Way to make a Travel > World Tours > Alaska cruise on my Bucket list
The options available for cruising in Alaska range from small expedition ships to large ocean liners. It might be wise to look into all the options before you make a final decision. Normally, the smaller the ship, the more expensive the Alaska cruise.
On This Page
Selecting a type of ship
The type of ship you choose is important to the success of your Alaska cruise. Unless your cruise agent is experienced with Alaska cruising, you may end up with a ship and cruise line that are not providing the type of cruise that best suits your needs. Do your homework and don’t settle for just a regular travel agent’s advice.
The smaller cruise ships in Alaska do not provide the medical assistance that the larger ocean liners provide. If you require special medical assistance or if you like the idea of a full hospital facility onboard your ship, opt for the larger, newer vessels instead of the smaller ships.
Selecting your cabin
When you are selecting an outside cabin for your Alaska cruise and your ship is sailing northbound, have your cruise agent choose a cabin on the starboard side of the ship and wise versa for southbound crises. This will provide better scenery for the entire cruise.
Because Alaska is so different from any other cruise destination and the scenery so spectacular, it’s worth upgrading your cabin to a balcony or, at the very least, a window. You’ll have no regrets paying the extra money.
If you are sailing either northbound or southbound, and you need to transfer between Anchorage and Seward, ask your cruise agent to check the availability and pricing of a train ride as opposed to a motor coach transfer. This will make the three-hours journey more exciting and fun.
If, you are looking at an Alaskan brochure from the cruise lines don’t let their prices scare you. Cruise agents and Internet companies receive all kinds of great deals, so see what prices they can offer you. It’s unlikely you’ll ever pay the rates that are listed in their brochures.
Weather in Alaska
Alaska is in the Pacific Northwest of the US — be prepared for rain every day of your Alaska cruise, no matter what month you go. If there is a day it doesn’t rain, consider it a gift from God.
It’s been said that the summer months are the best time to see Alaska. There is no guarantee it won’t rain during this time and, because it’s peak season, you’ll pay a higher price for your cruise. If you’re flexible and can sail in mid-May or mid- September, you’ll find a much better deal for your cruise.
Packing for Alaskan cruise
Packing for your Alaskan cruise is unlike packing for any other cruise. Because the weather is unpredictable, you have to pack for cold, warm and rainy weather. Layering your clothing is the best way to avoid over packing. Start with the heavier clothing and work your way to a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Essentials to pack for your Alaska cruise are lightweight, raincoat, umbrella, binoculars backpack, sweater and comfortable shoes.
Pack a swimsuit even on an Alaska cruise. The temperature can sometimes reach eighty degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. You can even be tempted to swim in the swimming pool or relax in the Jacuzzi.
Alaska ports of call
Whether you start your cruise in Anchorage, Vancouver, Fairbanks, or Seattle, and you need to fly to your port of embarkation, make arrangements to arrive a day prior to your cruise. This will give you an opportunity to see that city and retrieve any lost luggage in the event the airline loses a piece.
If you plan on staying a night in Vancouver prior to your Alaska cruise, a good place to stay is the Pan Pacific Hotel, located at Canada Place. It’s a 5-star property, in an excellent location. One of the services they offer is transferring your luggage directly to your cruise ship the morning of embarkation.
Vancouver places of interest
Vancouver is one of the best cities in the world, offering an assortment of things to do. Visit Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Gardens, and Chinatown. You’ll find exquisite shopping on Robson Street and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Seattle shore excursions
Seattle is not only a contemporary city, but there are some terrific tours to participate in as well. I recommend a day trip to Mt. Rainier, a boat ride through the Hiram Chittenden Locks, the Space Needle, and a city tour with Gray Line Tours.
Juneau shore excursions
Juneau is the capital of Alaska and provide all kinds of shore excursions and tours. BHI recommends a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier by helicopter, a stop at the Red Dog Saloon or a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway to see breathtaking views, 1700 feet above sea level.
One of the most favourite shore excursions in Juneau is to the Taku Glacier Lodge. You’ll enjoy a flight over snow-capped mountains, the picturesque setting near Taku Glacier, and a terrific salmon lunch, and you may even have the opportunity to see some local bears. This four sells out, so make your reservations well in advance.
Don’t miss the Bronze statue in Juneau dedicated to Patsy Ann, the dog that greeted fortune seekers back in the gold rush days.
Ketchikan shore excursions
In Ketchikan, a visit to Creek Street will provide some interesting shopping in the small boutique shops built on pilings. The main attraction is the famous Dolly’s House Museum. You’ll understand why Creek Street was the place fish and fishermen went to spawn.
At certain times of the year, the creek at Creek Street is filled with salmon swimming upstream to lay their eggs. Be sure to bring your camera, it’s an amazing sight.
One of the more popular things to do in the ”Canned Salmon Capital of the World”
is seen the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. You can purchase your tickets onboard the ship or at the location itself, which is just walking distance from most the ships. It’s a fun family show and great entertainment for all ages.
If you plan on buying smoked salmon in Ketchikan, be sure you’ve shopped around at different stores in town before you make your purchase. The prices can vary by $10 for different brands and salmon type.
At the Deer Creek Hatchery in Ketchikan you’ll see up close the fascinating behavior of salmon. Ketchikan receives over 162 inches of rain a year so be prepared for liquid sunshine.
When exploring Anchorage, the place to begin is the Log Cabin Visitor Information center. You’ll receive information about restaurants, art galleries, museums, and events happening around the city.
If you participate in any of the Salmon Bake Tours, be sure to ask if you’ll be eating indoors or outdoors. If you eat outdoors, Alaska’s unofficial state ”bird”, the mosquito, might be a problem unless you’re wearing some kind of repellent. Don’t forget to pack some.
