Tips for Travelers going on an Alaska Cruise
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The most convenient, pleasant, and recommended way to travel in Alaska is via a pleasure cruise with one of the major companies sailing between Vancouver or Seattle to destinations in Alaska.
The differences between various companies are very significant, both in the itinerary and in the size and quality of the ship and passenger composition.
It is important to choose the itinerary that best suits the passenger mix (some ships are popular among seniors while others are specifically suitable for families or young couples) and the budget.
Last Minute Cruise Deals:
Shore Excursions in Ports
Ships offer passengers a variety of excursions in Alaskan ports. The advantage of purchasing tours from the ship is that the ship organizes everything and also guarantees to bring you back on time. But on the other hand, the disadvantages are that tours from the ship are more expensive than booking them independently, and ship tours depart in large groups on buses where you have to wait in long lines: until everyone boards, disembarks, goes to the bathroom, etc., and therefore you experience less in each tour compared to a private tour in a small group, which is more personal and cheaper.
When and How to Book a Cruise
Both the timing of the booking (the earlier you book, the more you save) and where to book (online? on which site? through a travel agent?) are highly significant.
After you have finally chosen the optimal cruise for you, it is worth reading the following tips, which will help you maximize your enjoyment of the voyage and the ports:
When booking a room with a window or balcony on an Alaska cruise, it is advisable to choose rooms on the right side of the ship (called: STARBOARD) when sailing north from Vancouver or Seattle toward Alaska, while on southward voyages from Alaska to Vancouver or Seattle, it is recommended to choose rooms on the left side of the ship (called: PORT). This way, you will view the most beautiful scenery from your room window throughout the voyage.
Since the landscapes in Alaska are so spectacular and unique, the prices for rooms with a window or balcony are much higher than for interior rooms (the price differences are larger than in cruises to other destinations due to the high demand). In any case, if you can afford it, book an exterior room.
A room with a window on an Alaska cruise adds much more than on cruises to other destinations. The weather doesn't always allow for going out onto the deck in Alaska.
Additional Tips
When traveling between the port in Alaska and Anchorage, it is recommended to take the train rather than the bus. It is a much more scenic and experiential journey. You should bring binoculars, a thin raincoat, a thick warm coat, and an umbrella with you on the ship. Also, you should pack a swimsuit even for Alaska cruises. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 27 degrees Celsius on warm days, and even on cool and rainy days, you can relax comfortably in the hot jacuzzi or one of the heated pools. It is preferable to fly to the port city from which the cruise begins (whether the cruise starts in Vancouver, Seattle, or near Anchorage) at least one day before the cruise starts. This way you can tour the city, see its main sites, and avoid the unnecessary stress of flight delays or late luggage. The most attractive prices for an Alaska cruise are in mid-May and mid-September, meaning at the beginning and end of the season. In the summer, prices are much higher and do not necessarily guarantee better weather. Even in the middle of summer, it can be rainy and cold. The chance of rain every day during the cruise is quite high. If a whole day passes without any rain, consider it a wonderful gift.
An Alaska cruise integrates excellently with a trip to the Canadian Rockies. The landscapes are spectacular and different from Alaska's scenery.
During the voyage to Alaska, there are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife. Position yourselves on the ship's deck in the early morning and early evening hours when animals and birds are most active and look off both sides of the ship, ideally with binoculars. You can spot bears, several types of whales, dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds, including eagles.
When the ship sails through "Glacier Bay," it is worth standing on one of the forward decks. You will often see seals resting on icebergs with their small pups and witness large chunks of ice falling, accompanied by a rolling thunder sound. Prepare plenty of film and free memory on your digital camera for this day, as it provides excellent photo opportunities.
If it rains and you do not wish to stand with an umbrella or get wet, you can sit in one of the upper restaurants or lounges with large windows and observe the glaciers.
During the sail in Glacier Bay and also when sailing through the "Inside Passage," Rangers board the ship to explain the wildlife and the entire region. It is highly recommended to be on the ship's deck and listen to their fascinating explanations.
There can be a mosquito plague in Alaska during the summer, so it is advisable to be equipped with repellents as well as itch relief in case you do get bitten.
At the end of the tourist season, there may be significant discounts in souvenir shops at the various destinations. In mid-September, goods can be obtained at discounts of 50-75 percent.
US and Canadian customs authorities do not allow the entry of items made from animal body parts. Therefore, do not purchase jewelry or art objects made of ivory, whale bone, etc.