alaska cruise ports things to do

You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer. If you plan to explore Sitka on your own, you'll find that you can see most, if not all, of the town by just walking. Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. Skagway also has lots of great history to explore and several excellent hikes that leave from downtown and you can easily walk to. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. Go for it! See the list of Mendenhall Visitor Center tours. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services Act, foreign flagged ships (all the big ships) cannot take people from one American port to another. For smaller crowds and lower cruise fares, youll want to sail at the beginning or end of the cruise season (May, June, or September). Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. The height of the Alaskan cruise season runs the summer, but most ships start sailing May and dont finish up the season until September. From the ship, its fun keeping an eye on the water for local whale pods or searching the shoreline for bears, moose, or sea lions. Expect to spend significantly more. Once youve decided whether to take a big ship or small ship, youll need to decide if youre going to do a one way cross gulf cruise (named because it crosses the Gulf of Alaska) or round trip from Seattle or Vancouver BC, which goes through the Inside Passage and returns to Seattle or Vancouver. If youre traveling on a small ship, your ship may call at Wrangell, Petersburg or go ashore at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay National Park. In particular, weve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals. Unlike other cruise destinations, Alaskan ports arent separated by large bodies of the ocean. Things to Do. If you have the chance to go, dont miss out on this truly unique Alaska cruise port, theres nothing like it anywhere else! Details You Should Know Before You Sail, 57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers, 7 Common Things You CANT Pack on a Cruise (And 5 Surprising Things You Can), 7 Top Nassau Hotels with Day Passes for Cruise Passengers, 20+ Best Miami Park and Cruise Hotels (Free/Discount Parking), Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). This is the best Alaska cruise port for shopping, with delightful Creek Street and the streets surrounding it offering up more local art and gifts than many other ports (Juneau is also good for this, ask a local where to go!). You can increase your chances by visiting Denali National Park, where theres less population and light pollution. Juneau Rolling mountains standing over 3,000 feet tall overlook the still waters below, waiting for the majestic 20-foot Orcas to break the tranquil surface and make their grand debut. You can also link up with Sitkas bus system (called The Ride) to get to trailheads and other areas. The cruise tours visit places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, the city of Fairbanks, and the Kenai Peninsula. The best time to cruise Alaska depends on what you want to see and do. You'll find tour operators offering whale watching shore excursions throughout the season. This Alaska cruise guide covers everything you need to know before you sail to Alaska. If you sail during these months, youll find higher prices and larger crowds. Cruise ships sell staples everything from candy bars to cough medicine but there is an insane markup on the prices. Small-ship, luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea, and Regent can navigate more waterways than larger mainstream cruise lines. While theft is rare, theres no sense in making things any easier for someone with sticky fingers. While Sitka may not be as popular for whale watching compared to ports like Juneau or Icy Point Strait, it still . Ketchikan (below) is a very, very close second, but Juneaus many hiking trails that you can get to easily from the cruise ship dock edge it into the number one spot for me. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here. It is possible to have much hotter days but definitely be ready for some chilly and damp days, even in the middle of summer! The Gulf of Alaska itinerary brings you the furthest north, and sailing in September provides more hours of darkness. No matter your preferences, you can find a cruise ship to fit your dream vacation. Wake up early to see wildlife When you take a cruise to the Caribbean to the Bahamas, there might be a chance to swim with a trained dolphin or a group of stingrays. To be sure youre prepared for anything, layering your clothes can give you options for when it warms up or it cools down. If this happens to you, wed suggest waiting until you get into port to pick up whatever you needs. The state's vast and wild terrain suits adventurers . Many cruise lines offer tours combining a traditional Alaska cruise with a bus tour. A cruise to Sitka, much like other Alaska cruise ports, brings the opportunity to spot majestic wildlife, particularly in the ocean waters. Why? You may find rougher seas at the beginning and end of the cruise until your cruise ship reaches the Inside Passage, where the waters are calmer. Think: snorkeling through coral reefs, exploring ancient Roman ruins, hiking on glaciers and . Juneau gets a slight edge from me as I mentioned above for the number of hiking trails that are easy to get to from the cruise ship dock. The weather in Alaska changes rapidly throughout the day. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s. Elevators are the heart of ship and youll likely ride them several times a day. While its not that big, its an easy way to store your valuables passports, keys, cash, and more. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. Whether selecting a ship or planning your time in port, you don't want to miss out on all of the outdoor and cultural activities Alaska has to offer. