For those wanting to avoid pricey cruise line excursions or go at their own pace, there are plenty of ways to tour on your own while cruising to Alaska.
There are a range of activities that can easily be done informally. Incredible outdoor adventures, hiking on a glacier, seeing local wildlife, and learning about the famed gold rush era are just some of the things to explore in Alaska cruise ports.
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.
Alaska is known for its incredible wide open spaces, mountains, never-ending coastlines, historic gold mining past, railroads, and abundance of wildlife. The opportunity to explore these untamed lands and experience nature at its best are some of the top reasons why Alaska is such a popular tourist destination.
I took an Alaska cruise on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas and it was a fantastic first foray into this region of the world.
For my seven-night cruise to Alaska, I spent a considerable amount of time planning and learning what I should do and bring with me, and I was glad I brought things like a raincoat, swim suit, and binoculars.
Despite all my research, I still forgot a few items that I had to buy and pay top dollar for in tourist markets.
An Alaska cruise is unlike other types of cruise vacations, so you might be curious what you absolutely need to pack for an Alaska cruise.
You'll encounter a lot of temperature changes, different climates, and precipitation. So what should you bring with you and what should you leave at home?
An Alaska cruise sounded like the kind of vacation I always wanted to take, because I wanted to take my first trip to Alaska and easily get between many different ports.
My family took a cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas, which took us to Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and a glacier viewing.
I had taken Caribbean cruises before, but I heard so many good things about an Alaska cruise that I wanted to try it myself. Frankly, I wasn't sure what to expect and how different it would be from a warm weather cruise.
Visiting Alaska by cruise ship has a few innate advantages, but is it worth it to go on a small-ship instead of one of the larger vessels?
An Alaska cruise typically is on a larger vessel that can handle thousands of passengers because the ship has lots to do onboard and will likely have an attractive price that comes with it.
Alternatively, there are a few small cruise ships that also visit Alaska, and they tout a more intimate cruise experience along with the ability to get into places the big ships cannot physically fit.
We know for many individuals, booking an Alaska cruise is on their bucket list. So to help those who are planning to cruise to Alaska in 2023, we've put together this article of our picks, the best Alaska Cruises.
Before you actually book an Alaska cruise, there are a few things you need to consider:
Royal Princess is sailing the Inside Passage round trip from Seattle in 2023.
The Alaska cruise season is short, with advantages to picking a sailing during one month over another.
Most cruise ships are in Alaska between May and September because of the warmer temperatures. While it can still be a cold at certain times, it's still far more comfortable being outdoors than other months and the risk of snow is non-existent. Plus, it's when the salmon begin their upriver swimming, bears come out, and much more.
An Alaska cruise sounds great, but what is a ballpark price for a week-long cruise?
There are a few factors that determine how long a 7-night cruise will cost. Most 7-night Alaska cruises cost an average of $3000 per person, but the exact price greatly depends on what you end up choosing for your line, itinerary, and cabin.
Here's what to consider what will impact your Alaska cruise vacation costs the most.
