Come At The Right Time Of Year
Our days are long, and temperatures are comfortable anytime from May to September. Hotel rates are lower during our shoulder seasons , but temperatures a little warmer during peak season. It gets rainier as the summer progresses read our Best Time To Visit Alaska article to find your optimal window.
Best For Solo Travelers
The ships in Norwegian Cruise Lines Breakaway and Getaway classes all have tight studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Royal Caribbeans studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies. Holland America Line has ocean-view accommodations-for-one on select ships in the Alaska market.
Among small-ship lines, Alaskan Dream and UnCruise occasionally offer discounts for solo travelers. Luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
One Way Or Round Trip Alaskan Cruise
Iâm wanting to book my cruise by tomorrow for June 22nd of this year. I have 3 itineraries in mind all costing the same amount. I was hoping someone can share their opinion of the best one. I have 2 dayâs to spare in either Seattle, Vancouver or Anchorage.
1. Princess round-trip from Seattle. Goes to Glacier Bay but wastes a stop in Victoria in my opinion. But is the easiest itinerary because I fly in and out of Seattle.
2. HAL round-trip from Vancouver. Has the same itinerary as the Seattle cruise.
3. One way from Anchorage to Vancouver. Goes to Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay. This is the cheapest itinerary so even when factoring in extra airfare and train transfers it is the same cost as the other 2.
Thanks.
Are port times the same? If you took one way would you spend some time in AK before the
The trips to/from Vancouver are more scenic than Seattle. They also have a tendency to be less rough since they are not in the open ocean like the Seattle cruises.
The port times were approx. 1 hour longer on the two rountrip cruises, not enough to make much of a difference for me.
My opinion is round-trip cruises are for those whose main interest is just the cruising, where the one-way cruises are for those who wish to add the interior of Alaska. As for the stop in Victoria, that is required by law since the ships are not American registry.
Do you have any desire to see any of AK by land? I think it would be a crime not to given the opportunity.
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How To Find The Cheapest Alaskan Cruise Deals
Sail Early in the SeasonThe Alaskan cruising season is short usually only five months long, although some trips are extending that season. Running from April through October, your opportunities to sail are limited, although there are a number of ships sailing at any given time.
If you want to save the most, look for cruises that sail April/May. These trips early in the season are before the busier summer travel season. That means the pool of available passengers is smaller. In order to fill the ships, cruise lines slash prices. A cruise departing in May can be hundreds of dollars less than the same trip leaving in July.
Sail Late in the SeasonDidnt we just say to sail early in the season to save? Well, the same logic applies to sailing late. If you can wait until September/October, cruise fares to Alaska are much cheaper. With school back in session, the summer season largely over, and the bulk of the sailing season already past, you can find deals that are hundreds of dollars less than sailing just a few weeks earlier.
Sail One-Way or from Different PortsMost cruises sail round-trip, departing ports like Vancouver or Seattle. But if you look around, you can find one-way trips or that that depart from one port and let passengers off in another . Since these cruises are less convenient for most passengers, they tend to be cheaper.
With all of these tips in mind, here are some of the cheapest Alaskan cruises for 2023. Note that prices may change depending on when you book.
This Is The Cheapest Time To Cruise To Alaska
- by James Barker
The Cheapest Cruise in Alaska. Many new cruise offerings will last a week or less but these short itineraries wont skimp on the sights. Here are the 2021 cruise trips you need to know. The last time I was in Alaska numerous years prior I remained on the deck. A journey transport and watched monster bits of ice, some apparently as extensive as a vehicle, tumble off the Hubbard Glacier and into the ocean. I remained there for what felt like everlastingly, incapable to take my eyes off the disintegrating ice. The sprinkle of the water underneath. this article is an inspiration to the most inspired person in the world. If Any who more to more about the person who is them to Click or more to know that.
I was visiting in August, and keeping in mind that much has changed from that point forward, this month stays perhaps the most mainstream time to go to Alaska. The Cheapest Cruise in Alaska. Many new cruise offerings will last a week or less
Colleen McDaniel, the editorial manager in-head of Cruise Critic, told Travel + Leisure.
The best motivation to voyage to Alaska is there are things that you can just genuinely see from the water.
Its the reason it is a list of must-dos objectives for some.
Numerous individuals, said McDaniel. At the point when youre out on the water, you can do untamed life seeing too.
And its incorporated into that journey insight. The Cheapest Cruise in Alaska. Many new cruise offerings will last a week or less
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Cheap 2023 Alaskan Cruises
During the past few years, interest in sailing to Alaska has soared. Its not hard to see why.
