cruise tips for alaska

Alaska Cruise Tips – 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Alaskan Cruise

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful cruise to Alaska. We took the trip (without our three kids) to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise – especially since it was to Alaska with lots to see and history to discover. Having never cruised before, we read a lot of Alaska cruise tips for months before we traveled. 

You see, we had been saving since our wedding for a big trip like this. ( Alaska was one of our 15 savings accounts and a great way to save for a special event like this. ) We researched a lot online before we booked our cruise, and researched even more Alaska cruise tips before we actually left. We felt pretty well prepared but there were still some things that we had to learn on the ship. There were actually several times we looked at each other and commented how we wished we had known that. This is how this list of Alaska cruise tips began.

I’m sharing this list of Alaska cruise tips to help others who are getting ready for their Alaskan cruise! Some of these tips may apply to all cruises and some are specific to Alaskan cruises. Either way, I hope it helps someone else get ready to cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

Here are my most important Alaska cruise tips. Otherwise entitled, 21 things I wish I knew before my first Alaskan cruise.

1. The ship will seem overwhelming at first but you will figure it out. 

When we first walked onto our ship (the Norwegian Bliss), Andy and I were both overwhelmed. We expected more information than we received. We got a map of the ship at check in and the staff welcomed us aboard, but that was it. It took us a couple days of wandering around but we learned the ins and outs of the ship faster than we anticipated. Just plan to be overwhelmed at first and give yourself time to figure it out. 

2. Inside staterooms are a good deal.

We booked a guaranteed inside stateroom (with the possibility of an upgrade) to get the best deal. Not only did we save money, but we found our room was very comfortable and well designed for two people. There was space for our suitcases under our very comfortable bed, as well as a closet with shelves and a decent sized bathroom. It did not feel cramped at all. The other upside to an inside stateroom is that you don’t have windows. Since the sun sets so late and rises so early (around 4 am in the summer in Alaska), our inside stateroom was always nice and dark to sleep. We were very thankful for that.

3. Your cruise card is everything and links to your tv.

When you board the ship, you will be printed a credit card sized cruise card for your trip. Your card is how you access and pay for everything on the cruise. Do not lose it! You need it to check into all the restaurants (even the free ones), to open your room (obviously), to turn on your room lights, and to pay for anything you purchase on the ship. Your card will allow you to use any free or purchased credits you have for your cruise. After that, it is linked to your credit card so you don’t have to carry a wallet around the ship. On our Norwegian cruise, the rooms had a Smart TV where we could see a running summary of charges, activities and credits.

4. You don’t need a lanyard for your cruise card.

I saw the advice to buy a cruise lanyard (like this one ) for your card so many times when researching for our cruise. We decided not to buy one and I’m glad we didn’t. Honestly? Less than 15 percent of people on our cruise used a lanyard. You do need to have your card with you at all times but it is very easy to put the card in your pocket. It is also much less noticeable. If you are a girl and don’t have pockets in your outfit, just give your card to your spouse or carry the card with your book. I would not recommend buying a lanyard unless you really want to wear a necklace with your card the entire trip. I would possibly recommend it for grandparents who are cruising. Otherwise, I think you will be fine.

5. You don’t need a power strip or water bottle.

These were two more items I saw regularly recommended for purchase. We did not purchase a power strip and managed just fine with the 3 outlets in our room. None of the outlets were in the bathroom but they were by a large mirror in our room. We had two phones (which we used for pictures), two Fitbits and a Kindle to charge, plus my hair straightener. I never wished for more outlets. If you do think you will nee more outlets, make sure you purchase a cruise-approved outlet since it can not be a surge protected one.

A water bottle was mentioned as an important purchase and I did purchase one. However, I did not really use my water bottle on the cruise. You can take your glasses out of any dining room on the ship and it was easy to stop by the buffet for a drink anytime we needed one. Even when we were off the ship, I did not take nor did I need my water bottle. If you have strenuous hiking excursions planned, perhaps you want a water bottle. Otherwise, save the space and money from skipping this purchase too.

6. Pack Dramamine – just in case. 

Walmart has a generic box of motion sickness pills for less than $2. It is worth the money to pick up a box, just in case! We definitely noticed the motion of the ship, even though we had a relatively calm trip. There was one night the waves got higher than usual and I ended up taking one pill before bed. It is a cheap $2 insurance policy and a useful thing to pack, but you are not out much if you don’t need it.

7. Check your cell phone coverage before you go.

It is important to know what your cell plan covers before you leave. Most cell phone plans include Alaska so you can use your phone as normal when in port and on land.  When you are cruising, be sure to set your phone to airplane mode so you do not occur roaming charges. My husband debated on the internet package but we saved our money and touched base with the kids when we were on land, every day or two. It was nice to disconnect for awhile.

8. Print brochures ahead of time.

Wanting to make the most of our time in port, I researched every port city before we left. I printed any important directions or brochures before we left and put them in our cruise binder. Many cities have brochures available online and I printed those off. Skagway and Ketchikan had walking tours that I printed off. My husband printed maps of the cities so we knew how to get around once we docked. We also noted where all the visitor center locations were so we could pick up print copies of the brochures. In a couple cases, they were out of the walking tour brochures and other things we wanted. It was very useful to have our print copies from the moment we got off the ship. 

9. Be prepared for 30 to 90 degrees on your cruise, sun and rain.

Alaska is very unpredictable. We actually had beautiful weather on our mid-June cruise, which we are told is unusual. We had one rainy day in Juneau and a couple foggy hours at sea. Otherwise, we had sunshine and beautiful days to see Alaska. To be prepared, I packed 4 different coats – a tee-shirt type light jacket, a fall weather jacket, my heavy winter down coat and a wool shawl wrap. I wore every coat I packed.

We discovered that the coldest times were at sea with the wind coming off the water. When we were on land, I went without a jacket sometimes. My husband wore shorts a couple days. I wore jeans or leggings. It is difficult to know exactly what to wear so pack an assortment of clothes, plus various jackets, and you will be fine. We also packed our umbrellas and needed them in Juneau!

10. Elevators will get crowded. Be ready to take the stairs.

With thousands of people on a cruise ship, there are many times the elevators will be crowded. Plan on taking the stairs and you won’t have to wait for elevators. It also helps you burn off calories from the delicious food you will be eating!

11. You will walk a lot – on and off the ship.

I am a walker but I was surprised by how much we walked on our cruise. Our highest walking day was 30,000 steps in Skagway – and that was after we sat on a train for 3 hours in the morning! Even when we were on the ship all day, I easily hit 10,000 steps without ever stepping foot in the exercise room.

12. The dress attire on Alaskan cruises is pretty casual. 

We read much on this topic before we boarded our cruise. Knowing that we needed various coats for Alaska, we didn’t really want to waste room on formal clothes. I wore nice slacks and a dressy top one evening, and Andy changed into dress slacks and a polo that night too. That was as dressy as we got and we never felt out of place. We saw only a handful of people dress in formal attire at night. Most were dressed in jeans and leggings and nice tops. Alaska cruise attire on the Norwegian really was cruise casual.

13. Sign up early for shows and ship activities.

We were assigned a boarding time of 11 am for our cruise. Somehow, we were some of the first on the ship and the very first ones at the sign up desk for activities. Before you get on board, make sure you know what activities you plan on doing. We knew we needed to sign up for Andy to ride the go karts on our ship. Because we were the first ones there, we had our pick of times.

We had signed up online to see Jersey Boys but because we waited until just a couple weeks before our cruise, the only spots left were at at 10:30 pm show. We signed up, but then learned we could line up as stand by for the 7:30 show and easily got in. It was an excellent show and worth the wait! Still. Lesson learned. Sign up for whatever you can online as soon as you book your tickets. Then, make your first stop once you board, to sign up for any other activities or dining experiences you want.

14. Get up early for the best seats and views.

One of the most popular spots on the Norwegian Bliss was an Observation Gallery at the front of the ship. It had floor to ceiling windows for amazing views. There were also comfortable lounge chairs to relax and watch the scenery float by. As you can imagine, this spot was very popular!

On one at sea day, we were up early after breakfast and managed to snag two lounge chairs, where we spent the morning relaxing and reading. It was amazing! You certainly don’t want to hog seats or save them empty for hours (as some people did) but if you are up early, you will have the most choices of best seats to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan views. 

If all the areas seem crowded, keep exploring the ship! Some spots will get more crowded than others. Keep looking around. Our third day, we discovered a bar that was completely deserted in the morning. We were able to enjoy the peace and quiet and even spotted several whales that morning! We moved seats almost every day as we preferred the quieter areas. It is completely possible. Just keep exploring the ship and you can always find some good seats!

15. The time change will throw you for a loop.

When you cruise to Alaska, you will have to change time zones. Not only will you change from your time zone, but parts of Alaska are another time zone over from the United States. Traveling from Indiana (Eastern time), we had a 3 or 4 time hour difference for the cruise. It wasn’t terrible but it did throw us for a bit of a loop. Since it was just my husband and myself traveling, we decided to embrace it and keep an earlier cruise schedule. We were always up by 6 or 7 (Alaska time) and went to bed by 10:30. Granted, that was still late in Indiana but not nearly as late as some people kept. Whatever schedule you decide to keep, just be aware that the time change will take a bit of adjusting to during your cruise. 

16. Eat early for best views and service.

Since we were used to Eastern time, we kept that schedule and were usually the first to lunch and dinner. It meant we had the choice of seats and almost always early enough to be seated by a window. If you want great views as you dine, consider eating early.  We had good views and good service without having to deal with crowds.

Also, we decided the buffet was a great option for breakfast while we preferred to eat at the sit down restaurants for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was never crowded at the buffet and they had good food options. I loved their cinnamon raisin French toast while my husband liked the Belgian waffles. We both enjoyed the bacon! Lunch and dinner were crowded at the buffet and it was more relaxing to sit at our own table and have food brought to us. If you do eat the buffet, be sure to find an empty table first and then go get your food. It’s much easier than wandering around with full plates.

17. There is plenty to eat without paying for extra dining.

Every cruise ship will be different but the Norwegian cruise line had 5 restaurants included in our dining plan. After that, we could pay extra to eat at another 15 (or more) restaurants. Frugal travelers that we are, we decided to forgo the extra dining and save money. There were plenty of food choices at the included restaurants! The menu at the main restaurants changed daily with some items staying the same.

We did have some free credits that we had received so we tried one of the restaurants (Q – Texas Barbeque) the last night. It wasn’t that great. Nothing special that made us wish we had paid more money for specialty dining. In fact, it just made us more glad that we had saved on our money in this area.

18. Be prepared to share port cities with 2-4 other cruises.

We knew there would be other ships in all our ports but didn’t realize the impact until we docked. The ships arrival and departure times are staggered but you will see other cruise ships along your route. We noticed it most in Skagway which is a town of 800 people year round. On our cruise day? There were 12,000 people in town. Amazingly, it never felt overwhelming but it is something else I wish I had known.

19. Skagway has the most and best excursion options.

Hands down, Skagway was our favorite stop! We spent 14 hours in Skagway and made the most of them all. We started our day with a 3 hour train ride on the White Pass and Yukon railroad. It was our most expensive excursion but I am so glad we did it. It was fascinating to learn Gold Rush history as we traveled the same route so many of those people did.

After a very enjoyable train trip, we spent the rest of the day wandering around Skagway. The National Parks Service has a great (free!) museum with lots of information about the Gold Rush. We also took a free walking tour with one of their rangers. We enjoyed lunch at Skagway Brewing Company, which was worth the wait. Their Spruce Tip beer was a unique blend!

Later on, we did a short hike to Yukutania Point (beautiful water views) and a much longer than expected hike to see the old Gold Rush cemetery (I would skip this one if I had to do it again). This was also our favorite town for shops, although sadly, by the time we went back to buy something at the Christmas shop, it was closed. We learned so much about the Gold Rush during out stop in Skagway and it only made us want to learn more. Make the most of your time in Skagway. You’ll be glad you did!

20. If you have a port in Ketchikan, book an excursion.

Ketchikan was our shortest port day, and it was our least favorite. It had a very touristy feel that we didn’t really care for. We did not book an excursion in Ketchikan (to save money). If we did it again, we would book an excursion in Ketchikan to give us something to enjoy. We did enjoy walking around the town but easily saw all there was to see in under 5 hours. We were back on the ship early – in time for lunch.

21. You can cruise on a budget and have a marvelous time!

While an Alaskan cruise is not cheap, it does not have to be incredibly expensive either. We were able to cruise for a week to Alaska (flights, hotel, airport parking, cruise tickets, food, excursions and everything) for right at $5000 for 2 people.

My best two tips for saving money on your Alaskan cruise?

First, book your cruise through Rakuten.

Rakuten is a free online program that earns you cash back. When we went to book our cruise, I noticed that Norwegian’s prices on their website were exactly the same as at Priceline. I started at Rakuten and booked through Priceline – and earned $177 cash back, simple as that, just for taking 5 minutes to research and one extra click. Plus, Priceline gave us a free $200 in cruise credit which Norwegian wasn’t offering. Both were great perks! You can sign up for Rakuten here. (I use it for all my online shopping and baking hundreds of dollars back every year. More about how I use Rakuten to make money shopping online here. ) This tip may not work for all the cruises but it is definitely worth comparing prices to see if it works for you too!

Second, if you are flying to get to your cruise, consider signing up for an airline credit card. 

I am a firm believer in not carrying debt and only use credit cards if I can pay them off each month. That said, United (one of the most popular Seattle airlines if you are cruising to Alaska) has a great credit card program! They offer a $0 fee for the first year (and it is easy to cancel the credit card after your flight, if you so choose). Plus, it gives you free baggage fees – which at $30+ per bag, per flight – saved us $120. In addition to that, it gave us two free United club passes where we were able to pass an enjoyable 2 hours in the Seattle airport, enjoying complimentary snacks, beer and wine as we waited for our flight home. That was another $100 plus value. Our credit card also gave us a free upgrade on our flight out up to business class – another $100 value without paying any extra.

But the best perk of the United credit card? When we spent $2000 in the first 3 months of opening our account, we earned a bonus 40,000 miles to our United account! We simply booked our flights on the credit card and the remaining cruise balance and quickly met that amount for our free miles. These miles don’t expire and translate to at least one free flight – depending on where you are flying. With perks and savings like this, it made signing up for the United credit card a no brainer and a great source of savings. I highly recommend looking into the United credit card (or a similar airline credit card).

You can sign up for the United credit card (with the bonus 40,000 mile offer) here. 

To learn more about saving money on your cruise, check out exactly how we did it with this post – 10 Simple Ways to Save Money on a Cruise. 

I hope these tips help you enjoy your Alaskan cruise! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I will do my best to help!

Have you ever been on a cruise – to Alaska or elsewhere? If so, what tips would you add to this list?

Hello and welcome! Check out how we're thriving when our income has been cut in half , take a look at some of my custom, Biblical books (with free printables) or learn how to build a stockpile that works for your family . You can sign up for blog updates with my email newsletter here . Thanks for stopping by!

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I was just wondering where I could get free map print out of the ports we will be in. Thanks

Just check out those port areas and yes, you can probably print out those port maps online!

I would love to know which excursions are worth the penny. Iḿ going with my family and everything adds up to a small fortune. Thank you for the great tips.

You’re welcome, Gloria! For us, the train ride was definitely worth the money. When traveling with a family, I think you prioritize and maybe alternate a paid excursion with a free one (like hiking to the Mendenhall Glacier), because you are right. Things definitely can add up quickly! I hope you have an amazing time in Alaska!

I loved your tips and they are pretty spot on. I agree with everything except the inside state room. Having a patio to watch whales, orcas, and glaciers calving is worth the extra price. Makes me want to go back on our trip! So fun. I liked your post😀

I’ve heard from others who loved their patio view too! Maybe if we go back, we will try it to compare! 🙂 Alaska really is an amazing place to cruise to, and I’m glad you agreed with the tips. Like you, I’m ready to go back too! 🙂

Thank you for the great post. We have a trip planned late June of this year.

I recommend downloading a couple of free audiobooks from the library to a cellphone so you don’t need to take your eyes off the scenery. I also think it’s a good idea to use an earpiece that is single sided meaning there’s only one ear being used. The ones I use mix the sound for both sides-I guess you’d call it stereo instead of mono and I purchase from amazon. I prefer this type so I feel more aware of what’s going on around me-I don’t mean for crime or anything like that but to feel more connected to the world. 🙂

Another thing I do before I travel is to take a look at my little stash of “travelers helpers” medications like say stool softener, Imodium, Benadryl, Aleve, temporary dental glue (in case a cap comes off) to make sure they’re fresh. Honestly the only one I’ve really used besides Aleve is the Benadryl and that was simply to rush it to the dining car when I was on Amtrak and heard an announcement requesting it for someone there on the train. I know they have these things on cruise ships because they’ve got doctors but I like having my own at my fingertips. Peace of mind…

I am so glad I found this post. I have been wondering about your trip!

