railway train rides venture to Canada and may require a valid passport, so best to check out these things before you leave,
16. Not shopping around
Many cruisers are loyal to a particular cruise line or think there are just a couple options for a cruise to Alaska. However, there are numerous cruise lines heading to Alaska, including many major ones like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess, Holland America, and even Disney Cruise Line.
Cruise lines are always running promotions, and there are a number of great deals to be had. Don’t just assume Carnival will be the cheapest.
17. Leaving the swimsuit behind
Swimwear isn’t necessarily top of mind when packing for a cruise vacation, but it is something to throw in your suitcase. Many cruise lines have indoor pools, or ones with tractable roofs that make it nice to swim.
Even outdoor hot tubs can be great on a cooler day, so don’t miss out on any opportunities. A swimsuit barely takes up any room, so make sure to pack one in your suitcase.
18. Waiting to book must-do excursions
Whether it’s the cruise itself or that perfect excursion that you are dreaming - if you really want to do something, book it.
Although they can be pricey, cruise line excursions seem to be booked up early, even several months in advance. And, contrary to opinion, they don’t hold back spaces until the cruise.
This goes for cruises as well. There is incredible demand for cruise vacations right now. Don't wait to book that dream Alaska vacation!
19. Passing on travel insurance
No one likes to think about the worst-case scenario for their cruise vacation, but accidents do happen, and sometimes a cruise needs to be canceled. The right insurance policy can help deal with these issues.
You can't predict these things, whether it's a slip on an icy path or something unexpected. Travel insurance is a good thing on any cruise, and Alaska is no different.
20. Forgetting to put your phone on airplane mode
Even though you may be leaving the U.S. and heading to Alaska, you can still get roaming charges out to sea and in Canada, depending on your plan. Many people get some nasty surprises when they forget to do this, ending up with a sizeable bill, which is definitely not fun at the end of a wonderful cruise vacation.
Put your phone on airplane mode and enable wi-fi. If you have an internet package, you will be able to use WhatsApp and Facetime to communicate and end messages. Additionally, most cruise line apps allow for free messaging service between guests onboard.
21. Expecting to see the Northern Lights
Cruising to Alaska immediately brings up visions of green-lit skies and the majestic Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon is a big draw for many visiting Alaska.
This natural light show is best seen at night in the latter part of the year, especially in the farther areas like Fairbanks, but there are no guarantees. Steer clear of early summer, especially around the summer solstice, June 21/22, when Alaska can have 22 hours of sunlight, making it impossible to see.
22. Not researching ports ahead of time
Alaska’s ports offer lots to do, and many are well suited to a day of fun and activity without booking an excursion. However, this does not mean that you shouldn’t do a little research ahead of time.
Top activities, the best time to go, and hidden gems are all good things to check out beforehand. With cruise ship crowds and sometimes spotty wi-fi it can be better to do research ahead of time and not waste precious time in port trying to figure out what to do.
23. Leaving binoculars at home
Binoculars are not a must-have item for everyone, but lots of cruisers swear that these are a must for an Alaska cruise vacation and don’t leave home without them.
If seeing Alaska’s incredible wildlife like whales, bears, bears, and bald eagles is on top of your must-see list, then binoculars can be of great help and something you won’t regret packing.
24. Getting off too late in ports
Cruise vacations should be about relaxing as well as having fun, but many say that getting off too late just ruins the day.
Some ports are quite busy, and you can end up navigating large crowds, especially with Alaska becoming such a popular cruise destination. If you are looking to book an excursion onshore at the last minute, there also may not be a lot of options left if you leave late.
25. Eating only on the cruise ship
Alaska is known for its cuisine. Sweet, juicy crab, freshly caught salmon, and other local fish cooked over an open fire are some of the don’t-miss things when visiting Alaska. Instead of heading back to the cruise ship, enjoy some of these local favorites. Locally grown blueberries come in a variety of forms, like pies, and are another must-try.
This extends to some thirst-quenching libations; Alaska is home to tons of craft breweries and gin distilleries, and there is even Alaska birch cider.