Alaska is known at the last frontier, and like any frontier, it can be difficult to traverse. With a limited amount of roads and other transportation, the easiest way to get around the picturesque coastline is via boat or plane. Luckily, thats also the best way to view the natural scenery.
And as word spreads about the beauty of taking an Alaskan cruise more and more people are considering taking a trip.
The good news is that with increased interest in cruises to the region, cruise lines are sailing more ships to Alaska. Today, there is a staggering amount of Alaskan cruises to choose from across every budget, cruise line, and itinerary.
If youre looking for cheap Alaskan cruises, however, then you need to be prepared to shop around. Trips to this area are seasonal sailing from April through October. Since there is only a limited window of time to cruise, prices are considerably higher than similar Caribbean cruises you might be familiar with. As well, prices change frequently.
Below, we highlight some of the cheapest 2023 Alaskan cruises. The prices for these trips start at just $379 per person. But before we get too far, here are some tips on how to find the most affordable trips to this region
The Best Months For An Alaska Cruise For Low Prices
Alaska is not a cheap cruise, but if you want to save money on your cruise fare, then your best bet is May or September.
For the same reasons May and September feature lower crowds, these months see most often the lowest prices for a cruise because of the combination of colder temperatures and the school calendar.
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What Is The Cheapest Month To Cruise To Alaska
4.8/5Alaska cruisepricesAlaska cruisesAlaska cruisetime of yearin-depth answer
Late Summer While cruise lines dont offer discount pricing during this time, prices tend to be lower than in June and July, making it more affordable to take an Alaskan cruise. You can still experience much of what June and July have to offer, plus a few unique experiences like the great salmon spawn.
One may also ask, what is the cheapest month to take a cruise? The cheapest times to cruise are typically in the late summer and fall because of hurricane season, but you can often find patches of bargain sailings, especially during the early weeks of December and in the spring.
Beside this, which cruise line is cheapest to Alaska?
Alaskan cruise lines ranked by price
- 1- Norwegian Cruises 7 nights from: $699.
- 2- Carnival Cruise Lines. 7 nights from: $869.
- 3- Holland America Line. 7 nights from: $949.
- 4- Royal Caribbean. 7 nights from: $958.
- 5- Princess Cruises. 7 nights from: $969.
- 6- Celebrity Cruises. 7 nights from: $1,209.
How much should an Alaskan cruise cost?
A 7-night Alaska Cruise can cost anywhere from $500 per person to $5000+ per person, depending on the type of cruise ship and your choice of stateroom. Alaska land tours with 3-star hotels, train travel, and popular day tours generally cost around $300 per person per day, based on double occupancy.
Alaska Cruise Weather: June
If youre planning an Alaska cruise in June, temperatures average a low of 45 and a high of 62. June is tied with July as the least rainy month, with Ketchikan receiving an average rainfall of less than 7.5 inches. Alaska cruise weather in late June is some of the best, with 18 hours of daylight and plenty of sun. If youre lucky, it might even get hot!
With drier ground in June than May, Alaska cruisers can start to hike in earnest. Whether youre hiking on your own or with a guide, be sure to pack appropriate gear, such as backpacks with bear bells, water bottles, snacks, and most important bug spray. The mosquitos start being a nuisance in June.
For other shore excursions, layering is your best bet. You might need a fleece jacket in the morning, but find yourself stripping down to a T-shirt by early afternoon. A packable rain jacket is always good to have on hand, since you never know when youll get caught in a summer squall.
The warmer Alaska weather makes June the best times to see calving glaciers during scenic cruise days. June is also one of the best months for whale-watching late June and early July are the best times for bear-spotting excursions.
Because of the fine Alaska weather in late June, its an excellent time to plan a cruise tour to Denali. The full road will be open, days will be long and dry, and you have an increased chance of seeing active wildlife.
Cruise fares in June will be higher than May, but better than the prime summer months.
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Inside Passage Alaska Cruise
For some of the best Alaska cruises, choose an inside passage cruise. This is the most popular way to take in the wonders of this part of the world as the deeper waters makes it more accessible for large cruise ships. Along the way youâll be able to visit historical destinations, Alaskaâs capital city, Juneau, and even Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World.
Traveling To Alaska America’s Frontier
The name Americas Frontier is associated with Alaska because of its rugged landscape, climate, and distance from all other states. Alaskas evidence of raggedness reflects on its politics. Only a third of the state has been organized into political units.
