Table Of Content
You can also take advantage of the lower rates offered by the cruise lines during the shoulder season, which can help you save money. Most cruise passengers tend to avoid the early season because of the school calendar and cooler weather. By going in the summer months, many people get to enjoy Alaska when things are in full swing and of course the warmer weather.
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska for maximum daylight?
Alaska’s cruise season has always been short, peaking quickly at the height of the summer months and then done by early fall. 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. Choosing the best time to cruise in Alaska is essential to experience this remarkable corner of the world in its best form. Whether you opt for the shoulder seasons to save on costs and enjoy a quieter experience or prefer the warmer and wildlife-rich months of mid-May to mid-September, Alaska offers unique experiences year-round. Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife.
Request A Free Cruise Guide Modal
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]
The weather starts to cool, and the landscapes begin their transition into fall, offering a different kind of beauty. We can speak to this firsthand, having journeyed through Alaska multiple times and still finding new wonders to explore. A single cruise won’t cover all that Alaska has to offer, but by identifying your top must-see activities and experiences, you’ll be better equipped to select the ideal month for your Alaskan adventure.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska to See the Northern Lights (late September)
With fewer crowds in May, take a step inside Alaska’s finest fisheries and taste fresh king salmon — a local delicacy — as they’re plucked from the cool waters. Revel in the rousing vibrations of May sunlight and lookout for humpback whales as they make their first appearance of the year. Or, explore the outdoors on a peaceful boat tour through deep fjords and enjoy a relaxing train ride up the sweeping mountains. As the driest month of the year, May provides optimal conditions to experience the great outdoors.
The abundance of wildlife in summer creates a captivating spectacle that you won’t want to miss, making it the best time to go on an Alaska cruise. The fall salmon run also attracts bears and other predatory species to the rivers and shorelines, making viewing them from a cruise ship deck much easier. Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and other marine species are also more active during these months.
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean - USA TODAY
Best times to go on a cruise: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The best time to visit Alaska to see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is during the darker months when nights are longer. Although the northern lights can potentially be visible all year, your chances are much better from late September to early October. The Alaskan cruise season runs from May to September, encompassing a period of rapid change in wildlife, weather, pricing, and crowds. A cruise ship offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore this vast and picturesque region, giving you the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
June to August
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. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April.
That said, it is possible but not guaranteed to see them on an Alaska cruise. An Alaska cruise in early April, or late September, close to the fall equinox (September 21), will increase your chances. The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in August
In some areas, it is dark enough to view the northern lights, and autumn also brings a fresh blanket of snow on high mountains. Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure. Check out when is the best time to visit Anchorage and when to visit Fairbanks, as we mentioned about local events and festivals in those biggest Alaska cities.
They can navigate narrower waterways and get closer to shorelines, which allows for enhanced wildlife sightings and access to smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports. Visitors can also explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, which offers dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep fjords that can be explored by boat or floatplane. However, if you’re looking for the best overall weather and want to enjoy a bit of everything Alaska has to offer, late June to early September is ideal.
The area is also renowned for whale watching, with numerous tours available that offer the chance to see humpback and orca whales in their natural habitat. Regardless of the time you choose to cruise Alaska, be sure to pack a pair of binoculars to enhance your whale-watching experience. Alaska food festivals, marathon races, dances, art exhibits, and so much more are offered year-round, but especially during cruise season. Ketchikan holds a Gigglefeet dance festival in late July or early August each year. See local residents show their best moves, then dance to music old and new.
The average July temperature in Juneau is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees. Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June. The 60s can feel downright tropical after winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s.
Choose a longer vacation that lets you soak up the warmer weather that July is known for in Alaska. The Grand Heartland Adventure Cruisetour combines a 7-night Alaska cruise with seven days of touring the inland area of Alaska through Denali National Park and up into Fairbanks. You can also choose tours tailored to your interests during your July cruise.
While layering is advisable for port visits, consider lightweight clothing for active shore excursions like hiking or glacier walking. There’s always a chance of seeing whales from the deck of your cruise ship, but for a closer look and more immersive experience, small boat tours in the ports of call can provide unforgettable encounters. Expert tour guides will share fascinating facts about the different species and whale pods you may come across.
For a cruise-tour option, Princess’ 12-day Denali Explorer itinerary blends five days on land with a weeklong cruise with mini-suite rates from $4,008 per person. Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person, and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s.
If you’re trying to squeeze in one last summer vacation before the kids go back to school and life becomes hectic again, opt for a shorter tour portion of the cruisetour. Experience the wonders of Endicott Arm Fjord and Dawes Glacier on the gorgeous Celebrity Solstice on a June cruise to Alaska. Celebrity Cruises has roundtrip Alaska cruise itineraries that depart from Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, and one-way cruises (northbound and southbound) to and from Seward, Alaska. In addition to the spectacular scenery and rich native wildlife, you’ll also find the ports of call on your Alaska cruise to be welcoming and full of interesting things to see and do. Shoulder season is also the best time to go on an Alaska cruise if you prefer fewer crowds while exploring the historical and cultural aspects of Alaskan cities and towns.
No comments:
Post a Comment