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if its clear out especially with sun reflecting off of the water. I'm Jennie. Visitors can explore the area's stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, mountains, and forests. New! Have questions about sailing to Alaska? This is a destination that speaks to visitors through its history, wild natural beauty, fresh seafood and the native culture of the Tlingit and Haida people. Walking tours and hikes: Pick up a free map of the . But just remember that things can get pretty chilly on those balconies. The round-trip Gulf of Alaska cruises tend to be 12 to 14-day itineraries, and youll likely spend at least two days at sea (not including scenic cruising days). If you're docked at Adventure Landing, the whale-watching boat often departs at the dock. Alaska is one of the cruise destinations where we recommend booking a balcony accommodation. Head on a Caribbean cruise, and the schedule is familiar show up to the port of call early in the morning and youll depart in the evening. So one site might charge $1,000 for a cruise, but have $50 in onboard credit. If youre not afraid of heights, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-see activity. Misty Fjords National Monument. In fact, the entire downtown is a national park! Temperatures in Southeast Alaska and along the Inside Passage are generally in the 50s and 60s in the summer. This question is worth considering because they are very different experiences. September 17, 2018 0 1277 A cruise to Alaska allows you to trade in your hectic daily commute for a slice of calm. With school back in session, fewer families can take a week off to sail to Alaska. If you want an up-close glacier experience, you can book a helicopter tour and glacier walk. It's best to research what activities fit within your interest, fitness level, and budget. Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. The town of Skagway was once the gateway to the Klondike in Canadas Yukon territory (the site of the famous gold fields). You can bring your own, however. Often you can reserve activities and the specialty restaurants on the ship online ahead of time. I recommend the cross gulf (one way) trip if you are also adding a land portion of your trip to other parts of Alaska, such as Denali National Park, Anchorage or Fairbanks. Meanwhile, its not so easy to run out and get anything you might have forgot at home. Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. There are several reasons why people cruise Alaska, but one way or another, people are drawn to the state for its incredible scenic beauty. Given the location of the terminals, there also arent many spots around for independent parking. With outstanding views wherever you look, you Thats why we suggest packing several of those inexpensive plastic ponchos. There are also numerous scenic hiking trails to enjoy. Shore excursions are cruise activities that take place while your cruise ship is in port. Take the "Deadliest Catch" Crab Fishermen's Tour 4. Glacial ice formed the passages over 250 million years ago. Even on sea days, theres always something to look at. The glacier is a popular destination for hiking and kayaking tours. If youre looking for longer Alaska sailings of 12 or more nights, youll want to stick with Holland America or Princess Cruises. May, June, and September are known as the shoulder season. Glacier Bay National Park: The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. Go Whale Watching. From the pools on the ship (hopefully covered) to hot tubs that are nice and warm during a cool Alaskan night, youll definitely want to pack that swimsuit. Most Alaska cruises have a day of cruising near a glacier but its not always Glacier Bay. If you want to spot wildlife in Alaska and catch a snapshot, then youll want a decent camera with a zoom feature. Ill also talk about how to decide between a cross gulf cruise or inside passage only (and what that means), a big ship or small ship and options for scenic cruising around glaciers. If youre prone to seasickness, you may want to think twice before booking a Gulf of Alaska cruise. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. Wildlife lovers should take a whale-watching tour in Sitka Sound or visit the Alaska Raptor Center and Fortress of the Bear rescue centers. But we suggest looking for those that have a solarium or other covered spots with pools. Thats on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (its four hours behind the East Coast). Embark on a magical voyage and celebrate the sights, sounds and flavors of the holiday season. Pros: The biggest benefits of small ships are the small number of guests and the intimate setting as well as the opportunity to explore smaller inlets and places where bigger ships arent able to go. If you've dreamed of seeing brown bears in the wild in one of Alaska's best spots for brown bear viewing as well as experiencing flightseeing and kayaking, this trip is for you. Cruise fares are often the cheapest when first released to the public. Sitka is the best town to visit if youre hoping to spot bald eagles. Your cruise line will let you know which terminal youll sail from in your booking documents. Small ships generally stop in fewer ports and do more exploring with kayaking and hiking instead of in towns. Because of the fast-changing weather in Alaska, its not possible to dress for the weather. Another potential decision point is the ports that are available on different itineraries, that could also be a reason to choose either cross gulf or inside passage only over the other. The vast majority of employees are Huna Tlingit who live in the town of Hoonah. Cons: Watch out for additional costs, especially the cost of shore excursions. Disney Cruise Line Fall 2024 Itineraries. Even though it isnt in Alaska, many cruises which start or end in Seattle stop in Victoria. These are all wonderful and intimate ports with lots to see and do. Be forewarned that parking during your trip is expensive. Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into Americas Last Frontier. Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. 1 Lumberjack Show 2 Misty Fjords Flightseeing 3 Duck Tour 4 Wilderness Tour & Crab Feast 5 Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour 6 Totem Bight State Park 7 Misty Fjords Wilderness Cruise 8 Saxman. If you want to increase your chances, you should book towards the end of the Alaska cruise season, in late October. Youll have to book your transportation, but you can often book through the cruise line. Still others want to sail the biggest and newest ships. But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior cabin. Just be prepared for some sticker shock. Guests dont need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship. By carefully looking at the structure of the mountains, you can see just how massive the past glaciers were. Ive spent many seasons working in the Alaska cruise industry and visit all of these ports frequently and even lived in two of them. You likely want to bring some cash on your cruise. These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. When youre out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Yeah, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind. Kayaking is unique in Haines because you can take a tour for sea kayaking or you can kayak in Chilkoot Lake, giving options for every preference and every skill level in a kayak. Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas. Theres a significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise to Alaska. Needless to say we saw plenty of glaciers. Spending a few days before or after your cruise in Seattle? These cookies do not store any personal information. Inside Passage cruises typically have ascenic cruising day at a Fjord or glacier. Grab Lunch at the Alaska Crepe Co. 5. Well cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more. See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. If you are concerned about the weather, don't be. Sitka is a little fishing town located on Baranof Island. Sitka has far fewer ships than many other ports so its fun for an independent minded traveler to explore. A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Its best to grab it before you head to the ship. Popular excursions include exploring the local wildlife, such as bald eagles, whales, and sea lions, as well as taking a scenic boat tour of the surrounding islands. Many of the original buildings remain, as are the towns wooden boardwalks. 48 Anchorage, Alaska Port Reviews. But there are many destinations that you cant visit by sea. At Icy Strait Point you can explore the museum in a historic cannery, walk the nature trails, eat delicious seafood and book one of the many tours offered. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter. But if you want to see wildlife, you should take an Alaska cruise during July or August. You can also do a hike from the train getting dropped off at Denver or Laughton Glacier as part of a tour. Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier. You can pick up a cheap fan on Amazon for about $20 that wont take up too much space in your cabin. If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. Don't veer off the trail and be mindful of signs about recent wildlife activity, including bears. Theres nothing we love more than sipping a coffee on our balcony while admiring the picturesque views. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun. 102 helpful votes. Small ships do not generally have programming specifically for kids. 4. Ive been cruising since I was 11 years old. Dress appropriately. There are cruise lines of all price ranges sailing in Alaska, with budget-friendly lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean and luxury cruise lines like Seabourn and Silversea Cruises. The activities are often included in the tour price, though you may need to pay extra for some excursions. Cruise ships follow federal law, which says pot is illegal. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. See The Rock 2. This is not because the others are not fantastic, because they are! Ketchikan also has excellent shore excursions, particularly to Misty Fjords National Monument, and its a great place for fishing trips. Icy Strait Point/Hoonah - most unique port in Alaska. Haines - best weather and kayaking. But an Alaskan cruise? A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather. We care about privacy. Many towns across Alaska offer activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, and more high excitement activities like off-roading (ATVing). Drink packages make things extremely simple. August and September are much rainier, but you can get some good deals at this time of year. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures. These week-long sailings embark in either Seattle, Washington, or Vancouver, British Columbia. It might be warm in the morning, then cold and rainy in the afternoon. If you like to explore on your own, Sitka is the port for you! While there can be some overcast days, those sunny days can hit hard. But many days are also very mild with lots of sun. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer, weve found that the prices are almost always the exact same, See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here, Rates are $30 per night to park at the ports, Heres some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise, sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here, Can I Use My Phone? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Season: May 15 - Sep 10 $939+ per person 8 hrs. In addition to visiting some of the ports along Alaskas Inside Passage, itineraries also include up to two scenic cruising days. The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since Alaska is part of the United States, your cell service provider may also offer service in this area with any additional charges. Tracy Arm Fjord: One of the most popular scenic destinations for Alaska cruises, located only 50 miles south of Juneau. 1. Hop-on, hop-off shuttle: There's a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle between cruise ship berths 1-4 and to several locations in town every 20 minutes. This is a wonderful place to try kayaking for the first time! In short, the apps are extremely valuable to passengers. Youre going to be bound by airline restrictions if you fly into the port, but if not, dont be afraid to overpack for your trip. Nothing about Juneau is small. They can get close to glaciers and travel to the twin-Sawyer Glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm Fjord. But Alaskan cruises? On an Alaskan cruise, you can take a tour to see whales in Juneau or one in Icy Strait Point. Im a travel agent so I also help people plan their trips to Alaska including cruises and Im excited to share my insider knowledge with you! Some of the tallest mountains have sharp edges towards the peaks. Popular ports of call along the Inside Passage include Juneau, Ketchican, Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait, and Tracy Arm Fjord. While phone cameras are great for most shots, they often lack in the zoom capability. We did the 26 Glacier tour with Phillips cruises via Holland America and it was spectacular scenery. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. While Seattle is the big departure port for Alaskan cruises, a fair number also sail from Vancouver, Canada. Treat yourself to festive fun with Halloween on the High Seas sailings or Very Merrytime cruisesplus discover the wonders of Lighthouse Point, Disney's newest island destination in The Bahamas. If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, youll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north. An Alaska cruise can cost between $500 to $10,000 per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, flights, hotel, shore excursions, and drink purchases. If youre interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, its an amazing experience, but its very different from a cruise! Explore the Beach and Nature Trails 8. That said, in general you'll find that a trip to Alaska can be more than a cruise to the Caribbean. Take the Ocean Raft Adventure 6. Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice. Is it better to do an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver? Meanwhile some ships either arent sailing yet or have moved on for the season. Located approximately 15 minutes drive from Juneau cruise port, Macaulay Salmon Hatchery is the largest Salmon Hatchery in Southeast Alaska raising over 130 million chum, king, and coho salmon annually. I can tell you from experience that my favorite cruise as a kid was our trip to Alaska. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal. Each port city features amazing placesfrom the natural to the culturalthat everyone will appreciate. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. Round trip cruises may go from either Seattle or Vancouver. The cruises are very different than a traditional cruise to Alaska, with a greater focus on education, enrichment, nature, and the environment. Experience setting foot on a remote glacier through a private helicopter tour, enjoy an authentic . While a balcony is nice, its not like there arent places around the ship to take in the scenery. Juneau is Alaskas capital city, located at the base of Mount Juneau. All other whale-watching tours depart from a dock in front of the Cannery Museum or from Hoonah. Ketchikan, Alaska, is best known as the Salmon capital of the world. But the town is also popular for its Misty Fjords National Monument and numerous totem poles carved by Alaskas Indigenous peoples, the Tlingit. When you sail to Alaska, shore excursions are a must. However you get there, Haines is worth a visit for plenty of reasons. Its essential to dress in layers. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more: Best things to do in Ketchikan. A visit . Sure in Alaska you arent going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. There are also plenty of opportunities . When you visit Alaska, youll want to pack very differently than you would for a Caribbean cruise. Theres still no guarantee youll get to see them, but it will increase your odds. We got some spectacular photos even though it was cloudy most of the time. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where theres a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland. When applying for an ETSA for a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then back to Vancouver for a return flight to UK, how do i fill in 1. See Bears at the Wildlife & Bear Search 5. Photo by Scott Johnson We may receive compensation when you click on those links at no cost to you. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. Youll also want to make sure you have sunscreen because when the sun does come out its INTENSE during Alaskas long summer days. Not sure if Alaskan cruises are for you, heres what to expect on an Alaskan cruise. One-way cruises begin and end in different ports, typically embarking or debarking in Seward, Alaska. Here are some of our favorite spots that you can visit without joining a group outing. Sure any cruise ship you select is going to have hot tubs for passengers. You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep. Let us know in the comments below. For more on details about sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here. Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America.

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