A cruise to Alaska is a bucket list item for many, but it has a reputation for being a more expensive vacation, especially in comparison to a traditional Caribbean cruise.
But this is not necessarily the case. A cruise to Alaska is affordable, and there are many ways to save money and make that dream vacation a reality.
The type of cruise, when to book and excursions are all important considerations when searching for savings to stretch that cruise budget. Here are some of the top ways to save money on an Alaskan cruise.
1. Book early
This may be surprising to some, but it is not uncommon for people to book their Alaskan cruise more than a year out. Booking early is probably one of the top money-saving tips. This strategy gives cruisers access to the cheapest cabins and lowest prices, which is increasingly important with rising travel costs. Contrary to popular belief, booking last minute does not translate to bargain prices, as often the cheapest cabins have long been booked.
Another benefit to booking early is that most cruise lines will let passengers re-price their cruise fare before final payment if there is a price drop. This approach provides the best of both worlds; booking early lets guests lock in the cruise fare price, but if the price goes down because of a sale or promotion, cruisers can get the difference back. A good travel agent can help navigate this process, monitor cruise line prices, and ensure you get all the savings you are entitled to.
2. Book an inside cabin
One of the absolute best ways to save money on a cruise is to book an inside cabin. This can often mean savings of hundreds of dollars, if not thousands of dollars, in comparison to other common stateroom categories, such as a balcony cabin.
With the chillier weather on an Alaskan cruise, cruisers are less likely to spend time hanging out on their balcony, and there are plenty of venues onboard to take in the majestic views of Alaska. Many people only spend time in their cabins sleeping, popping in to take a shower, and changing clothes. With so many great activities on the ship and a range of venues, an inside cabin may be the best economical choice.
3. Cruise in shoulder season
In recent years, Alaska has become an increasingly popular choice for cruisers wanting to explore the natural beauty and stunning landscapes of the region, most traveling in the summer months, which can drive up prices.
Alaska's cruise season is relatively short, running from May to September. While many travelers enjoy the milder weather of mid-summer, there are savings for those who can brave a little cooler weather. Typically, vacationers will find the best price for an Alaska cruise in April, May, or September, with cruise fares steadily increasing in June, reaching a peak in July.
4. Do it yourself excursions
Alaska offers cruisers a vast range of activities, and cruise lines typically provide their guests with an array of excursions, including boat tours, hiking, glacier tours, kayaking, and even helicopter rides, some of which can be pretty pricey.
There are several ports that are well suited to exploring on your own without spending a fortune; it is definitely an option to consider to save money.
Ports of call, like Ketchikan, lend themselves to walking around, a highlight being Creek Street, visiting shops and museums, and learning about its fascinating past.
Sitka is another popular destination that is ideal for a do it yourself excursion. The town’s Russian past provides for unique architecture and tons of Orthodox churches. Another popular attraction, the Fortress of the Bear, is a rehabilitation center for brown bears, another easy excursion that can be done without a pricey cruise excursion.
5. Be flexible with dates, itineraries, and departure ports
In addition to sailing during shoulder season, being flexible about the itinerary and departure port can also save money. Cruise line websites allow searches based on price, so consider sailing from an alternative port or being flexible on itinerary and ports of call. This can be even better for first-time cruisers who are not picky about where they are headed.
Do also keep in mind the cost of getting to a port. Flying to Alaska can be quite pricey, whereas Seattle can be a much cheaper option for most.
6. Shop around with different cruise lines
Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean are among a number of cruise lines that head north to Alaska. To save money, look at all of them for the best price.
Surprisingly, Carnival, the biggest cruise line in the world, operates three ships to Alaska, whereas Princess Cruises has nine different ships sailing north, providing a lot of options and a wider selection of cabins and itineraries. Unless you are fiercely loyal to one cruise line, do your homework about which line to sail with.
7. Use loyalty perks
Cruise line loyalty programs offer a whole host of benefits, some of which kick in after only one sailing, so it is important to be aware of all the loyalty perks and make sure to use them. Free internet access, drinks, or other discounts can add up, sometimes to hundreds of dollars. For those at the higher tier of cruise loyalty programs, the savings can be even more substantial.
This also applies to pre-cruise hotels. It's always a good idea to check out the best deals for pre-cruise hotels in a place like Seattle or Vancouver. Don't forget about airfare loyalty programs, as this can also be a major part of anyone's cruise vacation budget.
8. Use a travel agent
A good travel agent can be incredibly useful in finding the best deals for a cruise to Alaska. They often have knowledge of the best times to book and routes to save the most money. Also, they can have promotions for extra onboard credit. It is not just the cruise price but also what is included, such as tips, drinks, and anything else.
There are tons of cruise lines sailing to Alaska, as well as a bevy of cabin options. A good travel agent will help you navigate through all the information to find the best deal possible for your dream cruise to Alaska.
