What is the Best Time To Cruise to Alaska? (2024)

FAQs

What is the Best Time To Cruise to Alaska? ›

Alaska basks in gorgeous 24-hour daylight during two months of the year surrounding the summer solstice. This is when Alaska residents get their outdoor activities in, including 2:00 am hikes, dog walks, and beach volleyball. Mid-May through mid-July are the best months to cruise to Alaska to soak in the midnight sun.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.

1. April and May: Early bird savings. Think about going on a cruise around April or May if you want to save the most. In these months, Alaska has its shoulder season when costs often decrease, and there are fewer visitors.

The average price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise can range from $1,300 to $3,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin, and time of year.

May is one of the best times to cruise Alaska for whales. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer. Fishing in Alaska in May: King salmon runs start in late May and the season runs through September.

Passport Requirements - US Citizens

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.

What is the most expensive month for an Alaska cruise? ›

While the most popular time to travel to Alaska on a cruise is June through August, it's also when it tends to be the most expensive. Instead, McDaniel suggested looking at the shoulder months of May and September, when you can save a little money.

10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

A General Rule to Follow

If possible, you want to book early on any cruise vacation. A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance. This is especially true for an Alaska cruise with its short season of May - September.

Alaska Land and Sea Cruise Packages

This relaxing, all-inclusive experience is among the most preferred for travelers to Alaska, especially for their first trip. Cruise ships offer convenience, a wide range of services, and an ideal balance of relaxation and adventure.

Remember, the cost of an Alaskan cruise typically ranges from $600 to $5,000 per person, depending on the type of cruise and the chosen accommodation. Additionally, it is advisable to allocate an extra $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to fully immerse in the Alaskan experience.

Alaska is a cruise destination unlike any other, showcasing a rarely seen side of the United States: still truly wild, practically untouched and open to endless adventure. But with such a hefty price tag, you may be wondering, “Are Alaska cruises worth it?” Our answer is undeniably yes.

Beginning in July and stretching through to the end of August the summer is the nicest time of year to travel. July is the best month to visit, although it is also the busiest. Warm days and short nights make this a really nice time of year to visit and much of the state's iconic wildlife is very active.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

Best Times to Visit Alaska for Lower Prices

The shoulder seasons (May through early June and late August through mid-September) offer the best value for travelers on a budget.

If it's whales you want, it's whales you're gonna get. The best time to whale watch is from April to November, when approximately 600 humpbacks inhabit the waters of the northern Inside Passage. Whale watching tours are offered in Juneau and near Glacier Bay.