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While on an Alaska cruise y'all can view some of the globe'south most regal scenery, spot astonishing wildlife, taste delicious seafood, and learn about Alaska's history and culture.

Alaska truly is one of those places you have to run across to believe, and a Royal Caribbean cruise is a fantastic way to visit the Last Borderland. Planning a vacation to Alaska ways knowing where you want to visit, what yous want to practise in port, and how to save money along the fashion.

In this comprehensive guide, nosotros're sharing everything you need to know nigh planning an Alaska cruise to ensure you accept the all-time vacation possible and make memories to final a lifetime.

In this guide:

• Alaska prowl ports: Where can I keep an Alaska cruise?
• Visiting glaciers on an Alaska prowl
• Alaska departure ports: Which embarkation city should I cull?
• Best itinerary on an Alaska cruise
• All-time fourth dimension to cruise to Alaska
• Alaska prowl activities: What to exercise in port
• Which Imperial Caribbean ships sheet to Alaska?
• Purple Caribbean Cruisetours: Visit inland Alaska and Canada
• Cost of an Alaska cruise
• What to pack for an Alaska cruise
• When should I book an Alaska prowl?

Alaska cruise ports: Where can I proceed an Alaska cruise?

Cruises to Alaska visit ports primarily along Alaska's Inside Passage, visiting pocket-sized, picturesque towns, some of which are inaccessible by road.

Juneau is the about ordinarily visited Alaska cruise port and state uppercase. Information technology is the largest boondocks visited in Alaska on a cruise and offers the about excursion options of any Alaska port. Activity highlights in Juneau include whale watching, exploring Mendenhall Glacier, and riding the Goldbelt Tramway up Mount Roberts. Don't forget to gustatory modality local seafood, either, with Juneau's king crabs, salmon, and halibut amongst the best in the world.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, the southernmost Alaska cruise port, is a quaint waterfront town surrounded past the Tongass National Forest. The town's gold rush history aslope its Native culture offers a take a chance for visitors to experience Alaska through history.

Walking through Creek Street can requite insights into the boondocks'southward historic red low-cal district, and visiting the Saxman Totem Park provides a lesson on the Native Tlingit peoples' culture and traditions. Kayaking, hiking, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Testify, and walking through downtown are all bully options for a twenty-four hour period in Ketchikan too.

Related: Top x things to practise in Ketchikan, Alaska

Skagway is further north in Alaska'due south Within Passage and, while pocket-size, is filled with Alaska's gold blitz history.

Located on the Lynn Canal, panoramic vistas surround Skagway and the town is a gateway into Canada's Yukon Territory. Many passengers cull to ride the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, taking visitors through a mountain pass one time climbed by those hoping to strike it rich in the golden-rush era.

Others may choose to cross the edge into Canada, kayak the Lynn Canal, or rent a scooter and explore Skagway on their own.

Related: Pinnacle 10 things to do in Skagway, Alaska

Sitka is home to a alloy of American, Tlingit, and Russian influences and was once the capital of Russian Alaska.\

A visit to the Baranof Castle State Historic Site is an option for spending the day in Sitka, which was where the formal transfer ceremony of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place. Strolling along the woods at the Sitka National Historical Park is a popular activity, also, which preserves the site of a battle between the Tlingit people and Russian traders.

Downtown Sitka is a charming place to walk around, where yous can view the city's cultural influences on every street.

Related: Top 10 things to practise in Sitka, Alaska

Icy Strait Point, while less unremarkably visited on an Alaska cruise, offers a chance to get closer with nature in a tranquil environment. The port, most the town of Hoonah, is Alaskan Native endemic-and-operated, founded past the Huna Tlingit Native Alaskans in 2004.

Getting close to nature and wildlife is recommended while in Icy Strait Bespeak, with whale watching and ziplining popular activities to book. Cultural excursions are another option, where guests can learn more than about the Huna Tlingit people through song and dance at Icy Strait Betoken'south Native Heritage Center Theater.

