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Sit in a bar and talk to the locals as they prepare for the long winter ahead. July and August are also spawning season for salmon, so you might spot grizzlies and brown bears near rivers and streams. Temperatures will be in the 60s, sometimes higher — you might even see 80s in Juneau in July.
Nesting Eagles
Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. The Alaska cruise season winds down in October, with only a few ships setting sail.
Alaskan Cruise in August (and early September) –
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]
This period also seems to have longer daylight hours than earlier stretches. This means you have more time to stroll the deck of your ship and look out onto Alaska’s stunning landscapes and glaciers. The best time to book an Alaskan cruise is the months between April and September. If you think this is a long stretch to be deemed “the best” time to book a cruise in Alaska, you are not wrong, but there is a reason for this. This is also when you’ll be able to find most of the cruise itineraries. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer.
Alaska Cruise in April: Fewer Rainy Days When You Visit Alaska in April
If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers. It does get dark enough at night to see them by the second week of September, but it's still not as brilliant as what you’ll see on a winter, land-based Alaska aurora viewing vacation. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you.
Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do
On top of that, during the late summer and early fall, you will have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in all of their glory. One of the main advantages of cruising Alaska during the later summer months is the milder temperatures and more predictable weather. During these peak months of the Alaskan summer, daytime temperatures range between 50 and 60 °F, with some days reaching as high as 90 °F. For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
My advice is to pack plenty of warm (and waterproof) layers, expect the unexpected, and find joy in whatever experience you get. 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. While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s.
Alaska cruises are popular with multi-generational groups, and as such, North American school schedules tend to dictate pricing peaks. Price-conscious travelers will generally find price breaks before Memorial Day or after mid-August, when schools in many parts of the country will be in session. July and August can be extremely busy months for the Alaska cruise industry. With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness. 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.
The Best Time to Cruise in Alaska
Alaska has humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, and a small population of belugas. Though it’s species-dependent, the best time to go whale watching in Alaska is in high summer, when the days are long and the feeding is plentiful. And it all depends on what species you intend to see—humpbacks are in the area year-round, while others like gray whales migrate to Alaska in summer.
Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook.
Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. 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. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear.
After all, in addition to figuring out how to respond if you encounter a moose, you’re also worried about the weather and which month would be best to plan your trip. The cruise season in Alaska is short (just May-September), but what this state lacks in winter tours it makes up for in stunning summer vistas, exciting wildlife and a travelogue of iconic land excursions. Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have.
On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above. 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. Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours.
You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line. 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.
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