What Is The Best Time of Year to Go On An Alaska Cruise? (2024)

FAQs

What Is The Best Time of Year to Go On An Alaska Cruise? ›

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.

Alaska basks in gorgeous 24-hour daylight during two months of the year surrounding the summer solstice. This is when Alaska residents get their outdoor activities in, including 2:00 am hikes, dog walks, and beach volleyball. Mid-May through mid-July are the best months to cruise to Alaska to soak in the midnight sun.

Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.

The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer months. While our summer season is short, it is the driest, warmest time to visit. Starting mid May and ending mid September you are sure to see the best the State of Alaska has to offer...

Passport Requirements - US Citizens

If you are a U.S. Citizen and your Alaska cruise begins and ends in the same US port (Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles) you are not currently required to travel with a passport to Alaska. All cruise lines and WMPH Vacations highly recommend you carry a valid passport.

The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Wildlife: Springtime (late-May through mid-June) Though summer is the most popular time to cruise Alaska, springtime may be ideal for travelers who prefer fewer tourists, slightly cooler temperatures, and more regular daylight hours, with no midnight sun to contend with.

Alaska's northern lights season is between late August and late April, peaking in March. However, the season is defined more by its long, dark nights than by solar activity.

What cruise line offers the best Alaska cruise? ›

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.

12–14 Days

Spend more time and you'll not only see more but have more varied experiences. And two full weeks is enough to slip into an “Alaska state of mind.” You'll slow down, relax, and appreciate each experience more, because you won't be worried about rushing to squeeze everything in. Here are some options.

On most cruise ships, the most luxurious accommodation is on the upper decks. Here, you'll find a selection of elegant suites, with generous outdoor space, separate living areas, and amenities ranging from all-inclusive drinks to the service of a concierge.

Remember, the cost of an Alaskan cruise typically ranges from $600 to $5,000 per person, depending on the type of cruise and the chosen accommodation. Additionally, it is advisable to allocate an extra $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to fully immerse in the Alaskan experience.

Best Times to Visit Alaska for Lower Prices

Of course, you'll also find lower prices during the off-season (late September through April). Yes, it will be darker and colder, but there are advantages: It's a great time to see the northern lights and enjoy Alaska in all its winter glory.

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between mid-August and mid-April, when less daylight leads to darker night skies.