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Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

Planning a cruise to Alaska is a lot different from preparing to sail in the Caribbean or Europe. Alaska's calling card is not beaches or high culture but vast wilderness. The 49th state has half of the national park land in the United States.

Chances are you'll be exploring sometimes rugged places and will want to spend time in the great outdoors, in addition to experiencing lively frontier towns with fascinating gold rush and Alaska Native history. Prepare to be amazed by the scenery, wildlife and some of the local characters you'll meet along the way. Proper preparation will assure you have a real Alaska experience and not just a cruise-by look at an amazing place.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

I've taken more than 20 trips to Alaska, all but two of those trips on cruise ships. I have even written books about cruising in Alaska and my favorite Alaska attractions . So I'm confident I've got Alaska travel mastered. Here I'll share my best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your Alaska cruise experience.

Choose the right ship for you

Choosing the best ship for you is key to a great Alaska cruise experience.

You can cruise in Alaska on ships with fewer than 100 passengers, on the fanciest luxury ships or on some of the largest ships in the world carrying more than 4,000 passengers. Size matters in terms of attractions and activities on board. Ask yourself: Do you want a casino, Broadway shows or amusement park rides?

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

Size also influences where you go in Alaska. If you're happy to visit the typical, well-known ports of call — such as Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan — a big ship will suit you just fine. If you'd rather go to more off-the-beaten-track locales, you will likely need a small ship to get there.

Lines such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures offer itineraries that spend a week completely in the wilderness. You won't find these on other ships and cruise lines.

Consider early- and late-season cruises

Most cruisers visit Alaska between late May and Labor Day. That's when the tourist towns and attractions are in full swing.

You will, however, find some advantages to traveling early and late in the season. The biggest benefits are reduced off-season prices and fewer crowds.

Off-season in spring is a chance to see how people in small Alaskan towns and the local wildlife wake up after a long winter or how they prepare for the colder months. On the downside, you will want to pack for chillier weather, especially in April and after mid-September.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

Even as the number of ships in Alaska rises to pre-pandemic levels, with lots of available cabins, this is a market where waiting for a last-minute discount fare can be risky.

The cheapest inside cabins and fanciest suites tend to sell out first. If you wait, you may have limited choices.

Consider too that Alaska is a market that is a very long drive from anywhere, meaning most travelers fly in, leading to limited space on planes as the season gets going.

For most people, it makes sense to book your Alaska cruise six months to a year in advance. Look for cruise line early bird specials.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Choose a balcony cabin

As a follow up to the above, if you can afford a balcony cabin , book one.

Yes, you can grab your binoculars and head to the open decks of your ship to see snow-capped peaks, boreal forests, glaciers and everything else you imagine about the wilderness.

But there is something magical about waking early in the morning, throwing on your bathrobe and standing in your own deck space, feeling the cool air, breathing deep and communing with nature in "The Last Frontier."

Plan to arrive in the embarkation city pre-cruise

As part of the traveling-far-to-get-there necessity, you'll reduce concern about being on time — and toss away the potential stress from transportation delays — by arriving at your debarkation city a day or two before your cruise.

Chances are you'll be embarking from Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia, both world-class cities ripe for exploring.

If you're flying into Alaska to board your ship, consider a night in Anchorage to explore such attractions as the 600 Alaska Native objects in the Smithsonian collection at the Anchorage Museum.

Pack for all kinds of weather

Alaska weather is somehow, inevitably, both colder and warmer than you expect. One day in summer you may find yourself peeling off clothes on a sunny mountain hike. The next day you'll be shivering near a glacier.

The key to your Alaska cruise packing list is bringing and wearing a variety of layers. Consider as a starting point three layers of clothes — such as a T-shirt, sweater and outer layer — as you head off on tour. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and so is rain gear, especially in July and August.

Don't forget bug spray to ward off Alaska's prolific mosquitos, sunscreen and sunglasses for the ever-glowing midnight sun and a swimsuit for your ship's heated pool or hot tub. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens, so you can spot bears and other elusive creatures.

Put in a northern lights wake-up call

Northern lights appear in the Alaska sky year-round, but under the summertime midnight sun, with few hours of darkness, it's too bright to have much chance of seeing them.

Come late August, when there are more hours of darkness, your chances improve.

Staying up late and staring at the night sky can be like watching paint dry. Fortunately, your ship will have a sign-up list for a wake-up call should the lights appear in the clear sky. Your stateroom phone will ring, and you'll want to be prepared to get outside quickly, as the sight of the lights is often fleeting.

You can improve your chances by heading pre- or post- cruise up to Fairbanks, which is inland, closer to the Arctic Circle and a prime worldwide aurora borealis-viewing location.

Budget for shore excursions and tours

The best nature sights and activities often are away from the ports in Alaska. Plan your budget to include shore excursions or private tours. Book well in advance, as the coolest ones sell out first.

Flying in a floatplane for glacier views then landing back on the water near your ship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Helicoptering and landing on a glacier for a hike exploring the cracks and crevasses puts your trip into the stratosphere.

Related: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

These experiences are just the beginning of what you can do on your Alaska cruise. Explore by kayak, mountain bike, historic railway, small whale-watch boat, canoe or even zipline. Visit Alaska Native villages to learn the stories behind totem poles and explore the history of the gold rush.

Or try my favorite Alaska experience, snorkeling in the chilly waters of the Inside Passage, where the starfish and other creatures are unusually colorful. Alaska is a perfect place to try something new.

Take a hike

All the port towns are easily explored on your own, whether you want to hit museums, historical sites, shops or restaurants. Doing research in advance will help you target what you really want to do and see. Tourist offices and parks service offices offer maps and on-the-ground advice.

I highly recommend you also plan a walk out of town. Hiking trails afford an opportunity to get out in the wilderness, breathe deep and feel at one with Mother Nature. A favorite trail from Skagway takes you uphill to a breathtaking glacial lake.

Stay for a cruisetour

Since you have traveled far to get to Alaska, it makes sense to see some of the interior of the 49th State. Cruise lines such as Holland America and Princess Cruises — which each send a half-dozen ships a year to Alaska — make planning easy, with 10- to 17-night packages that combine a cruise with a land tour and hotel stays.

These so-called "cruisetours" can get you, for instance, to Denali National Park & Preserve, Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Kenai Fjords and Wrangell-St. Elias, America's largest national park. Beyond Alaska, you might follow your interest in gold rush history with a cruisetour into the Canadian Yukon.

Eat and drink local

Whether at a fancy or casual restaurant, you'll want to try a taste of Alaska. Seafood is, of course, plentiful: splurge on giant king crab legs and crab bisque at places such as the famous Tracy's King Crab Shack (featured on "Top Chef") in Juneau. Try wild Alaska salmon or halibut, which are on the menu at most restaurants. Look, too, for Alaskan shrimp and scallops.

Reindeer sausages are a quintessential Alaskan taste, often devoured by locals on a bun with mustard. You may also find the sausages in omelets, as a side at breakfast or topping a pizza. You can buy sealed packages to take home.

Food tours, such as Juneau Food Tours, target locally owned establishments and afford a chance to meet local chefs and food producers.

Accompany your eats with local beer or vodka, gin, rye and other beverages distilled in Alaska. Even if you just order up a soda, a visit to a dive bar, such as Kito's Kave in the fishing town of Petersburg or the Pioneer Bar in Sitka, is a guaranteed way to meet interesting locals and ask such biting questions as: How do you survive the winter? Have you seen a bear? What's the largest fish you ever caught? Prepare to get an earful.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• Work With Jen
• USA Bucket List
• Follow Us On Instagram

45 Alaska Cruise Tips You Absolutely Need to Know

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a list of helpful, go-to Alaska cruise tips for your upcoming Alaska cruise?

Having recently returned from an Alaska cruise, we’ve put together this mega list of practical, and incredibly helpful Alaska cruise tips that will help you get the most enjoyment from your trip.

This article contains important, need-to-know tips and advice on booking, ways to save, stateroom selection, excursions, and items to pack for an Alaska cruise.

We also have a fun selection of miscellaneous Alaska cruise tips at the end that you may not have heard before.

Hold on tight – and get ready to take notes – as you read our 45 Alaska cruise tips that you absolutely need to know as you embark on this vacation of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

Alaska Cruise Tips: Booking Your Cruise

Take your time in deciding which cruise line and which cruise ship to book for your Alaska cruise vacation – after all, there are many to choose from!

The following list includes tips on how to choose a cruise line, and how to go about booking your Alaska cruise.

1. Different cruise lines appeal to different passengers.

First-time cruisers often ask what is the best cruise line for going to Alaska.

The choice comes down to your budget, expectations, and the overall vibe preferred by a cruise line.

Some choose a cruise ship for the cruise itinerary and destination only, and the ship is merely the mode of transportation.

Others look at the ship’s age opting for a more modern ship or desire a ship with multiple conveniences and resort-like attractions to keep the family entertained.

Nevertheless, some factors influencing your decision could include finding a discount or cruise promotion, the ship’s embarkation port, the size of the ship, and the ability to add on a land tour.

When it comes to Alaska cruise tips, choose a cruise line and ship that meets your needs and your budget – this will be different for everyone.

Here is a list of cruise lines that go to Alaska:

• Royal Caribbean
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line (We cruised on Norwegian Encore to Alaska)
• Holland America Line
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Silversea Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line

2. Choose a ship with several indoor things to do .

A ship with a fancy pool deck and fun, outdoor swimming pools is more notable when cruising to the sun-soaked Caribbean.

Realize that due to the chilly weather and occasional rain showers, you’re likely to spend more time indoors on an Alaska cruise, however.

If you’re interested in having several options for things to do, find a ship that has a large selection of both indoor and outdoor leisure and relaxation areas.

Activities such as indoor shows, comedy clubs, casinos, arcades, and spas provide hours of entertainment.

In addition, various Alaska cruise lines have either indoor, covered, or solarium-type swimming pools that are appealing if swimming on the ship is of importance to you.

3. Sail late in the season for the best chance at Northern Lights.

The most popular time to go on an Alaksa cruise is during the months of June, July, and August as they offer both the warmest weather and longest hours of daylight.

The shoulder season of September–October is growing in popularity, however, as it boasts fewer crowds, lower prices, and seasonal attractions like the Northern Lights.

If you sail late in the season (late August -October), the daylight starts getting shorter leaving a longer, and darker, time for you to be able to see the Northern Lights.

There’s never a guarantee you’ll get to see this nighttime spectacular, but cruising late in the season will increase your odds.

4. Check into stateroom capacities.

Though this is a general cruise tip versus directly pertaining to Alaska, it is something that affected us so I want to mention it to you.

The capacity limits on cruise ship staterooms are strict, meaning that if the room says it fits 2-3 people, you may not have more than 3 people assigned to the room.

For bigger families or families with small children, check to see if there are ‘family staterooms’ that allow higher capacities, or look into getting adjoining staterooms.

Understand that even if you have 2 staterooms that are connected, each stateroom will require a separate cruise ship reservation, with a minimum of 1 adult assigned to each room.

This can be a hassle when it comes to booking shore excursions and making reservations, as each stateroom must be dealt with separately.

You’ll have no other choice, however, if you’re traveling with a large family or group that wants/needs to stick together.

5. Book shore excursions well in advance; popular ones fill up fast.

Alaska cruises are sought after for their epic scenery and unique, outdoor excursions.

Because of this, the most popular Alaska shore excursions fill up fast.

Research what shore excursions you’re interested in ahead of time and choose excursions that match the ages, abilities, and interests of your family.

Next, mark your calendar for when the shore excursion booking window opens and be ready to book your excursions that day. (I do not recommend waiting until you’re on the ship to book shore excursions.)

If you’re booking shore excursions through the cruise line, I recommend calling to book your initial excursions versus booking them online.

Questions are bound to arise, and having someone on the phone to help is invaluable.

If you’re booking shore excursions independently, assure that you’re using a reputable tour company and you leave yourself with plenty of time to re-embark the ship before it leaves the port.

More tips about shore excursions coming up…

6. Book specialty dining well in advance; popular times and restaurants fill up fast .

Most cruise lines offer specialty dining restaurants that require reservations.

If this is the case, research your dining options ahead of time, and be sure to make reservations at popular specialty dining restaurants as soon as the reservation window opens (this varies per cruise line).

Again, much time will be spent indoors on an Alaska cruise, and many people place emphasis on securing ideal restaurants and dining times.

7. Consider booking your Alaska cruise through a travel agent.

Booking and understanding the ins and outs of an Alaska cruise can be a big task.

With all of the money and time that you’ll be investing, you may appreciate trusting the details of your trip to a travel agent.

Booking through a travel agent can help you find the best deals, find additional perks, and assure that you’re up to date on the latest cruise recommendations.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Cost & Ways to Save

An Alaskan cruise is a costly vacation and one that most people will only experience once in their lifetime.

Here are our Alaska cruise tips that will help you plan, save, and budget accordingly.

8. Alaska cruises are expensive.

Two of the most important Alaska cruise tips are to budget appropriately and to expect to spend more than you anticipated on an Alaska cruise.

Alaska cruises tend to be more expensive than i.e. Caribbean cruises due to the seasonality of Alaska cruises (supply vs. demand) and its remote location yielding higher permit and port fees.

Do note that some cruise lines are less expensive for the same sights and itinerary (i.e. Holland America), so if the ship itself doesn’t matter that much to you – this is a place where you can save money .

Also, cruise lines have a reputation for nickel and diming passengers once onboard so be sure to look into what activities and fees are covered by your general cruise fare, and which are not.

Leave room in your budget for onboard restaurants, treats, and attractions that cost extra.

9. You’ll find the cheapest fares in May and September.

Alaska is a seasonal cruise destination from late May/early April through the end of September.

June through August is considered the prime season, and therefore, costs more.

Cruising during the shoulder seasons of May or September will save you money.

10. Watch for cruise promotions.

Oftentimes you’ll find that cruise lines run various promotions to stir up excitement and increase business.

Be sure to watch for promotions such as free onboard credit, discounted airfare and excursions, as well as free beverage packages and specialty dining.

This is definitely a way to save money on an Alaska cruise, however, read the fine print and be sure that the promotions actually apply to your interests.

11. WiFii is spotty in Alaska.

Most cruise fares do not include free WiFii for your devices.

Instead, you must purchase a WiFii package for either an unlimited or a certain amount of minutes.

While cruising Alaska, be aware that the ship’s internet access may be spotty and/or slow in some areas due to geography, weather, and satellite positions.

Because you’ll likely not going to be on your phone much, consider buying a cheaper WiFii package – or not purchasing one at all.

12. Do the math before buying a drink package.

Again, when it comes to how to save money on an Alaska cruise, consider if the cost of a drink package is worth it.

Depending on how many and how long your excursions are, you may be spending the majority of your time off of the ship and away from the ‘free drinks’.

Also, keep in mind that the vibe on an Alaskan cruise may not lend itself as much to drinking as it does on a Caribbean cruise, for instance.

If an unlimited beverage is part of a cruise promotion, I always opt for it. (I feel that it is a great value for me.) If not, I consider how many drinks I’ll realistically have in 1 day and buy a limited (more affordable) drink package for that amount.

13. Don’t get stuck having to buy warm clothing onboard.

It goes without saying that some people will forget, or fail to bring the appropriate cold-weather gear for their Alaska cruise.

Warm jackets, hats, rain ponchos, and more are typically sold onboard the ship for this reason – but for a hefty price.

Trust me…pack accordingly and don’t get stuck having to purchase your warm clothing onboard.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Documentation

This section of our Alaska cruise tips regarding documentation is not meant to be a guide on what documentation you do, or do not need for an Alaska cruise.

That information is found on your government’s travel website and should be verified against your actual itinerary and excursions.

Non-legally speaking, our tips are as follows:

14. Ensure that you have the correct documentation.

It is important to know what documentation is needed when cruising to Alaska, and specifically, what documentation is required per your particular cruise line.

For instance, your cruise company may require you to have a passport, even if U.S. Customs and Border Protection does not.

Finally, it is important to know that travel regulations and policies are subject to change without notice for the sake of national security…

So in my opinion, the more documentation you have on hand, the better.

15. Consider bringing a passport even if the cruise line itself doesn’t require it.

Though some  “closed loop” cruises  may not require a U.S. passport, I always recommend bringing yours in case of an emergency.

Situations such as an unexpected medical air evacuation or the ship docking at an alternate port are indeed possible, and you can never be too prepared when it comes to having proper documentation.

Also, keep in mind that even though the cruise itself may not require a passport, some shore excursions do.

For instance, while there are some Skagway, Alaska train tours that don’t require passports, all of the tours that extend past the White Pass Summit require them (as they pass into Canada).

In other words, be sure to read the fine print on your shore excursions to see if passports are required or not.

