alaska cruise ports things to doalaska cruise ports things to do

Simply stay a night and your transportation is taken care of for you. If you sail late in the season (late August or September), then the days start getting shorter. An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures. Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice. A cheap nightlight on Amazon is worth its weight in gold. Seward is located along the Gulf of Alaska and is an excellent port for exploring the outdoors. Sitka is the best town to visit if youre hoping to spot bald eagles. Related: Guide to Planning a trip to Alaska, Alaska on a Budget, Related: The best hike in every Alaska cruise port. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, foreign flagged ships (all the big ships) cannot take people from one American port to another. Millions of passengers travel to Alaska every year, hoping to see the Northern Lights. Flying in for your cruise? Not sure which itinerary to choose? Ive spent many seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and visit all of these ports frequently and even lived in two of them. If youre looking at a cruise itinerary that does not include Glacier Bay, you can be confident that you will have an amazing experience! Hubbard Glacier is an impressive 6 miles wide with a 400-foot tall face. Sitka has far fewer ships than many other ports so its fun for an independent minded traveler to explore. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad was built during the Gold Rush and remains today as a tour for visitors and I will tell you that in my opinion (many agree with me!) Are Cruises Safe? Im a fourth generation Seattleite who lived in Alaska for 7 years and I still spend lots of time there every year. A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Cruising to Nome: The first U.S. deep water port for the Arctic to host Early season is the least rainy time of year in Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage (its still quite rainy so be prepared for that!). Related: DIY travelers guide to having a blast on a cruise. Cruises stop in Canada for at least one port of call to satisfy requirements put on them by U.S. laws. Disney Cruise Line Fall 2024 Itineraries. If you embark in Seward or Whittier, youll have to fly into Anchorage, Alaska, and take the train or bus to and from the cruise port. The show is within walking distance of the cruise port and a must-see if youre in town during the event. Try the ZipRider 3. I would recommend making the decision based on logistics such as which city is easier to get to (for most Americans that is Seattle, for most Canadians, Britons and Australians thats Vancouver) or which itinerary works best for your schedule. While a balcony is nice, its not like there arent places around the ship to take in the scenery. Contributor. Another potential decision point is the ports that are available on different itineraries, that could also be a reason to choose either cross gulf or inside passage only over the other. Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord. USA address as the drop down menus don give many options? Sure in Alaska you arent going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More If sailing from Pier 91, there isnt an easy public transportation option. Walk Through the Tongass Historical Museum 7. If youre sailing in an interior cabin, then do yourself a favor and pack a nightlight right now. The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush. Instead, just enjoy in ports if you want to partake and leave the rest on land. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. I love to share my passion for cruising and travel with readers. Because the tours venture farther north than most cruise itineraries, they provide the best opportunity to see the northern lights. Landmarks like the Russian Bishops House and St. Michaels Orthodox Cathedral are some of the famous historical sites. These days almost all of us use our phone as our camera. Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. If theres one thing you can count on in Alaska, its rain. Temperatures in Southeast Alaska and along the Inside Passage are generally in the 50s and 60s in the summer. Small ships sometimes dock at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay (see more on this at the bottom of this article), but big ships do not go ashore in the park. Well cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries, and youll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days). While theft is rare, theres no sense in making things any easier for someone with sticky fingers. With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. Its always a good idea to research your port of call to get information about the shore excursions before you embark on your cruise. Summer also provides the best weather, with warmer temperatures, lower rainfall, and more hours of sunlight. Inside Passage cruises are popular for the incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and whale species. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. Even during the summer months, some days can be chilly in Alaska. In particular, weve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals. Cons: Additional cost in airfare of flying to Alaska, not as much entertainment. Heres some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise. And for even more on Alaskan cruising, dont forget to see our list of things to pack, what to consider when selecting the right ship, and our best cruise deals to Alaska. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if its clear out especially with sun reflecting off of the water. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. Weve covered that it can rain in Alaska. You asked your most pressing Alaska cruise questions, and today, we're answering each and every one. Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. While cruising through the Inside Passage, the islands create a natural break from the open ocean, calming the water. This is not because the others are not fantastic, because they are! But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior cabin. You can also do a hike from the train getting dropped off at Denver or Laughton Glacier as part of a tour. Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Blog It also means you travel in mostly protected and calmer water. Alaska Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries, Ports, Tips, & More, 24 Things to do in Skagway Alaska Cruise Port, Royal Caribbean Ultimate Guide: Ships, Itineraries, and More, Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List (Printable), Best Cruise Lines for Long Alaskan Sailings, Best Alaska Cruises for Families with Kids, https://highseascruising.com/things-to-do-in-haines-alaska/, 7 Best Cruise Lines for Couples (Guide to Romantic Sailing), Cruise Ship Engine Room (Everything You Want to Know), White Pass and Yukon Route Railway (Skagway), Glacier tours in Glacier Bay National Park, Waterproof bag for kayaking or rafting excursions. In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship. Even though it isnt in Alaska, many cruises which start or end in Seattle stop in Victoria. You might have heard someone refer to the Alaska ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) as a locals cruise or a cheaper cruise and I want you to know that is not accurate! We got some spectacular photos even though it was cloudy most of the time. For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. If you are doing a cruise only (no land tour), I recommend doing the Inside Passage only on a round trip cruise. The best month to take an Alaskan cruise is May or June. Some cruise lines offer longer west-coast sailings that begin in San Francisco. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers. Theres a significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise to Alaska. Above & Beyond Alaska: Fortress of the Bears Kayak Adventure. In fact, the entire downtown is a national park! Haines doesnt have a lot of cruise ships that call in its port, but it does have some. With outstanding views wherever you look, you Things to Do in Ketchikan - an Alaska Cruise Port Guide - Albom Adventures Overall I highly recommend this if you only do one shore excursionmake it this one! Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Thats why we suggest packing several of those inexpensive plastic ponchos. That makes it hard to charge devices. During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ships casino. Still not convinced. Beginning with a high-speed catamaran boat ride through the fjords of Skagway to Hains, Alaska, you will witness an abundance of majestic waterfalls and glacier views along the shore. Through the shore excursions, you can learn more about the Indigenous peoples of Alaska or the fortune-seekers who traveled to the region during the Klondike Gold Rush. Shore excursions provide the best chance to explore the beauty of Alaska or enrich yourself with the areas deep history and culture. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. Sitka National Historical Park is the oldest national park in Alaska. It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon. Im not sure about that. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here. Theres no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style. Pros: The biggest benefit of a big ship is its less expensive and airfare is also usually less expensive if you are flying round trip to Seattle. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter. Think of all the recent headlines regarding travel and health and then add on all the everyday occurrences like missing a flight or getting hurt or sick. Many cities are inaccessible by land. High Seas Cruising is for those who love to cruise. Sitka is a little fishing town located on Baranof Island. One thing thats very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. One way cruises to Alaska will always either start or end in Vancouver. It is also a bit less busy and crowded in ports. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. One quirk is that recreational marijuana is legal in both states. Locals lead the tours, so you will get to know the land and culture firsthand. Every cabin you sail will have a small safe, usually tucked into the closet or in the cabinets. Save. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that wont take up a ton of space in your luggage. Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. Ive been cruising since I was 11 years old. While Seattle is the big departure port for Alaskan cruises, a fair number also sail from Vancouver, Canada. These days between weather, mechanical issues, and even computer shutdowns, there are way too many instances of flights getting delayed. Fairbanks. On a cruise to Alaska you can enjoy the comfort and luxury of your ship in the evenings and traipse into the wilderness for daytime excursions. Inside Passage, cruises are the most popular Alaska cruise route. That said, in general you'll find that a trip to Alaska can be more than a cruise to the Caribbean. See the Chief Johnson Totem Pole 8. Skagways most popular attraction is the White Pass railway. The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. 10 Awesome Things to Do in Skagway Cruise Port (+ Port Info) Both Seattle and Vancouver are wonderful cities to sail from and spend an extra couple days if you have it. If you have the chance to go, dont miss out on this truly unique Alaska cruise port, theres nothing like it anywhere else! Because of the popularity of Alaska cruises and the short sailing season, cruise fares tend to be more expensive than traditional Caribbean sailings. Visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and forests. That can mean fewer people in ports of call. Pros: The biggest benefits of small ships are the small number of guests and the intimate setting as well as the opportunity to explore smaller inlets and places where bigger ships arent able to go. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where theres a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships. Most cruise tours begin as one-way Alaska Gulf cruises before passengers embark on a bus tour through northern Alaska. The mountains with sharp peaks stood above the glaciers. Its just the way things are. Both cruise lines offer plenty of longer sailings and a large selection of cruise tours. Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you want to see and do. This article is all about the highlights and best Alaska cruise ports to help you decide which Alaska Cruise itinerary is best for YOU. Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. And instead of having a full day in port, sometimes you just have a few hours. Cruise ships follow federal law, which says pot is illegal. Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. Round trip cruises may go from either Seattle or Vancouver. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord. There are also plenty of opportunities . For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure. Cruise lines dont charge for baggage, so bring pretty much as much as you want. Without the rhythm of a normal day that were used to farther south, you will likely wake up earlier than you are used to and go to bed later. One annoying habit is that many cruisers like to crowd around the doors to get on. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 10. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator. Meanwhile, its not so easy to run out and get anything you might have forgot at home. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries. If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold but youd be surprised. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities. Still, its never a guarantee that youll see the Northern Lights. Theres still no guarantee youll get to see them, but it will increase your odds. If youre prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products.