The residents of Alaska pride themselves in their resilience as their climates can be a bit harsh. To Alaskans, a significant quake is just a bump in the road. Alaska is a fascinating and mysterious place. The residents face volcanoes, harsh winters, snowstorms, and earthquakes. Besides those, their environment is rich with wildlife and scenery for miles.
The beauty of Alaska can be witnessed too during a period in the summer when the sun doesnt completely set, allowing you to see the sun even during midnight. In parts of Alaska such as Barrow, the sun does not set for eighty-four days.
Alaska isnt just beautiful for its climate and rich wildlife its also full of culture, art, history, museums, indigenous people, mountains, snow, and sea.
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Alaska Cruises In June
Of the few warm summer months in Alaska, June has the longest days all year, with summer solstice falling on the 20th. Southeast Alaska experiences daylight nearly around the clock in June, making it a good time to see everything there is to see on an Alaskan cruise.
Wildlife is visibly abundant, with whales making their journey back into Alaskan waters from Hawaii. There is a heavy concentration of humpback whales in Southeast Alaskan waters during the summer months, and it is not uncommon to see them feeding with their young.
There are also grey whales, orcas, Dall porpoise, seals, sea lions and sea otters inhabiting the area where the Sikumi cruises. And look ashore for black and brown bears who are in full swing for summer, hunting and fishing for food.
Summer solstice is an exciting time all over Alaska, so make plans to visit a town or festival before or after your custom Alaska cruise on the Sikumi.
Our adventure was close to its end I could feel the nostalgia growing inside me. I would miss this boat and her crew. Our once-in-a-lifetime experience was their routine, and I couldnt help but envy them.
Are These Companies Lying
Not exactlytheyâre just trying to lure you in. Heres how: The cruise companies list a price called a tariffâ or brochure fare.â Its the same as a cars sticker priceâthe price something would be if there were no competition. But of course there a lot of competition, and the ships still want to fill up their cabins. So no one pays tariff,â because the lines discount their rates.
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If You Want A Big Nice Ship
If youve taken many cruises, then you know that the cruise ship you sail can make or break your trip. After all, even if you hit several ports, you are still on the ship for the vast majority of your cruise. Thats one reason why many cruisers prefer to sail on the newest ships. These ships are not only larger offering more space around the ship but also offer the latest in amenities.
If you want to sail upon the latest and greatest ships, then youll want to look at either Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises aboard the Ovation of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Launched in 2016, the ship measures more than 1,140 long and can carry more than 4,000 passengers. On board, youll find many of Royal Caribbeans most famous innovations including the Bionic Bar , the North Star , the Flowrider, and more than a dozen places to eat.
Meanwhile, Norwegian offers sailings aboard the Norwegian Bliss, built in 2018. It holds 4,000 passengers as well, and measures more than 1,000. While the paint is barely dry on the ship, you might have seen the headlines. The Bliss offers a go-kart race track at sea one of the most unique innovations for kids and adults alike. There are also more than 15 places to grab a bite to eat, including a Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville at Sea.
Do Free Or Cheap Activities In Port
Once youve booked an Alaska cruise and begin searching for shore excursions, you might have sticker shock. Alaska excursions are often quite expensive, with many tours costing well over $100. Some tours, like helicopter excursions, might cost over $400!
Instead of booking shore excursions in each Alaska cruise port, do some research on what activities are available at little to no extra cost in each town.
All Alaska cruise ports have a walkable town center, where youll find landmarks, a scenic waterfront, restaurants, museums, shops, hiking trails, and more. Many of these activities come with no extra cost yet still provide an insightful look into Alaskas history, nature, and culture.
Read through our guides on what to do in Alaska cruise ports to plan your budget-friendly days off the ship:
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Best For Travelers On A Budget
Older ships in Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian and Royal Caribbeans fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than youll find on the lines larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships dont have as many bells and whistles. Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess cruises also tend to offer frequent sales especially on their older tonnage.
These ships have a loyal following, and tend to have fewer families onboard, which some couples find particularly appealing.
Itineraries for older ships range from five to 14 nights, with a lot of the sailings from Seattle. You can also find itineraries from San Francisco, Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
If you want to save on one of the newer and larger ships that does standard seven-night itineraries, you’re better off booking early, even in the fall for the following summer, especially if you’re looking for the cheapest cabins onboard. The least and most expensive cabins tend to sell out first on any ship.
Related: Best time to cruise Alaska
If you booked an inside cabin on the sparkling new 3,560-passenger Discovery Princess back in December 2021 , the starting price for an inside cabin was $629. By April, interior cabins for July cruises were starting at twice that amount.
Another surefire way to save is to look at sailings beyond the height of the season. You’ll find better deals April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.