16. Keep your documentation safe.

It goes without saying that you should always protect your passport from theft and ensure that you don’t lose it.

It’s also important to protect your passport from damage by keeping it in a cool, dry place, and by using a passport holder or family travel document holder .

Last, be sure to have your passport with you as you first board the ship, and do not leave it in your luggage.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Staterooms

When it comes to Alaska cruise tips and tricks, these are my most important recommendations when it comes to your cruise ship stateroom.

17. Book a balcony room!

An Alaska cruise is all about the wildlife and the views.

For this reason, I strongly recommend booking a balcony stateroom when cruising Alaska.

It is well worth the additional cost for the balcony views, not having to fight for rail space on the main deck, and to make your room feel bigger.

In order to save money, I typically do not book a balcony room for tropical destination cruises. Again, I 100% recommend a balcony room on an Alaska cruise – quite simply, they’re awesome!

18. Storage is limited for your bulky outdoor gear.

As you know, cruise staterooms are not what you would consider ‘big’.

Carefully plan out how to store your bulky outerwear and rain boots in your stateroom so that they are not blocking the main walkways in your room.

You can always ask your room steward for more hangers or purchase magnetic room hooks ahead of time.

19. Get to know your stateroom TV.

Your stateroom TV is a hub of helpful information – it just takes some time to learn how to find the information that you may be looking for.

Most stateroom TVs will have access to the local weather, as well as broadcast the daily itinerary, port information, and the current view from the bow of the ship.

You can also access your cruise ship account to track upcharges as well as watch pre-recorded videos on ship information and the debarkation process.

Our stateroom TV on the Norwegian Encore even broadcasted the park-ranger-led talks that were being held in the ship’s Observation Deck on the day we were in Glacier Bay ( see photo above ).

20. Consider if an upgrade is worth it.

Several cruise lines offer staterooms or packages that give passengers access to private sundecks and pools.

I personally do not recommend upgrading to a private pool and sundeck, as you’ll rarely use it on an Alaska cruise.

21. Check your ship mail.

Each cruise line prints a daily itinerary of events and activities that includes information on the daily forecast, showtimes, and restaurant hours.

These onboard newsletters are placed outside your stateroom on a clip – or in a slotted mailbox – each afternoon on your cruise (with information regarding the next day).

The timing of their delivery varies, but I’ve noticed that daily onboard newsletters seem to arrive before 5 PM.

I have yet to find a way to access onboard newsletters prior to boarding. The cruise lines simply do not release them in advance. Some online cruise forums will have pdfs of daily itineraries that previous passengers submit if you’re interested as to what they look like.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Excursions

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of an Alaska cruise are the unique, memorable, and often time once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions!

Here are a few Alaska cruise tips pertaining to shore excursions.

22. Do things unique to Alaska.

Consider taking shore excursions that are extremely unique to Alaska, after all – you’re in Alaska!

Options include dog sledding, glacier landing helicopter tours, whale watching, and crab fishing.

Yes, these Alaska-unique shore excursions tend to be more expensive, but consider adding at least one special excursion to your itinerary if you think you’ll never be back to Alaska.

23. Have an ‘excursion backpack’.

Often times shore excursions leave early in the morning making it essential to pack and prepare for your excursion the night before.

I recommend having 1 backpack dedicated to shore excursions (that you never fully empty) that contains clothing layers, rain ponchos , your passports and wallet, a first aid kit, and any miscellaneous items.

This backpack should stay packed and ‘ready to go’.

Having a waterproof day bag or backpack is a bonus, but we didn’t find this necessary.

24. Don’t underestimate the weather.

Check the forecast for the day of your shore excursion and pack any necessary weather-related gear in your excursion backpack.

Excursions that involve fishing or are out on the ocean tend to get very chilly, so be sure to bring layers, a warm hat, mittens, and potentially rain gear.

These items are worth bringing along ‘just in case’, as the easiest way to ruin a shore excursion is to end up too cold – too wet – or both.

25. Know the cancellation policy.

The cancellation window for shore excursions is typically 3 to 30 days  before  embarkation day.

That doesn’t leave much room for flexibility or anything that may come up immediately before or while you’re on the ship.

Additionally, refunds are usually in the form of onboard credit instead of going back onto your credit card.

Generally, shore excursions that are canceled because of weather (which can happen on an Alaska cruise) will be fully refunded to your credit card with no fees or penalties.

26. Consider exploring the port on your own.

Often times Alaska cruise ship passengers forgo going on a guided shore excursion, and instead, disembark the ship in port and explore the towns on their own.

The Alaska cruise ports all have, either free or for a small fee, shuttles that take cruise passengers to and from the downtown port areas that are designed for tourists.

The important detail to find out, however, is how long the shuttle ride is so that you can leave yourself enough time to explore the town and get back to the ship on time for departure.

Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, Alaska are all popular ports to explore on your own.

Alaska Cruise Tips: What to Pack

The topic of what to wear and what to pack for an Alaska Cruise is so big, that we’ve written an entire article on it!

Upon finishing this article, head to our guide on “What to Wear on An Alaska Cruise” that includes our entire Alaska packing list and photos of our daily outfits and gear.

Our quick tips on what to pack for an Alaska cruise include:

27. Pack layers, layers, layers. Alaska temps can fluctuate 25-30 degrees in one day.

28. Bring travel-size binoculars . You’ll be glad that you did.

29. Bring lightweight rain boots . Your feet will stay warm and dry.

30. Don’t forget your swimsuit. Hot-tubbing is awesome on an Alaska cruise.

31. Check the carry-on alcohol policy. Bring what is allowed if applicable.

32. Bring sunscreen ‘just in case’. There are definitely sunny days in Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Miscellaneous

Last, but not least, here are some of our more basic Alaska cruise tips that you may or may not know.

All of these tips are incredibly helpful in making the most of your Alaska cruise experience.

Miscellaneous tips:

33. Learn basic nautical terms, as they will be used while sailing. Portside=left side of the ship when facing forward – Starboard=right side of the ship when facing forward.

34. Always fly into port the night before departure – to avoid missing the ship’s departure due to a canceled or delayed flight.

35. Always download your cruise line’s app before your cruise. You will use this app onboard.

36. Don’t forget cruise insurance. Alaska cruises are expensive; protect your investment.

37. Prepare for long daylight hours. This may affect your sleeping pattern.

38. Expect odd port times. Alaska cruises are on tight schedules and port times vary.

39. Know where the best observation areas are on the ship.

40. Keep all of your paperwork and reservation information in 1 place.

41. Use your cabin safe to store your documentation and valuables.

42. Go to the presentations offered by onboard naturalists and historians.

43. Go to a table service restaurant for breakfast – the buffet is crazy busy in the morning.

44. Most Alaska cruises are near capacity due to their popularity and limited sailing season. It is hard to find seating for a large group in the common areas of the ship.

45. There will be a time change onboard an Alaska cruise. Your ship will keep you updated.

Well, that covers it!

If you have any further questions about your Alaska cruise, please feel free to ask in the comments below

Happy travels!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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21 Alaska Cruise Tips to Help You Plan the Perfect Cruise

Alaska is a bucket list destination for many people, however, planning a trip there can seem a bit overwhelming. One popular way to visit the 49th state is by taking a cruise. This post will cover my top 21 Alaska cruise tips to help you plan your trip.

I absolutely loved my cruise tour to Alaska and learned so much during my trip. Now I want to pass on these lessons to help you have an equally enjoyable time.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, when you click on these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Use My Recommended Travel Resources to Help Book Your Trip!

Flights : Skyscanner Cruises : Cruise Critic Hotels: Expedia or AccessibleGo (wheelchair-accessible rooms) Travel Insurance : Insure My Trip Tours : Viator

Alaska Cruise Tips: Planning Your Cruise

My Alaska cruise tips start at the very beginning when planning your cruise to help you get started off on the right foot. There are many things to consider when choosing the right cruise and what to expect when traveling to Alaska so these tips will help you with that process.

1. Set and Stick to a Budget

Like Hawaii, Alaska is an expensive destination. However, it can be visited on a variety of budgets. To have the best experience and not overspend beyond what you can afford, make sure to set a budget or spending limit and stick to it.

A realistic budget, depending on the deals you can score, is around $2,600 per person including airfare, 7-night cruise, and excursions. Of course, this price can vary depending on where you fly from, what excursions (if any) you choose to do, the length of your cruise, which cruise line you choose, and the type of cabin you book.

We’ll talk more about ways you can save money on your Alaska trip later in the post but for more general information make sure to check out my other post on how you can save on your next cruise .

2. Plan a Cruise Tour if You Have the Time

While cruising to Alaska is a great option as it makes visiting towns such as Juneau and Ketchikan easier, traveling to inland Alaska is also an incredible experience. As a result, if you have the time and budget, I highly recommend doing a cruise tour.

A cruise tour is a land and sea package all organized through the cruise line and includes things such as transportation, lodging, and sometimes meals and some excursions (depending on the type of tour you choose).

When I visited Alaska, I did a 2-week cruise tour arranged by Princess and it was fantastic. Moose were a common sight and the scenery was very different from the coast. Some of my favorite stops were Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula for Kenai Fjords National Park.

👉🏻 Read my Princess Alaska cruise tour review post for all the details on my trip.

3. Splurge on a Balcony if it’s in the Budget

While most ships have an open deck for glacier and wildlife viewing, there’s nothing quite like sitting on your own balcony and taking in the scenery with a warm beverage. Additionally, waking up to beautiful mountain views or watching the sail in or sail away from the port from the comfort of your own room is also a wonderful experience.

Spending time on your balcony can also help increase your chances of seeing wildlife. I saw several cute little otters floating by during the trip. You may also spot whales or bears from a distance on shore.

4. Arrive at Your Embarkation Port a Day Early

Don’t spoil your sure-to-be amazing trip by missing the ship because you didn’t allow for a cushion in case of flight delays or other problems that may pop up. Instead, arrive at your embarkation city at least a day early.

The other benefit of this strategy is that it gives you time to adjust to any time changes and allows you to explore the city. Common departure ports for Alaska cruises include San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier (the port used for Anchorage). Each of these cities has wonderful things to do and see before you depart on your cruise.

👉🏻 Find deals on hotels for your departure port by clicking here .

5. Compare Itineraries Across Cruise Lines

All Alaska cruise itineraries are not created equal. While the common stops include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, other ports such as Sitka and Icy Strait Point are options as well. Furthermore, the arrival times to ports and the length of time you’ll be docked can vary by itinerary and cruise line.

You don’t want to choose an itinerary where you only have a short time in a port that you are really looking forward to. On the other hand, there really isn’t a bad port in Alaska, so no matter which towns your cruise visits, you’re sure to have a great time.

Find Your Perfect Alaskan Cruise

Compare cruise lines and itineraries to f ind the right Alaskan cruise for you by clicking here .

6. Make Sure Glacier Bay National Park is on Your Itinerary

One of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise is sailing into Glacier Bay National Park. Park rangers come on board and provide commentary as you glide through the icy waters and up to the famous Marjorie Glacier.

During your time in the park, make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife such as brown bears, whales, and even mountain goats. Additionally, if you’re lucky, you may even see a glacier calving, something that is on everyone’s Alaskan bucket list.

While all Alaskan cruise itineraries include sailing by glaciers, there is something truly special about sailing into Glacier Bay National Park. However, not all ships or cruise lines sail here as the number of ships each day is restricted. Make sure to check the itinerary to ensure you sail to this area.

7. Choose the Right Size Ship for You

A quick look at cruises and you’ll notice that there is a wide range of styles and sizes of ships available. Each has its pros and cons.

While larger ships may have more amenities and attractions, they are too large to sail all of the inside passage. Instead, they must go out into open waters for a portion of the passage closest to Canada.

On the other hand, smaller ships can sail the entire inside passage and may offer a more intimate and relaxing experience with fewer people. So, it’s important to think about what is important to you and the experience you would like to have when choosing which cruise ship to sail on.

8. Northbound Cruises Can Seem More Impressive

Cruises to Alaska have the option of a northbound route (Vancouver to Whittier) or a southbound route (in the opposite direction). Neither is a wrong choice, however, many people (including the naturalist on board) suggest doing a northbound itinerary.

The reason is that you start in a more temperate rainforest with lots of green scenery and then as your journey continues, things just keep getting bigger and better. It can leave you with a more impressive feeling than seeing all the best stuff at the beginning of your trip.

As an added perk, cruise tours often cost a little less when you do the land portion of the tour after your cruise rather than before. Although, you will hear most people suggesting doing the land portion first as they believe it’s busier than the cruise itself. Personally, I found both parts to be equally busy so it didn’t make a huge difference to me.

9. Sail in May and September for Cheaper Prices

As promised, I want to also give you some tips to help save you some money on your Alaska cruise. Sailing in the shoulder season, before school gets out or after it starts, tends to have cheaper prices. The tradeoff is that the weather may be a little more cooler or unpredictable.

Not only will you get better prices during this period, but the ships may be less crowded with fewer kids and families as well. It may even mean that you can afford to splurge for that balcony cabin.

Pro Tip: May and September are the cheapest months to sail to Alaska but you may also find decent deals for early June as well.

10. Look for Last-Minute Sales

Another way to score cheaper Alaskan cruise fares is to look for last-minute sales. You can look for these deals in a couple of ways. First, when searching for cruises, look only 1-2 months out for deals. Second, head to your favorite cruise line website and look for any last-minute deals they are offering to Alaska. Lastly, set up alerts to let you know when the price of your desired cruise drops.

Of course, this method works best if you have a flexible schedule and can travel on fairly short notice. Honestly, I’ve seen last-minute cruise fares for under $500 per person for an inside cabin. What a deal! That includes your cruise cabin, meals, and entertainment for 7 days (but the price doesn’t include port fees or taxes).

It’s also important to note, that there are possible downsides to this strategy which include the cost of airfare. Typically, the closer you get to your travel dates, the cost of airfare increases. However, it still can be possible to grab a good deal on airfare, especially when you use tools such as Skyscanner .

👉🏻 Look for and find the perfect last-minute deal on Cruise Critic by clicking here .

11. Expect Excursions to Be More Expensive

One of the reasons why I want to provide money-saving tips for the cruise fare is because the excursions in Alaska are expensive. Even shorter tours can average around $50 per person (which can add up fast).

Of course, there are options for free things to do in Alaska, but you don’t want to travel all the way there and not check off some of the incredible things on your Alaskan Bucket List . Make sure to budget for these more expensive excursions by looking up the average prices of the things you want to do.

Pro Tip: To help stay on budget, prioritize what activities are most important to you and then combine those with lesser expensive or free activities.

Now I know there will be a debate between booking excursions through the cruise line itself vs through vendors directly or through sites such as Viator . The truth is, while booking direct or on Viator can be cheaper than the cruise line, the excursions still won’t be cheap.

I will say that if you are a wheelchair user, like myself, then I found the best luck at finding wheelchair-accessible shore excursions to be through the cruise line. I sailed with Princess and they offered at least one accessible excursion in each port I visited. Additionally, they were not all “drive-by” tours where you were stuck on a bus the whole time.

👉🏻 Find shore excursions that fit your interest and budget by searching on Viator by clicking here .

12. Pack Binoculars

Viewing wildlife while on your cruise will surely be one of the highlights of your trip. However, it is important to remember that it may be seen from a great distance. In fact, sometimes bears will be along the shore, but you won’t even know it unless you have binoculars and are searching for them.

That’s why I highly recommend that you bring a good pair of binoculars with you to ensure the best wildlife viewing experience. If you don’t already have a pair, you can find some pretty decent ones that won’t take up your whole suitcase on Amazon.

👉🏻 Search for binoculars on Amazon by clicking here .

13. Bring a Camera with a Good Zoom Lens

Similarly, once you find the wildlife with your binoculars, you’ll want to capture that perfect shot. To do this, you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens.

Don’t worry if you don’t want to lug a huge and heavy camera around, there are some point-and-shoot options that work really well. This is the camera that I use on all of my trips. As someone who enjoys photography for the disabled , I need to be creative in the equipment I use to help ensure it’s not too heavy and that I can keep it stable.

👉🏻 Find a lightweight camera with a good zoom lens on Amazon by clicking here .

14. Layers Will Be Your Friend

If you don’t know already, you will soon learn that the weather in Alaska varies greatly and is unpredictable. It could start out cloudy and rainy but by the end of the day be sunny and warm.

To combat this issue, plan to wear layers so that you are comfortable during your trip. Generally, plan to pack t-shirts (both short and long-sleeved), pants, shorts, a zip-up fleece, coat, hat, gloves, and of course either a rain jacket or rain poncho. Having options to layer up or take off clothing items will help ensure you are prepared for whatever mother nature throws at you.

It can be especially chilly and windy when viewing the glaciers (either from your balcony or out on the deck). As someone who has difficulty controlling my body temperature, I found using a wheelchair cozy or lap blanket especially helpful in being more comfortable.

