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Alaska Cruises

Alaska

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Signature Savings Event
from Seabourn Cruise Line
available 1/27/2021 - 12/31/2022
[More Details]
Wind Surf Capri
SAIL SMALL: Live Large with Big Perks Promotion
from Windstar Cruises
available 3/25/2021 - 12/31/2022
[More Details]
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Enjoy Bonus Savings up to $8,400 per suite
starting at $3,599.00
from Regent Seven Seas Cruises
available 4/2/2021 - 4/25/2023
[More Details]
Single Supplement Promo Image
Single Supplement Special
starting at $3,699.00
from Regent Seven Seas Cruises
available 4/2/2021 - 5/5/2022
[More Details]
Celebrity Edge Exterior
Exclusive Low Rates on 2021 Flights - Drinks. Wi-Fi. Tips.* Always Included
from Celebrity Cruises
available 5/1/2021 - 8/21/2021
[More Details]
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OLife Choice Special Offer
from Oceania Cruises
available 5/1/2021 - 11/21/2022
[More Details]
NGSL Exterior
A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
14 nights starting at $11,350.00
from Lindblad Expeditions
available 5/2/2021 - 5/16/2021
[More Details]
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia
13 nights starting at $10,430.00
from Lindblad Expeditions
available 5/3/2021 - 5/16/2021
[More Details]
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia
Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska and British Columbia
13 nights starting at $10,430.00
from Lindblad Expeditions
available 5/9/2021 - 5/22/2021
[More Details]
Koningsdam
Great Canadian Rail Journey With Alaska Cruise
20 nights starting at $5,549.00
from Globus
available 5/10/2021 - 5/30/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska Highlights
9 nights starting at $930.30
+ $373.81 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/11/2021 - 5/20/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska Highlights
9 nights starting at $930.30
+ $373.81 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/11/2021 - 5/20/2021
[More Details]
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15-Day Connoisseur Escorted - Tour RB8
15 nights starting at $3,419.00
+ $283.96 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/14/2021 - 5/29/2021
[More Details]
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14-Day Off The Beaten Path - Tour MA7
14 nights starting at $2,309.00
+ $282.30 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/29/2021
[More Details]
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13nt Great Heartland Adventure Cruisetour #7B
13 nights starting at $2,944.00
+ $251.96 taxes/fees
from Celebrity Cruises
available 5/15/2021 - 5/28/2021
[More Details]
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14-Day Off The Beaten Path - Tour MB7
14 nights starting at $2,499.00
+ $272.30 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/29/2021
[More Details]
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13nt Great Frontier Expedition Cruisetour #8B
13 nights starting at $2,924.00
+ $251.96 taxes/fees
from Celebrity Cruises
available 5/15/2021 - 5/28/2021
[More Details]
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14-Day Heart of the Rockies Plus Rail - Tour 1A
14 nights starting at $6,159.00
+ $352.37 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/29/2021
[More Details]
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18nt Ultimate Alaska & Canadian Rockies SB 18
18 nights starting at $6,234.00
+ $251.96 taxes/fees
from Celebrity Cruises
available 5/15/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
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13-Day Connoisseur Escorted - Tour PA6
13 nights starting at $2,629.00
+ $273.83 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/28/2021
[More Details]
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Homer Discovery And Heartland Wildlife Cruisetour 10B
13 nights starting at $2,734.00
+ $251.96 taxes/fees
from Celebrity Cruises
available 5/15/2021 - 5/28/2021
[More Details]
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11-Day Denali Explorer - Tour FA4
11 nights starting at $1,789.00
+ $269.45 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/26/2021
[More Details]
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10-Day Denali Explorer - Tour AA3
10 nights starting at $1,689.00
+ $268.70 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/25/2021
[More Details]
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12-Day Denali Explorer - Tour HA5
12 nights starting at $2,009.00
+ $277.66 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/27/2021
[More Details]
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11-Day Denali Explorer - Tour EA4
11 nights starting at $1,939.00
+ $273.83 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/26/2021
[More Details]
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12-Day Connoisseur Escorted - Tour OA5
12 nights starting at $2,409.00
+ $277.66 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/27/2021
[More Details]
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11-Day Denali Explorer - Tour GA4
11 nights starting at $1,759.00
+ $272.35 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/15/2021 - 5/26/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska with Inside Passage
7 nights starting at $727.30
+ $248.13 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/17/2021 - 5/24/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska with Inside Passage
7 nights starting at $727.30
+ $248.13 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/17/2021 - 5/24/2021
[More Details]
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11-Day Denali Explorer - Tour DA4
11 nights starting at $1,879.00
+ $307.49 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/19/2021 - 5/30/2021
[More Details]
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14-Day Off The Beaten Path - Tour LA7
14 nights starting at $2,379.00
+ $317.81 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/19/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska Cruise
7 nights starting at $4,230.00
from Silversea Cruises
available 5/20/2021 - 5/27/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Juneau & Ketchikan
7 nights starting at $874.30
+ $70.64 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/20/2021 - 5/27/2021
[More Details]
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Alaska Round-trip Seattle: Glacier Bay, Juneau & Ketchikan
7 nights starting at $874.30
+ $70.64 taxes/fees
from Norwegian Cruise Line
available 5/20/2021 - 5/27/2021
[More Details]
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13-Day Connoisseur Escorted - Tour QB6
13 nights starting at $3,229.00
+ $305.47 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/20/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
Lindblad NG Sea Lion
Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan
5 nights starting at $4,570.00
from Lindblad Expeditions
available 5/21/2021 - 5/26/2021
[More Details]
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15-Day Off The Beaten Path - Tour NB8
15 nights starting at $3,289.00
+ $268.77 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/21/2021 - 6/5/2021
[More Details]
Nieuw Amsterdam
Spectacular Alaska! With Alaska Cruise
16 nights starting at $4,439.00
from Globus
available 5/21/2021 - 6/6/2021
[More Details]
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12-Day Denali Explorer - Tour HB5
12 nights starting at $2,249.00
+ $303.13 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/21/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
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12-Day Denali Explorer - Tour IB5
12 nights starting at $2,329.00
+ $298.75 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/21/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
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12-Day Connoisseur Escorted - Tour OB5
12 nights starting at $2,799.00
+ $303.13 taxes/fees
from Princess Cruises®
available 5/21/2021 - 6/2/2021
[More Details]
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Grand Mountain Marvels Cruisetour 7B (Pre Tour)
13 nights starting at $3,307.50
+ $260.87 taxes/fees
from Royal Caribbean International
available 5/22/2021 - 6/4/2021
[More Details]
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Packing for Alaska

