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Some adventurous cruisers will board ships when they arrive in Alaska in April to see the remnants of winter. A few big ships cruise into mid-October for those who want a peek at what life is like in Alaska towns when all the other tourists have returned home. 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). Wetter weather often sets in during the month of July, getting progressively wetter going into autumn.
Whales: Peak Migration and Feeding Times
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. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing?
Ketchikan and Juneau, two major ports, are located in a rainforest, so some rain is expected. June, July, and August are the driest months, but packing a rain jacket is always recommended. Alaska is a realm where nature’s grandeur is on full display, where wildlife roams free, and where cultures of the past and present intertwine. Whether you’re gazing at the mesmerizing Northern Lights, watching a humpback whale breach, or merely soaking in the ethereal beauty of the glaciers, Alaska promises memories that last a lifetime. And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best time for Alaska cruise adventures!
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
What Is The Best Time of Year to Go On An Alaska Cruise?
Temperatures in Alaska can change considerably from one destination to the next. That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. While you might not be sunning yourself to a stunning shade of bronze on an Alaska cruise, you and everyone on board will want to take in the scenery. That makes having your own balcony a prime piece of real estate, especially near Denali National Park, portions of the Inside Passage or Tracy Arm Fjord.
You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of getting rained or snowed on during excursions. You’ll be very happy if you purchase a quality raincoat and pack clothing you can add or remove in layers. Locals typically call the months of April and May “break-up” because the snow and ice begin to break apart and melt after the long winter. In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports.
Alaska Cruise Weather in June
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is operating roundtrip Vancouver sailings, bringing onboard topflight lecturers ranging from adventure traveler Bear Grylls to undersea archaeologist Mensun Bound on select voyages. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.
Alaska Cruise Weather (Month by Month Guide)
But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. If you are hoping to travel during peak Alaskan cruise season (July and August), you should plan on booking your Alaskan cruise at least one year in advance. The farther in advance you can book your Alaskan cruise, the more options you will have for cruise dates, itineraries, and cabin amenities. Cruising to Alaska in September has many benefits of the peak season (milder weather and good wildlife viewing) with less expensive prices and fewer tourists.
When it comes to transportation and accommodation, you’ll experience luxurious glass-domed trains and stay in high-end hotels and lodges. Aim for the week right after school ends or the week before school begins if you’d like to get there just ahead of the most crowded part of peak season. A cruise to Alaska is an unforgettable summer family vacation experience your kids will cherish forever. If you have a flexible travel schedule and don’t have a specific stateroom in mind, consider visiting Alaska during shoulder season. Gray whales are also more commonly spotted earlier in the season, while blue whales are more likely to be seen during July and August cruises.
Additionally, adventure lovers can enjoy activities like zip-lining through the lush forests or kayaking among icebergs. Every port in Alaska has something special to offer, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. You may be able to find some deals towards mid-August, but expect full fares for the most part. Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.
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. Many of Alaska’s most popular activities can be done anytime from May through September, depending on the port of call. The tour portion can be anywhere from two to six nights long and take you deep into the Alaskan wilderness, where you’ll explore small mountain towns and Denali National Park and Preserve. To explore even more of the natural wonders of Alaska, consider a cruisetour. A cruisetour is a vacation that combines a full-length cruise (seven nights or longer) with an escorted tour on land before or after the cruise.
The Alaska cruise season begins in mid-May, but it doesn’t reach full swing until after Memorial Day. Sailings departing earlier in the season will less frequently be sharing berth space in port with numerous other ships, meaning that crowds in the ports will be somewhat lighter. The best time to cruise Alaska is in May or June, at the beginning of the cruise season. 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.
Ah, the allure of the shoulder season—a time when Alaska begins to show a different side of its beauty, and savvy travelers might just discover their own slice of paradise. On either end of your sailing, you can tour on your own or book a cruise tour that combines a cruise and a land tour, which usually runs three to seven nights. If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s.
Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, Although the weather will likely include more rain, you have a better chance of viewing the Northern Lights, which might outweigh this drawback.
This site focuses on small-format cruises and ship-within-a-ship concepts on large cruise ships, including special cruise experiences you can enjoy during your next vacation. If having the highest chance of warm temperatures and sunny days is important to you, cruising to Alaska in the peak summer months is your best bet. You will see plenty of wildlife during your Alaska cruise throughout the cruise season, including whale watching, sea lions, bears, & birds.
If you prefer to get off-the-beaten-track and travel with smaller groups, a wide array of small ship cruise companies offer more intimate cruises catering to adventure and luxury travelers. Alaska’s cruise ports, each with its own distinctive charm, serve as gateways to the state’s unparalleled wilderness and rich history. Here’s a seasonal snapshot of the top ports to help you decide when and where to dock. As we journey into the heart of the Alaskan cruising season, you’ll quickly realize why these months are the most coveted.
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. If you’re ready to book your Alaska cruise, browse itineraries, view stateroom and suite categories, choose which shore excursions you want to do, and even book your airfare all in one convenient place. The Denali Express Cruisetour includes a 7-night sailing with three days of touring up to Denali National Park and back down to Seward. If you have a more flexible schedule, book the optional tour to see the Northern Lights from Fairbanks during your August cruise.
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