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You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times. If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views. Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town.
Best Time For Avoiding Tourist Crowds In Alaska
Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. September offers the best possibility for cruisers to catch the Northern Lights in Alaska. They are generally visible across the state, so any itinerary will likely do, though you'll have the best show in less populated areas like Denali National Park.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in August
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. 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. To prepare for all conditions, you should plan for temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s, both on and off ship.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska to See the Northern Lights (late September)
Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising to Alaska. Most whale watching tours will guarantee a whale sighting, but they won’t tell you what types of whales you will see or how many. In April/May kids are usually still in school, and they are usually back to school by September. The number of families and kids will of course also vary based on the cruise line and cruise ship you choose. Popular mega-ships from brands like Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean will inevitably have more families onboard. As we mentioned above, the expedition ships that sail in Alaska are really the best way to experience what Alaska has to uniquely offer.
6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy
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If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point. The truth is that both of these stretches can allow for an exciting and memorable experience. You must remember that Alaska is a rugged landscape that poses countless challenges for human life, so these cruises will never be as tranquil as a tropical cruise. Alaska is often considered the last American frontier due to its pristine and seemingly endless natural landscapes.
Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. Weather can get fairly warm in June, July, and August, which can make port days more comfortable.
Expedition Cruises: Get Up-Close-and-Personal With Nature
The Best Times to Visit Alaska for Bear Spotting, National Parks, and More - Travel + Leisure
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During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food. The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. Another reason June is a great month for an Alaska cruise is that the ports are in full swing. The peak season for Alaska tourism starts in June, and the ports are buzzing with activity.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list. Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. On dry land, bears are more common in May, though not as frequently spotted as they are in peak summer.
When’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?
The advantage of small ships is that they're more nimble than big ships, putting destinations like the Alaska Native village of Kake, the Wrangell Narrows and other tiny inlets within reach. In other words, Alaska can be one of the more affordable bucket-list destinations to reach by ship, especially when compared to other remote cruise destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos. May is one of the driest months in the Inside Passage, but you may still find snow on the ground (which is great for scenic photos, but less ideal for hiking). Your overall best bet for whale watching in Alaska is May through September. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, travel guides, and more.
The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June. That being said, traveling anytime during cruise season will offer epic views of landscape and wildlife, no matter where you travel. Planning to take advantage of Alaska’s rugged terrain and untamed hiking paths? With so much to see, you’ll want a lot of daylight to maximize your time spent ashore. Days in Alaska are longest throughout the month of June, sometimes reaching close to 20 hours of sunlight. That’s plenty of light to explore the vast seaside plains, glacier-dotted bays, lush alpine forests, and misty mountain-flanked fjords you’ll encounter while traveling from one incredible port to another.
Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle.
The abundance of wildlife in summer creates a captivating spectacle that you won’t want to miss, making it the best time to go on an Alaska cruise. Well, there are certain times of the Alaska cruise season that are preferred if you would like to avoid crowds. The busiest time of year for cruises to Alaska usually coincides with warmer weather and summer break. There are only a few places in the world where you can see the aurora borealis. Fairbanks, Alaska happens to be one of the greatest spots to catch them. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is in September when the sun sets earlier, yielding darker skies that are ideal for witnessing the aerial lightshow.
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