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15. Ask for Alerts for the Aurora Borealis

While most of the summer you will have too much daylight to see the northern lights, it may be possible (if you’re really lucky) to see them in mid to late September. To be on the safe side, ask the cruise line to call and notify you if they become visible (which tends to be very late at night or very early in the morning while you will be sleeping).

Even if the aurora borealis make an appearance, don’t expect optimal viewing conditions. The light pollution from the ship and any nearby towns or cities will affect how well you will be able to see them.

Alaska Cruise Tips for During Your Cruise

Now that we’ve covered tips for planning your cruise, let’s get into my Alaska cruise tips for while you are onboard the ship. Following these suggestions are sure to add to what already will be a trip of a lifetime.

16. Attend the Onboard Enrichment Programs

When sailing in Alaska, most cruise lines (but not all) provide some sort of enrichment program to allow you to experience the destination more in-depth either through special menus, onboard entertainment, or lectures.

Princess (who I sailed with) offered a naturalist who was a native Alaskan to tell us about the glaciers and wildlife we may encounter as we did the scenic sailing and with lectures. Additionally, they had Alaskan-inspired dishes on the menus in the main dining room. Furthermore, they also brought on board an Alaskan musician and Libby Riddles (the first woman to win the Iditarod race).

I found each of these enrichment activities to significantly add to my Alaskan cruise experience and really enjoyed them. Make sure to look at the daily schedule (either the paper delivered to your room or on the app) to find times and locations for these activities. I believe that Holland America offers similar programs during their voyages, I know they did when I cruised with them to Antarctica .

17. You Can Hear the Naturalists on Your TV

As I mentioned above, there may be a naturalist on board your cruise to talk about the glaciers, help spot wildlife, and talk about the wildlife found in Alaska during your cruise. They will most likely give lectures on sea days, but they will also speak anytime you are doing scenic sailing (like in College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier).

You can hear their commentary on the open decks of the ship, but if you’d rather enjoy the scenery from your balcony, there is still a way you can listen. Make sure to tune your stateroom tv into the Bridgecam channel and leave your balcony door ajar so you can enjoy the privacy of your balcony while still enjoying what the naturalist has to say.

18. Prepare for lots of Daylight

If you’ve ever cruised or traveled to Norway, you’re probably familiar with the midnight sun. Sailing to Alaska will give you a similar experience and leave you with plenty of daylight. When I was there, we had almost 20 hours of daylight each day (although I also was there during the summer solstice).

Keep this in mind ahead of time so it doesn’t get the best of you and you realize that it’s 2 am already. Additionally, if you are sensitive to light when you sleep, plan on bringing an eye mask to help block out the light. While there are curtains that do a good job at this, light does still seep around the edges.

19. Don’t Let Rain Stop You From Exploring

Having rain during your trip to Alaska is almost inevitable. However, unless it’s a deluge, don’t let it stop you from exploring all that the ports have to offer. Just chalk it up to having the full Alaskan experience and do your best to enjoy the excursions you had planned.

If you happen to be one of the very lucky ones that don’t experience rain in Alaska, then plan to go out and buy a lottery ticket.

20. Try the Local Cuisine

Many people believe that to truly experience a destination you must try the local cuisine. If you are of a similar mindset, then you’re in luck because Alaska has a lot to offer in terms of food.

While the obvious choices will be crab, halibut, and salmon, make sure to try some of the other dishes as well. These will include reindeer sausage (which can be eaten independently or on something like pizza) and Alaska’s famous shot, the duck fart (which has a strong coffee taste).

Some of the iconic restaurants you can choose to visit during your time in port to try these delicacies include Tracy’s Crab Shack (Juneau), the Red Dog Saloon (Juneau), and the Red Onion (Skagway). However, as with most things in Alaska, don’t expect the prices to be cheap.

21. Pace Yourself

There is so much to see and do in Alaska, both in port and on the ship, that I found myself wishing I didn’t need to sleep or simply that I had more time to experience it all. Know, that no matter what you do, it’s impossible to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer on one trip, even if it’s a 14-day cruise.

Instead, pace yourself so you don’t get exhausted and you can truly enjoy the activities that you do get to experience. It’s easy to lose track of time (thanks midnight sun) and try to squeeze in too much. The better alternative is to make a note of the things you’d like to try next time and plan to come back to this incredible state.

Alaska Cruise FAQs

When is the best time to cruise to alaska.

Cruises sail to Alaska between May and September. Choosing which of these months is the best depends on what you want to see during your travels. However, it can be argued that each month brings something special.

The below graphic will help you find the right time for you.

What Side of the Ship is Best for an Alaskan Cruise?

Most people will choose to have a room on the side of the ship facing land. So, if you are on a northbound cruise, that will be the right side of the ship (when you are at the back of the boat facing forward). Likewise, on a southbound cruise, you will want the left or port side of the ship.

In reality, there really isn’t a bad side of this ship to be on. This is because the scenery is great on both sides and when you are in front of the main glaciers, the captain will turn the ship so both sides have a chance to view it.

Do I Really Need a Balcony on an Alaskan Cruise?

While a balcony is a wonderful way to enjoy your voyage, it certainly isn’t an absolute necessity. There are open decks where you can still enjoy the scenery and get to experience the glaciers.

The most important thing is to choose a cabin that fits within your budget. So, if the only way you can afford to go to Alaska is by choosing an inside cabin, then, by all means, do that. Additionally, some people will opt to save money on a cheaper cabin, so they have more money for excursions.

Remember, this is your trip. Do what feels right for you and what fits within your budget. Just because some people prefer a balcony doesn’t mean you won’t have an equally amazing time.

Are Alaskan Cruises Wheelchair Accessible?

Cruising to Alaska is a great way for wheelchair users to explore the state. Major cruise lines all have designated wheelchair-accessible cabins and most offer accessible shore excursions as well. Furthermore, since Alaska is part of the United States and has ADA laws, I found navigating around ports to be very easy with good sidewalks and curb cuts.

And, if you’re like me, and want to experience Alaska’s inland communities, then cruise tours arranged by the cruise line are also accessible. The one I did with Princess had lift-equipped buses, accessible rooms at all the lodges, and offered accessible excursions. I truly had a fantastic time and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Check out my post on Tips for Booking a Wheelchair Accessible Cruise for more information.

What is the Dress Code for an Alaskan Cruise?

Unless you’re sailing with Cunard, the dress code for Alaska is pretty casual. Wear what feels comfortable for you and is weather appropriate. You will find most people in jeans and layered depending on the temperature for that day.

Specific dress codes will vary by cruise line with Norwegian and Royal Caribbean being the most casual and lines such as Princess and Holland America having a more business casual approach.

Pools will still be in use (although most are not heated) so feel free to bring your bathing suit as well. Just make sure to also pack a coverup as you will need it for eating in the buffet (plain bathing suits are not allowed).

In the evening, jeans and a nice top or capris are appropriate. However, shorts are generally frowned upon in the main dining room. There will also be an elegant night or “dress to impress” where you will see people wearing nice dresses or dress pants and a button-up shirt (sometimes a sports coat).

Are the Waters Rough on an Alaskan Cruise?

Generally, sailing the inside passage offers calmer waters as you cruise along the shore and in a protected inlet. However, if your ship is too large and needs to go out into open waters, you may run into some choppy waters. Likewise, if you’re sailing from Seattle or San Francisco, you may also have a little rougher seas.

Other factors that will influence the waters are any storms that you may encounter.

Will I See the Northern Lights on an Alaskan Cruise?

Very rarely do people see the northern lights during their cruise to Alaska. This is due to the long hours of daylight, light pollution from the ship, and where you are latitude-wise. However, it is possible to catch a glimpse of them if you sail in mid to late September. For your best chance to see this magnificent spectacle, plan to go more inland to Fairbanks (either on your own or on a cruise tour).

Alaska Cruise Tips Recap

I truly hope that my Alaska cruise tips have helped you to plan a fantastic trip. I have no doubt that you will fall in love with Alaska just like I did and make you want to go back again someday. Feel free to reach out and let me know what you loved most about your trip.

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I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

20 Best Alaska Cruise Tips To Know Before Booking

The process can be overwhelming if you’re planning your first Alaska cruise. However, in this article, you’ll discover essential tips for booking an Alaska cruise.

While it may be hot down south, what can you expect of the weather further north? What do you need to pack? Will you see whales? Keeping on reading to find the answers to these questions and many more.

Many travelers go to Alaska once due to cost. However, after your first trip, you will likely want to make the journey again if you live in North America.

So, before booking your Alaska cruise, here are some essential tips.

1. Excursions Are Expensive

Top Alaska cruise excursions come at premium prices, and some sell out more than six months in advance. So, if it’s on your bucket list to  dog sled on a glacier , take a Jeep tour, or do a helicopter and hike tour, bite the bullet, and book it.

Helicopters can only seat up to six guests, so spaces are limited. Rarely do companies offer these tours at discounted prices because they fill up fast. Expect to pay over USD 600 per person for some of these tours.

Cruise passengers can enjoy an adrenaline zip line activity in Icy Strait Point. It runs from the top of Hoonah Mountain to sea level. At USD 155 for a 90-second ride, the ticket price may outweigh the need to go.

Be prepared to spend more for excursions than you did for your cruise. Consider a cheaper stateroom if your bucket list excursion is a bit out of your price range. 

You’ll still enjoy the same amenities, food, and scenery from the deck. However, the money saved can pay for the experiences you want.

Also, in some cases, you can book directly with the tour operator than through the cruise line. You could save on the cost of the excursion ticket. Remember, the best excursions sell out fast, so avoid this mistake on your Alaska cruise .

🛳️ Haven’t booked your cruise yet?

Find your perfect itinerary on Cruise Direct . Select from different ships and different departure cities. There’s one for every budget.

2. You Don’t Need A Balcony Cabin

Most past guests will tell you that a balcony room is a must when cruising to Alaska. After all, a cruise through the Last Frontier provides scenic views you won’t find in other destinations.

If you’re going to spend your entire budget on your cruise fare, you won’t be able to take any excursions. So, book what you can afford and consider foregoing that balcony cabin for an interior room or ocean view instead.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas  and Quantum of the Seas offer an inside cabin with a virtual balcony. These come with floor-to-ceiling high-definition screens that show real-time views of the scenery outside.

While you won’t have the benefit of fresh air or being able to step outside, you can see the scenery and know when the ship is pulling into port.

By selecting a different stateroom, you can still enjoy the same food and entertainment onboard and use the extra money to take a shore excursion or two.

3. Not All Cruise Lines Go To Glacier Bay

If it’s on your bucket list to visit Glacier Bay National Park, not all major cruise lines go there. So, if you’re loyal to one cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises, you’ll need to settle for another itinerary or opt for a different company.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site only allows two large cruise ships to sail in the park a day. A park ranger will board your vessel and narrate the journey.

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises, who have been cruising to Alaska the longest, take the lion’s share of sailings. All other lines must win slots by way of a lottery.

Currently, Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn, and Britain’s Cunard Queen Elizabeth hold the other rights to cruise in Glacier Bay.

If you book a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Whittier or Seward on Holland America or Princess Cruise Line, you’ll enjoy two scenic cruising days to glaciers. You’ll spend one day in Glacier Bay and the other day at Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

Alternatively, smaller ships like Uncruise offer expedition-type cruises to Glacier Bay.

4. Don’t Overpack 

It can be very challenging packing for Alaska compared to a Caribbean cruise. Even if the forecast calls for warm weather, you could experience cold and wet.

Expect cooler temperatures if you’re booked on an Alaska cruise in May or September. With visits to glaciers and ports, you could go from winter wear one day to shorts and a t-shirt the next day.

Instead of packing for four seasons, take a little bit of everything and add layers as you need them.

All ships have laundry: some provide a fee for service, while Princess, Cunard, and Carnival have self-serve launderettes. In fact, the Cunard Queen Elizabeth and Discovery Princess have complimentary laundry facilities (including soap and fleecy).

So, don’t overpack for your cruise. If you’re cold, you can always purchase Alaska-themed clothing from the ship’s shop or do some impromptu Alaska souvenir shopping at a cruise port.

5. Bring Binoculars

You need binoculars to see bald eagles, humpback whales, and other wildlife on your Alaskan cruise! While premium cruise lines may provide them, traditional cruise lines don’t.

Your binoculars don’t need to be expensive, but having a pair is necessary for Alaska. We use this compact pair which we carry in our port day backpack. They are lightweight and don’t take up much space.

Alternatively, you can use a more powerful  model like these.  They include a small tripod, and you can attach your cellphone to take photos through the binoculars.

Humpback whales swim through the inside passage as you sail. With your binoculars, look for the plumes of mist near the shoreline. You could also spot a bear foraging for food.

If your itinerary includes a trip to Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, the cliffs around the glaciers are prime areas to see mountain goats. Around Sitka, you could spot sea otters.

Check for dark spots on the icebergs when cruising near Hubbard Glacier, Johns Hopkins Glacier, or Sawyer Glacier. These are often harbor seals enjoying the midday sun.

6. It Can Be Cold, Even In Summer

When  packing for Alaska, bring layers regardless of the weather forecast. A trip to Alaska might shock the system if you’re from Florida, Texas, or a warm-weather destination.

It could reach the low 80s on port days in the summer months. However, expect temperatures in the low 40s (or lower) on glacier viewing days. Having the right outfits for Alaska is essential.

The wind off the glaciers can chill you to the bone. So, wear a base layer as you’d wear for skiing, and add clothing on top.

If you’re taking a helicopter excursion to a glacier, you’ll need a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat. While you could luck out and experience warm weather, it’s best to expect something colder.

If you luck out, you could use the Lido deck pools. Otherwise, choose a vessel with an indoor pool or enjoy the hot tubs instead.

7. You Could Get Seasick

If you suffer from seasickness, you may not want to book an Alaskan cruise from California. The sailings up and down the Pacific Coast are notoriously rough.

Select one that sails the inside passage when choosing an itinerary from Seattle or Vancouver. Sailings from the Vancouver port provide the calmest seas, and you’re less likely to get motion sickness.

Although the Queen Charlotte Sound and Gulf of Alaska (if you’re cruising one way) could have choppy waters. To be safe, learn about and how to prevent seasickness.

Another tip to avoid rough waters is to avoid an itinerary that stops in Sitka. Located on the west coast of Baranof Island, cruise ships must sail the open waters of the Pacific to access Sitka Sound. These waters can be pretty choppy, with no islands to shield the swells.

Lastly, if you tend to get motion sickness, book a mid-ship cabin on the lower decks.

8. Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty In Alaska

If you decide to purchase the cruise line’s Wi-Fi, don’t expect the lightning speeds you enjoy at home. While there have been considerable advances in recent years regarding internet speed, Wi-Fi in Alaska can be very slow or non-existent.

Spotty service is a common complaint no matter whom you sail with, but lines like Cunard and Disney can be worse than others.

Cruise ships get their signals from satellites positioned over the Equator. So, the further north you travel, the less reliable the signal.

If you sail from or to Vancouver, the first and last day will have service for part of the way. Cruise ships sail between the mainland and Vancouver Island, close enough that you can receive cell coverage.

9.  Alaska Cruises Are More Casual

Contrasting warmer destinations, Alaskan cruises are pretty casual. Unless you’re cruising on a line with a strict dress code, such as Cunard, expect guests to wear comfy cruise attire.

Since it can be cold in Alaska, plan to take fleece, sweats, and base layers. Going to dinner in dark jeans and a shirt or top is perfectly fine.

Unless you’re cruising during a heat wave, you’ll want to dress for warmth onboard and on glacier cruising days.

Even your formal night could be optional, depending on the cruise line.

If you haven’t packed enough warm items, the stores onboard have area-specific themed clothing. So, if you need a waterproof jacket, fleece top, or sweatshirt, you can buy it all onboard.

10. You Won’t Always See Wildlife

Alaska cruises are all about the scenery, glacier, and wildlife. For many guests, it’s their first time seeing a glacier, whale, or bear. If you hope to see moose, bears, or even whales, you could be out of luck.

If you cruise to Alaska in April or early May, you’ll unlikely see whales. Humpback whales migrate from Hawaii, and only the males arrive in May. The females, with their young, come later, being slower swimmers.

Bears come out of hibernation in May and stay higher in the mountains. In later months (July and August), the bears move to lower areas to feast when the salmon run.

Moose and mountain goats are rarely seen. You’ll only have a slightly better chance of seeing moose if you’re traveling to Denali National Park.

To increase your chances of seeing wildlife, keep your binoculars handy. Check the shoreline for bears, the waters for whales and porpoises, the icebergs for seals, and the trees for bald eagles.

11. It Can Rain Anytime

Much of Alaska’s scenery is comprised of the Tongass National Forest, North America’s largest rainforest. Rainforests aren’t the result of dry weather. April, May, and June offer the driest months.

