What To Know About Alaska Cruises
Alaska | Skagway | Ketchikan
An Alaska cruise is one of those trips that really does live up to the hype. The scenery is incredible, wildlife is everywhere, and each port gives you a completely different way to experience Alaska.
I returned to Alaska this year for my second visit, and it reinforced just how many ways there are to experience Alaska.
Planning an Alaska cruise can be surprisingly complicated. Many itineraries look similar, with some combination of Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Sitka, along with a day of glacier viewing. But there are important differences between the routes, ships, cruise lines and experiences they offer.
That's where I can help. I know what to compare and which questions to ask to narrow down the options based on what matters most to you. Here are a few of the things I consider when helping my clients plan an Alaska cruise.
Roundtrip or One-Way?
One of the first decisions is whether you want a roundtrip Alaska cruise, typically from Seattle or Vancouver, or a one-way cruise between Vancouver and Alaska.
Roundtrip cruises are easy. You fly into and out of the same city, spend seven nights cruising, and head home.
A one-way itinerary can be a great choice if you want to see more of Alaska. These cruises typically sail between Vancouver and Seward or Whittier, giving you the opportunity to add time on land before or after your cruise. That could include Denali National Park, the Alaska Railroad, Anchorage or the Kenai Peninsula.
If Alaska is a bucket-list trip and you have the time, adding time on land before or after you cruise to visit Denali State Park can give you a full complete Alaska experience.
Pay Attention to the Glacier Experience
Not every Alaska cruise itinerary offers the same glacier experience.
Glacier Bay National Park is one of the most sought-after destinations on an Alaska cruise, and only a limited number of cruise ships are permitted to enter. But there are other amazing glacier viewing opportunities including Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier.
Each offers something different, and weather and ice conditions can affect how close your ship is able to get. Two cruises can visit many of the same ports but offer very different glacier experiences, so this is one of the first things I compare when narrowing down Alaska cruise options for my clients.
The Ship Matters
Alaska cruise lines offer everything from large ships carrying several thousand passengers to smaller ships carrying only a few hundred.
Larger ships can be a great choice for families or multigenerational groups, with more restaurants, entertainment and activities onboard. Smaller ships offer a different experience, with fewer guests, and depending on the itinerary you may have access to smaller ports which the larger ships can't access.
There isn't one ship that's right for everyone. The important part is matching the ship to how you actually like to travel. I look at the itinerary, ship size, onboard experience, what's included and what you want to do in Alaska when comparing the options.
Don't Choose Based on Price Alone
When comparing Alaska cruises, make sure you're looking at what is actually included in the cruise fare.
A lower fare may not include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities or excursions, while another cruise may include many of those things. Alaska cruise excursions are also an important part of the overall trip, and some cruise lines include these experiences.
I help my clients compare the full picture so we're looking at the actual value of each option, not simply which cruise has the lowest starting price.
Is a Balcony Worth It on an Alaska Cruise?
This is one destination where I think a balcony is worth the upgrade.
There is scenery throughout the cruise, not just when you're in port. Having your own outdoor space gives you another place to watch for whales and take in the mountains as you sail.
That said, I would rather choose the right itinerary and ship than sacrifice those things just to get a balcony. It's important to make sure I understand the priorities of each client, and where it makes sense to focus based on the budget.
When Is the Best Time to Cruise Alaska?
The Alaska cruise season runs from May through September, and there are advantages to different times of the season.
May and September can bring lower pricing and fewer crowds but also cooler temperatures and less predictable weather. June has incredibly long daylight hours, while July and August generally offer the warmest temperatures and are popular with families traveling during summer break.
There isn't one perfect month or one best time to cruise Alaska. The right timing depends on your priorities, schedule, and what you want to experience while you're there.
Don't Forget About Alaska Cruise Excursions
What you do off the ship can end up being some of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Depending on the port, you might take a helicopter to a glacier, go whale watching, kayak, fish for salmon, take a floatplane over the wilderness, look for bears, or ride the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway.
I rode the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway during my Alaska trip this year, and the scenery was incredible. There are many different options in each port, and I share port guides with my clients with highlights and recommendations.
Finding the Best Alaska Cruise for You
The right choice depends on what you want to see, how you like to travel, and your overall budget for the trip.
That's why I look at the entire vacation when helping my clients choose an Alaska cruise. This includes the cruise line, itinerary, excursions and opportunities to explore Alaska before or after the cruise.
If an Alaska cruise is on your list, I'd love to help! At JFord Travel, we help you sort through the options, make the most of your budget, and find the Alaska cruise that's the right fit for you.
Alaska, Hubbard Glacier