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So while you are stuck at home, this may be the perfect time to start planning a cruise to The Last Frontier. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast.
Alaska cruise in June: Summer without the biggest crowds
The sheer variety of cruise choices, routes, schedules, itineraries, vessel sizes, cruise lines, on-ship amenities, and price points will make you happy and satisfied. Below, we have outlined why summer is the best time of the year for an Alaska cruise. You’ll enjoy wildlife viewing, warmer temperatures, and daylight returns to more typical hours. However, the dry season has ended, so rainfall will begin to increase as the month progresses. That said, the routing of cruise ships away from shore and the light pollution of major cities affords some of the best conditions for northern lights spotting. The spring and summer months are when nearly all cruise ships visit each year.
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska for maximum daylight?
Average highs in the Inside Passage region range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during cruise season, with May and September being about 10 degrees colder during the day than the summer months. Hours of daylight range from 14 to 18, with June having the most daylight hours and September having the least. If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider cruising during the shoulder seasons of May and September. These months offer fewer crowds, more cabin availability, and a more peaceful cruising experience.
Best Time For Avoiding Tourist Crowds In Alaska
It’s an excellent month for those looking to maximize their adventure time. It’s also a great time to explore Alaska by land and sea and hit Denali National Park. The number of fellow travelers can significantly impact your cruise experience. Peak season tends to be the most crowded, especially in popular ports like Juneau and Ketchikan. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, consider cruising during the shoulder seasons when towns and attractions are less crowded. Are you wondering when is the best time to cruise to Alaska and which month in 2024 will offer you the most unforgettable experiences?
Sailing the Endicott Arm fjord toward Dawes Glacier is just as spectacular an itinerary, and this Alaskan glacier is just as magnificent. On top of that, you can anticipate significantly less rain and fog, which helps with comfort and visibility. Other than May, September is the best month for an Alaska cruise if you're looking for a deal. Bears in Alaska are still around because they're looking for food, such as berries or salmon. You're also quite likely to see many bald eagles that are also interested in salmon. The price of an Alaska cruise in August should be cheaper than June or July, especially if you can take a cruise in the latter half of the month.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska: A Month-by-Month Guide
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]
If you book an Alaska cruise during these shoulder seasons instead of high season, you’ll only be missing out on a few hours of sunlight per day and a couple extra degrees on the thermometer. July is the ideal month to cruise Alaska, as it offers the most pleasant weather conditions. With the warmest temperatures of the Alaska cruise season, you’ll enjoy long daylight hours and minimal rainfall during this month. If you’re seeking Alaska cruise discounts and excellent value, consider the shoulder seasons of May and September.
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922 - Reader's Digest
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Throughout your journey, your captain will position the ship for best viewing from the top deck or your private balcony. Similar to January-April, cruises don’t usually operate during these months due to the onset of winter and the closure of tourist facilities. However, a land-based trip could be an alternative for those interested in winter activities. If you think about land-based travel, check out our detailed guide on how to plan a trip to Alaska. June is the month of the Midnight Sun, offering up to 19 hours of daylight. The extended daylight allows for more time to explore and take part in various activities.
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. April, May, and September are considered shoulder seasons for cruising to Alaska. Shoulder season is the time between peak season and off-season when there are fewer cruisers and lower prices. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food. The best time to cruise in Alaska if you prefer a quieter experience with fewer tourists and more space is during the spring, earlier in the Alaska season, or towards the end of the Alaska season.
For those planning to take an Alaskan cruise, consider booking a balcony cabin. Imagine starting your day with a cup of coffee on your private balcony, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Inner Passage, Fjords, and glaciers—a truly unforgettable experience that enhances your journey. As you plan your Alaskan cruise, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is the timing of your voyage. Alaska’s charm varies with each passing month, and your choice of when to set sail can greatly impact your experience. The Denali Express Cruisetour includes a 7-night sailing with three days of touring up to Denali National Park and back down to Seward. If you have a more flexible schedule, book the optional tour to see the Northern Lights from Fairbanks during your August cruise.
As August winds down, fall colors explode across the mountains, giving you gorgeous landscapes to explore by ship, train and foot. 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. A downside to visiting Alaska in May is that the interior National Parks are still closed, along with many of the land-based attractions and shops that later cruisers will get to enjoy. Begin planning your U.S. cruise adventure with American Cruise Lines today.
Save money to use for shore excursions by opting for an interior room, since you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway. On the ship itself, there are lots of spots where you can take some Instagrammable selfies with the majestic Alaska scenery behind you. Consider upgrading to The Retreat, Celebrity’s exclusive ship within a ship, for a more private and intimate cruise. While the most popular Alaska cruise itineraries focus on the Inside Passage, many special events occur on land in places like Denali, Fairbanks, or Anchorage. To fully experience both the cruise and these land-based events, consider planning an extended trip of at least two weeks (7-day cruise + 7 days by land).
The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning. The warm temperatures also make it an ideal time to participate in outdoor activities. By cruising in May, you can beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful experience.
A cruisetour is a vacation that combines a full-length cruise (seven nights or longer) with an escorted tour on land before or after the cruise. Humpback whales start making their journey from the warm waters of Mexico and Hawaii in March and April, and by June and July they’re happily feeding in the waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Late May and early June are the best possible times to view a momma moose and her calves in Alaska.
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. Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. The Alaska cruise season winds down in October, with only a few ships setting sail. Just as in April and May, you’ll likely have the water to yourself, and even fewer people in the ports you call upon.
In the summer, Alaska basks in the magic of the Midnight Sun, with approximately 20 hours of daylight each day. Cruise ship passengers can comfortably explore in T-shirts and shorts, taking in Alaska’s stunning scenery with its vibrant natural colors. You’ll witness lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and fields of wildflowers in every hue, from pink and purple to yellow. While it may seem counterintuitive that a popular time to travel would mean that cruise fares are lower, the reason is that there are more ships operating at this time. With more options to choose from, you can typically find a good deal if you are booking for the period that stretches between May and June. This is when bears have emerged from hibernation and tend to be fairly active.
During this time, you can experience stunning sights like Dall sheep and other wildlife coming down from the mountains to graze in lush fields. Additionally, spring also means fewer mosquitoes compared to the summer months. In case you are planning for a 10-day Alaska cruise in 2024, it is important to note that the best summer visiting times are usually between mid-June and mid-July.
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