As the summer arrives, the chances of rain increase, so by August, an Alaska cruise has a 50% chance of showers. Ketchikan is one of the United States rainiest cities, averaging over 140 inches of annual rainfall.

Since you’re visiting a rainforest, prepare for your trip by bringing waterproof gear. Waterproof jackets such as a Columbia or Helly Hansen are essential. Since it can downpour on port days, waterproof footwear such as Vessi footwear  are vital too.

Want dry feet in Alaska?

Find your perfect waterproof shoes here. Check out the newest colors, styles and trends for both adults and children.

The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. It can be hot and dry one week and cold and rainy the next. While you hope for a warm and dry week, preparing for the alternative is best.

12. Mosquitoes Can Be Rampant

When cruising to Alaska , chances are you’ll have to contend with mosquitoes somewhere on your journey. After all, you’re visiting a rainforest.

While they don’t exist everywhere across the state, areas that experience higher amounts of rainfall tend to be home to larger populations of these pesky bugs.

Northern Alaska is particularly prone to mosquito swarms during the summer. So, if you’re doing a land tour, remember the bug repellent when adventuring into Denali National Park.

Wooded areas, streams, lakes, and other wetlands will likely house large numbers of mosquitoes. In Skagway, mosquitoes are bad on the Chilkoot Trail and along Pullen Creek near the cruise dock.

Guests in Juneau can expect mosquitoes and biting flies when hiking Mount Roberts and trails in Mendenhall Glacier Park.

13. Spring Can Be Drier Than Summer

In most destinations, spring brings rain, and summer provides sunshine with little precipitation. Not so in Alaska. Cruising in the springs generally provides for drier days.

As the weeks and months go by, the chances of rain increase. However, you will benefit from warm temperatures. So cooler and drier vs. warmer and wetter, take your pick.

Unpredictable is the best word to describe Alaskan weather. Juneau, the capital averages 4.75″ of rain in May, 8.5″ in August, and 13.3″ a month later.

Further north, Anchorage sees less fluctuation in precipitation. It averages less than an inch in May and around 3″ in August and September.

Ketchikan, the rainfall capital of Alaska, features a liquid sunshine next to the visitor center. May brings just over 5 inches of rain, which climbs to almost 11″ by September. No matter when you visit Ketchikan, you have a 50% chance of seeing rain.

14. Weather Can Change Your Itinerary

Most passengers travel to Alaska to see the tidewater glaciers. However, the weather could affect your cruise itinerary if you sail in the first four weeks of the season.

Tracy Arm and Endicott Arm are notorious for having ice flow block a ship’s passage in April and May. Ships will sail up the arm but turn around once they spot ice.

Sometimes, vessels skip the fjords due to thick fog. Since the fjords are narrow, captains need good visibility to cruise the small channel.

Large amounts of ice can prevent vessels from getting close to glaciers. In 2022, the Norwegian Sun hit an iceberg at Hubbard Glacier. The July cruise was cut short since the ship needed some repairs.

15. Tour Operators May Cancel Excursions Due To Weather

Shore excursions that use a plane or helicopter only fly in good weather. So, if it’s stormy or there’s low cloud cover, port tours sometimes get canceled. However, don’t worry; you will receive a full refund.

Since cancellations happen more than you think, have a backup plan on what to do on your port day. Most cancellations take place in Juneau.

Here, guests book helicopter tours for dog sledding or hiking on a glacier. Instead, pick up an impromptu whale-watching tour or catch a  shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier.

If your floatplane excursion to the Misty Fjords National Monument gets canceled in Ketchikan, plan to explore the colorful history of Creek Street. Known as the globally salmon capital, Ketchikan provides a great place to try seafood.

16. Seafood Isn’t Necessarily From Alaska

Cruise passengers expect a selection of Alaskan seafood during their cruise. Some cruise lines even have a “taste of Alaska” night when they feature seafood dishes.

However, most of the seafood comes from somewhere other than Alaska. Cruise lines have signed contracts with food wholesalers who supply their fleets worldwide. Cruises from Seattle receive their supplies in Seattle.

Alaska cruises from and to Vancouver get their supplies in Vancouver, not in Seward or Whittier. During a galley tour on a Princess, I learned their seafood supply comes from New Zealand.

With the decline in the crab population in Alaska, the Alaska’s Fish and Game Department has stopped crab fishing for the 2022 to 2023 season.

So, if you’re hoping to taste king crab in port, chances are, it comes from another destination. Not only will you eat crab from another country, but you may need to pay a higher price due to the shortage in Alaska.

17. You May Not See The Northern Lights

If you’re hoping to get a glimpse of the spectacular Aurora Borealis, an Alaska cruise provides you with that perfect opportunity!

The winter months provide the best chances for clear skies, away from light pollution and city lights. But Alaska cruises don’t run in winter.

While the chance of seeing the northern lights is small, if you’re lucky enough, you could spot them on a shoulder season cruise. The Aurora, like the Alaska weather, is unpredictable.

No matter when you choose to embark on your Alaska cruise, check the Aurora forecast to access your chance of catching the light show.

To see the Aurora, it needs to be dark. Alaska experiences long days in summer, and it’s sometimes light until 11 pm. With only a few hours of darkness, it diminishes your chances of seeing the light show.

Denali, Alaska, is a great spot to witness the spectacle of the northern lights. Located at a far northern latitude and having almost no light pollution, it’s the perfect place for nighttime viewing. The prime viewing period for the Aurora is between late August and September.

18. Some Ships Dock At Ward Cove

If you book with Norwegian, and your cruise itinerary includes Ketchikan, you’ll dock in Ward Cove. Norwegian Cruise Lines developed Ward Cove as a stand-alone alternative to docking downtown.

Located seven miles north of Ketchikan, cruise passengers need to catch a shuttle to access tours, shopping, and attractions in town.

If you want to walk off your vessel and explore the downtown area, think twice about booking with Norwegian. However, Ward Cove might be the perfect dock if you love the wilderness and prefer a remote location.

Ward Cove was opened in 2021. While still relatively new, the cruise line will develop the area, add more amenities and offer more stand-alone tours as time passes. You could say it’s Alaska’s version of a CocoCay or Great Stirrup Cay.

Cruise guests have mixed opinions on docking in Ward Cove. If you want to avoid the added burden of taking a shuttle bus to and from town, you’ll need to pick a different itinerary or another cruise line.

19. Prepare To Go Over Budget

You may need to double your budget for an Alaskan cruise. Even if you find a cheap deal, the expensive excursions will blow your initial allowance.

If you’re flying from Australia, Asia, or Eastern European, chances are, you’re making this trip once. So, if it’s on your bucket list to ride the  White Pass train , spend a day halibut fishing, take a helicopter ride, or go whale watching, do so.

Alaska cruises are notoriously expensive when you factor in all the costs, such as flights, hotels, tours, and cruise extras. Sailing in the peak months (July and August) will cost you significantly more than the shoulder season (April/May and September/October).

If you’re on a budget, you can save money by selecting an older vessel such as the Norwegian Jewel or the Grand Princess.

20. Not All Itineraries Are Created Equal

While many ships sail to Alaska with options for different embarkation ports, not all itineraries are created equal. Heck, some don’t even visit a glacier!

Before booking your vacation, do your research and decide which ports and glaciers you want to visit. You may prefer a wilderness-based cruise, while others may choose ports with a rich history. No one cruise will suit everyone.

Only some lines go to Glacier Bay, and College Fjord is only included on a one-way itinerary from or to Vancouver.

If you want to add on a land tour or do a self-guided trip to Denali National Park, you’ll need to sail to or from Seward or Whittier.

During the Alaska cruise season, you can find a cruise that includes more than one glacier sighting. Since all vessels have yet to reposition for the Alaska season, you could find a cruise that goes to two glaciers in April or early May. A 2-for-1 deal, that’s something worth booking!

Wednesday 26th of April 2023

My family is going to Alaska on Princess this June. In Juneau and Ketchikan we are renting cars and driving to some trails we want to hike. The car rentals are at the airport, so we will need transport to the airport from the cruise port and back again. What are the transportation options like? Do you think this will be a problem?

Forever Karen

Taxis are readily available and I know they have Lyft in Juneau, although get rideshare may be different if there are multiple ships in port.

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Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind.

Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into America’s Last Frontier. The lush rainforest, snow-capped mountains, abundant wildlife, and blue glaciers provide an experience unlike any other.

But the rough terrain makes it challenging to navigate by land, so it’s best to explore Alaska by cruise ship.

This Alaska cruise guide covers everything you need to know before you sail to Alaska. We’ll cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Why Cruise to Alaska?

There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty.

Alaska is home to a beautiful snow-capped mountain landscape, abundant wildlife, vibrant Alaskan native cultures, Gold Rush history, art, culture, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world.

Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. Alaska cruises are less of a party and more of a laid-back scenic cruise.

Exploring Alaska by land is both tricky and expensive. Many cities are inaccessible by land. A land tour is expensive between cars, trains, ferries, and hotels.

The best way to explore Alaska is by cruise ship.

An Alaska cruise allows guests to explore multiple ports of call and experience the state through hands-on shore excursions.

Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports aren’t separated by large bodies of the ocean. The land is visible throughout most of the sailing, and you can often spot whales, eagles, and other wildlife from the ship.

Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, here’s what to expect on an Alaskan cruise .

Best Time to Crusie Alaska

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to late September, with some sailings in April and October.

The short cruise season owes itself to the weather. Aside from the winter cold providing an uncomfortable experience, many regions of Alaska become inaccessible as the water turns to ice.

The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you want to see and do. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, you’ll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September).

May, June, and September are known as the shoulder season. With kids still in school, there’s less demand for cruise vacations. Sailing during the shoulder season is the best time to find cheaper cruise fares.

The peak season for Alaska cruises is July and August. If you sail during these months, you’ll find higher prices and larger crowds.

But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August. Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight.

Best Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Alaska cruises come in two forms; one-way cruises and round-trip sailings .

Round-trip cruises are the most popular, typically beginning and ending in Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, Canada .

Most round-trip sailings travel along Alaska’s Inside Passage, visiting ports like Juneau and Skagway and scenic destinations like Tracy Arm Fjord or Mendenhall Glacier.

You’ll likely have to choose a one-way cruise if you want to travel further north on your Alaska cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska.

A one-way cruise is the best way to visit the Gulf of Alaska, with calls in northern ports like Whittier or Hubbard Glacier .

Inside Passage

Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. These week-long sailings embark in either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia .

The Inside Passage consists of a series of passages along the West Coast. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage.

As you pass through the passage, you’ll notice the unique footprint of the glaciers that carved the mountains and waterways.

Some of the tallest mountains have sharp edges towards the peaks. Mountains with rounded peaks were once submerged beneath the glacier, eroding their sharp edges. The mountains with sharp peaks stood above the glaciers. By carefully looking at the structure of the mountains, you can see just how massive the past glaciers were.

Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species.

Even on sea days, there’s always something to look at.

Inside Passage cruises typically have a”scenic cruising” day at a Fjord or glacier. You won’t leave the ship on scenic days, but it’s a chance to witness some truly incredible scenery.

Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people .

From the ship, it’s fun keeping an eye on the water for local whale pods or searching the shoreline for bears, moose, or sea lions.

If you’re in luck, you can spot plenty of wildlife from the deck of the cruise ship. On our last 7-day cruise, we could spot pods of orcas, humpback whales, seals, and bald eagles without leaving the vessel.

Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord.

Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the area’s deep history and culture. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush.

While cruising through the Inside Passage, the islands create a natural break from the open ocean, calming the water. If you’re worried about getting seasick on a cruise ship , Alaska is one destination where you won’t spend much time in the open ocean.

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you’ll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north.

Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier . If you embark in Seward or Whittier, you’ll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port.

It’s a drive that can take an hour or two. You’ll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line.

And it’s essential to keep in mind that you won’t be able to book round-trip airfare, which means you’ll have to pay more for flights.

Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 7-nights in duration , though you’ll find a few 8 and 9-day itineraries.

Some cruise lines offer round-trip sailings from Seattle and Vancouver. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries , and you’ll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days).

In addition to visiting some of the ports along Alaska’s Inside Passage, itineraries also include up to two scenic cruising days . The scenic destinations may include College Fjord, Glacier Bay, or Hubbard Glacier.

The seas in the Gulf of Alaska can be particularly rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise.

Longer West-Coast Sailings

Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. The round-trip sailings have four or more sea days, a scenic day, port visits along the inside passage, and a call at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia.

With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea .

You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer.

Cruise Tours

A cruise ship is one of the best ways to visit Alaska. But there are many destinations that you can’t visit by sea.

Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland.

The three to seven-night land tour allows passengers to explore destinations not accessible to cruise ships.

The cruise tours visit places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, the city of Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula.

Most cruise tours begin as one-way Alaska Gulf cruises before passengers embark on a bus tour through northern Alaska. Some cruise tours bring travelers into Canada’s Yukon territory, and there are even some round-trip cruise tours.

Locals lead the tours, so you will get to know the land and culture firsthand.

Because the tours venture farther north than most cruise itineraries, they provide the best opportunity to see the northern lights. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October.

Cruise tours are ideal because they provide fully booked itineraries. Guests don’t need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship.

The activities are often included in the tour price, though you may need to pay extra for some excursions.

Best Alaska Cruise Lines

Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises.

Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours.

There are cruise lines of all price ranges sailing in Alaska, with budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and luxury cruise lines like Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.

For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure.

In the past, cruise lines sent their older and smaller cruise ships for Alaskan itineraries. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships.

Royal Caribbean has positioned Ovation of the Seas , one of the newest cruise ships, in Alaska. The ship’s North Star provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you simply can’t pass up.

No matter your preferences, you can find a cruise ship to fit your dream vacation.

Best Cruise Lines for Long Alaskan Sailings

If you’re looking for longer Alaska sailings of 12 or more nights, you’ll want to stick with Holland America or Princess Cruises .

Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours.

Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids

Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line are perfect for families sailing with kids .

The cruise lines offer kids’ clubs, from babies to teens, catering to all ages.

Some people wouldn’t consider Alaska a family-friendly cruise destination.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Alaska is an excellent destination for families with kids. From mountains to whales, there’s so much for kids to see. If you choose the right shore excursion, you can create an adventure that’s both fun and educational.

And with cruise lines sending their latest and greatest ships to the region, you’ll find enough entertainment for the whole family.

Still not convinced. I can tell you from experience that my favorite cruise as a kid was our trip to Alaska.

Best Cruise Lines for Adventure-Seekers

If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, you’ll want to look at expedition cruises.

Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Smaller vessels can better access less habited areas of Alaska and provide a closer look at the Last Frontier.

Expedition cruise lines often include complimentary shore excursions and provide zodiacs, kayaks, and bikes for you to use.

The cruises are very different than a traditional cruise to Alaska, with a greater focus on education, enrichment, nature, and the environment. Expedition-style cruises often bring scientists and naturalists to provide lectures and act as tour guides.

If you’re an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, you’ll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic .

Best Luxury Cruise Lines Sailing Alaska

Several luxury cruise lines are sailing in Alaska, including Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Cunard Line, and Seabourn Cruises .

There’s a significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise to Alaska. With fewer passengers on the ship, you won’t need to fight through the crowd for a prime sightseeing spot.

You’ll also find a more intimate experience with personalized shore excursions and better service.

Luxury cruise lines often visit less-traveled cruise ports, including Wrangell, Alaska, and Klemtu, British Columbia.

But there’s one significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise line.

Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America .

The cruise lines provide a slightly upscale atmosphere with fewer kids and affordable cruise fares.

Things to Do on an Alaska Cruise

There are lots of things to do in Alaska . There’s more to do than you’ll have time for when it comes to Alaskan cruises.

Unlike a Caribbean cruise, where most days are spent lounging on a beach, most Alaska tours and activities are outdoor adventures.

Alaska offers opportunities for active travelers, history buffs, shopping, wildlife encounters, and sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise.

Some of our favorite things to do on an Alaska cruise include:

• White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway)
• Mount Roberts Tramway (Juneau)
• Kayaking on Chilkoot Lake (Haines)
• Exploring Gold Rush history
• Panning for gold
• Helicopter tours
• Glacier tours in Glacier Bay National Park
• Whale watching

Best Alaska Cruise Ports

You’ll have a different experience at Alaska cruise ports compared to Caribbean cities. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities.

Where Skagway is a historic small town full of history and adventure, Juneau is a large city with great eateries and shopping.

As you might expect, the best Alaskan cruise ports are also the busiest. You can expect long lineups and higher prices at popular attractions if you’re sailing during peak season.

Book a shore excursion or cruise tour if you want to explore Alaska’s wilderness or venture beyond the town center.

