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Princess has been cruising to Alaska for more than half a century, and they continue to lead the industry by bringing more guests to the state than any other cruise line. In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat, which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! Because of their deep ties to the state, the cruise line is able to offer a variety of itineraries and shore excursions, and they even own a number of Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks, so you can add a land extension to your trip.
Seabourn Cruises
In terms of clothing for an Alaska Cruise, definitely bring warm items and most importantly a windbreaker jacket. Even when the sun is shining and warm (which we were lucky enough to have through the week), the wind on the upper decks can be chilly. One of the best parts of an Alaskan cruise is that there is usually a beautiful landscape to enjoy as you sail so you will want to be on deck for most of it. And is when a group of humpback whales work together (teamwork, guys!) to blow a net of bubbles to surround and confuse their prey. It looks a little like peak hours at the buffet on a cruise ship, actually, and is a fascinating thing to see. And I’m here to assure you that, unless you never leave the casino because you feel like luck is on your side due to the great weather you’re getting in Alaska this week (wait…), you will!
The 9 best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler in 2024
Juneau is the seat of government and very scenic with possible small boat excursion to Tracy Arm (may have transfer from cruise ship option). Mt Roberts Tram has scenic views, Mendenhall Glacier will be crowded but opportunity for short hikes. Juneau is also boarding for floatplanes out to Taku Glacier Lodge for Salmon lunch. Most regular cruisers will tell you that it's all about the ports of call - which ones, how long in port, how many other ships present - that makes the biggest difference.
Major Cruise lines
The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. Typically, the big ships will open up all the outer decks for passengers to crowd the railings to watch the glaciers calve and scan the area for wildlife. If you want to get out on a kayak or small boat to get closer to the glacier or the marine life, you’ll need to book an expedition cruise.
Why cruise to Alaska?
Plan ahead but embrace the unexpected: what first-time cruisers need to know - Royal Caribbean Blog
Plan ahead but embrace the unexpected: what first-time cruisers need to know.
Posted: Sat, 05 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Of course people have their favorites, and there are lots of anecdotal stories about which line is more kid-friendly, or which one tends to attract an older crowd, blah blah. The fact is that Alaska cruises are very port-intensive, and many cruisers really use the ship as a comfortable hotel and that's about it. To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s, both on and off ship.
Bug Spray Is a Must for Anyone on a Cruise to Alaska
With a well-crafted Alaskan cruise itinerary, you can look forward to a remarkable journey that takes you beyond the expected and reveals the true essence of this awe-inspiring destination. When it comes to selecting a cruise line for your Alaskan voyage, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Several reputable cruise lines operate in Alaska, each offering unique experiences. Consider Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, or Princess Cruises for a remarkable journey through the Last Frontier. The best cruise for couples, both straight and gay, Celebrity offers lots of opportunities for romantic experiences in Alaska, from hiking through a rainforest in Juneau to cuddling up during a ride back in time on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you.
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The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
A handful of cruise lines -- mostly small ship and luxury lines like Cunard, Seabourn and Windstar -- offer Alaska cruises ranging from nine to 14 days in length (generally departing from Vancouver). Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. I’ve also seen them outside of that window though, so don’t distress if you’re not cruising during that time. I’ve only ever seen bears from buses, boats, or on a tour where we were seeking them out with an experienced bear tracker. If you’re on one of the last sailings in late September or early October, you’ll see fewer whales and if you want the best shot at seeing them bubble-net feeding, cruise in June or July. If you want a near guarantee (in fact, most tours offer a guarantee) that you’ll see humpbacks up close, book a whale watching tour.
From the summit, you’ll be treated to incredible panoramas of the Chugach Mountain range. Hoonah is an Alaskan community on Chichagof Island predominantly inhabited by the Tlingit people. A visit here will give you a chance to surround yourself with the vibrant culture of the community living here. A visit to this park will give you a taste of the “gold fever” that brought so many hopeful souls to the region in search of fortune. The nearby Southeast Alaska Discovery Center, which focuses on the region’s history, indigenous cultures, and natural ecosystems, is worth a visit as well. Once upon a time, at the height of the fish canning era, Creek Street was a fairly notorious red-light district.
As you sail through the stunning Inside Passage, be prepared to be enchanted by the majestic glaciers, lush forests, and abundant wildlife that define this region. Aside from partaking in boat trips, you can also experience kayaking in Alaska for more wildlife and glacier viewing opportunities, offering you intimate encounters with the park’s local fauna and pristine habitats. Inside Kenai Fjords National Park, you can go for trail hikes to check out the imposing fjords and lofty glaciers, spot diverse marine wildlife like dolphins, sea otters, humpback whales, and orcas, and of course gaze in awe at the exquisite ice formations.
You’ll find three main dining rooms, plus a pizzeria, gastropub, Italian restaurant, chop house, and Mediterranean bistro. Or, kick things up a notch with a Chef’s Table Lumiere experience of multiple courses with wine pairings. Spend your time listening to live music in the Crooners Bar, exploring cocktails from around the world at Good Spirits, and relaxing at the jazz club. Be sure to check out SeaWalk, a walkway that cantilevers off the side of the ship and has a glass bottom so guests can see below and above. If you’re passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul. And onboard experiences range from Macallan and Jack Daniel’s tastings to Riedel crystal workshops that show how different shapes and qualities of a Riedel glass change the taste of wine.
This means you’ll want to include a trip to Denali National Park when visiting Alaska for the first time. To find the best Alaska cruises, we followed expert recommendations and read hundreds of user reviews and ratings. Because I’ve been on several Alaska cruises alone, with my family and with my husband, I also based my choices on my own personal experiences.
The Alaska cruise season is short, running mainly from May to September, with a few lines offering sailings in April and October. Among the big-ship lines, Holland America and Princess are known as the Alaska experts. These lines typically base the most ships in this region every summer, and offer the largest selection of cruises and cruise tours. Perhaps you’re drawn to the gorgeous scenery, the area’s cultural and historic riches, or its abundant wildlife. With a variety of itineraries, cruise ships, destinations, and activities to consider, no two cruises to Alaska will be the same.
You can even order room service breakfast, so you can sip your coffee and nibble on a pastry while watching nature's splendor. Many cruise cabins have metal walls or ceilings that can serve as a perfect spot to hang items such as hats, jackets, or small bags. Magnetic hooks can be easily attached and removed, providing additional storage options without taking up any floor space. Additionally, consider using an over-the-door shoe organizer to keep accessories and toiletries organized and easily accessible.
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