Haines, Alaska is a relatively new port for Royal Caribbean cruises to visit. Located on the mode to Skagway forth the Chilkoot Inlet, Haines is a small-scale port all-around just 1 big prowl ship at a time. Kayaking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are all pop activities in Haines. Flightseeing tours can be booked from Haines to visit sights like Glacier Bay, 1 of the virtually beautiful glaciers in Alaska.

Victoria, British Columbia is a port visited on Alaska cruises departing from Seattle. While in Canada and not Alaska, Victoria still offers an array of landscapes and culture to explore. Visiting the Butchart Gardens is a popular destination in Victoria, where visitors can wander amidst 55 acres of floral display that appointment back to 1904.

Visiting glaciers on an Alaska cruise

Outside of port stops where passengers disembark the ship, Alaska cruises offer scenic cruising days to glaciers forth the Within Passage. Passengers do not disembark the ship on these days. Instead, the ship slowly sails within a view of a glacier, ofttimes completing a 360 degree turn to ensure all guests onboard can have an excellent view of such amazing scenery.

There'southward also the opportunity to spot harbor seals, wolves, brownish bears, and other wild fauna that call these areas home.

Tracy Arm Fjord is another glacier visited on scenic cruising days. The deep, narrow passage of the Tracy Arm Fjord travels over 30 miles alongside the Tongass National Forest, with the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the stop of the passage.

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier will surely print prowl passengers, featuring a breathtaking sail through the Endicott Arm Fjord followed by a panoramic view of Dawes Glacier, a 600 pes alpine, one-half-mile wide agile icecap.

Hubbard Glacier is a glacier commonly visited on an Alaska prowl. Located in Disenchantment Bay, Hubbard Glacier is an amazing sight. The glacier's ice is 400 feet alpine, 76 miles long, and ane,200 anxiety deep.

Depending on your prowl itinerary, in that location may be a chance to volume an excursion on a scenic cruising glacier day. Some glaciers offering a "Wilderness Explorer" excursion, during which passengers disembark the cruise transport and embark a small vessel, allowing them to get up close and personal to glaciers. Be certain to check if this shore excursion is available on your Alaska cruise.

Alaska prowl divergence ports: Which embarkation city should I choose?

Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver on circular-trip 7-dark sailings. Some cruises to Alaska are ane-way only, though, starting in Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska or vice versa. This is to let for pre and post-Cruisetours to Alaska or Canada, allowing guests to experience more than inland destinations similar Denali National Park and Reserve and Banff National Park.

Deciding whether to offset your prowl in Seattle, Vancouver, or Seward is 1 of the first decisions you make when planning an Alaska prowl.

If you're from the United States and take to fly to an Alaska prowl port, flying to Seattle tends to exist cheaper than getting to Vancouver or Seward. A passport isn't necessary when cruising out of Seattle, either, although information technology is recommended.

Sailing from Seattle will likely offering an Alaska cruise vacation on Majestic Caribbean's big ships and is your all-time bet for someone new to the itinerary.

Related: Top 20 tips for planning your Alaska prowl

Cruises departing from Seattle include a stop in Victoria, British Columbia, as the Jones Human activity requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit a foreign port when departing from the United States. Therefore, cruises leaving from Vancouver tend to include more port stops in Alaska itself as there is no legal obligation to finish in Victoria.

Starting your cruise in Seward is recommended for those who plan to travel in the interior of Alaska ahead of time, whether independently or on i of Majestic Caribbean'south organized Cruisetours. One-way Alaska itineraries tend to exist more port-heavy, as well, as there is less distance to cover than on a circular trip sailing.

Smaller ships tend to sail from Vancouver whereas larger ships sheet out of Seattle. This is due to the fact that Quantum Grade ships are unable to fit under Vancouver'southward Lion Gate Bridge outside of a very depression-tide. Therefore, ships like Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas sheet out of Vancouver instead.

All-time itinerary on an Alaska cruise

In that location is no "perfect" itinerary for an Alaska cruise, and i itinerary is not necessarily better than another.

