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.
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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 find 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.
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.
