Table Of Content
The peak season for Alaska tourism starts in June, and the ports are buzzing with activity. The shops, restaurants, and attractions are all open and ready to welcome visitors, offering a wide variety of experiences to choose from. The larger crowds can add to the atmosphere and make for a lively and enjoyable vacation. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season.
When’s the Best Time to Cruise to Alaska for Salmon Fishing?
During this month, you can expect the weather begins to cool, higher rainfall, and gorgeous fall landscapes. July is an ideal month to visit for salmon fishing, cultural festivals, bear viewing, and small-town exploring. With the popularity of July cruising, cruise prices are at their highest. If whale watching is a must on your Alaska cruise bucket list, you’ll want to visit during peak whale season in June.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking. If you're traveling with young kids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, make a beeline for Disney Cruise Line and its Alaska-based Disney Wonder. The ship has an extensive children's program, high-quality entertainment, and such activities as water slides and play areas. The line will send six ships to Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Weather
When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. The Official Visitors Guide for Juneau playfully uses a raindrop graphic for every month in the calendar (in Southeast Alaska it’s never a question of whether it will rain, but how much it will rain).
(Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver). A day aboard the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might start out with a hike to a glacial lake followed by an early-evening kayak adventure in Thomas Bay.
Alaska Cruise in October: Chilly Weather and Cruise Deals When You Cruise Alaska in October
The Best Month Of The Year To Cruise To Alaska, And Why - TheTravel
The Best Month Of The Year To Cruise To Alaska, And Why.
Posted: Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
While this can be incredibly enticing for nature lovers, it can be off-putting for those who do not enjoy the cooler temperatures. As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult. This is because the best Alaska cruise month is somewhat subjective. A suite that costs $2000 per person in May may cost upwards of $3300 per person in mid-July.
More than half of North America’s bald eagle population lives in Alaska. During the summer months, you may be able to spot them from the deck of your cruise ship as they tend to their nests in tall trees near the water. Although you can find wildlife throughout the year, the best time to see a wide variety is during the summer. During the summer, you’ll often find brown bears fishing for salmon along streams, deer and moose calves along the shore, and a wide variety of birds circling above.
Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June. The short sailing season and rapidly changing weather conditions mean that each cruise is a completely different experience than the last. The above guide serves to help you find the best time to take an Alaska cruise, whether you’re hoping to see wildlife, avoid crowds, or experience good weather. Fewer families travel during the shoulder season as school is in session during May and September. Also, many cruise passengers prefer to travel to Alaska in the warmer summer weather.
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go - USA TODAY
Booking an Alaska cruise? Know your cruise lines and best time to go.
Posted: Sat, 27 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What Months Can You Sail To Alaska?
Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around.
September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day.
Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagoff Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines. Alaska has humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, and a small population of belugas.
Tell a sun-worshiper that you’re taking an Alaska cruise and they’ll raise an eyebrow. On average in July, Alaska boasts high temps in the mid-60s, but occasionally climbs into the 70s and 80s. However, if you prepare for Alaska’s chill and damp weather, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have a great time. Bring a jacket, gloves, and scarves, along with waterproof gear, and sunscreen. Read how to pack for an Alaska cruise to stay comfortable in changing weather.
No comments:
Post a Comment