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You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above. If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dog sled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.
Best Alaska Cruises to Take This Summer, According to Experts
Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. A trip to Alaska is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists, and for good reason.
Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences
But, if you want to upgrade to include a full day of sightseeing, whale watching, and a salmon bake, that will cost over $200 a person. Although many cruise ships are all-inclusive, it is common practice to tip the staff for a job well done. Additionally, extra tipping can be useful to secure prime meal times or spots on excursions. Premium meals offer higher-end cuts of meat and gourmet specialties. Depending on the cruise ship company, premium meals may be included or cost extra. You may want to extend your trip to factor in travel time and avoid issues in case of a delayed or canceled flight.
Vacation clothing
The cruise line, which is celebrating its Silver Anniversary at Sea, offers 23 five-, seven-, eight- and 9-night round-trip Alaskan itineraries aboard the Disney Wonder, all of which depart from Vancouver. Shore excursions range from adventures like zip lining, hiking and rafting to seaplane exploration, photo safaris and high teas. Adults can enjoy themselves on an Alaskan Disney Cruise, too, with adult-exclusive dining; an adult-only pool and hot tub; fitness center; and Senses Spa & Salon. Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.
Best Inside Passage Alaska Cruise: Hurtigruten Expeditions, MS Roald Amundsen
To discover Alaska’s rich historyYou can’t skip Ketchikan, Juneau or Skagway on an itinerary. Ketchikan once was a major player in the timber industry and has a sordid past steeped in bootlegging and brothels. Skagway was a jumping-off point for the Klondike Gold Rush beyond Chilkoot Pass and has an old railroad to prove it. Mary Curry is another T+L A-List advisor who specializes in small-ship cruises to Polar regions and the Galapagos. We spoke to cruise experts to find the best Alaska itineraries to book this year.
Koningsdam Serves Up a Taste of Alaska, Both On and Off the Ship
Most cruise lines price beer around $7, cocktails between $9 and $15, and a variety of wines around $9 to $15 a glass. Many cruise lines do discount the second and third person in the room. This discount is usually around 50% off the cruise fare of the first and second passenger.
How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips - Royal Caribbean Blog
How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:23:24 GMT [source]
Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Depending on your Alaska cruise itinerary, these can add up to several hundred dollars per person. These charges are usually paid upfront when you pay for your cruise or added to your onboard account, so it’s crucial to budget for them when considering the Alaskan cruise cost. Sometimes, travelers to Alaska extend the entire trip with a Cruisetour. A cruisetour adds extra days to your cruise, on either the front or the back end, with a portion of your trip occurring on land. These often include scenic rail tours with overnights in nearby lodges and hotels.
If you go during colder months, prices are lower than for mid-summer excursions. Furthermore, inside cabins are cheaper than ones containing a balcony. Your choice in suites ranges from mini-suites–a roomy cabin with a balcony–to lavish multi-room/deck accommodations. Cruise tour costs for Royal Caribbean will range from $371-$413 per person for a five-to-eight-night cruise.
Ideal for Adventurers
As well, you’ll find a different crowd on a trip to Alaska than a trip to the Caribbean. Now, you might be under the impression that Alaskan cruises are filled with older passengers. While older passengers are well represented, you’ll likely find the crowd remarkably diverse.
Our sample trip departs Seattle and is a 7-night cruise that takes place in July 2024. We selected a balcony cabin for each cruise with 2 adults and 2 kids in the same cabin. To give you an idea of prices, we priced out a family of four among the most popular cruise lines.
Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska.
One day could find you paddleboarding in the morning and hiking in the afternoon, or maybe kayaking and taking a skiff out later in the day to try and spot wildlife. For the daring, there’s even a chance to go all-in with a polar plunge. All excursions are led by experienced expedition teams, who provide all the equipment needed to make the most of your time in Alaska. Coming off of its 150th anniversary year, Holland America Line has been sailing to and around Alaska for more than half that time—75 years. Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” deeply immerses guests in local cultures through onboard programs and activities, and shore excursions. On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people.
Spend more time sightseeing and less time getting there with our prime Alaska docking locations. Weekend departures give you the option to stretch your vacation and explore the Emerald City. I’m a Florida-based freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who has embarked on more than a dozen cruises, including several to Alaska.
A family of four in the same balcony cabin would be paying over $3,600 for the cabin, so an average of $900 a person. Some cruisers do not care about accommodations and want to book the least expensive room. Although, the family-focused Disney Cruise Line is one of the most expensive Alaska cruises. A roundtrip cruise from Vancouver starts at $1,050 per person for a family of 4 (or $1283 per person at double occupancy). If the same family of 4 wants to sail in a concierge level cabin, the total cost is $5875 per person (or $8950 per person at double occupancy).
Basic coverage can cost around $100 to $200 per person and provide peace of mind in unexpected events like medical emergencies or trip cancellations. By being aware of these hidden costs, you can budget more accurately and avoid surprises that could damage your dream Alaska vacation. The next section will discuss whether these additional costs make an Alaskan cruise worth it. Internet packages can cost upwards of $25 per day, and onboard messaging apps may also come with a fee.
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