Alaska Cruise Tips: Season & Best Time to Sail
Alaska cruise ships sail out of Vancouver and Seattle from May to September every year. And the two best months to visit Alaska are probably May and September, when the ships are a little quieter, and likely when you’ll get a better deal on your cruise too. The weather in the Pacific Northwest and on the route up the coast is mild, but bring some layers for cool evenings and glacier viewing .
Best Months for Whale Watching in Alaska: The summer can bring lots of sightings of humpbacks. The best month for Orca viewing in Alaska is probably June or July.
Best Deals on an Alaska Cruise: Cruise prices can vary by $100's at different travel agencies, so CruiseCompete makes it quick and easy to shop around. Select the cruise you want, and let independent agents compete to offer you the best deal.
Most Alaska cruises are 7 days in length. There are a few 11 and 14 day sailings which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. Basically, there are 2 different kinds of cruises available:
Inside Passage: roundtrip departure from Vancouver, usually 1 week. You sail up the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops will probably include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. You’ll spend about 2 days at sea, and another glacier viewing.
Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You sail one-way northbound from Vancouver or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You’ll see extra ice on this sailing in College fjord and/or Hubbard Glacier, plus an additional port or two.
What cruise lines sail from Seattle to Alaska? They include Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norweigan and Celebrity Cruise Lines.
Alaska Cruise Lines and Ships
Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Spirit. Popular with first-time cruisers and families.
Celebrity Cruises - Mercury, Infinity and Summiy. A more upscale, sophisticated cruise line.
Holland America Line – Ships: Volendam, Zaandam, Statendam, Ryandam and Veendam. A premium line with lots of room and deluxe features like bathtubs in most rooms.
Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Sun. Casual atmosphere, family friendly.
Princess Cruises - Sun Princess, Dawn Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess. Lots of activities, large ships, efficient & friendly staff.
Radisson Seven Seas – each cabin has a balcony and bath. First class cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean International - Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. Casual, middle-of-the-road cruising popular with just about everyone.
Silversea – luxury small-ship cruise line with many extras.
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