While prowl ports exercise differ in history, local attractions, and size, many ports offering the same blazon of excursions to book. Activities like whale watching, kayaking, nature walks, aureate rush towns, museums, and food tours are bachelor in well-nigh every cruise port.

Also, every Alaska cruise volition sail through the Within Passage, significant you won't miss the country's cute scenery on any itinerary. Ofttimes information technology's just as enjoyable sitting on the pool deck and watching Alaska's scenery pass past as it is to explore the ports you visit!

Existence flexible on an Alaska cruise is important, especially when it comes to your cruise itinerary. Loftier seas and storms can alter your port stops at the terminal minute. Oftentimes another port is visited in identify of your original destination. If this happens, be flexible! You may finish up enjoying the replacement port even more than you would have enjoyed the original itinerary.

Related: How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary

Best time to cruise to Alaska

The Alaska cruise flavour by and large runs from April to October, and each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages. While there is no all-time time to prowl to Alaska, knowing what to await in terms of weather, wildlife, and activities is helpful before booking your cruise or shore excursion.

Read more: How far in advance to book an Alaska cruise

Cruising to Alaska in the early flavor, April and May, brings lower crowds and prices. Wait to see daily temperatures with highs in the mid 50s and lows effectually twoscore degrees. Less rain is expected during the early season, as April, May, and June are among the driest months of the year in Alaska. (However, this is Alaska, then don't forget to pack a rain jacket!). Daylight hours will increase each mean solar day leading up to the summertime solstice, with daylight hours from 4AM to 10PM in late May.

Alaska'due south peak cruise season is from mid-June to August, coinciding with the school vacation schedule. During the summer, visitors tin expect to see the warmest temperatures and most hours of daylight. More crowds are to be expected during the summer, as well, both onboard and in port.

Read more: Top ways to avoid crowds on an Alaska cruise

Making certain you lot book shore excursions early on is important when cruising to Alaska during the peak season to ensure tours do not sell out.

Related: When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

The fall shoulder season in Alaska is during the month of September. Equally days become shorter and temperatures cool downwards, cruise crowds and prices tend to be lower. In fact, September is the cheapest month for an Alaska cruise.

Wild fauna is harder to spot during the autumn and rainier weather is likely. That being said, it'south possible (though not guaranteed) to run into Alaska'due south northern lights in September, which is a plus for those planning an Alaska prowl in the fall.

Related: What information technology's like to go on an Alaska cruise at the terminate of the season

Alaska cruise activities: What to do in port

An Alaska shore excursion will allow yous to explore what each of the ports take to offer, including taking in the natural beauty of this office of the world.

Alaska cruises tend to favor outdoor activities, whether getting agile on a hike or taking a relaxing canoe ride down a river. Exploring the state's mountains, glaciers, trails, and lakes is a fantastic way to spend a 24-hour interval in port, although choosing the best tour to volume can be a tough decision.

Related: Best things to do on an Alaska cruise

Whale watching tours are ane of the near popular shore excursions to book on an Alaskan cruise, as many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on Earth. A diversity of whales are able to be spotted on an Alaska prowl, including greyness whales, killer whales (orcas), and humpback whales.

Certain ports, such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point, tend to offer better whale watching opportunities than other Alaska cruise ports. Be sure to read our whale watching guide before booking your whale watching excursion to ensure yous book it at the right port and time of year.

Visiting glaciers is another recommended activity on an Alaska prowl. Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is the about easily accessible glacier for prowl passengers, where visitors can view the glacier from easy walking trails and visit the Nugget Falls waterfall. Most cruise itineraries to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day at a glacier too, such as Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier.

Related: Visiting Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau

Active cruisers volition enjoy kayaking through Alaska's fjords and lakes, hiking on glaciers, and biking through the rainforest. Magnificent scenery can be viewed on twenty-four hours hikes up Alaska'due south dramatic mountain peaks or when paddling a kayak near glaciers.