Alaska Pre/Post Cruise Ideas

What to do in Haines

What to do in Ketchikan

What to do in Juneau

What to do in Sitka

What to do in Seward

What to do in Skagway

What to do in Whittier

What to do in Wrangell

Alaska Cruise Tips

Alaska is an intriguing, culturally diverse destination with thousands of miles of scenic coastline that make it a natural draw for cruise ships. Each of the ports offers a different perspective on life in the most northerly U.S. state. Ketchikan is a center of Tlingit (pronounced KLING-kit) Indian culture, while Skagway is Gold Rush-era oriented. Petersburg's theme is Norwegian, Valdez's is the Alaska Pipeline (it's the southernmost terminal), and Sitka's is Russian.

 

Cruise travelers enjoy the history and the frontier ambience of the 49th state, but its wildlife and scenery are the main attractions. Towering mountains, massive glaciers, tranquil (and sometimes turbulent) waterways, countless miles of rainforest and Arctic tundra are the magnets for cruise passengers. Whales, eagles, bears, moose, seals and seabirds may be seen from your ship, in port or on a shore tour.

Alaska's biggest shortcoming is the weather. By booking an Alaska cruise, travelers are trading a week of hot weather at home for the possibility of grey or rainy days and chilly midsummer temps. Helicopter and floatplane tours are regularly canceled for imperfect conditions, and no tour can guarantee wildlife viewings. But, if you're willing to be flexible and take your chances, a visit to Alaska will not disappoint.

Alaska Cruise Tips

Best Time for Alaska Cruises

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, with high season typically June through August. However, the best time to go is rather subjective.

June, July and August are the warmest months (highs: 50's - 70's), but they also can be quite rainy. The further into the summer you are, the better your chances of seeing wildlife on the various expeditions; these months are the best bets if you want to go fishing as a shore excursion.

May and September offer cheaper cruise fares and fewer crowds; however, shore excursions have a greater chance of being canceled than they do in high season -- especially boat and helicopter tours. May is one of the driest months in the Inside Passage region, but you may find snow on the ground -- great for scenic photos, less ideal for hiking. September offers the best possibility for catching the Northern Lights, as well as great end-of-season shopping deals for souvenir-hunters. However, at this time, the Gulf of Alaska is the choppiest and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, Denali National Park has been known to close in September due to snow.

Alaska Cruise Lines

The two biggest Alaska operators are Princess and Holland America but nearly every major cruise line has at least one ship in Alaska each summer. You can also choose from luxury cruises on smaller ships and expedition cruises that focus more on up-close-and-personal nature and wildlife encounters.

.Alaska Cruise Tips

Alaska Cruise Itineraries

You can choose from a few basic itineraries in Alaska.

