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A cruise to Alaska is a unique experience and very different from your typical tropical destination cruise. There are so many things to consider when choosing the right Alaska cruise for your family. Here are six tips you need to know before planning an Alaska cruise:
Alaska cruises run from April to October, with summer being the most popular and warmest. Summer high temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is: What is the best month to take an Alaskan cruise?
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You can save money if you travel during the off-peak sailing seasons (April-May and September-October), but you can still expect snow. This can cause some difficulties if you are planning to hike. Additionally, it is more common during these months to see boat and helicopter tours canceled and Denali National Park closed due to bad weather.
If you're looking to choose one of the off-season sailing months, May is generally the driest and September is when you're more likely to see the Northern Lights. September is also one of the roughest months for sailing in the Gulf of Alaska, so it is not recommended for those prone to seasickness.
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June, July and August are the most popular months for cruisers in Alaska.
This summer season, June is typically the month with the least rain. However, July and August are the months when you can see more wildlife.
#2 Which cruise line should you choose?
There are many factors to consider when deciding which cruise line to choose. The first decision you need to make is what type of cruise you want to experience. Are you looking for a challenging expedition cruise or something a bit more luxurious? Smaller ships have the ability to explore more areas and stop at ports that larger cruise ships cannot. Smaller ships often offer a more luxurious experience with a higher ratio of crew to guests who can provide more personalized service.
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If you want to sail on a large cruise line with a variety of amenities on board, this is a great option, and most itineraries offer spectacular views along the Alaskan Interior Passage.
The ports of call on these large cruise ships' itineraries don't vary much, but the atmosphere and entertainment onboard varies from cruise line to cruise line. It's important to be aware of the activities you want to experience on board, the average age of your guests, and the unique opportunities your cruise line offers while sailing.
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Most of Alaska's ports originate from Vancouver, Seattle, Seward, and Whittier.
A round-trip itinerary is usually the cheapest, but a one-way cruise allows you more time to visit Alaska's ports.
If you are prone to seasickness, an itinerary from Seattle is not recommended as part of the voyage passes through the choppy waters of the Gulf of Alaska.
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#4 Which room category to choose
As with most cruises, windowless interior staterooms are usually the cheapest. These are followed by staterooms with round windows, ocean view rooms with balconies, and luxury suites.
On any type of Alaska cruise, we recommend pampering yourself in an ocean-view balcony room.
Most of your time on board will be spent admiring the stunning scenery.
Having your own private balcony or a convenient view from your warm stateroom is more enjoyable than taking a seat on deck with other guests in the rain.
#5 Which cruise itinerary should you choose?
Deciding which port of call you want to visit will depend on the places you want to explore and the types of activities you want to experience. The most popular ports of call on Alaska cruises are:
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Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the World, Alaska Native Totem, and Gateway Port. Scenic tours of the Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords, and Totem Bight State Park, as well as fishing trips and crab festivals.
Alaska's capital, Juneau, offers kayaking, canoeing and hiking on nearby Mendenhall Glacier. There's also the Mount Roberts Tramway, which takes riders 1,800 feet up for spectacular views and hiking trails. Plus, there are many breweries and distilleries nearby.
Skagway is famous for its gold rush history tours. You can take a train along the narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon Line Railway and see the same scenic route that gold seekers took on foot.
Sitka is a unique cultural melting pot for both Alaska Native and Russian populations. There is also the Alaska Raptor Center, a non-profit facility dedicated to treating injured birds of prey, such as American eagles.
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Cruise ships can also visit the majestic Tracy Arm/Sawyer Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay or College Fjord.
If wildlife viewing is on your must-do list, Tracy Arm is a great place to see wildlife like seals and whales up close.
Because cruise ships can only access the Alaskan coast, many cruisers take advantage of the cruise ship's land base tours before and after their cruise. This tour takes you deeper into Alaska's beautiful scenery with a local tour guide and includes an overnight stay in a charming hotel.
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One of the most popular activities on Alaska land tours is the Wilderness Express Railcars, luxurious glass-domed trains that take you through Alaska's interior. The most convenient way to explore the rest of this beautiful state is to choose a cruise itinerary that begins or ends in an Alaska port and allows you to explore the area before or after your cruise.
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Lissa Ryan is a senior travel advisor at Kingdom Destinations, specializing in luxury family vacations. Lissa helps busy parents who want to create travel memories with her family through luxury travel experiences, but are too busy or overwhelmed with all the effort and research required to plan the perfect vacation.