Juneau is Alaska’s capital city, located at the base of Mount Juneau. The city is notable for its lack of roads leading in our out. You can only reach Juneau by plane or boat.

If you’re not afraid of heights, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-see activity. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where there’s a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant.

Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk.

More : Things to do in Juneau Alaska

If you’re interested in Gold Rush history, you’ll want to visit Skagway, Alaska. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canada’s Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields).

Thousands of prospectors visited Skagway in the late 1890s with dreams of finding gold.

Much of the gold rush history is preserved. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the town’s wooden boardwalks.

Skagway’s most popular attraction is the White Pass railway . The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush.

More : Things to do in Skagway Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska, is best known as the “Salmon capital of the world.” But the town is also popular for its Misty Fjords National Monument and numerous totem poles carved by Alaska’s Indigenous peoples, the Tlingit.

The city is home to the Great Alaskan Lumberjack show. Tourists worldwide come to see athletes wield axes and saws while competing in lumbering activities. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if you’re in town during the event.

Sitka is a little fishing town located on Baranof Island.

The town is the former capital of Russian America and offers a glimpse into the past with Russian landmarks and museums. Landmarks like the Russian Bishop’s House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites.

The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers.

Sitka is the best town to visit if you’re hoping to spot bald eagles. There are so many bald eagles in Sitka that you’d have to try not to see one.

Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. The park is home to over 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. It’s also the site of the final battle between indigenous Tlingit people and the Russians

More : Things to do in Sitka

Haines is a newer cruise port of call. The town has less than 2,000 residents and isn’t as touristy as other Alaska cruise ports.

Haines is best known for its fishing, golf, wildlife, and Chilkoot Lake. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush.

The town is also home to a hammer museum with the world’s second-largest hammer located out front.

More : https://highseascruising.com/things-to-do-in-haines-alaska/

Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures.

The city is home to Fort William H. Seward and the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Scenic Cruising Destinations

Most Alaskan cruises include at least one “scenic cruising” day. You won’t leave the ship on a scenic day, but you’ll have an incredible view of Alaska’s scenery.

The most popular scenic cruising destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord.

It’s important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. The fjords and narrow passages are difficult for large cruise ships to navigate. If the weather conditions aren’t perfect, the captain may cancel the scenic sailing or sail to an alternative destination.

Glacier Bay National Park : The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Most cruise lines stop at Marjorie Glacier, located 55 miles into the park. While sailing along the bay, keep your eye out for bears, mountain goats, eagles, and grizzly bears.

Hubbard Glacier : The largest glacier visited by cruise ships. Hubbard Glacier is an impressive 6 miles wide with a 400-foot tall face. We were fortunate enough to sail beside the glacier and were awestruck by the blue ice wall that stood before us. (We were also entertained by an otter playing on an iceberg.)

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier : The 32-mile-long fjord is home to the beautiful Dawes Glacier. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s.

Tracy Arm Fjord: One of the most popular scenic destinations for Alaska cruises, located only 50 miles south of Juneau. At the end of the 30-mile-long fjord sits the South Sawyer Glacier and the North Sawyer Glacier. Tracy Arm Fjord is famous for its narrow passageway and towering mountain landscape.

Northern Lights Cruises

Millions of passengers travel to Alaska every year, hoping to see the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are most visible further north during darker nights.

You best to see the Northern Lights on a cruise ship by booking a Gulf of Alaska itinerary during September .

The Gulf of Alaska itinerary brings you the furthest north, and sailing in September provides more hours of darkness.

You can increase your chances by visiting Denali National Park, where there’s less population and light pollution. Still, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights.

When to Book an Alaskan Cruise

The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is as early as possible . Cruise fares are often the cheapest when first released to the public.

If you purchase your cruise fare early and later find a lower price, you can take advantage of price protection and ask the cruise line to honor the lower price.

Because of the popularity of Alaska cruises and the short sailing season, cruise fares tend to be more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings.

An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases.

In general, you don’t want to wait for last-minute discounts on unsold cabins  unless you live near Seattle or Vancouver.

Alaska is one of the cruise destinations where we recommend booking a balcony accommodation. There’s nothing we love more than sipping a coffee on our balcony while admiring the picturesque views.

Due to their popularity, balcony cabins on Alaskan cruises are more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

When you visit Alaska, you’ll want to pack very differently than you would for a Caribbean cruise.

You’ll want to pack clothing for all types of weather and temperatures.

It’s essential to dress in layers. Because of the fast-changing weather in Alaska, it’s not possible to dress for the weather.

It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon.

Dressing in multiple layers prepares you for any weather. It helps to take a backpack or waterproof bag to put extra layers if you don’t need them.

Most importantly you should bring a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof shoes. If there’s one thing you can count on in Alaska, it’s rain. It also helps to pack an umbrella or a rain poncho.

If you’re unsure what to pack for your Alaska cruise, check out our printable Alaska cruise packing list .

Common items to pack for an Alaska cruise include:

• Lightweight raincoat
• Warm clothing, hats, gloves, sweaters
• Camera and tripod
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Bathing suit
• Waterproof bag for kayaking or rafting excursions

Alaska Cruise Weather

The Alaska cruise weather changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

The weather can drop into the 40s or 50s in the morning during the cruise season. But on sunny days, the temperature can rise into the mid-70s.

It’s important to remember that Alaska is home to the world’s largest temperate rainforest, and you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your cruise.

The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. One minute it’s warm, and the next, it’s cold and rainy. Only for it to change again ten minutes later.

Even if it’s sunny when you’re on the ship, you can expect the weather to change at a moment’s notice.

Marcello De Lio

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Alaska Cruise FAQ’s: All the Alaska Cruise Tips You Need to Know!

June 8, 2021 //  by  Gwen Engler //   Leave a Comment

Thinking about taking an Alaska cruise? Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or you’ve already booked and now are wondering what to expect, you’ve come to the right place! Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for many people, and it can be overwhelming to plan and prepare for what feels like such a big and important vacation. That’s why I’ve created this list of Alaska cruise tips and frequently asked questions to help you out!

I spent three summers working in the cruise industry in Alaska, so I know a thing or two about visiting the Great Land by ship. Even though I was leading multi-day land tours, all of my guests’ vacations included a cruise either before or after their time with me. The questions below represent the inquiries I have most frequently received from my pre-cruise guests and vacation planning clients, and the answers are based both on my own experience as well as that of my post-cruise travelers.

My hope is that these Alaska cruise tips will come in handy as you consider, choose, and prepare for your own far north adventure. (I also have a handy list of things to know before visiting Alaska that you won’t want to miss!) Finally, don’t forget that I’m here if you need a little expert help or want to take the stress out of planning a cruise !

Alaska Cruise FAQ’s

Do I have to take a cruise to visit Alaska? When is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise? What is the best cruise line for cruising Alaska? Will I be able to see the northern lights from the ship? Is it really light out all the time? What should I wear on an Alaska cruise? Do I need to dress up? What should I pack for an Alaska cruise? Will it be cold on my Alaska cruise? Should I get a room with a balcony? Should I buy a drink, WiFi, or other package? Should I buy the meal plan for my cruisetour? Which shore excursions are the best? What do I need to book in advance? What should I eat in Alaska? What else do I need to know before booking my cruise to Alaska?

Do I have to take a cruise to visit Alaska?

While it may seem like most people who visit Alaska do so by cruise ship, the answer to this question is no! There are plenty of ways to experience the Great Land without setting sail, and there’s so much to see and do that you could spend two months exclusively on land and not feel like you’re missing a thing.

That said, cruising is one of the best ways to see Alaska because there are so many incredible parts of the state that are difficult or impossible to access by car. Taking a cruise allows you to experience places like Glacier Bay, Skagway , Juneau, and Ketchikan that would otherwise take a lot of time, effort, and expense to visit, and to do it all in a week or less.

Many people balk at the idea of taking an Alaskan cruise because they are not generally “cruise people.” Maybe the idea of being confined to a ship with hundreds to thousands of other people doesn’t really appeal to them, maybe they’re not big drinkers or gamblers, maybe they’re not interested in getting dressed up for dinner. While these objections are valid, I would also argue that Alaska cruises feel different from other cruises and are, in many ways, the anti-cruiser’s cruise. They’re much more casual, much more adventurous, and often have a lot of first-time cruisers onboard, which gives them a feel that is unique, comfortable, and accessible.

When is the best time to take an Alaskan cruise?

The Alaska cruise season runs roughly from early May to late September, with mid-June to mid-August being the “high,” or busiest, season. The weather tends to be warmest during those months, but you’ll find peak prices as well.

The weather in Alaska is incredibly unpredictable, so trying to choose the best time to visit based on average temperature and the chance of rain can be as much a gamble as placing a bet in the ship’s casino. Generally speaking, though, June tends to be the driest month (though often cool), and August the wettest (but warmer than June).

While you can find great deals on cruises at the very beginning and very end of the season, I don’t recommend booking the first and last cruises of the year. You should be fine by late May and early September (the latter of which is actually one of my favorite times in the state ), but traveling during the beginning of May and end of September comes with some downsides. The weather is colder, for one, and some attractions, tours, and services may be unavailable due to weather or as they open or close down for the season.

For a more detailed look at the best time to visit Alaska, check out this post .

Which cruise line is the best for Alaska?

This is a tough question since, for the most part, all the major cruise lines in Alaska are pretty similar in quality of experience. When helping my vacation planning clients choose a cruise, therefore, I urge them to put more consideration into the actual itinerary than the ship or cruise line itself. For most people, the point of cruising to Alaska is to experience the state in the best way possible, so the ship itself tends to come second.

Here are my suggestions for choosing an Alaska cruise:

• Choose an itinerary that gives you the most time in the most places versus days at sea. This is why I suggest taking a seven-day cruise that goes between Seward/Whittier and Vancouver rather than a round-trip from Vancouver up the Inside Passage or a ship that leaves from farther south like Seattle.
• Personally, I prefer to cruise on smaller ships with fewer people . Even though they often have fewer flashy amenities, I think smaller ships are more intimate and enjoyable. They’re also better for first-time cruisers or those who want to see Alaska but are less excited about the cruising aspect.
• I recommend Glacier Bay over Hubbard Glacier , but it’s great if you find an itinerary that includes both!
• Additionally, I recommend Skagway over Haines or Icy Strait Point . Even though the main drag (Broadway) in Skagway can feel “touristy” and commercial, the Gold Rush history here is fascinating and unparalleled and there are some excellent excursions (like the White Pass & Yukon Route ). Haines does have some merit on its own, though, as there’s a beautiful bald eagle preserve and other fun activities available. You can reach Skagway by boat/ferry from Haines, so it’s not a huge deal if your ship stops there instead, but it’s much more convenient to dock right in Skagway. Icy Strait Point has a more authentic Alaskan feel but is very small and there’s not a lot to do.

Will I be able to see the northern lights from the ship?

I’m sorry to disappoint you, but if you’re taking a cruise anytime between mid-May and mid-September, the answer is probably no. During those months, the tilt of the earth’s axis causes Alaska to be bathed in daylight and it doesn’t gets dark enough at night for the aurora borealis to be visible.

If seeing the northern lights is a priority, you’ll want to cruise as late in the season as possible. Better yet, travel to Alaska during the late fall or winter when the state experiences long periods of darkness.

Is it really light out all the time?

Yes! The “midnight sun” is an incredible thing. For much of the summer, the darkest it will get is a sort of dusky twilight even in the dead of night. While it may seem strange at first, I loved having the midnight sun accompanying me on my Alaskan adventures. You never had to worry about needing a flashlight or getting lost in the dark, and the extra hours of daylight help keep you energized longer because your body isn’t receiving visual cues that it’s time to wind down for the evening.

The longest day of the year is the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21. Even as far south as Juneau, the sun rises before 4:00 AM and sets after 10:00 PM on that day. Traveling in the weeks before and after the solstice will give you the maximum benefit of the midnight sun, while cruising later in August and September will give you a bit more of a normal-feeling distribution of daylight to nighttime.

Although most ships are equipped with blackout curtains when cruising in Alaska, all that sunlight can still mess with your circadian rhythm a bit. If you foresee having trouble sleeping while it’s still light out, make sure to pack a sleeping mask or a light sleep aid like melatonin.

What should I wear on an Alaska cruise? Do I need to dress up?

Overall, cruises to Alaska tend to be much more casual than those to other destinations. You won’t find super formal evenings on most Alaska cruises; while some regular cruisers might dress up for dinner, there’s no pressure to do so yourself. On the whole, the name of the game is warmth and comfort, and you’ll notice that Alaskans tend to dress casually and with the weather and topography in mind. Bring a nice outfit or two for dinners on the ship, but don’t feel that you need to dress to impress.

My best advice for what to wear in Alaska is to dress in layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, so you should always be prepared for anything that might come your way. Layers allow you to easily add and remove clothing as needed throughout the day.

You’ll also want a good waterproof jacket, sturdy boots or sneakers, and a hat and gloves in case it gets chilly, especially on the decks of the ship. That said, there are usually hot tubs on the top decks, so don’t forget to bring a swimsuit so you can enjoy them!

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise?

My comprehensive post about what to pack for Alaska features a handy packing list as well as some general advice. Check it out!

Will it be cold on my Alaska cruise?

While the answer to this may depend on your definition of “cold,” the fact remains that Alaskan cruises are usually chillier than most other kinds of sailings. Generally speaking, the southern parts of the state tend to be cloudy and cool in the summer. The average high temperature in Juneau is only in the low 60’s Fahrenheit (the high teens in Celsius) throughout the warmest months of June, July, and August. Sunny days, however, can be really warm and pleasant.

You’ll definitely want to come prepared for rain, cold winds on the upper decks of the ship, and chilly mornings. That said, don’t neglect to bring a couple of t-shirts for those nice days (or hours) that will hopefully come along as well.

Also, if you’re headed into Alaska’s interior, make sure to have some warm weather clothing on hand. Ironically, the further you go into the interior during the summer (especially once you get above the mountains north of Anchorage), the warmer and drier it tends to be. I’ve often seen temperatures in the mid- to high 80’s (around 30°C) in Denali and Fairbanks.

Should I get a room with a balcony?

Lots of people will tell you that paying extra for a balcony on a cruise is a waste of money. This may be true for some people and some cruises, but having a balcony is definitely worth it on many Alaska cruise itineraries . Many cruises include at least one day where you’re “parked” in a spectacular place, like Glacier Bay, to just admire the scenery. While you can certainly admire the landscapes from the main decks, it’s really nice to have your own private space to revel in the grandeur.

For “southbound” cruises (those traveling from Anchorage/Seward/Whittier toward Vancouver or Seattle), I tend to recommend choosing a stateroom on the port (left) side of the ship. The opposite is true for northbound sailings, where you’ll see slightly more from your balcony if it’s on the starboard side. Don’t despair if that doesn’t work out, though, since there’s plenty to see on either side when cruising the Inside Passage or on days devoted to one spot like Glacier Bay.

Should I buy a drink, WiFi, or other onboard package?

Although it may seem like cruises are all-inclusive , there are actually a number of amenities that may incur an additional fee. Most ships charge extra for beverages like soda, fresh-squeezed juice, and alcohol, and WiFi is rarely included for everyone. (Remember that unless you’re in port, you most likely won’t have cell reception.)

You can pay for some of these amenities a la carte, like purchasing a glass of wine with dinner or paying for an hour of WiFi as needed, but cruise lines also sell packages that give you unlimited access for the duration of your cruise. Whether or not those packages are worth the money, however, really depends on what you want from your cruise experience.

Personally, I encourage people to forego the WiFi packages and take the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy a technology- (and especially social media-) free vacation. That said, there are lots of reasons why you might need to have internet access on the high seas, and sometimes paying the flat rate for a package can be more economical (and definitely more convenient) than purchasing internet time by the hour.

My advice for drink packages is to try to estimate how many drinks you’ll probably have per day (remembering that you’ll be spending a certain number of days largely off the ship exploring your ports of call) and see if that cost is more or less than the per-day cost of a drinks package. If, like M and me, you rarely have soda and indulge in two or three drinks at most in an evening, it likely doesn’t make sense for you to purchase a full package. But if you drink more heavily, have multiple sodas per day, or just don’t want to have to worry about a drinks tab at the end of your cruise, a beverage package is probably a good fit.

Happily, packages like these are often included in cruise sales and promotions, so you might luck into getting one included at no additional cost. I have also had clients who have booked cruises without package add-ons and later received emails offering them at steep discounts. Win-win!

Should I buy the meal plan for my cruisetour?

If you are booking a “cruisetour” that includes both land and sea components – for example, if you’re spending six days traveling between Fairbanks, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Anchorage before being transferred to your cruise ship – any meal that’s not a part of your itinerary is not included in your overall vacation cost. For example, if your entire tour group is scheduled to take a lunch stop during a sightseeing day in Fairbanks, that meal will be included, but your dinner later that evening on your own will not. As a result, many cruise lines offer the option to purchase a meal plan that will make the land portion of your vacation more all-inclusive.

