Table Of Content
You might have to wait hours for a table at Tracy's King Crab Shack in Juneau. Attractions and shops will switch to peak-season hours at the end of the month; Denali National Park & Preserve switches into summer mode in May. You'll find those who work in tourism excited to be back in business, considering that many people in southeast Alaska earn their income from out-of-state visitors. Cruise lines will offer the opportunity to extend your cruise with land tours, which include accommodations, transportation and some meals.
What is the Best Month to Cruise Alaska?
And it was a fantastic adventure (here is our Alaska cruise review, which we took with the Norwegian cruise line). By understanding these key factors, you can better decide on the best time of year for an Alaska cruise that aligns with your interests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone who wants to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, there’s a perfect time for you to set sail. The choice between small and large ship cruises ultimately hinges on personal preferences for intimacy and access to nature versus onboard amenities and stable sailing.
Bears Feeding On Salmon
This can help enrich the overall experience of your Alaskan adventure and give you more of an opportunity to see what it would be like living in the United States’ most inhospitable state. Ultimately, there is no perfect time to sail to Alaska, as each month offers its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing when to cruise to Alaska comes down to your preferences. The median months will see higher temperatures and longer days for touring, and it represents the limited summer that Alaska enjoys.
Celebrity Cruises
The last time I was in Alaska — many years ago — I stood on the deck of a cruise ship and watched giant pieces of ice, some seemingly as large as a car, fall off the Hubbard Glacier and into the sea. I stood there for what felt like forever, unable to take my eyes off the crumbling ice and the splash of the water below. You can also look for a last-minute Alaska cruise deal, though keep in mind that with Alaska's cruise season growing longer, interest in Alaska September cruises is rising. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. Alaska cruises are popular with multi-generational groups, and as such, North American school schedules tend to dictate pricing peaks.
Cruise ships arrive in southeast Alaska in spring, stay the summer and linger only into early fall. The 49th state's snowy, cold and dark winters are not conducive to cruising. Just as Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season in April, it’s the last cruise line to set sail in the state, and the only one to sail in October. The seven- and nine-day itineraries sail roundtrip from Seattle, and a recent search found fares more than 80% off published fares, starting at $499 per person. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness.
The Best Time to Cruise in Alaska
The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales. In July, the whales are usually in full migration, making it an ideal time for whale watching. Visitors can take a whale watching excursion to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine life up close. The salmon are also in full run during this time, which attracts bears and eagles, making it an excellent time to spot these animals in their natural habitat. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months.
The weather may also play a role in your cruise ship’s route, as some areas may still be unpassable with ice. Shoulder season for the Alaska cruise season includes the months of May and September. The weather is still cool (May) or cooling down (September), and with school still in session or just beginning, special offers can be found during these months. Alaska’s location at the far northwestern corner of North America and its two-season weather of long, cold winters and short, intense summers make it a unique cruise destination.
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska - Cruise Blog
The surprising takeaway from a recent study on the best time to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 02 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The worst months to cruise to Alaska - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise to Alaska.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In fact, they introduced a generation to the idea of cruising via the hit TV show The Love Boat, which was set on a Princess ship and featured many episodes in Alaska! This month brings cooler weather and more rain but fails to dampen the high spirits on cruise ships. The Yukon, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park — Alaskan cruises offer direct access to the last American frontier. If you’re a first-time visitor, the vast tundra and glaciers of Alaska can feel intimidating. After all, in addition to figuring out how to respond if you encounter a moose, you’re also worried about the weather and which month would be best to plan your trip.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in August
One of the best ways to experience salmon fishing is by booking a shore excursion. Any of the fishing tour companies offer services that package up your catch and ship it back to your home packed in dry ice so you can have a feast, and bragging rights, when you return home. During the land portion of your vacation, your tour guide will make sure you have everything you need and will arrange comfortable transportation from one site to the next.
Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!). Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs. July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. Humpback whales have yet to begin their migration to warmer waters, so you will still be able to see them, especially in early August.
And it all depends on what species you intend to see—humpbacks are in the area year-round, while others like gray whales migrate to Alaska in summer. With the warmth of summer breathing new life into the outdoors, May through September continues to be the most popular season to travel to the Land of the Midnight Sun. That said, the best time for an Alaska cruise during these months depends on what experiences you’re looking to have. On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. One of the main advantages of cruising Alaska during the later summer months is the milder temperatures and more predictable weather. During these peak months of the Alaskan summer, daytime temperatures range between 50 and 60 °F, with some days reaching as high as 90 °F.
The route and port from which you depart are also essential to know whether you must take your passport on the Alaska cruise. One of the most compelling reasons to take an Alaska cruise is the opportunity for wildlife spotting. The season you choose will determine which animals you’re most likely to encounter. Cruising Alaska can vary significantly depending on whether you choose a small ship or a large ship, as each offers distinct experiences, benefits, and limitations.
There’s a good chance you’ll see eagles perched high near the shoreline, in town scavenging garbage dumps, or even feasting off a salmon run. Bald eagles hatch and rear young in April and you can see their mottled fledglings from May through June. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.
If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night. Packing-wise, you’ll still want to bring a raincoat, but you can probably leave your winter coat home if you are cruising in June. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation. Summer workers (typically college students) begin to arrive for the peak tourist season, and shops and restaurants open for the summer. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
No comments:
Post a Comment