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It’s not uncommon to wake up to a hot sunny day, only to find it cold and raining 10 minutes later. Alaska is one of those destinations where any time you go, you won’t be disappointed. I traveled there in both early June and mid-July and nothing about either trip was predictable.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
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. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall. The lush green forests transition into vibrant hues of gold and saffron while the mountaintops become freckled in snowfall. Daylight quietly recedes and the growing twilight perfectly contrasts the luminous green lights of the Aurora Borealis. The enchanting colors invite you to marvel at the miracles of Mother Nature that so often act as the inspiration for treasured postcards.
When is the Best Time of Year to Cruise to Alaska?
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Weather
Add high-powered binoculars to your Alaska packing list to ensure that you get to see all of the wildlife possible. In August, the wildlife can sense that winter is on its way, and activity picks up to prepare for the months of cold, snow, and darkness. July is filled with opportunities to see the stunning wildlife of Alaska while enjoying milder temperatures. Although it is getting darker earlier, solar activity is not at its peak in the summer, so your chances of viewing the Northern Lights in July are slim to none.
Must Pack Items For Any Cruise
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]
The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. Alaska has become a hot spot for multigenerational family travel, with grandparents taking their kids and grandkids of all ages on a memory-making holiday. Princess Cruises is a line that offers something for everyone, and its Alaska-based Discovery Princess is our top choice for family reunion groups. June is one of the best months for wildlife sightings, with caribou, black bears, mountain goats, moose calves, and even polar bears out and about. The Alaska cruise temperature is warmer in June, with lows of 45 and highs in the low 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to pack insect repellant when you visit Alaska in June, as mosquitos and other insects can become a nuisance.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year for an Alaskan Cruise
Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. As the summer sun peaks over the snow-capped mountains, beloved wildlife reawaken from their winter slumber and the Great Land comes to life. This breath of fresh air yields longer days and more time to explore forested canopies and coastal waterways. In fact, June brings maximal daylight with over 18 hours of golden sunshine in the Southeast and Inside Passage regions.
Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska
If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. While gray whales are active in Alaskan waters during the early spring, most species, including belugas, orcas, humpback whales, and blue whales, peak between May and September. This partially explains why this stretch is much busier than other times of year for tourism in Alaska. If you’re hoping to spot some famous Alaska wildlife, you have the highest chances in late summer and early fall. Toward the end of summer and early fall, bears are highly active as they prepare for winter hibernation.
Visiting Grand Cayman Island on a Cruise: Things To Do In Port
With that in mind, Alaska is still a dynamic destination—no one snapshot of time during the year is guaranteed to encompass all this state has to offer. These months are also incredibly popular times for Alaskan cruises, which is why there is some debate over which period is the best between the two. Given the warmer temperatures of July and August, many people who want to avoid the cold will choose to book during these months. 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 worst months to cruise to Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle. Ashton Palmer is a Seattle-based T+L A-List travel advisor who specializes in expedition cruises. The ship's captain has the flexibility to seek out the best remote islands and bays for beachcombing, tide pooling, hiking and kayaking adventures. If you're looking to get away from the mega-cruise-ship crowds, the best Alaska cruise for you might be with Lindblad Expeditions.
With only 12 hours of sunlight, temperatures range from around 43 degrees to the mid-50s. These new, cooler climates encourage Alaska’s famed wildlife to begin preparing for hibernation. Gaze at the water’s surface as thousands of bald eagles congregate to enjoy the final salmon of the season.
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. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. Ice calving is both a thunderous warning of climate change and an incredible phenomenon to behold. The best time to view artic-blue ice plunge into the sea is during the warmest months of June, July, and August at active glaciers. Winter, when nights are long, dark, and clear, is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.
In May and June, the days will be at their longest, the weather (although still unpredictable) will generally be its sunniest and driest, and the range of excursions and options at their most plentiful. Weather typically ranges from the 30s to a high of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Breathe in the tranquility of the shoulder season when you sail to Alaska in May or September. With fewer crowds in May, take a step inside Alaska’s finest fisheries and taste fresh king salmon — a local delicacy — as they’re plucked from the cool waters. Revel in the rousing vibrations of May sunlight and lookout for humpback whales as they make their first appearance of the year.
Here are some quick tips to help you increase the odds of seeing whales during your cruise. Down south, the waters around the southwestern and southcentral regions of Alaska teem with ships visiting Kodiak Island, the Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound and Katmai National Park. October is one of the wettest months in Alaska, so prepare for low clouds and rain. Alaska weather in October is manageable if you pack the right gear and protective clothing. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy.
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