When cruising in and out of Sitka, it’s possible the ship might experience rough weather, being farther from the coast. If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure you’ve taken some medication an hour or so before the ship sails in or out of that port.
Skagway shore excursions
Skagway is the gateway to the Klondike goldfield. Before you begin walking around the town, make a stop in the visitors center and watch a short film about its history. It will give you a better appreciation of the town.
Just outside the city limits of Skagway lies the Gold Rush Cemetery with all its famous characters from the days of ’98 laid to rest. It’s fun to read the headstones and recall the excitement and thrill of what once was.
One of the most exciting and certainly one of the most expensive shore excursions in Skagway is the Pilots Choice helicopter ride, where you actually land on a glacier and walk around. If your budget can handle the cost, and you’re not afraid to ride in a helicopter, it will be an unforgettable experience.
Photos: Denali National Park
Haines shore excursions
Haines is a small town near Skagway that has a large concentration of bald eagles. If your cruise ship is stopping there, be ready with your binoculars. This is also a great spot to take photographs of snow capped mountains.
The White Pass Railway in Skagway is a must, especially if you are not going to Denali Park on the train. It follows the original trail the gold miners used and the scenery is extraordinary. Be sure you sit facing forward on the left side of the train. You’ll capture more sceneries.
If you are interested in seeing the world’s largest collection of totem poles and learning about the Tlingit Indians, the Saxman Village of the Totem Heritage Center tours are not to be missed. These shore excursions are offered by nearly all the cruise lines.
You can get great shopping bargains toward the end of the tourist or cruising season. By mid September in Alaska you might get 50 to 75 percent off.
The US Customs authorities and Canadian authorities have strict regulations that state no arts and crafts objects made from body parts of animals are allowed to enter the country. If you plan on purchasing any items made of walrus tusks, scrimshaw, or whale bones, have the shop mail these items directly to your home.
You might consider reading a few books or watching movies about Alaska before you sail. It makes the experience more fulfilling.
Alaska shore excursions: Alaska Tours and Things to Do
The difference between an Alaska cruise and an Alaska cruise tour is that a cruise tour includes a land package in Denali Park. If you opt for the tour, plan on spending at least $1000 more per person for your package. If you are interested only in a seven-day cruise and not the Denali land tour, and you want to save money on airfare, book an Alaska cruise that originates and ends in the same port of call.
If you are interested in adding a Denali Park land package onto your cruise, and you don’t want to pay the high prices the cruise lines charge, contact denalicruisetours.com for more information.
Another option for your Alaska cruise is to include the Canadian Rockies before or after your cruise. Mountains to Calgary, Banff, and Jasper. Its spectacular scenery and different from Alaska.
When cruising through the Inside Passage, cruise lines hire park rangers who narrate the sights over the PA system out on the open decks. Be sure you are outside and available to walk to either side of the ship when they spot some wildlife.
When you see the glaciers for the first time, it’s likely your breath will be taken away. It’s a sight you’ll never forget. Don’t get too involved in video-taping it, you’ll miss everything else around you if you do. The ship will sell videos of the glaciers, so you can still take home a good souvenir.
One of the best occasions for a photograph is the day the ship sails into the Glacier Bay. If you are cruising with a group, arrange a meeting with the ship’s photographer outside on the deck for the magic Kodak moment.
If it’s raining on the day your ship sails into Glacier Bay and you don’t want to stand outside with your umbrella, the next best place to be is toward the front of the ship in lounge that has a lot of windows. Otherwise, a comfortable seat next to the window in the upstairs buffet restaurant will do just fine.
Many Alaska shore excursions sell out before the ship even sails because passengers have booked them ahead of time on the Internet. If there are some shore excursions you don’t want to miss, make your reservations in advance. Your cruise agent can assist you with this.
Sport fishing is available in Juneau and Ketchikan and is usually a five-hour tour. This excursion can be booked through the cruise line or directly with some fishermen in port. The price includes poles, bait, guide, and fishing license.
Whale watching Tour by Alex
Alaska Wildlife
Wildlife will be abundant on your Alaska cruise. Early morning and early evening are when birds and animals are most active, so be out on the top deck of the ship, so you look on both sides.
When the ship sails into Glacier Bay, be outside toward the front of the ship. Quite often you’ll see harbor seals relaxing on icebergs that have calved off the glacier ahead.
It’s easy to spot bald eagles on your Alaska cruise. Look for something resembling a white golf ball in the trees, this will be the crown of the bald eagle, then get a closer look with your binoculars.
Humpback, orca and beluga whales can be found in the Inside Passage. They are usually in calm waters, so it should be easy to see them spouting and breaching out of the water.
Whenever you are hiking through woods on your own, be sure to carry a bell or sing loudly as you walk. It might seem a little odd, but bears will run away if they hear you approaching. Bears will attack when they feel threatened or are taken by surprise.
Great location – friendly staff – Excellent stay – Booking hotel in Seattle by Trivago
👉Enter to win a FREE cruise – Dream Cruise vacations start here – compare prices from World of Cruising
👉For latest most affordable cruise offers arount the world visit our Partner booking link here⤵️
🌐CRUISE PORTS BY WORLD OF CRUISING
Promotion:
Keywords: #firsttimecruisetips @bhicruises #cruisetips #bookinghotelin #caribbean @waytomakeatravel @bookinghotelin @bookdirectlyandsave #bookdirectly @bhipromotions @bhibookdirectly @bhitours @cruiseports #portsofcall @bhicruisetips
Other similar stories: First time cruise tips Types of cruise promotions Cruise ports of call
Home Travel stories World Tours About
Leave a Reply