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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.
Cruise week report: Couple left behind by cruise ship, cruising essentials you need, the best time to cruise to Alaska ... - Cruise Blog
Cruise week report: Couple left behind by cruise ship, cruising essentials you need, the best time to cruise to Alaska ....
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Alaska cruise in September: Return to cooler temperatures and lower prices
Anglers will find opportunities to reel in halibut along with king and sockeye salmon and rainbow trout. In addition to humpbacks, you might also spot belugas and seals with their pups as you sail. 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.
What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?
It's worse in midsummer, but even on shoulder season sailings, you may not find space on the excursions you hoped to do if you wait until you're on the ship to book. Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes. July is still peak season and it’s still the height of summer in the state. If you’re looking to explore the national parks and to go hiking then this is the best time to visit Alaska. The best time to cruise to Alaska for salmon fishing is during the summer months, specifically from late June through September. This period aligns with Alaska’s salmon runs, when various species of salmon—king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum—make their way upstream in large numbers.
What Are The Best Ports To Visit On An Alaskan Cruise?
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. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August.
As mentioned, recommending one specific month that will act as the best time to cruise Alaska can be a little bit difficult. This is because the best Alaska cruise month is somewhat subjective. Cruise vacations often have the reputation of being not very active. The best time to cruise in Alaska is generally between May and September. Don't be surprised if you feel seasick in Alaska's waters, even if no other cruise has made you feel that way. Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy.
HX’s (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) “Inside Passage, Bears, and Aleutian Islands”
From there it’s the little-visited Elfin Cove and Point Adolphus, two dreamy locations known for their rugged coasts and wildlife spotting opportunities. After a few more days in the Inside Passage communities of Skagway, Kake, and Petersburg, the sailing culminates in Vancouver. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October. The sunniest months are July and August and the best time for whale watching is May and June.
How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise
December is a dark time to be in Alaska, but if you’re after a true winter escape and a guaranteed white Christmas, then this would make for an unusual getaway. Unfortunately, this is also a transition month and not just in terms of the weather but in terms of tourist activities too. As early as September the beautiful summer weather is gone, but it’s prefaced with a resplendent autumnal glow across the state. The last of the summer crowds are here in August, but by the end of the month, things are getting quieter. Go to Fairbanks or head to the Kenai Peninsula, or better yet, head far, far north for the Midnight Sun in the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets for most of the month of June.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
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However, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no guarantee that you will see whales from the cruise ship. The Alaskan cruise season is five months long, from May to September. While the most popular time to travel to Alaska on a cruise is June through August, it's also when it tends to be the most expensive. Instead, McDaniel suggested looking at the shoulder months of May and September, when you can save a little money. She added, "May tends to be a pretty dry month, which makes it appealing." Big-ship cruise lines such as Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ramp up their operations in May, as do Disney Cruise Line and small-ship and luxury lines.
Call your travel agent directly or your nearest AAA store to get pro tips, TripTik maps, and more. Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships. Fortunately, you don’t need to sweat too hard about that last one as there’s no bad month to do an Alaska cruise. With lows in the 50s, you don’t need to pack a winter coat and hat, but be sure to include warm, wicking layers to keep your temperature steady. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days. You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda.
Alaska has humpback whales, gray whales, killer whales, and a small population of belugas. Though it’s species-dependent, the best time to go whale watching in Alaska is in high summer, when the days are long and the feeding is plentiful. 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. Witnessing bears catch (or try to catch) slippery salmon from a river is one of the most incredible Alaska experiences you can have.
Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure. Check out when is the best time to visit Anchorage and when to visit Fairbanks, as we mentioned about local events and festivals in those biggest Alaska cities. If you are looking for more of a fall experience, aim your travel plans for the end of August or the beginning of September to see some leaves starting to change color.
If you hope to spot a grizzly, you might just have your opportunity if you cruise Alaska during this period, along with viewing moose and even a chance to see more calves or cubs running around. The array of things to try in Alaska can be as tame or as adventurous as you want — it's the joy of discovery that's key. I once kayaked in Ketchikan with a woman on her first solo cruise in Alaska. When our marine biologist guide pulled a sea cucumber from the crystal-clear waters to show us, she squealed with delight when he offered to let her hold it.
The extended daylight allows for more time to explore and take part in various activities. It’s an excellent month for those looking to maximize their adventure time. It’s also a great time to explore Alaska by land and sea and hit Denali National Park.
It might surprise many, but July and especially August are rainy, so don't expect endless sunshine. That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. The truth is that both of these stretches can allow for an exciting and memorable experience. You must remember that Alaska is a rugged landscape that poses countless challenges for human life, so these cruises will never be as tranquil as a tropical cruise.
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