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However, if Alaska is a one-time bucket list itinerary for you, I’d avoid October (you might get lucky like I did, but the odds are against it). If I only had one shot at Alaska, I’d go in July (maybe August) on either Holland America or Princess on an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple.
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Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer
Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. 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. Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
Temperatures are pleasant — in the 60s and sometimes higher, with wildflowers in bloom and glaciers calving. Anglers will find opportunities to reel in halibut along with king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better. Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state.
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For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Icy Strait Point offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Alaska. Book a kayaking tour, go halibut fishing, go off-roading in an ATV, or head out for a relaxing whale watching tour. Lots of adventure awaits you in Seward where you can go kayaking, mountain biking, dog-sledding, fishing, and more. For a more physically intense experience, considering hiking Seward Exit Glacier or the Harding Icefield Trail. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.
Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill. Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears. Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise.
The average rainfall in Juneau during the month of April is 2.77 inches. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest. From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.
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Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. When traveling from Vancouver in the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska, the waters are mostly protected and provide smooth sailing.
Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in April
You can choose a cruise from Seattle or Vancouver for most of the five-, seven-, and nine-day Alaska cruises. If you want a longer itinerary, you could book a repositioning cruise that starts and ends in a different port. For example, you could pick a 16-day cruise that goes from Alaska to Hawaii or one that goes from Seattle to Tokyo, both in October when the Alaskan cruise season is ending. There's a reason why the best way to cruise Alaska is with Norwegian – we've got something for every type of traveler. The newly revitalized Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit bring that and more with beautifully renovated spaces and staterooms. Sip a cocktail with spectacular views from the coziest spot at Spinnaker Lounge or take a dip in one of five luxurious hot tubs.
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. With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees.
Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm. Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights.
Added onto the beginning or end of your sailing, CruiseTours let you dive deeper into the Last Frontier with a few days spent on land under the midnight sun. It’s also home to the towering Denali, part of the Alaska Range and the tallest peak in America. The cruise season beefs up in June, with the number of ships growing and the season in full swing by the end of the month. The midnight sun means many hours of daylight, especially on June 20, the longest day of the year — when you'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all. I cruise to Alaska so many times every year that I’ve started telling people I summer there.
As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. Fancy some half off ice cream in Skagway where, with the windchill, it feels like it’s -15°F? But seriously, many of the shops that remain open (see #7 below), will have great end-of-season sales where you can pick up souvenirs or local foods to try.
If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature?
I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. October in Alaska can see lows can be as low as 28° Fahrenheit, and the highs can reach up to 40° Fahrenheit.
Explore five of Alaska’s National Parks with our National Park Cruisetour. Cruise Glacier Bay’s pristine waters, be awe-struck by Kenai Fjords icefields and feed your wanderlust by adventuring into Denali National Park. Accompanied by two more National Parks, the 15-night cruisetour is designed for explorers and wanderers.
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