There are a few benefits to purchasing a meal plan. First, it makes budgeting easier because you remove the variable of food costs (which are high in Alaska) from the equation. Meal plan vouchers are also only good at certain restaurants, so you know where you’ll be eating each night and don’t have to worry about researching and finding a place to go. Finally, many meal plans include a choice of starter, entrée, dessert, and nonalcoholic beverage for both lunch and dinner, so you can feel free to indulge and try lots of different things without worrying about racking up an enormous food bill. If you order each of those items for each meal, and especially if you order the pricier menu items, you can also end up saving money on the meal plan compared to paying for everything a la carte.

On the flip side, there are lots of reasons not to bother with the meal plan. First among those, for me, is that the meal plan limits where you can go to eat. When I worked as a tour director , my guests on the meal plan were limited to the restaurant in the hotel where we were staying on any given night. While the food in those places was fine, they definitely missed out on some great restaurants because they couldn’t choose where to go without wasting a meal they’d already paid for. Also, depending on how much or how little you eat, you may end up paying more for the meal plan than you would if you just ordered meals a la carte. As with the package options above, it all depends on your own personal travel style and what you want out of your vacation!

Which shore excursions are the best?

While the answer to this question really depends on who you are and what you hope to get out of your trip to Alaska, there are definitely some shore excursions that stand out. First is anything that involves “flightseeing,” or taking a plane or helicopter to view wildlife, admire landscapes, or land on a glacier. Even though these are usually the most expensive excursions, they are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are worth every penny. You get such a different perspective on the grandeur of Alaska when seeing it from the air. I personally recommend a glacier landing, but any way you flightsee is better than not doing it at all!

Another recommended excursion is taking the White Pass & Yukon Route train ride in Skagway . This tour is often listed among the best train trips in the world, and for good reason. The scenery is stunning – you’re riding a single-gauge railway through a beautiful glacial valley – and you learn a ton about the area’s fascinating Klondike Gold Rush history along the way.

I have also heard good things about the whale watching in Juneau , and experiencing the Mendenhall ice caves is a must there as well. In addition, I recommend taking advantage of any opportunity to visit a sled dog kennel , since it’s such a unique part of Alaskan culture.

What should I book in advance?

That’s easy: anything you absolutely don’t want to miss. Especially if you’re traveling to Alaska during the high season (mid-June to mid-August), you don’t want to take any chances that your bucket list excursions and experiences will be sold out. This is doubly true for any flightseeing tours, since those planes are small and fill up quickly.

A quick pro tip on booking flightseeing tours : try to book early in the day or early in your trip if possible. With the weather in Alaska being as variable as it is, booking earlier time slots may give you more opportunities to reschedule if your first flight(s) happen to get canceled.

What should I eat in Alaska?

Ahhh, a question near and dear to my heart. There’s some great food in Alaska! Seafood is the first and most obvious answer, particularly salmon, halibut, and crab. (A good halibut and chips will ruin cod for you forever.) Blueberries are also a favorite here, with lots of tasty pastries and desserts featuring the local fruit.

Visiting Alaska also provides a great opportunity to try some more exotic meats like reindeer/caribou, musk ox, moose, and bear. Reindeer sausage appears on most every breakfast menu and shouldn’t be missed.

Alaska also has some good local breweries, with the Skagway Brewing Company’s spruce tip ale being one of the standouts. I also love Alaskan Amber from Alaskan Brewing Company .

What else should I know before my trip to Alaska?

You’re missing something special if you don’t go inland..

Cruising is one of the best ways to experience Alaska, since there are many places that are difficult or impossible to access by car but that cruise ships can visit. That said, there is so much more to the state than the cruise corridor between Seward and Ketchikan, and you’re missing some really special if you don’t take some time to leave the ship.

If at all possible, try to extend your Alaskan vacation by spending a few days exclusively on land. This can be as simple as a jaunt to Denali National Park or an entire weeklong trip through the state before boarding your ship. You can use my ten-day suggested itinerary or DIY your own (don’t forget I’m here to help !), but many cruise lines offer land tours in conjunction with your sailing that make it incredibly easy to get the best of both worlds.

If you are spending time on land, try to do that first and then cruise second.

As a tour director, I used to joke with my guests that the land portion of the trip was their adventure and the cruise was their vacation. Regardless of whether you’re doing a cruisetour (an all-in-one group vacation that includes both land and sea) or creating your own itinerary, your time spent on land will most likely be more active. It may include early mornings, long hours of travel by motorcoach or train, and days full of activities. The cruise is much more relaxing and, aside from any excursions you’ve booked, you can largely go at your own pace.

If at all possible, therefore, it behooves you to undertake the more strenuous part of your trip first and leave the relaxing bit for the end. To be fair, “northbound” cruises – those leaving from Vancouver or Seattle and heading north to Skagway, Seward, etc. – do tend to be less expensive than those heading in the opposite direction. For my money, however, there’s a real value to flying into Anchorage or Fairbanks and spending some time on land before cruising south from Anchorage, Whittier, or Seward.

Alaska is expensive.

Don’t get sticker-shocked; Alaska is not a cheap destination. The standard of living is often over 25% higher than the national average, and many goods have to be imported, which results in a higher price tag. You’ll notice that this is especially true for restaurant food.

Also contributing to high prices is the short tourist season. Tour operators, hotels, excursion vendors, souvenir shops, and other businesses have a narrow window in which to make enough income to last them for the entire year, so bargain prices can be hard to find. Build a little extra into your budget if possible, and be prepared for most goods and services to cost more than you may find back home.

Alaska is an adventure.

While you probably won’t experience this as much on a cruise itinerary as you would traveling through the interior, it should be noted that the uniqueness and remoteness of Alaska mean that things don’t always go as planned. When I used to warn my guests that Alaska runs on “ish” time, as in “We’ll arrive at 5:00…ish.” Fickle weather conditions can cause delays and cancellations, wildfires can obscure views, animals aren’t trained to appear for cameras, and you’ll certainly meet some colorful characters if you venture outside the main tourist areas. Regardless, it’s still one of the most spectacular places you’ll ever visit. You just need to keep an open mind, be flexible, and embrace the unexpected.

There you have them: my best Alaska cruise tips for planning your trip to the 49th State! I hope that they’re helpful as you embark on this exciting adventure. If you still have questions, or just want a little expert help in your planning, don’t hesitate to let me know !

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Read the Rest of the Alaska Month Posts:

The Ultimate Alaska Bucket List: 25 Can’t-Miss Adventures in the Last Frontier Flashback Friday: Following the Alaska Pipeline on the Dalton Highway Things to Do in Skagway, Alaska The Ultimate 10-Day Alaska Itinerary

And Don’t Miss…

The Pros and Cons of Cruising 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Planning a Cruise 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska The Essential Alaska Packing List for Summer Why You Should Visit Alaska in the Fall The Best Time to Visit Alaska

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20 Must-Do Experiences in Alaska

By Diana Hubbell

Last updated: April 29th, 2024

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When contemplating your “must do in Alaska” bucket list, bear in mind that there is no place on Earth like the 49th state. Alaskans like to call their home the Last Frontier, a phrase that still fits. After all, this is a state more than twice the size of Texas, but with less than a million residents.

Much of the land is all but untouched by humans and instead inhabited by an incredible array of wildlife. This is one of the few places where you can see humpback whales breaching near calving glaciers, or bald eagles hunting wild salmon.

The Alaskans who do live here tend to embody the fiercely unconventional, pioneer spirit of their Gold Rush-era prospector predecessors. This has long been a place where people have chosen to live according to their own rules, in some cases off the grid altogether. Travelers here will find warm hospitality, avant-garde art, and an infectious sense of adventure.

From seeing the Northern Lights to flying over the Arctic Circle, here are just a few of the must-see in Alaska experiences to plan.

Go Dog Sledding in Seward

Dog sledding in Seward

In January 1925, a diphtheria outbreak was sweeping through Nome, Alaska, threatening the lives of all the local inhabitants. The frigid winter conditions rendered many forms of transportation treacherous or downright impossible.

The outlook was grim until a team of brave dog sledders traveled hundreds of miles carrying diphtheria antitoxin, a life-saving serum.

Almost a full century later, locals in Alaska still commemorate this courageous event with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Each year, teams of mushers zoom 1,000 miles over snowy terrain with their trained Alaskan malamutes, Samoyeds, and Siberian huskies.

Although technology may have advanced since the 1920s, dog racing in Alaska is much more than a sport. National park rangers often use teams of dogs to reach off-road spots in winter.

Whether you’re a dog parent or simply an animal lover, it’s hard to think of a better way to spend an afternoon than hanging with these charismatic canines.

In the coastal town of Seward , visitors can tour the racing kennels and snuggle up to puppies. Afterward, you’ll board a custom wheeled sled for a two-mile ride from Seavey Homestead to Resurrection Mountain.

Read: Where to Go Dog Sledding in Alaska

Get Your Heart Racing on the World’s Largest ZipRider

ZipRider in Icy Strait Point Photo by Werner Bayer on Flickr, licensed under CC0 1.0

If you’re the kind of person who instinctively heads straight for the tallest, fastest, most terrifying roller coaster at an amusement park, the ZipRider at Icy Strait Point should be right up there on you “must do in Alaska” list.

But even if you’re not a hardcore adrenaline-junkie, it just might be, too. Since groups of six can tackle this Alaskan adventure together, it makes for a great family bonding activity.

Situated in Icy Strait Point, this ZipRider is the biggest on the planet, featuring six 5,330-foot lines. Over the course of the ride, travelers plummet 1,330 feet at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Taking the initial plunge off the first platform is admittedly daunting and may challenge even the most steadfast of nerves.

Icy Strait Point

Once you’re whizzing 300 feet over the temperate rainforest canopy, however, the ride is pure pleasure. It helps that the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Keep an eye out for the icy peaks of the Fairweather Range in Glacier National Park in the distance.

While the ZipRider itself is obviously the high point, the journey to get there is an adventure in and of itself.

Drivers keep the bus ride from Hoonah interesting with all sorts of anecdotes and informational tidbits about the area. Take a window seat if you can; bears and other large mammals have a tendency to wander through the area.

Read: Best Zip Lines in the World

Go Whale Watching in Point Adolphus, Icy Strait

Humpback whale in Point Adolphus, Icy Strait Point

A warning: whale watching in Alaska may ruin you for doing it just about anywhere else. Whereas in some places, a stray tail fin sighting may be cause for celebration, Alaskan waters are teeming with marine life.

Among the many possible places to see cetaceans, Point Adolphus in Glacier Bay National Park ranks among the very best. These nutrient-dense waters toward the southern tip of Icy Strait draw large marine mammals of all kinds.

Each year, humpback whales migrate more than 10,000 miles from the warm waters of Hawaii in the winter to Alaska in the summer . Although these majestic giants were once critically endangered, more than 20,000 now swim here. As a result, this is a terrific place to watch humpback calves breaching and adults flashing their tails.

Travelers can expect to see plenty of other species on a whale-watching expedition here. Pods of both resident and transient orcas can often be spotted hunting here. Dall’s porpoises have a tendency to leap alongside boats and play the wake.

Read: How to Spot Marine Mammals From a Cruise Ship

Try a Traditional Alaskan Salmon Bake in Juneau

Alaskan salmon bake, Juneau

Wild salmon have been central to the Alaskan way of life for thousands of years. As a part of the local ecosystem, these fish are crucial. They provide a primary source of nutrition for everything from grizzly bears to bald eagles .

Indigenous Alaskan nations trapped and preserved salmon for generations before European colonists arrived. And when prospectors swarmed the state in a frenzied search for gold, wild salmon were a main source of sustenance.

Today, Alaskan salmon are prized throughout the world for their rich, fatty, exceptionally flavorful meat. It’s also a rare success story when it comes to seafood sustainability. Thanks to decades of careful population management, wild Alaskan salmon is a treat travelers can enjoy with a clean conscience.

For a uniquely Alaskan experience, try an Alaskan salmon bake in Juneau . Traditionally, salmon bakes are community affairs, much like a Midwestern fish fry. The word “bake” is a bit of a misnomer, as the fish is actually slow-roasted over a live alderwood fire.

Visitors have feasted on Gold Creek Salmon Bakes in the temperate rainforest just outside Juneau for more than 30 years. Along the way to your meal, you’ll see a historic gold mine and hear tales of the region. The salmon bake includes a full spread with cornbread, potatoes, wild rice, and baked beans.

Learn All About Sea Creatures in Seward

Alaska SeaLife Center

For a chance to meet adorable sea otter pups, Steller sea lions, and other marine mammals, visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center is one of the best things to do in Seward . The facility actively promotes education for all ages, as well as ongoing research and animal rehabilitation.

Many visitors to the center head straight for the ringed seals and the spotted seals. With their immense eyes and playful dispositions, it’s not hard to see why these mammals capture attention. Nevertheless, there are plenty of other stars here, including ethereal clusters of moon jellies and the formidable red king crabs.

Don’t miss the chance to see a rare giant Pacific octopus. These hyper-intelligent cephalopods can grow to weigh more than 100 pounds and change color at will. Groups of up to six visitors can book a private encounter with these elusive creatures. During the 30-minute experience, travelers can help feed the octopus and learn about its fascinating biology.

Go on a Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan

Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour, Ketchikan

Of all of Alaska’s prized wild seafood, no catch is more valuable, or dangerous to hunt, than crab. Red king crabs, which run slightly larger than their blue and gold counterparts, are still highly sought after.

These real-life sea monsters can grow to nearly six feet across and boast remarkably sweet, tasty meat. Dungeness crabs and snow crabs are also in high demand, although they tend to be smaller and are a somewhat more affordable delicacy.

For seafood lovers or anyone else fascinated by this world, the three-hour Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour is one of the best things to do in Ketchikan . Unlike many real crab-fishing expeditions, this one doesn’t involve risking life and limb—or your lunch.

F/V Aleutian Ballad, Ketchikan

The F/V Aleutian Ballad is a sturdy, solid steel vessel measuring over 100 feet in length and it sticks to the calm waters of the Inside Passage here. Passengers can expect smooth sailing on the open-air deck.

Along the journey, you’ll see crabs of enormous size being pulled from the water. Curious passengers are even allowed to touch these giant crustaceans. More often than not, traps will pull up other sea creatures, including octopuses.

All of these other ocean critters wind up onboard in temporary holding tanks where passengers can see them up close. Before the end of the voyage, they’re released unharmed back into the sea.

Sample Craft Beers in Anchorage

Alaskans tend to be known for their independence, their resourcefulness, and their refusal to adhere to convention. All of these qualities are pretty perfect for starting a craft brewery, which is perhaps why this sparsely populated state sports so many exceptional ones. The best Alaskan craft breweries take advantage of the state’s local ingredients, many of which are rare or wild.

The original here is Midnight Sun Brewing Co., which got its start back in 1995. Today, the Alaskan brewery is a well-established powerhouse with one of the best taprooms in town.

At any given time, The Loft offers 16 rotating draft beers, plus an extensive selection of bar food. The stars here are the boozy barleywines and imperial stouts. If you get a chance, try the heady Monk’s Mistress, an especially potent Belgian-style dark ale.

Glacier Brewhouse Photo by Anchorage Downtown Partnership on Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Glacier Brewhouse is another one worth seeking out. Opened just a year after Midnight Sun Brewing Co., the brewery is particularly proud of its barrel-aging program. The constantly rotating selection of draft beers alone is worth checking out. It doesn’t hurt, though, that the brewhouse is one of the best places to eat in Anchorage .

The high-ceilinged, woodlined restaurant and taproom has a clear view of the craft brewery. Take a seat at the bar and dine on wild Alaskan seafood and pizzas made using an Old World rye sourdough starter.

See Wolves, Moose, & Other Wildlife Up Close

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Located an hour’s drive from downtown Anchorage , the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the best chances to see the state’s charismatic megafauna. Note that this is not a zoo. Almost all of the animals here were orphaned or severely injured and could not survive on their own in the wild.

The center allows them to live out their days in spacious enclosures that closely mimic their natural habitats. Check the schedule for regular talks and educational programming.

Kids will love meeting feathered and furred characters like Snappy, a great-horned owl with a partially amputated wing, and Hugo, a grizzly bear found abandoned more than 20 years ago. Moose, elk, reindeer, wood bison, and muskox also roam these pastures. Of particular note is the small resident wolf pack, who love playing with animal handlers.

Spy on Bears in Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Alaska is known for being home to a vast array of wildlife, but perhaps none are more synonymous with the state than its bears.

The state boasts more than 140,000 of these highly intelligent mammals, including 98 percent of the American population of brown bears. For Alaskans, encounters with brown, black, and polar bears are simply a part of life.

