If you’re considering a cruise to Alaska, you’re embarking on the best decision of your life. Transporting yourself to this sacred corner of the earth is healing, magical, and unforgettable.
We’ve outlined 15 tips to help you choose the best ports of call, the nicest cruise lines, and pack for success. Let’s start planning!
Consider Your Ports of Call
The first thing to hone in on is the area you’d like to see the most.
For example, Juneau is quite popular. In which case, you might want to aim for the Inside Passage. Ketchikan and Sitka are also wonderlands you may not want to miss.
There’s also the Cross Gulf if you’d like to travel further north to Seward or Whittier and focus on the astonishing Glacier Bay.
Whatever floats your boat! But, with an itinerary in place, you can let that be your guiding star.
Research your Ports of Call
Once you know how much you’d like to see a bald eagle in Sitka or Creek Street in Ketchikan, conduct further research on each port of call.
Your cruise line will offer a host of exciting activities at each port. But, you can also DIY the day your ship is docked – as long as you’re back on board for last call!
Choose Your Cruise Liner
As you do your research, see which ship you like the look of the most. For example, The Holland America Line sends luxurious ships up the Inside Passage all the time.
But, other lines like Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line head north, as well.
Select Your Ship Size
This will allow you to do a little crowd control. Most of the main cruise lines we see out on the open seas are mega-ships.
That is, they can have anywhere from 2,000 to over 3,500 people on board. For something a little more intimate, you might want to look into mid-sized ships.
Our guide to the 20 best cruises on small ships will give you a feel for what a smaller cruise line has to offer.
Select Your Season
Most cruises set sail May through September. These are the most temperate months for the state even though they’ll still be significantly cooler than other parts of the nation.
Some cruise lines are adding dates to the shoulder season, or off-season, in April and October. September and October tend to be a little wetter. But, take a look at these options because they might save you a dime or two.
Give a Nod to the Northern Lights
Sailing through the Inside Passage is a dream. We’ve mentioned towns like Ketchikan and Sitka a few times now because they’re so glorious.
If you cruise later in the season, however, and aim for the Gulf of Alaska, instead, you may capture the magical Northern Lights.
Just beware that the seas can be a bit choppier during this time of year if you already know you struggle with seasickness.
Book Your Excursions In Advance
With your ports of call in sight and cruise liner selected, start looking at the excursions that are offered.
You’ll want to book them well in advance, as it’s less likely you’ll be able to secure the adventure you’re looking for once you’re on board.
Consider Your Packages
One thing cruise lines do well is upsell. And that’s perfectly fine! There’s a lot of luxury waiting for you.
Consider how much you need that dining package. The buffets on ships are known to be stocked full of delicious foods. What if you made lunch your main meal of the day and dined lightly at dinner?
Drinks are also marked up, but if you’re only a one-drink-a-day kind of shipgoer, you may not need to pay for a full drinks package.
If, however, you’re a devoted foodie, then enjoy! Check out the top 13 cruise lines for food lovers to hone in on the liner of your choice.
Pack for Every Season
You’ll need a cute outfit for every occasion when you’re cruising to Alaska. Ultimately, though, layering will be key.
You’ll need swimwear for the poolside days, workout clothes to make use of the gym, evening attire for cocktail hour, and warm clothes in case you make it all the way up to Glacier Bay.
Don’t Overpack
That said, don’t overpack. Few things in life are worse than lugging large suitcases all over creation. Most of your activities will be quite casual and you can layer when needed.
Also, depending on your cruise liner, there may be a launderette you can lean into on one of your days at sea.
To help you strategize, here are 17 essentials to pack on your next trip.
Bring Binoculars
This is a strange one, and one you might not consider for any other getaway. On your days at sea – and ports like Sitka – you’ll witness some of the most amazing wildlife.
Your camera may not allow you to zoom in on the soaring eagle or family of seals in the same way that a good ol’ fashioned pair of binoculars can.
Consider Your First Few Hours On Board
As you’re boarding the ship, a lovely little porter will come along and take your luggage to your room. This is a fantastic service so you don’t have to carry your suitcase for what feels like miles.
But, it does take them a little while to coordinate a couple thousand pieces of luggage. You may be without your suitcase for the first few hours.
Carry everything you think you’ll need to entertain yourself for the first few hours aboard the ship.
Consider Your Sea Days
To no surprise, it’s a bit of a haul to get up there to the Last Frontier. What will you do during your days at sea? Mega ships are basically floating cities.
There will be a wealth of activities on board, including spa packages, classes, and even lectures in some instances. Go in with a loose idea of what you’d like to do when everyone’s all aboard.
If sitting by the pool with an umbrella drink and a book sounds glorious, here are the 20 best books for you to take on your summer travels.
Arrive a Day In Advance
You’ll most likely fly into Seattle or Vancouver if you’re cruising to Alaska. Unless you’re a local, it’s a bit of a haul getting to the northwest corner of America.
Plan to arrive a day in advance so there’s no chance of missing your boarding time. Plus, all this does is give you an extra day to explore one of America’s or Canada’s prettiest cities!
Don’t Fly Home Until the Afternoon
This ties into the previous point. Don’t rush yourself, undoing all the relaxation you just experienced.
As you can imagine, it takes a bit of coordination to disembark a couple thousand people. Give yourself the space to endure any bumps in the road without too much stress as you’re heading back to reality.
A Perfectly Picturesque Getaway
Alaska is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. With wide open space, crystal blue glaciers, and majestic wildlife, a proper cruise can wash all your cares away.
Whether you’re cruising to Alaska or any other port around the world, we have a destination guide to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime. Happy sails to you!