Alaska basks in gorgeous 24-hour daylight during two months of the year surrounding the summer solstice. This is when Alaska residents get their outdoor activities in, including 2:00 am hikes, dog walks, and beach volleyball. Mid-May through mid-July are the best months to cruise to Alaska to soak in the midnight sun.
What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?
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. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.
What month can you see the northern lights on Alaskan cruise?
The best time to see the aurora borealis in Alaska is from August 21 to April 21. We call it the Aurora Season. So yes, there are some very lucky cruise passengers who will see the northern lights in the Inside Passage late in the summer and fall, but don't bank on it.
What is the average cost of a 7 day Alaska cruise?
A typical 7-day Alaska vacation costs around $3000 per person—a little over $400 per day. Here's an average breakdown, based upon our analysis of hundreds of actual itineraries.
Which is the best side of a cruise ship to be on Alaska?
starboard sideNorthbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.
What are the nicest months in Alaska?
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. You'll experience temperatures in the 60's to low 70's, 16–24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing.
How far in advance should I book a cruise to Alaska?
6-12 monthsA General Rule to FollowIf possible, you want to book early on any cruise vacation. A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance. This is especially true for an Alaska cruise with its short season of May – September.
How many days is best for an Alaskan cruise?
10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.
What is the best weather for Alaska cruise?
The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it's warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall.
What is the weather like on a cruise to Alaska in September?
Alaska Cruise Weather in SeptemberSeptember is one of the last months of the cruise season in Alaska and it is also one of the coldest, with temperatures staying in the low to high forties on average. As the month advances, the temperatures drop lower and lower, and the nights and early mornings can be bitterly cold.
What time of year is good for an Alaskan cruise?
Do you need a passport for an Alaskan cruise?
Is a passport required for an Alaska Cruise? For almost all Alaska cruises, a passport is required to travel.? All foreign flagged cruise ships traveling to Alaska will make stops in both the United States and Canada; and, some longer, repositioning Alaska cruises may begin and end in Mexico or another country.
What not to do on an Alaskan cruise?
Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience.
- Assume all Alaska cruises are the same. …
- Wait to book excursions. …
- Overlook independent excursions. …
- Book same-day flights on embarkation day or early flights home. …
- Skip the travel insurance. …
- Forget your rain gear. …
- Skimp on layers.
Is a balcony worth it on an Alaskan cruise?
Ideal Spot to Catch the Beautiful SceneryWhat could be better than having a special space to enjoy the views comfortably from your private oasis? Having a balcony cabin allows you to take in the passing mountains, glaciers, picturesque towns, wildlife, and so much more right from the comfort of your room.
What month is best to see glaciers in Alaska?
The best time to take a glacier hike is from May to September when the weather conditions are most favorable. In fact, some of the most famous glaciers in Alaska are best accessed in the warmer months, including popular ones like Spencer Glacier, McBride Glacier, Raven Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, and Holgate Glacier.
What month is Alaska rainy season?
Cloudy days and the probability of precipitation start to increase after the middle of July reaching nearly 70% every day during October, which is the peak of the "wet season". This late summer transition into the wet season also has an increasing frequency of foggy mornings.
What is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska cruise?
Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.
How cold is Alaska cruise in July?
Average Temperature
| Alaska Inside Passage Area Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Vancouver | ||
|---|---|---|
| May | 58F | 2.4 in |
| June | 63F | 2.0 in |
| July | 64F | 2.3 in |
| August | 64F | 3.0 in |
Is October too cold for Alaska cruise?
Temperatures in Southeast Alaska, where most October itineraries will sail, are similar to late April and May. Expect highs in the 40s and possibly 50s, with lows in the 30s.
Will I see the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise in September?
Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.
Is it better to go to Alaska in May or September?
The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer between May 10 and September 15. You'll experience temperatures in the 60's to low 70's, 16–24 hrs of daylight, leaves and flowers in bloom, rushing rivers, and the best wildlife viewing.