Beast lovers are in luck on an Alaska cruise, too, as they can choose from a plethora of wild fauna-viewing excursions. Outside of whale watching tours, cruisers can visit the Fortress of the Bear to notice Alaska'due south black bears, the Sitka Raptor Center to learn nearly the state's birds of prey, and wild fauna cruises during which seals, sea otters, salmon, and bald eagles may be spotted. Dog lovers will enjoy learning about dog mushing, Alaska's country sport, and go domestic dog sledding on height of a glacier!

Related: What is the all-time fourth dimension of yr to see wild animals in Alaska?

Other pop circuit options on an Alaska cruise include:

• Salmon bakes
• Cultural tours to learn nigh Alaska's Native Tlingit people
• Ziplining through the rainforest
• Rafting
• Line-fishing
• Walking around celebrated towns
• Relaxing at restaurants and saloons

Read more: Where to eat similar a local on your Alaska cruise

Which Majestic Caribbean ships sail to Alaska?

Royal Caribbean sends iv-five cruise ships to Alaska each summer, with each ship offer a different layout, amenities, dining options, amusement, and stateroom options. Some of Royal Caribbean's smallest and largest cruise ships sail to Alaska, so information technology'due south important to consider which send works all-time for you lot before booking an Alaska cruise.

The following ships will sail to Alaska in 2022 and 2023:

• Ovation of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Quantum of the Seas (Quantum Class)
• Radiance of the Seas (Radiance Form)
• Serenade of the Seas (Radiance Class)
• Enchantment of the Seas (Vision Class - 2023 only)

Both the most technologically advanced, big Quantum Course ships and the smaller, more than traditional Radiance and Vision Class ships will offering a wonderful Alaska cruise experience.

Related: Comparing the Royal Caribbean area ships sailing to Alaska in 2022 and 2023

Most ships Royal Caribbean sends to Alaska offer plenty of indoor features, significant the ship can be enjoyed in all types of weather. From each ship'due south enclosed, temperature-controlled Solariums to the indoor pools on Quantum Class ships, guests tin can savour their transport even in the chilliest of temperatures.

Quantum Course ships can be a great selection for families, as they feature the SeaPlex, an indoor sports courtroom and arcade where guests can enjoy activities like bumper cars, circus school, rollerblading, basketball, volleyball, and more. They also feature RipCord past iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the N Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above ocean level.

Vision and Radiance Class ships offer a more traditional cruising experience. While there are still activities for guests of all ages onboard, there are less options overall for dining, staterooms, amusement, etc. Smaller cruise ships offering more than itinerary options in Alaska, though, visiting destinations such as Haines, Icy Strait Point, and Hubbard Glacier.

Related: What'southward the divergence between a big and small cruise ship?

Like whatsoever prowl ship, at that place may exist a better ship option for your family depending on what you are looking to practise and experience as part of your holiday.

Most people going on an Alaska prowl are most interested in the destinations, with the transport choice a secondary consideration. Given the long hours spent in port, having a ton of activities or whizz-bang features may not be as important.

However, families with kids are ever going to appreciate having more options available to them, especially on ocean days.

Royal Caribbean Cruisetours: Visit inland Alaska and Canada

In addition to a 7-nighttime Alaska cruise, you can extend your trip with a country-based tour.

Known equally pre or post-sailing Cruisetours, these extended trips can range betwixt 9 and thirteen nights, including the 7-nighttime prowl. These land tours are arguably the all-time mode to see Alaska'south interior and the about popular destinations.

Highlights of a Cruisetour include visiting Alaska'south biggest city of Anchorage, going dorsum in time at a former aureate mining boomtown, traveling by train on the scenic Wilderness Express, or marveling at the unbelievably loftier mountain peaks of Denali National Park.

Cruisetours in Canada are also offered, which feature a comfortable overnight train ride through the Rocky Mountains and visits to Jasper and Banff National Parks, including an overnight stay at Lake Louise.

