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The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities. It’s worth noting that shoreside transportation outside of cruise line-operated transfers can be more limited in Whittier, so passengers embarking there may wish to ensure they include transfers from Anchorage in their cruise package. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service. Alaska has been a popular cruise destination for decades, and the industry has continued a trajectory of growth. Each summer season there seems to be another cruise line sailing Alaskan waters, while the longtime incumbents are relentless in their addition of new itineraries, amenities, and excursions.
How we chose the best Alaska cruises
These days, the boardwalk, mounted on stilts, is a pretty, lively spot filled with craft shops and galleries. If this is your first trip to Alaska, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, established in 1993, is a sanctuary you’ll want to call upon—especially if you’re an animal lover. One of the best places to visit in Alaska for first-time adventurers, without a doubt, is Mendenhall Glacier and Mendenhall Lake. Learn about the region’s natural history and the settlers who shaped Denali on guided excursions.
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We are planning an Alaska cruise for a milestone birthday - parents with adult kids. We've been on Princess awhile ago which was fine but have heard decreased quality since Carnival's acquisition years ago. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier.
What should I pack for a cruise to Alaska?
While you might not be sunning yourself to a stunning shade of bronze on an Alaska cruise, you and everyone on board will want to take in the scenery. That makes having your own balcony a prime piece of real estate, especially near Denali National Park, portions of the Inside Passage or Tracy Arm Fjord. If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views. Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise.
Best Large Ship Cruise
Timing your Alaskan cruise during the peak season not only guarantees pleasant weather but also ensures access to a wide array of activities and attractions. From witnessing massive glaciers to observing breaching humpback whales, the summer months showcase the best of Alaska's natural wonders. Additionally, the extended daylight hours provide ample time to explore ports of call and engage in thrilling adventures ashore. The best time to embark on an Alaskan cruise is a crucial consideration to ensure a delightful and comfortable journey.
27 First time Alaska cruise tips (2024) Cruise.Blog - Cruise Blog
27 First time Alaska cruise tips ( Cruise.Blog.
Posted: Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In 2022, the cruise line was the first to receive Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, meaning its Alaska-bound ships serve only fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood. The 7-Day Glacier Discovery itinerary is offered both northbound and southbound, both of which include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay, and calling upon Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike. If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers.
Spend the Day on Shore
Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. King's Blues Club, play a game of pickleball on the outer deck or enjoy fine dining at numerous restaurants serving sushi and Asian cuisine, steak, seafood, Italian fare and Dutch treats. 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. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's history here you shouldn't overlook.
Regardless of the ship, passengers can expect a wide range of entertainment offerings, an abundance of bars, restaurants, and lounges, and a handful of accommodation options. Speaking of the latter, wellness-seeking duos can reserve an AquaClass stateroom, which includes perks like complimentary dining at the exclusive Blu restaurant, their very own spa concierge, and unlimited access to the adults-only Sea Thermal Suite. Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises.
Some simply extend the land portion of the trip to include Dawson City or Whitehorse for one epic trip. For those with less vacation time, Holland America has an option that combines half an Alaska cruise with a land extension through the Yukon to Fairbanks and Denali, ending in Anchorage. Some Alaska cruise tours will give guests a night in Anchorage to explore the city, or travel as far north as Fairbanks. Others will swap Anchorage with a stay on the Kenai Peninsula or at the Alyeska Resort in the Chugach Mountains before heading north. However, if other lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, or Norwegian, suit your family’s needs and budget better, you will still have a wonderful cruise vacation in Alaska. While you won't necessarily get midnight sun, the regions regularly visited by mainstream cruise ships see sunsets much later into the evening than most travelers are used to.
Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. "Large crowds and overstimulation are general concerns for first-time cruisers, too. River cruises help alleviate this as they have far less people onboard (maximum 200 people, while ocean cruises are in the thousands).
Princess has been sailing Alaska for over 50 years, and with six ships, five wilderness lodges, and its own domed rail car, this cruise line knows the region well. There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program. Not to mention a card room, casino, library, observation bar, and beauty salon. There are several options for onboard dining (aside from complimentary in-suite dining), including a fine dining option, The Grill by world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, and an open-kitchen style option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because of their small, yacht-like size, Windstar Cruises ships grant unparalleled access to Alaska’s glaciers and fjords; other ships can’t squeeze into some of these special places.
While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the area’s most photographed and talked about sights. Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. Oceania cruises introduce Alaska to guests by offering local experiences in partnership with native tribes for a more meaningful connection to the area beyond sightseeing.
Additionally, researching and pre-booking popular shore excursions in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Each cruise line brings its unique offerings and distinctive experiences to the table. From the luxury of high-end amenities to the fun-filled atmosphere of family-friendly activities, there's a perfect match for every traveler. With its diverse range of itineraries and excellent onboard facilities, Norwegian Cruise Line offers an immersive Alaskan experience that caters to a wide range of interests. Additionally, the flexibility of Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising ensures a relaxed and personalized experience, allowing you to tailor your journey to suit your individual preferences. You may not get all the bells and whistles that you would on more expensive cruises, but the views don’t cost anything, and they’re all around you as you chill by the pool or take advantage of one of the many activities and dining venues included in your fare.
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," invites you to discover its vibrant heritage through Native American totem poles and immerse yourself in the stunning Misty Fjords National Monument. Skagway, with its captivating Gold Rush history, offers a chance to step back in time as you explore its charming streets and take a ride on the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. When planning an Alaskan cruise, it's important to take cost considerations into account.
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