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The cheapest rates -- often hundreds of dollars less per person than high season -- are found during the shoulder seasons of May, early June and September. It’s advised to book ahead, as peak-season rooms may be booked a year in advance. This month brings cooler weather and more rain but fails to dampen the high spirits on cruise ships.
What’s the Best Time to See Whales on an Alaska Cruise?
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. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities.
Advantages of Visiting Alaska in May
As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. Check out our list of the 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise for more information on packing necessities on your Alaskan cruise. One-way Gulf of Alaska itineraries are the best option for Alaska touring, as they begin or end in Alaska.
Avoid the Cruise Crowds and Travel During Alaska's Shoulder Season
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. Not only is the cracking sound shocking, but the calving also produces a giant wave of water and captivating icebergs. July and August are prime time for viewing glacier calving on an Alaskan cruise. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving. July is filled with opportunities to see the stunning wildlife of Alaska while enjoying milder temperatures.
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922 - Reader's Digest
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The best month for an Alaska cruise: When to go
The loss of daylight does mean you could see the Aurora Borealis while cruising to Alaska in late August. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March. For cruise itineraries in Alaska, August high temperatures will be somewhere in the upper 50s and low 60s. We’ve reached the pinnacle of summer temperatures, and the rainier season has just begun.
During spring, wildflowers bloom along the Inside Passage; you’re more likely to see larger animals migrating. Early June is an excellent time to see calving glaciers, Orcas, Minke whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins. If you venture off the cruise ship and head north of the Arctic Circle, you may be able to see the midnight sun. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season. If the Northern Lights experience is high on your Alaska bucket list, consider a September cruise with more dark nighttime hours and increased solar activity. The state is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, moose, caribou, and whales.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in April
The weather in Alaska can, and will, change multiple times per day, but you will find the warmest months to be June, July and August. The Alaska cruise season runs between May and September, which happen to be the most temperate times of the year in the 49th state. In September, the scale now tips towards later sunrises and earlier sunsets in Alaska. By the end of September, there are less than 12 hours of daylight in Juneau.
Cheaper fares can be usually found on mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and NCL, while Cunard, Disney and Seabourn will be more expensive. If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot.
There’s no right or wrong time to cruise to Alaska, but having an idea of the pros and cons of each season should help decide which time of year works best for you. More hours of daylight on an Alaska cruise means more time to sightsee, whether in port or when sailing through the Inside Passage. Juneau, for example, sees around 18 hours of daylight in June compared to just 12 in September. If a cruise with fewer crowds is important to you, it might be a good idea to avoid Alaska cruises in June, July, and August. Not only will there likely be more guests onboard during the summer, but in the ports you are visiting as well.
Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle. May, June and July have the most daylight hours (17 to 18), while August averages 16 hours of daylight. Whatever month you choose for your Alaska cruise, though, is sure to bring the opportunity to visit charming towns, explore phenomenal nature, and make memories with family and friends.
Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships. Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis. The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures. Other than May, September is the best month for an Alaska cruise if you're looking for a deal.
There are definite ebbs and flows to demand and crowds in the ports you will visit depending on which month you sail. It is hard to top the majestic beauty of rugged glaciers, plethora of unique animal sightings, or huge mountains. Going on a cruise to Alaska is an extremely popular kind of cruise, because it offers an easy way to see so much in a compact amount of time. Gray whales and Humpback whales begin their migration to warmer waters in October and November, so you still have a chance to see them in Alaskan waters in September. Cruising in September will give you the highest chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis on an Alaskan cruise.
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