Inside Passage: These seven-night voyages sail roundtrip, typically from Seattle or Vancouver, making air travel arrangements easier and usually less expensive than they are for one-way cruises. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Pacific Coast islands that lends itself to calm, scenic cruising. The main ports of call are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, but some ships stop in Icy Strait, Haines or Petersburg; sailings from Seattle must call on a Canadian port (typically Victoria or Vancouver).

Gulf of Alaska: The gulf itinerary is a seven-night one-way cruise between Seattle/Vancouver and Seward/Whittier, the gateway ports for Anchorage. Would-be cruisers sometimes mistakenly believe that a Gulf of Alaska itinerary does not offer passengers the opportunity to visit the Inside Passage ports. It does. To get between Anchorage ports -- located on the stretch of water north of Glacier Bay and the south side of the Kenai Peninsula -- and either Seattle or Vancouver, it is necessary to pass along the Inside Passage coastal strip. A typical Gulf of Alaska cruise will probably include the likes of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, as well as Sitka.

Longer Sailings: A few lines offer 10- to 14-night Alaska cruises, often roundtrip or one-way from San Francisco. Holland America offers a two-week trip that actually docks in Anchorage, with options for long day trips into the interior.

Expedition Cruises: Cruisers can opt for a different kind of trip on the smaller expedition vessels of lines like Lindblad Expeditions These cruises typically focus more on nature and wildlife, rather than the big-name ports. The advantage of these small ships is that they can go to places that the big boys can't -- for instance, the Indian village of Kake, Wrangell Narrows and a dozen tiny inlets too shallow for the mega-ships. The ships have the maneuverability to follow aquatic wildlife (within legal limits) when it's spotted. Many also employ Zodiac rafts, kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures.

Alaska Cruise Tips

 

Ketchikan Alaska Creek Street is the main attraction there. Built on pilings over the water, it once was the city's red light district and now is lined with funky stores and restaurants overlooking canoeists and leaping salmon. Ketchikan is the gateway port for scenic tours of the Tongass National Forest and Misty Fjords, as well as fishing trips. Be prepared: It's one of the rainiest cities in the U.S.

 

Juneau Alsaka In Alaska's capital, you can kayak, canoe or hike close to the Mendenhall Glacier. In town, the Mount Roberts Tramway takes riders 1,800 feet up for gorgeous views and hiking trails. Or enjoy honky-tonk music and wholesome grub at the raucous Red Dog Saloon.

Skagway Alaska Skagway came into being in the last part of the 19th century as the nearest port of entry for stampeders making their way into the Klondike in search of gold. Today, the narrow-gauge White Pass & Yukon railroad is a must for cruise passengers. It follows the staggeringly photogenic route the gold-seekers took -- on foot -- over the pass to the Canadian border. In town, take a Gold Rush history tour, or spend your own gold at the various shops.

Sitka Alaska This was once home to the Tlingit Indians, before the Russians moved in. Many remnants of Alaska's Russian (St. Michael's Cathedral, the Russian Bishop's House) and Tlingit (Clan House, Totem Park) past are found there. Another highlight is the Alaska Raptor Center, a not-for-profit facility dedicated to healing injured birds of prey, primarily American eagles.

Scenic cruising. A key part of any Alaska itinerary is scenic cruising. In addition to the Inside Passage, ships may visit Tracy Arm, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, College Fjord or Sawyer Glacier. Bring binoculars and warm outerwear to best enjoy the views of glaciers calving, aquatic life and birds, and gorgeous scenery. Some ships will bring naturalists onboard to narrate.

Alaska Cruise Tips

Alaska Cruise Tips

Alaska has much to offer that can only be experienced by touring ashore, either before or after your cruise. The one-way gulf itineraries lend themselves more readily to Alaska touring, as they begin or end in Alaska. You can tour on your own or book a cruisetour that combines a cruise and a three- to seven-night land tour. Popular destinations include Denali National Park (for wildlife viewing), Talkeetna (best place for Mt. McKinley views) and Fairbanks (Alaska pipeline). Cruisetour land packages are also available to the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic Alaska and Canada's Yukon Territory.

 

A word of caution: If you are going to run into choppy seas, it's more likely to be in the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska than in the largely protected stretch of the Inside Passage. If you're concerned, book a northbound cruise so you'll cruise the Gulf at the end of the trip when you have your sea legs. If you get seasick easily, also think twice about roundtrip cruises from Seattle that spend two days cruising in the open ocean.

Weather is unpredictable in Alaska. Even on warm days, it can be quite cool cruising by a massive glacier. The trick is to dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off slowly as the thermometer dictates. You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times. Be prepared for bugs, too.

To minimize joining the masses during high season, select a ship that sails an off-schedule (midweek departures are often a good indicator) itinerary.

 

 

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