Interestingly, brown bears and grizzly bears are the same species—the former simply inhabit coastal areas while the latter live in landlocked territory. Kodiak bears, meanwhile, are a subspecies of brown bear found exclusively in the Kodiak Archipelago. Black bears often coexist with brown bears, but are significantly smaller and usually less aggressive.

While travelers may very well inadvertently encounter a brown or black bear right in Anchorage, your chances are significantly higher just outside of the city. Lake Clark National Park, roughly an hour and a half drive out of town, is one of the best places to see bears in Alaska .

When snapping photos of brown or black bears, be sure to follow your guide’s safety precautions. In general, bears do not like to attack humans unless provoked. Nevertheless, these are incredibly powerful, wild animals that can run as fast as a horse.

When in bear country, either avoid carrying food or make sure it is tightly sealed. Bear cubs may look cuddly, but maintain a safe distance to avoid upsetting any protective mama bears.

Stroll Along the Homer Spit

Few places are more atmospheric than the Homer Spit on a gorgeous summer afternoon. This spindly peninsula stretches 4.5 miles into the icy waters of Kachemak Bay. The strip of land is so narrow that you’ll see water on both sides as you wander along the promenade.

In the backdrop, the snow-capped peaks of the Kenai Mountains loom. Overhead, birds of prey swoop and soar. Bald eagles are far more prevalent in Alaska than any of the lower 48 states and this is by far one of the best places to see them in the wild.

As spectacular as the surrounding scenery is, exploring the Homer Spit itself is one of the best things to do in Homer . Galleries, cafés, and eateries line virtually the entire peninsula. Homer has a famously bohemian streak, thanks to the many artists who have migrated here and made a home for themselves.

After poking around the local galleries, stop for brunch at La Baleine Café. Chefs Kirsten and Mandy Dixon pride themselves in sourcing organic ingredients from the Homer Farmer’s Market.

Order a “Musher Meal,” which the duo served to participants in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race for 30 years. It’s a hearty plate of reindeer sausage, eggs, Manchego, and salsa on corn tortillas.

Walk Along a Glacier

Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park

There are estimated to be around 27,000 glaciers in Alaska , but many of these are all but inaccessible to humans. Luckily, there are a few key exceptions to this rule, which are a breeze to reach.

One of the most beautiful places in Alaska , the Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is located a mere 15-minute drive from downtown Seward.

For generations of mountaineers, this massive, flowing expanse of ice has served as an entry point to the sprawling Harding Ice Field. Yet even without technical climbing equipment, visitors can easily walk the Glacier View Loop. This well-maintained, one-mile trail offers incredible photo-ops of Exit Glacier and is manageable for all levels of hikers.

Mendenhall Glacier

Another stunning glacier that makes for an ideal afternoon trip is the 13-mile Mendenhall Glacier. Located an easy 12-mile drive from downtown Juneau, this tidewater glacier is accessible by kayak or by road. As a bonus, the visitor center goes above and beyond with top-notch exhibits.

Board the White Pass Railway

White Pass Railway

The White Pass Summit Excursion near Skagway is arguably one of the most stunning rail journeys in the world. The vintage train cars hug the sides of the mountain for virtually the entirety of the two-and-a-half hour round-trip sojourn. The views are something every visitor interested in both history and scenery must see in Alaska.

As you wind along sheer slopes, it’s hard not to think of the brave workers who risked life and limb to build the route in the first place. At the onset of the Klondike Gold Rush, the routes into Alaska’s vast interior were treacherous. Neither the Chilkoot Trail nor the White Pass Trail were safe for the tens of thousands of miners pouring into the area.

Michael J. Heney, a railroad builder with the grit and the chops to take on such a challenge, joined up with Sir Thomas Tancrede, who had investor connections. In 1898, construction on one of the most difficult rail construction projects known to man began. At one more, around 2,000 men were working here to lay track as fast as possible.

Pan for Gold in Fairbanks

Gold panning in Gold Dredge 8, Fairbanks

Alaska’s Gold Rush history may have only lasted a little over three years, but it forever changed the state. From 1896 to 1899, more than 100,000 prospectors headed north to seek their fortune.

Many would return home penniless, while a few struck it rich. In the process, a network of boom towns sprung up to accommodate the miners. Some likened it to the Wild West, a quasi-lawless period of big dreams and grand adventures.

Gold Dredge 8, Fairbanks

Even after the initial fervor subsided, people continued to search for gold in these lands. The Goldstream Dredge No. 8 was a mining operation in Fairbanks from 1929 to 1959. Today, this carefully preserved historic site allows visitors to learn all about the past.

Along the way, you’ll hear true stories of the larger-than-life figures who once populated this place. At the end of the tour, visitors can even try their hand at panning for gold. More than a few have walked away with a very valuable Alaskan souvenir .

Marvel at the Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest

As the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass National Forest is a marvel. Wandering along the hiking trails here, it’s possible to imagine a time before humans reshaped their surrounding landscape.

The rainforest covers more than 11,000 miles of Alaska’s southern coastline. Just about everything everywhere you look in here is alive. Ancient Sitka spruce, alder, hemlock, and yellow and red cedar trees form a dense, verdant canopy. Meanwhile, the forest floor is vivid green with ferns, moss, and other vegetation.

It’s possible to enter the rainforest at many points, but the trails around Juneau are particularly well-maintained.

Keep an eye out for both brown and black bears, both of which thrive here. Salmon run through the streams in season, which means there are a number of places to watch bears hunting in preparation for winter. Shy Sitka deer also regularly flash through the trees and lucky visitors may even spot a wolf.

Go Fly Fishing in Denali

Fly fishing

Even if you’ve never tried your hand at fly fishing, Alaska is a great place to start. The state boasts pristine streams with healthy fish populations. That means that even relative novices have an excellent chance of snagging a trophy-worthy catch.

Denali National Preserve, adjacent to the Alaskan national park itself, allows for sport fishing and is a great place to start. Note that in order to go fishing, you’ll need a non-resident fishing permit. Luckily, these are easily obtainable and guides on organized fly fishing trips will typically pick one up for you.

One of the best places to fish in Alaska , travelers can expect to haul in trout and wild salmon in this area depending on the season. Fly fishing here tends to be catch-and-release—although locals can and do eat their catch. Even if you’re not planning to cook and clean your catch, you can still pose for a killer photo with it.

Learn About the History of the Alaskan First Nations

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Thousands of years before European colonists arrived on Alaskan shores, Indigenous people fished, foraged, farmed, and hunted on these lands. The languages and traditions of Alaskan First Nations are still a vital part of life in this region. More than 20 percent of the state’s population identifies as Alaska Native to this day.

There are all sorts of ways to learn more about First Nations including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. One of the best things to do in Anchorage is to visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center, which offers insights into the sophisticated strategies Indigenous people once used to survive Alaska’s harsh climate. First opened in 1999, the center delves into the past and present of 11 distinct cultural groups.

Yet as fascinating as the history of the First Nations may be, it’s important to remember that these Alaskan cultures are evolving with each new generation. Juneau, in particular, has become a hotbed of contemporary Alaskan Indigenous art. At the city’s state-of-the-art Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus, artists reinterpret traditional crafts such as textile weaving and wood carving.

Catch a Glimpse of Mount Denali

Mount Denali

Standing a staggering 20,310 feet above sea level, Mount Denali is the highest mountain in all of North America.

In 1897, the peak was renamed Mount McKinley by a gold prospector by the name of William Dickey in honor of a U.S. president. In 2016, this Alaskan mountain was officially rechristened Mount Denali, which means “Great One” in the Alaskan Native Koyukon language.

“Great One” feels like an apt moniker for this mighty summit. The sight of its snowy summit and glaciers catching the sunlight is truly something wondrous to behold. Unfortunately, very few people can claim to have seen it. The mountain is so massive that it tends to create its own weather patterns, meaning that the summit is often veiled by clouds.

Travelers and locals fortunate enough to see the mountain in all its glory often refer to themselves as part of the “10% club”—or 30% club, depending on who asks. Either way, it’s a rare and privileged minority. Though the chances may be slim, a clear shot of Mount Denali is special enough to warrant trying your luck.

See the Northern Lights From Fairbanks

Northern Lights in Fairbanks

Witnessing the Northern Lights firsthand is one of those ubiquitous bucket list items that is very much worth doing. The aurora borealis, as it’s also known, manifests as undulating sheets of luminous violet, blue, and emerald up in the northern night sky.

Part of its allure lies in its elusive nature. Although it’s possible to monitor the conditions to find times when the probability of seeing the Northern Lights is highest, no one can predict them with complete certainty.

There may never be a guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, but Fairbanks, Alaska , offers some of the best odds anywhere of catching this breathtaking sight. At 65 degrees north latitude, this is one of the closest bastions of civilization to the Arctic Circle.

During the late summer nights, when there is some darkness, the chances of seeing colors dance across the Milky Way are fairly high.

Ride ATVs in Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park

Rugged, wondrous Denali National Park is one of the best places to visit in Alaska to see some of North America’s megafauna out in the wild.

The park itself is home to 169 species of birds , plus 39 species of mammals, including many of Alaska’s most iconic favorites. Both brown grizzly bears and black bears forage in these woods and fish in the park’s streams. Moose, caribou, and elk all graze here. Eagle-eyed visitors will often see herds of snow-white Dall’s sheep clambering along sheer rock faces.

The area is also one of the few places travelers have a good chance of seeing wolves in the wild. Although gray wolves can be found in many parts of North America, these intelligent predators often tend wisely to steer clear of humans. At one point, these creatures had been hunted to near extinction.

The more biologists study them, the more they have come to realize how crucial wolves are to a healthy ecosystem. Denali National Park is one of the few places where the population is substantial enough that fortunate travelers might see these creatures roam.

Part of the reason wildlife thrives here is the relative lack of paved roads and other hallmarks of human civilization. That means that visitors looking to explore the national park and nearby preserve have limited transportation options. Inside the park, guided bus tours and park shuttles run along a single, winding road towards the mountain itself and back.

To get off the group bus, you’ll need a sturdy, all-terrain vehicle and an experienced guide. An ATV ride offers an unbeatable opportunity to get off the main drag and see Alaskan animals . It’s also a thrilling adventure in and of itself.

Fly to the Arctic Circle

Flightseeing in Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is one of the most surreal places on planet Earth. This northernmost latitude is home to the midnight sun and the polar night on the summer and winter solstices. On the former, the sun never sets for 24 hours; on the latter, it never rises.

The far northern city of Fairbanks is less than 200 miles from the Arctic Circle, but the land journey is not for the faint of heart. Around 75 percent of the road there is unpaved and there are few signs of human civilization along the way.

While intrepid travelers with camping gear still make the trek, travelers who are pressed for time may wish to opt for a faster and far more scenic route. Flightseeing is one of the best things to do in Alaska , and round-trip flights from Fairbanks can whisk passengers to the Arctic Circle and the Brooks Mountain Range in a matter of hours.

Along the way, you’ll see the Yukon River glinting majestically in the sun, not to mention miles and miles of some of the last true remaining wilderness.

There’s simply no better way to experience all the wonder of the Last Frontier than aboard a cruise with Celebrity. Browse our upcoming Alaska cruises and book your next great adventure today.

Diana Hubbell

Diana Hubbell has been covering food and travel for publications including The Guardian, The Washington Post, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, VICE, Architectural Digest, The Independent, Eater, and Atlas Obscura for more than a decade. Although she is currently happy to call New York City home, she previously lived in Berlin and Bangkok.

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Help me choose: which Alaska Cruise is right for me?

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Taking to the water is a wonderful way to see Alaska's incredible coastline © Bala Sivakumar / Getty Images

Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas.

Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle , Washington and Vancouver , and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan , Juneau and Skagway , and then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close – for most cruisers, it's more than enough to satisfy.

Smaller cruises max out at around 200 passengers and can nose into Southeast Alaska's nooks and crannies, launching skiffs and kayaks from their lower decks for an immersive shore visit full of exploration. These vessels may not stop in local ports, instead anchoring at night and offering guests the chance to hike a remote shoreline, whale-watch from a kayak or attend a presentation by indigenous artisans. If any ports are visited, they're likely to be smaller communities like Wrangell, Sitka, Petersburg and Yakutat.

Additionally, with the Northwest Passage now open to marine traffic, the northwestern city of Nome is a regular port of call for higher-end, midsize cruise lines to expose passengers to the rural reaches of coastal Alaska. The Aleutian Island city of Unalaska is also on some boutique cruise line itineraries, so check carefully that the region that sparks your interest.

Which part of Alaska should I choose to cruise?

For an overview of Alaska The standard Inside Passage cruise between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward or Whittier is an excellent choice, boasting beautiful scenery and the chance to experience a route taken by steamships of the late 1800s. You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest , glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary.

Taking a deep dive into Alaska’s coastal regions   Book a small ship cruise between Sitka, Ketchikan, and Juneau for a week or longer in the nooks and crannies of southeast Alaska. You’ll hike where there are no trails, paddle without another human in sight, and get to know the traditional lands of Alaska’s Coastal Native tribes. We like Alaskan Dream Cruises, UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions for smaller, more sustainable cruises.

To discover Alaska’s rich history You can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Juneau is the state capital and a former mining community. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. All three cities are often on large ship itineraries.

Explore Alaska’s most remote coastal areas Consider a luxury midsize (or smaller) cruise to places like Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands or to the northwestern city of Nome. Both combine a look at the rugged, raw coastlines with time spent on shore in towns with few frills. Weather can often be cold, rainy and windy, but if you want a unique adventure in Alaska, check out the itineraries from Hurtigruten.

When should I go?

Depending on the cruise line, sailings begin in late April and continue through to early October. The most dependable weather typically appears in July and August, but that's also the most popular (and expensive) time; pick a trip earlier or later in the season for cheaper passage and shore excursions.

For spring and fall passengers, know that temperatures will be cooler than you might expect and variable types of precipitation, including snow showers, aren't unusual. In the summer, it's still cool on deck and near glaciers, so don't expect a lot of outdoor pool time or sunbathing on board.

If spotting wildlife is a priority, consider cruising during the salmon runs, when bears are most active and can be spotted from the decks of the ship. Humpback whales often follow schools of herring and other small fish during the summer and can be seen anytime between May and September before they migrate to Hawaii or Mexico .

How do I know my cruise line is operating sustainably?

While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark to varying degrees on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change.

The industry's trade group Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) touts a desire for "conscious cruising." They have guidelines for water conservation and upgrades to heating, air-conditioning and ventilation, with a goal for ships to be net zero by 2050. There is also a focus on respecting the cultural traditions of destinations through cooperative regenerative tourism that preserves a community's unique history, culture and values.

What kinds of activities can we experience?

Onshore activities differ depending on the size and style of the cruise. Traditional excursions are created to fit a specific number of people, all of whom come from the ships and are expected to be in port for a specific time. They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch.

Smaller boutique cruises strive to immerse their guests in the wild Alaska they've researched and desire to experience. Trips to shore rarely involve large port cities except for embarking and disembarking – instead, they drop kayaks in the water from the ship or use a rubber skiff to reach a deserted shoreline for a hike. The communities they visit are usually smaller, like Petersburg, Wrangell or Haines.

• Glacier & Wildlife Tours: Cruise for a few hours aboard a smaller vessel to witness whales, otters, seals and icy glaciers.
• Dogsledding: Learn about mushing, huskies and the operations of sled-dog kennels before taking a spin behind a team.
• ATV Adventuring: Rev up for a wilderness or tundra tour aboard a four-wheeler or side-by-side vehicle.
• Flightseeing:  Take a unique peek at Alaska's landscapes from above, spotting wildlife, and ogling glaciers and mountain ranges.
• Alaska Native Traditions:  Learn the ways of Alaska's many tribal groups, with dancing, drumming and art displays as part of the program.
• Ride a Historic Train:  Skagway's White Pass Yukon Railroad climbs over Chilkoot Pass for a hands-on gold-rush history tour.
• Paddle Power:  Hop in a raft or kayak and explore Alaska's beautiful coastlines and rivers.

Need-to-know before you go

Plan for wet weather Alaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry.

Know your physical limits If mobility or other health issues may affect your ability to enjoy a cruise to the fullest, consider traveling with a larger operator. These companies are well-versed in accessibility and have made accommodations for those with mobility needs. Smaller ships are full of trip hazards and watertight door jambs and require bending and stepping up or down to access activities like kayaking or skiff rides.

Plan your own shoreside activities There is no requirement to book excursions or activities through the cruise line. If a more independent style of exploration is your thing, feel free to do your own research ahead of time or visit each port of call’s visitor bureau upon arrival. Just be sure to adhere strictly to the ship’s boarding time. 

Look to shoulder season sailings Not only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call.

Know what "all-inclusive" really means:  Drill down into the details of your cruise and ask questions about meals, alcoholic beverages, activities and shore trips. It may be that a smaller cruise line will include everything at one price.

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