Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890s. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's history here you shouldn't overlook. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.Īn example of an UnCruise itinerary through the Inside Passage and San Juan Islands. 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. You'll find magnificent mountains (often snow-capped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.
Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia - though some itineraries originate in Juneau. The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. Where do Alaska cruises even go? 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. Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska Best Alaska itineraries 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. 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. It also rains a lot in Alaska it's drier in the spring than in the summer. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s.
Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.Īlaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.īy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. 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. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history. Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.
If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dogsled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute - especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.įor cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter. When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.
Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around.