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Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. 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.
Best Alaska Cruise For Families: Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder
The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on 14- to 19-day Alaskan voyages between May and September. The storied Cunard cruise line, with more than 180 years of seafaring history, returned to Alaska after nearly 30 years when it arrived back in the Great Land in 2019. In addition to more than 140 shore experiences that immerse guests into this magical destination, Cunard invites explorers, travel writers and locals onboard to share their passions and knowledge. The cruise line takes inspiration from Alaska with special local dishes served in its onboard restaurants, and the return of the Ice White Ball, a formal gala affair with a glacial twist.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Passengers can take part in a variety of activities, including cooking courses and duty-free shopping, or simply rest at the spa. The Lotus Spa, a fitness center, and a sports deck round out some of the other onboard featurs. Don’t forget to take a stroll on the SeaWalk — a glass-paneled promenade that reaches 28 feet over the ship’s edge – while on board. There are also various clubs, lounges, and theaters on the Majestic Princess. The cruise line’s flagship, the Oceania Regatta, is known for its visits to Alaska.
Majestic Princess
Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes, imposing glaciers and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness.
In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve massive icebergs. Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.
The time of year always comes into play when talking about the best Alaska cruise. Cruise lines have been extending their operating dates, now offering Alaska cruises from as early as mid-April to as late as mid-October. Note that those April and October cruises are outside of the seasonal summer travel season and may not have as many shore excursions or transportation options.
9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines - TravelAwaits
9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines.
Posted: Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
When to book an Alaska cruise
Cruisers love the diverse assortment of dining options at the nine onboard restaurants. Tamarind, the ship’s signature restaurant, features diverse fare from Asia. The Greenhouse Spa & Salon and the BBC Earth in Concert event are available during the day. Two swimming pools and sports courts are available for those seeking more active pursuits. You get to cruise with confidence with the trusted Celebrity name, and past cruisers rave about the quality of the entertainment and graciousness of the staff.
This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.
Oceania Cruises is one company that makes our list of best cruise lines for Alaska in the midsized ship category. Personalized service and gourmet dining without extra fees are two of the popular reasons people choose this line. Ships carry between 700 and 1,300 passengers in spacious, well-appointed suites and have port-intensive itineraries. We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.
The biggest attraction is a gondola ride to the top of 2,300-foot Mt. Alyeska, where you can get stunning views of Turnagain Arm. Other excursions include hiking, mountain biking, dog mushing or glacier trekking. The go-go-go pace might have you putting luggage outside your doors at 6 a.m., leaving the hotel an hour later and not arriving at the next destination until the evening. Here are eight things you need to know about the best Alaska cruise tours ...
At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure. Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. The cost of an Alaskan cruise can vary greatly depending on your itinerary, length of trip, cruise line, and a number of other factors. The good news is there are so many options for travelers that you should be able to find a great trip that fits your budget.
A longer cruise tour can also take you to the Kenai Peninsula, where you'll spend a night or two in a wilderness lodge or at the famed Alyeska Resort, or you might extend your trip into the Yukon instead. There are several choices when it comes to your itinerary's length of time, ranging anywhere from three to 18 days. The most basic (and shortest) Alaska cruise tours usually run directly between your ship and Denali National Park, where you'll have a day or two to explore; these typically include a stay in Fairbanks or Anchorage. For solo cruise travelers, paying double for single occupancy can become expensive. There are ship accommodations with certain cruise lines that are specifically tailored for this class of passenger.
Go salmon fishing in Juneau, explore the Klondike Highway by bike in Skagway, or see a Native dance performance in Ketchikan. Cruisers can choose from 11 eating options when hunger hits, ranging from the informal New York Pizza & Deli to the more upscale Pinnacle Grill steakhouse. Cabin categories on the ship consist of Interior and Ocean View cabins with sizes ranging from 151 to 231 square feet, as well as Verandah accommodations. Guests love the stunning “piazza-style” Atrium and the spectacular views available from the glass floors of the SeaWalk. On board, you can relax in The Sanctuary, a serene retreat for adults only, or watch the WaterColor Fantasy light and water show.
Visit the salon for a Fire and Ice Manicure and Pedicure, which combines therapeutic cooling gels and hot stone massage. The beds have high-quality linens, and room service is available 24-hours. Even if you are staying in an interior room, you don’t have to miss out on any views because the rooms “virtual balconies” that give you real time views of the passing mountains and glaciers.
