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However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. If you want to avoid the cooler temperatures and potential for rain, you may want to choose the late summer to early fall. With that in mind, recognize that you may have to contend with larger crowds and the dreaded Alaskan mosquito swarms. While late spring and early summer might offer pleasant weather in the lower American states, Alaska’s far north latitude means that temperatures are still cooler. If you choose to cruise Alaska during this time, bring water-resistant clothing and plenty of warm layers.
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Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights - TheTravel
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
For a lot of cruisers, mid-June through mid-July is the peak season, because of optimum weather and daylight. 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. 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. Not to mention you’ll have a better chance of seeing humpback whales, king salmon, bears, moose, and bald eagles.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in August
Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.
Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway
Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. 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. Welcome to High Seas Cruising, your resource for exploring the exciting world of cruise ship travel.
Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible. After the Summer Solstice in June, Alaska begins losing daylight with each passing day. While the days are still longer than those in the Lower 48, they are getting slightly shorter throughout July. 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.
Yet, their size limits access to smaller Alaskan ports, which can constrain the range of direct exploration. Also, the large number of passengers can lead to a less personalized experience. However, small ships typically have fewer amenities compared to larger vessels and may experience more motion in rough seas, which could be a concern for those prone to seasickness. On an Alaskan cruise, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the grandeur of these massive glaciers.
Best Alaska cruise ports
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. On Winter Solstice (December 21 or 22), the state breaks out of its winter hibernation and begins gaining a few minutes of sunlight each day. By the time Summer Solstice occurs (June 20,21, or 22), travelers to Juneau, Alaska, a common port, will experience a day with 19 hours of sunlight. For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. Offered by Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, fishing excursions that allow guests to have their catch prepared and served to them onboard the ship also sell quickly.
A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises - AARP
A Comprehensive Guide to Alaska Cruises.
Posted: Mon, 21 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Best Time Of Year For Glacier Calving
The warming weather allows cruise ships to travel through the Arctic waters providing unique opportunities for passengers. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season. If the Northern Lights experience is high on your Alaska bucket list, consider a September cruise with more dark nighttime hours and increased solar activity. Here you’ll find remote islands dappled with stately spruce trees, dreamy fields of pink fireweed, and long stretches of undisturbed, rocky beaches. But if you motor a bit further, there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by electric-blue icebergs, dizzying fjords, and dramatic, millennia-old glaciers.
First Time Cruisers
With smaller crowds and more manageable attractions, you can fully immerse yourself in the Alaskan experience without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. During the shoulder season, you can often find attractive deals on Alaskan cruises, as there are fewer families traveling due to school being in session. Additionally, many passengers prefer the warmer summer weather for their Alaskan vacation. If you’re looking to explore Alaska without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season, consider traveling during the shoulder season, which includes the months of May and September.
Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage.
There are definite ebbs and flows to demand and crowds in the ports you will visit depending on which month you sail. It is hard to top the majestic beauty of rugged glaciers, plethora of unique animal sightings, or huge mountains. Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. 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.
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