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Named for the Northern compass point, Noordam is fitting for a cruise to Alaska. Museum-quality art outfits this ship, from oils to photographs of music legends. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, and you’ll see a stretch of Alaska’s forested coastline against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and lichen-draped forests. Prepare for a thrill as you approach the head of the 30-mile Endicott Arm fjord to face Dawes Glacier, a 600-foot-tall wall of ice.
Discover Alaska with Princess in 2024-2025
Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight. With over 18 hours of golden sun each day, Alaska landscapes kiss the snowy surfaces goodbye and welcome the lush green meadows that bear the fruits of winter’s labor. As you venture into the depths of Alaska’s wilderness, reach new heights where you can enjoy unparalleled views of staggering glaciers and roaming hillside wildlife. With lows in the upper 40s and highs in the mid-60s, allow the revitalizing, crisp breeze to tickle your neck as you rejoice in the unforgettable climb.
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Alaska is a dream destination for most, but it’s a paradise for photographers, with dramatic and diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or on a Cruisetour between Vancouver and Anchorage or Fairbanks. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in April
Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running. If you want to spot herds of caribou, book an Alaska cruise that puts you in range of Denali National Park. And with salmon runs in full force, you can catch fishing bears in the southeast. While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe.
How far in advance should you book an Alaskan cruise?
Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska. The most complete tour of Denali and Alaskan life in the past and present. In rivers, you can fish for sockeye salmon, king salmon, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout. Remember to bring a versatile wardrobe that allows for layering, including base layers, t-shirts, sweaters, and pants. Don’t forget to pack appropriate outerwear such as a waterproof jacket, fleece or insulated jacket, and rain gear. Choose comfortable and sturdy footwear like hiking boots and walking shoes, and consider bringing sandals or flip-flops for onboard relaxation.
Cruise To Alaska Travel Tips & Articles
6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy
6 best Alaska cruises for families.
Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. Not only is it your best shot for warmer weather, but you’re also sure to see a good amount of the wildlife Alaska is famous for. Juneau gets about 17 days of rain in August, so a high-quality raincoat is essential. Rainfall slows down a bit in June, with about 13 days of the month having some precipitation.
Remember swimwear for the ship; even if it’s cool outside, the Solarium on board is climate controlled and covered, so you can relax on a lounger in the warmth, and swim in the pool. Many of our itineraries spend a day cruising the beautiful Endicott Arm Fjord, the end of which is dominated by the mighty Dawes Glacier. On an Alaska cruise, you’ll experience everything from raw, untamed natural wonders on an extravagant scale to rich history, buzzing cities, vibrant and delicious cuisine, and a warm welcome. Sail from Vancouver to North America’s biggest glacier, seven miles wide and the height of a 30-story building.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time of Year for an Alaskan Cruise
If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures. Regardless of which month you choose to explore Alaska, you’ll encounter iconic marine life and embark on heart-stirring adventures when you set sail with Princess. Cast your line into the marvels of an Alaska summer by cruising in August. As you sail into each port of call, delight your taste buds in the delicacies of Alaska’s waters. Donning subtle notes of the sea, the silver salmon is one of the most sought-after fish and just so happens to be most fruitful this time of year.
During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice.
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
From month to month, the weather, wildlife, and your chances of viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights vary greatly. There are several Princess cruise ships doing 14-day Alaska cruises from Vancouver round trip. The cruise ports of Ketchikan, Skagway or Haines, and Juneau are all in Southeast Alaska, and these are where most cruise ships go to. The types of things that can drastically impact your Alaska cruise include weather (cold and rain), wildlife (more or less), and ice (how far you can sail into bays to see glaciers for example). Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska.
Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website,
The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change. One of the biggest reasons cruises to Alaska in July are so popular is the pleasant temperatures that are conducive to outdoor travel and activity. This means that daytime excursions like hiking and kayaking can be enjoyed without too many layers of clothing, and you’ll have long, light days to explore and appreciate the pristine nature.
You actually don’t need to even step foot off the cruise ship in order to see glaciers. While there are tons of very worthy Alaska excursions, there are things to do in Alaska cruise ports on your own. If you’re looking at cruises for July 2024, there are cruises from San Francisco too.
They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. Cross Alaska’s massive ice shelves, crystal fjords, and fascinating marine wildlife off your bucket list with itineraries that conveniently depart from Seattle and Vancouver. Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing. Make a point of trying the local cuisine in Alaska, which is famous for its seafood.
You’ll get a snapshot of the Tongass National Forest, glaciers and the occasional whale or bear, but not up close unless you’re on a specific shore excursion. Holland America, Cunard and Viking all have cruises that fit this itinerary. Explore the best Alaska cruises available with a range of departure ports including Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, and a choice of thrilling round-trip or one-way itineraries. In this post, I share a month-by-month guide about the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise. I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state. The summer is a time of celebration in Alaska and July is packed with fun local events that often coincide with your port stops on an Alaska cruise.
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