The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month
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The sheer variety of cruise choices, routes, schedules, itineraries, vessel sizes, cruise lines, on-ship amenities, and price points will make you happy and satisfied. Below, we have outlined why summer is the best time of the year for an Alaska cruise. After spending the winter in warmer climates, humpback whales migrate north and break the waters of the Inside Passage, marking the dawn of Alaska’s most vivacious season. Hundreds of king salmon grace the majestic waters of the Pacific while freckled lynx bask in the early summer sun. Thanks to the modest daytime temperatures and refreshing evening climates, May is peak season for many of Alaska’s most cherished wildlife.
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Last-minute deals are also most common on large-ship lines, including Cunard, Celebrity, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean. America’s Last Frontier is a land of endless new discoveries, breathtaking landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path trails that lead to bucket list adventures. From glacier gazing and wildlife watching to catching a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days with awe-inspiring thrills. But like many of the world’s most incredible destinations, figuring out the best time to visit Alaska depends a lot on which experiences interest you. And with cruise itineraries that run from spring to the start of fall, getting there is easy. While the tourism season in Alaska doesn’t really kick in until June, many small cruise ships start running tours in May.
Best Time Of Year For Glacier Calving
But as the destination has grown in popularity, the season has extended, and there’s a definite sweet spot to target. In May and June, the days will be at their longest, the weather (although still unpredictable) will generally be its sunniest and driest, and the range of excursions and options at their most plentiful. Planning to take advantage of Alaska’s rugged terrain and untamed hiking paths?
Cruises for couples
This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior. Another time to book is during the “Wave Season” during the first two months of the year, when cruise deals abound for all destinations.
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Enjoy the Views
The aurora season in Fairbanks lasts from the end of August to April and the lights can be seen four out of five nights if the sky is clear. Down south, the waters around the southwestern and southcentral regions of Alaska teem with ships visiting Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound and Katmai National Park. A downside to visiting Alaska in May is that the interior National Parks are still closed, along with many of the land-based attractions and shops that later cruisers will get to enjoy. While they tend to be less of an issue while you are on a cruise ship on the water, they can be a menace on shore.
Bears Feeding On Salmon
Additionally, June, July, and August may come with more crowds, but offer several more hours of daylight compared to in the fall. Since Alaska cruises are so dependent on outdoor activities, your best chance for sunny days can be opposite of when the best time for crowds are each season. The Alaska cruise season is quite short, with just six months to choose the best time to cruise Alaska. The big perk during these two cruises were wildlife sightings, especially bears.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise. But you'll also see Alaska itineraries from Carnival, Disney, Norwegian (NCL) and Royal Caribbean, which gives you an array of price points to consider.
Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. Fishing is good during any month—there are just different species of salmon that peak as the weeks go by. It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home.
July and August
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The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR.
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An Alaska cruise costs anywhere from $500 to $8,000 or more during high season. Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. September offers the best possibility for cruisers to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska. They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park. You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today.
Given the warmer temperatures of July and August, many people who want to avoid the cold will choose to book during these months. Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities. Nature is in full bloom during cruise season in Alaska, but what you’ll see depends on the time of year and location. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising in May is that you get to avoid the peak season crowds. The summer months are the busiest time for tourists in Alaska, and the ports and attractions can get overcrowded. To minimize joining the masses during high season, consider a shoulder-season sailing (in late April, May or September), or select a ship that embarks midweek.
Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. That being said, the weather and wildlife in Alaska are notoriously unpredictable. You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night. Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer.
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