What You Need to Know Before Booking an Alaska Cruise

Jaime Anacker
3 hours ago
5 min read

An Alaska cruise is one of those trips that truly deserves a spot on your bucket list. Between the glaciers, wildlife, charming port towns, incredible scenery, and unique excursions, Alaska is unlike almost any other cruise destination.

But an Alaska cruise is also very different from a Caribbean cruise. There are a few things you should know before you book - especially if you want to make the most of your time in this incredible destination.

Here are some of my biggest tips for planning an Alaska cruise.

1. Not All Alaska Cruise Itineraries Are the Same

When comparing Alaska cruises, don't look at price alone. The itinerary matters!

Popular Alaska cruise ports include:

Juneau
Skagway
Ketchikan
Sitka
Icy Strait Point
Victoria, British Columbia

You'll also want to pay attention to the scenic cruising days. Depending on the itinerary, your ship may visit areas such as Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, or Tracy Arm Fjord.

Two cruises that look similar at first glance can offer very different Alaska experiences. This is one of the reasons working with a travel advisor can be so helpful, we can look beyond the price and help determine which itinerary is the best fit for you.

2. A Balcony Can Be Worth the Splurge

Do you need a balcony cabin to enjoy Alaska? No.

Would I recommend one if it fits your budget? Absolutely.

Imagine waking up, grabbing a cup of coffee, stepping onto your balcony and seeing mountains, glaciers or even wildlife from your room.

Unlike some cruises where your room is simply a place to sleep, Alaska is a destination where the scenery is part of the experience. There is almost always something beautiful to see outside.

If a balcony isn't in your budget, don't let that stop you from going! Ships have plenty of public viewing areas where you can enjoy the scenery.

3. Pack Layers : And Then Pack Another Layer

Alaska weather can change quickly. You may experience sunshine, rain, wind and chilly temperatures all in the same day.

Layers are your best friend.

I recommend packing:

A waterproof or water-resistant jacket
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Sweatshirts and sweaters
Long-sleeve shirts
T-shirts for warmer afternoons
Hat and gloves
Comfortable pants
Sunglasses
A small backpack for excursions

And yes, bring a swimsuit! Your cruise ship may have hot tubs, indoor pools or a spa, and there's something pretty amazing about sitting in a hot tub while surrounded by Alaska scenery.

One thing that I didn't expect was how warm the ship was. Make sure you have clothes that you can change into if you get warm.
Comment on this blog if you would like a free Alaska packing list

4. Alaska Excursions Can Be Expensive : Budget for Them

This is one area where I tell clients to plan ahead.

Alaska has some incredible bucket-list excursions, but they can also be more expensive than excursions you may have experienced in the Caribbean or Mexico.

Depending on your itinerary, you could go:

Whale watching
Dog sledding
Glacier hiking
Helicopter touring
Kayaking
Salmon fishing
Wildlife viewing
Riding the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway
Exploring Alaska by seaplane
Hiking near glaciers

You don't need an expensive excursion at every port, but I recommend budgeting for at least one

or two experiences that you're really excited about.

This may be your only trip to Alaska — do the thing you'll remember!

5. Book Popular Excursions Early

Don't wait until you're on the ship to decide what you want to do.

Some of the most popular Alaska excursions have limited availability and can sell out well before sailing. This is especially true for helicopter experiences, dog sledding, small-group wildlife tours and certain whale-watching excursions.

Once your cruise is booked, start thinking about excursions.

6. Yes, You Can See Wildlife From the Ship

Keep your eyes open!

Depending on where you're sailing and the time of year, you may have the opportunity to see whales, seals, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife right from the ship.

A small pair of binoculars is one of my favorite things to recommend packing for an Alaska cruise.

And when you're sailing through especially scenic areas, don't stay inside your cabin. Head outside and enjoy it!

The nice things about these cruises is that both sides of the ship will get the opportunity to see all Alaska has to offer. Especially when you are cruising in the glacier or arms, the ship will rotate.

7. Alaska Cruises Are Great for Multi-Generational Trips

Alaska is one of my favorite cruise recommendations for families and multi-generational groups.

Why?

There really is something for everyone.

One person might want to hike to a glacier while another wants to take a scenic train ride. Someone else may want to spend the afternoon exploring town, shopping and enjoying local seafood.

Cruising makes it easy for everyone to experience Alaska at their own pace while still traveling together.

8. Consider Adding Time Before or After Your Cruise

If you're already flying all the way to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest, consider extending your vacation.

If your cruise begins or ends in Seattle or Vancouver, spend an extra night or two exploring the city.

For one-way Alaska itineraries, you may also have opportunities to add a land portion and explore more of Alaska before or after your cruise.

Denali National Park, Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Alaska Railroad can turn a seven-night cruise into an even bigger Alaska adventure.

9. Don't Expect a Caribbean-Style Cruise

This is important.

You aren't necessarily going to spend your Alaska cruise sitting by the pool in 85-degree weather with a tropical drink in your hand.

Alaska is about the destination.

You'll probably spend more time watching the scenery, getting up early for excursions, exploring ports and standing outside looking for wildlife.

The ship is still part of the vacation — enjoy the restaurants, entertainment, spa and activities — but Alaska itself is the star of the show.

10. The Best Alaska Cruise Is Different for Everyone

There isn't one cruise line, ship or itinerary that's perfect for every traveler.

Some travelers want luxury. Others want a ship packed with activities for their kids. Some care most about glaciers and wildlife, while others want incredible excursions. And some travelers want to combine their cruise with several days exploring Alaska by land.

That's where choosing the right cruise becomes so important.

Thinking About an Alaska Cruise?

Alaska is one of those destinations where planning ahead can make a huge difference.

From choosing the right cruise line and itinerary to finding the best cabin, excursions, flights, hotels and travel protection, there are a lot of pieces to consider.

That's where we come in.

As your travel advisor, we can help you compare your Alaska cruise options and put together a vacation based on how you actually want to experience Alaska — not simply which cruise happens to be the cheapest.

Are you ready for more adventure and sightseeing in your life, consider an Alaskan Cruise and Just Be!