While Alaska'due south Inside Passage provides monumental views of Alaska'south fjords, glaciers, and mountains,  cruisetours offer the opportunity to see more of Alaska or Canada, which you tin can book before or after your i-mode cruise in Alaska.

Cost of an Alaska cruise

Your budget for an Alaska cruise can affect your ship pick, sailing engagement, stateroom category, excursion options, and onboard add-ons. Knowing how much Alaska cruises cost in accelerate is helpful to ensure you can upkeep and save for such an incredible holiday.

Related: How much does an Alaska cruise toll?

There is no set up price for an Alaska prowl. Prowl fares are dynamic, with prices constantly shifting based on demand. The shoulder seasons of May and September volition meet the lowest prices whereas June, July, and Baronial come across the highest cruise fares.

A 7-night cruise for 2 adults in an oceanview stateroom on Serenade of the Seas in July may be around $2200 whereas the same cruise in September tin can exist around $1600. Newer ships, such as Ovation of the Seas, will often be priced $300-500 more than expensive than smaller ships on a similar itinerary.

Related: 45 ways to salve money on a Royal Caribbean cruise

Newer cruise ships have more than balcony staterooms available, though, and then balcony staterooms on ships like Breakthrough of the Seas are not commonly significantly more expensive than interior or oceanview cabins. As smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas take far fewer balconies available, booking a balcony stateroom on a small transport can be much more expensive than other cabins.

Shore excursion prices tin quickly add up while on an Alaska prowl. While booking early on will help lock in a low cost, some Alaska shore excursions are simply more than expensive than others. Activities like helicopter tours, luxury whale watching, and dogsledding tin can easily cost a few hundred dollars per person.

Luckily, there are enough of ways to salvage coin in port. Royal Caribbean offers more than budget-friendly excursions that notwithstanding take you to some amazing destinations. Every bit an instance, a wildlife safari and bear viewing tour in Haines will run around $89 per adult, whereas a ride on the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway is around $100 per person.

Exploring ports through independent tour operators or on your own is another option. All Alaska cruise ports take complimentary attractions and nature activities correct virtually where the ship docks, and then it's non always necessary to book an excursion.

Related: 5 quick and easy tips for finding a great shore excursion on your own

What to pack for an Alaska cruise

Packing for an Alaska prowl does not take to be stressful. A flake of inquiry and training will become you far when deciding what to bring on an Alaska cruise.

Your Alaska cruise packing list should focus on layers, as the weather can change apace… and several times per day!

Having the following layers is recommended, particularly on port days:

• Base layer: t-shirt, jeans, yoga pants
• Warm layer: fleece, downwards jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt
• Waterproof layer: thin waterproof jacket

Those cruising to Alaska in the acme of summer may find the weather surprisingly warm, making it comfortable to wearable just a t-shirt during the 24-hour interval. Those cruising in the shoulder seasons, on the other hand, volition want to make sure they accept warm layers in case of choppy weather.

Water-resistant shoes are likewise a must, as many excursions accept guests through hiking trails or about lakes and streams. In addition, water-resistant shoes can be a lot more comfortable and warm on rainy days in port.

Other accessories, such as binoculars and cameras, are nice to have as well, whether when on an circuit or watching scenery from onboard the cruise ship.

When should I book an Alaska cruise?

Booking your prowl in advance is always a good idea, but Alaska cruises are so popular that you lot actually need to book early to get the prices. Ideally, if you can book your prowl at least 12 months in advance, you lot will likely get some of the best prices.

In fact, when Royal Caribbean area announces new Alaska itineraries is the best time to volume. Imperial Caribbean most e'er announces new Alaska cruises in late Nov for the season to come in two years.

If you want to book a balustrade or suite, then booking early becomes even more than important. Since so many people value a private balcony on Alaska cruises, demand for these categories is fifty-fifty college than on Caribbean or European itineraries.

The aforementioned tin can exist said for booking shore excursions, too. Booking shore excursions early ensures you can pay the lowest price possible and reserve a spot on a bout on the chance it sells out.

Related: When should I book my Alaska shore excursion?

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