5 Things You Need to Know About Cruising Alaska

by Donna Tunney

5 Things You Need to Know About Cruising Alaska

by Donna Tunney

An Alaska cruise is a bucket-list trip for travelers who love the great outdoors. Expect to find unbelievable scenery along the way, at points such as Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay, not to mention deliciously fresh seafood. It's the voyage of a lifetime -- and you'll want to make sure your experience is the best that it can be. Here's how to do just that.

An Alaska cruise is a bucket-list trip for travelers who love the great outdoors. Expect to find unbelievable scenery along the way, at points such as Tracy Arm Fjord and Glacier Bay, not to mention deliciously fresh seafood. It's the voyage of a lifetime -- and you'll want to make sure your experience is the best that it can be. Here's how to do just that.

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Book sooner rather than later.

As winter morphs into spring, more vacationers will be shoring up their summer getaway plans. By mid-spring, availability and cabin choices will dry up, leaving slim pickings if you have a specific stateroom category in mind. The big message here: If you're looking to sail next summer, we suggest booking ASAP.

 

As winter morphs into spring, more vacationers will be shoring up their summer getaway plans. By mid-spring, availability and cabin choices will dry up, leaving slim pickings if you have a specific stateroom category in mind. The big message here: If you're looking to sail next summer, we suggest booking ASAP.

 

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Look to shoulder season if you're on a tight budget.

May and September departures offer the best pricing. During these months, temperatures are lower than in June, July, and August -- and so are the costs. Plus, you'll also avoid larger crowds in port.  

May and September departures offer the best pricing. During these months, temperatures are lower than in June, July, and August -- and so are the costs. Plus, you'll also avoid larger crowds in port.  

Denali National Park
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Add a land tour.

There's so much nature and adventure off the coast in Alaska, which is why combining a sailing with a land tour is highly recommended. Several cruise lines offer this option, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Denali National Park, for example, is a favorite add-on for cruises that begin or end in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

 

There's so much nature and adventure off the coast in Alaska, which is why combining a sailing with a land tour is highly recommended. Several cruise lines offer this option, including Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Denali National Park, for example, is a favorite add-on for cruises that begin or end in Anchorage or Fairbanks.

 

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Pack the right clothes.

The weather in Alaska is tricky. On mid-summer days, temps can reach the mid-60s along the coast, though, in the evenings, you'll want a sweater or jacket. Planning to dress in layers is a good idea in general, so be sure to pack lightweight and warm clothing. A rain jacket or windbreaker with a hood is a must, as are walking shoes or hiking boots. Finally, know that it can get chilly in May and September, with daytime highs in the low- to mid-50s.

 

The weather in Alaska is tricky. On mid-summer days, temps can reach the mid-60s along the coast, though, in the evenings, you'll want a sweater or jacket. Planning to dress in layers is a good idea in general, so be sure to pack lightweight and warm clothing. A rain jacket or windbreaker with a hood is a must, as are walking shoes or hiking boots. Finally, know that it can get chilly in May and September, with daytime highs in the low- to mid-50s.

 

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Sign up for excursions early.

After all, Alaska cruises are all about experiencing the destination, and shore excursions will sell out fast. So, be sure to make your selections as soon as possible after booking the cruise.  That way, when you board the ship, your excursion tickets will be waiting for you in your cabin.

After all, Alaska cruises are all about experiencing the destination, and shore excursions will sell out fast. So, be sure to make your selections as soon as possible after booking the cruise.  That way, when you board the ship, your excursion tickets will be waiting for you in your cabin.

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