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For major cruise lines, the Alaska cruise season runs between May and late September, including Viking and Disney. Choosing the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise can be challenging. From month to month, the weather, wildlife, and your chances of viewing the mesmerizing Northern Lights vary greatly. Whoever named Alaska the Land of the Midnight Sun was probably thinking about June; this is when you’ll find the longest days of the year. Temperatures rise into the mid-50s or even get up into the 70s, and there’s less rain than later in the summer.
When’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?
October in Alaska can see lows can be as low as 28° Fahrenheit, and the highs can reach up to 40° Fahrenheit. You can also expect more precipitation, which can result in some snowy weather. 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.
The Only Anchorage to Homer Driving Guide You’ll Need
While you can surely enjoy the scenery from the main decks, it’s really a big bonus to have your own private space to become aware of that magnificence. The cruise lines often offer education programs to teach guests about Alaska’s wildlife, glaciers, and native cultures. Alaska cruises can range from 7 to 30 days, depending on how much you want to do and see, how much time you have, and how much you want to spend. Most Alaska cruises are at least 7 days and either sail roundtrip from Seattle or Vancouver or are Alaska Glacier cruises sailing south from Anchorage or north from Vancouver.
Disembark your ship early on each port day to avoid crowds
On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. Keep an eye out for seabirds and songbirds, seals, Steller sea lions and humpback whales. Marine life is so prolific that some small-boat shore excursions guarantee you will see animals. Bears will be fishing; in late August, they will be looking for blueberries, which also become a featured item on restaurant menus.
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
However, the shoulder season has become more prevalent in recent years, making great deals harder to find. Knowing when to book your cruise can help you save money on your trip. The chance of rain during this month is over 50%, so you’ll want to pack plenty of waterproof gear – including waterproof shoes and wool socks.
Benefits of Alaska Travel in June:
” But our firsthand experience and one-on-one conversations can fill in the gaps. Alaska is huge and weather is vastly different in the north vs south or interior vs coast. And while the primary Alaska travel season is short, conditions can vary greatly between spring, summer and fall. Combine all this with Alaska’s notoriously unpredictable weather, and it can be a challenge to determine a single best time to visit Alaska. June is one of the most popular months for Alaska cruising because the weather is more pleasant and the daylight lasts from 5 am to 11 pm.
Don’t worry, there will never be a shortage of onboard activities. From shows to live music, culinary demonstrations to outdoor recreation, and even casino gaming (more about casino restrictions later), there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find a range of amenities like specialty restaurants, gyms, dance clubs, libraries, and spas on most ships.
Benefits of Alaska Travel in September:
However, it also can still get chilly at times, especially in May and June. It gets particularly cooler on a cloudy day and at night, of course. For example, temperatures in May can drop into the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9 degrees Celsius) on a cloudy day and even lower during the night.
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This ones certainly on the smaller side in the quaint town on the Kenai Peninsula, but small can still be mighty. Expect a lot of live music, drinking, live auction and general mooseing around. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing.
Or, look for lively humpback whales making a splash off the coast of Juneau. 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.
For those who want to travel in style, Celebrity is the way to go with their luxurious cabins, top-notch service, and delicious dining. Holland America is best for those who prefer a more classic cruise experience without too many kids around. For those who want a lot of onboard activities and entertainment, Royal Caribbean has you covered. When it comes to picking a cruise line for your Alaska adventure, there are a few things to consider.
You can check out big fluffy pool towels in the same area as the pool. On cooler days in June, we were thankful for our warm base layers and/or warm waterproof/water-resistant jackets, and on warmer days, we were able to shed layers and feel comfortable. We also found that comfortable and sturdy walking shoes were a must for the many excursions we participated in, from hiking to sightseeing. The weather conditions can change several times throughout the day, which is why it’s best to pack plenty of layers and a lightweight raincoat. The temperatures in September are slightly cooler, with highs of 55 and lows around 40 degrees fair height. During this month, you can expect the weather begins to cool, higher rainfall, and gorgeous fall landscapes.
💡 If you are planning a cruise during a different month, read our Alaska Cruise Outfit Guide for May, June, July, August, and September. Alaska was my family’s first cruise and included three generations. It was a chance for us to converge in one place since we are spread out around the country.
July is an ideal month to visit for salmon fishing, cultural festivals, bear viewing, and small-town exploring. With the popularity of July cruising, cruise prices are at their highest. The Alaska cruise weather in June is fairly cool, but it has the least amount of rainfall during the Alaska cruise season. You can expect Alaska cruise temperatures in May to have lows of around 40 and highs of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
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