Planning an Alaskan cruise? But that couldnt be further from the truth. Kayaking is unique in Haines because you can take a tour for sea kayaking or you can kayak in Chilkoot Lake, giving options for every preference and every skill level in a kayak. Local companies such as Denali ATV offer larger off-road machines that accommodate booster seats (provided) so the whole family can take part. Im a travel agent so I also help people plan their trips to Alaska including cruises and Im excited to share my insider knowledge with you! 10 Spectacular Things to Do in Juneau Cruise Port (+ Insider Port Guide) Luxury cruise lines often visit less-traveled cruise ports, including Wrangell, Alaska, and Klemtu, British Columbia. You can expect to pay a higher price if you book a balcony. These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. 12 Things You Absolutely Need to Do on an Alaskan Cruise Holland America and Princess Cruises are two of the most popular cruise lines for Alaska sailings. Alaskan Cruise Ports - Visit Hubbard Glacier - Cunard The most popular scenic cruising destinations include Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm, and College Fjord. The good news is that cruise ships are getting more generous with plugs in the stateroom cabins. In other words, you can see the same sites as someone paying double or triple what you paid by going with a cheaper line. Needless to say we saw plenty of glaciers. Small ships generally sail one way or round trip between Alaska ports, usually Juneau, Sitka or Ketchikan. The mountains with sharp peaks stood above the glaciers. Where Skagway is a historic small town full of history and adventure, Juneau is a large city with great eateries and shopping. Alaska is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, offering an escape into Americas Last Frontier. A Creek Street visit is one of the things to do in Ketchikan Alaksa. In Alaskan ports, the sun can rise around 4 a.m. and set after 10 p.m. Dont let that on its own stop you from booking. Nothing about Juneau is small. If you can afford it, its preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. USA contact information 2. Shore excursion nirvana: The 6 coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise If youre not afraid of heights, the Mount Roberts Tramway is a must-see activity. Icy Strait Point/Hoonah - most unique port in Alaska. Cruises to Alaska can vary greatly, but even a good deal will typically be $500-$700 per person as a minimum for an interior cabin. And for even more on Alaskan cruising, dont forget to see our list of things to pack, what to consider when selecting the right ship, and our best cruise deals to Alaska. I love to share the places I love with visitors, newcomers and my fellow locals. I'm Jennie. In any part of Southeast Alaska you need to be ready for rain, any day, all year, but Haines gives you a better chance of a dry day than most. Alaskan Cruise excursions - Alaska Forum - Tripadvisor Its just the way things are. Our policy is here: https://www.ordinary-adventures.com/privacy-policy/. Gold Panning at Alaska 360. Almost every mainstream cruise line provides Alaskan cruises. 48 Anchorage, Alaska Port Reviews. Nearly every cruise calls at Juneau, so look for a cruise that gives you the maximum amount of time there to see as much of this wonderful town as possible. So one site might charge $1,000 for a cruise, but have $50 in onboard credit. Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. 1. Last updated: [wpautoterms last_updated_date]If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us. In my opinion, Juneau is the best Alaska cruise port overall. Its essential to dress in layers. One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. The glacier is home to many wildlife species and was founded by John Muir in the 1880s. Not sure which itinerary to choose? Glacier Bay National Park: The expansive bay provides a window to 250 million years ago when the land was covered by ice. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator. Misty Fjords National Monument. A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather. this is the best shore excursion available in Southeast Alaska! Its more straightforward and usually less expensive to fly if you do a round trip from the same port. Without the rhythm of a normal day that were used to farther south, you will likely wake up earlier than you are used to and go to bed later. Couples looking for a romantic getaway should choose Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, or Holland America. If you sail late in the season (late August or September), then the days start getting shorter. Whats the Earliest You Should Schedule a Flight After a Cruise? If you book a Gulf of Alaska cruise, youll experience other less-visited cruise ports further north. Thats why its always a good idea to pack a pair of binoculars to take in the sites from both the ship and the shore during ports of call. The town is full of museums, shops, and small restaurants. In fact, the entire downtown is a national park! In general you can find a lot more to do on the bigger and newer ships say those built in the past 10-15 years. Look to set sail in the early part of the season (May) or the later part of the season (late August-September). Small ships sometimes dock at Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay (see more on this at the bottom of this article), but big ships do not go ashore in the park. USA address as the drop down menus don give many options? For unique experiences, you may want to try smaller expedition cruise ships like Alaskan Dream Cruises and Uncruise Adventure. The ships North Star provides an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you simply cant pass up. Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. The 15-minute tram ride takes you to the top of Mount Roberts, where theres a lookout point, bald eagles, a gift shop, and a restaurant. September is a good time to plan a last minute cruise as there is often space available on ships. Alaska Cruises: Things to Do - alaskancruise.com The peak season for Alaska cruises is July and August. Thats on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (its four hours behind the East Coast). It helps to take a backpack or waterproof bag to put extra layers if you dont need them. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. Often you can reserve activities and the specialty restaurants on the ship online ahead of time. Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas. All other whale-watching tours depart from a dock in front of the Cannery Museum or from Hoonah. You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer. Theres no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style. Answered: How Much Cash Should You Take On a Cruise? Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do A cruise-by of Hubbard Glacier offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, forget the outside world, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Alaska's unspoiled scenery. Most Gulf of Alaska cruises is one-way cruises traveling from Vancouver or Seattle to Seward or Whittier. The short cruise season owes itself to the weather. Last updated on June 13th, 2023 at 03:31 pm Prepare to be enchanted by Ketchikan, a quaint Alaskan town nestled amidst lush forests and cascading waterfalls. Hop-on, hop-off shuttle: There's a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle between cruise ship berths 1-4 and to several locations in town every 20 minutes. Take a look at a recent schedule to get an idea of what you can expect: Flying in for your cruise? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Skagway - best shore excursion. The round-trip sailings have four or more sea days, a scenic day, port visits along the inside passage, and a call at either Vancouver or Victoria, British Columbia. When you think of a cruise vacation, Alaska might not be the first destination that comes to mind. Ketchikan, Alaska is a popular cruise port destination for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Ketchikan Alaska is a cruise stop for nearly every ship sailing the interior passage. Top 10 things to do in Sitka, Alaska | Royal Caribbean Blog Once youve decided whether to take a big ship or small ship, youll need to decide if youre going to do a one way cross gulf cruise (named because it crosses the Gulf of Alaska) or round trip from Seattle or Vancouver BC, which goes through the Inside Passage and returns to Seattle or Vancouver. Only for it to change again ten minutes later. Inside Passage, itineraries are best for nature lovers, outdoorsy, and active-minded people. Inside Passage cruises typically have ascenic cruising day at a Fjord or glacier. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. The best things to do in Alaska with kids - Lonely Planet A visit . In the past, cruise lines sent their older and smaller cruise ships for Alaskan itineraries. This is as far north as cruise ships go in the Inside Passage (some continue north from here across the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier while others turn south here to return to Seattle or Vancouver). Thats why its a good idea to book a ship that has a lot of indoor activities and things to do. Alaska salmon season back on after court halts closure that sought to If youre doing a lot of shore excursions, a small ship cruise may not be as much more expensive as you think so look into that. Even so, they can unfold and be worn to keep you drier in a downpour. While on your way, scan the shoreline and skies for wildlife. And an Alaska cruise is unlike any other. During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ships casino. Activities can be booked in advance or on board through the cruise line, or arrangements can be made with private charters at the ports. Just dress for all weather, including rain, and go. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room. Many towns across Alaska offer activities such as white-water rafting, ziplining, and more high excitement activities like off-roading (ATVing). Icy Strait Point Alaska: Best Things to Do in One Day - Cruise Maven When is the best month to take an Alaskan cruise? 11 Map Website. Most likely your ship will dock a few miles outside of town, but theres a free shuttle downtown that goes every 15 minutes while a ship is important and its easy to zip around. You asked your most pressing Alaska cruise questions, and today, we're answering each and every one. That makes it hard to charge devices. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. Your budget is an important first consideration as small ship cruises are generally at least double the cost of big ship cruising. If youre an adventure-seeker looking for the vacation of a lifetime, youll want to look at UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, or Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic. You might call the cruise line for information. Beginning with a high-speed catamaran boat ride through the fjords of Skagway to Hains, Alaska, you will witness an abundance of majestic waterfalls and glacier views along the shore. This is not because the others are not fantastic, because they are! If you just stay in the towns and explore on your own, you'll miss a big part of what Alaska is all about. Unless you like doing things really early in the day or late at night, reserve as soon as you can. Alaska is a popular cruise port for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. If you dont mind bundling up with some hot drinks while watching the rain and getting the full Inside Passage experience then September is the time for you! The best part is they are free to download and use. The train ride takes passengers along the original route used by prospectors during the height of the gold rush. Not sure how much to bring? I recommend the cross gulf (one way) trip if you are also adding a land portion of your trip to other parts of Alaska, such as Denali National Park, Anchorage or Fairbanks. Not only do they now include more on newer ships, but they also include USB charging ports. Well cover what to pack, the best time to sail, cruise ports, things to do, weather, wildlife, and more. One of the first things youll need to decide when looking at itineraries and best Alaska cruise ports is whether you are going to travel on a big ship or a small ship. That said, they arent always the best deal, depending on how much youll drink. Expedition voyages feature smaller ships with a greater focus on adventurous activities. At Icy Strait Point you can explore the museum in a historic cannery, walk the nature trails, eat delicious seafood and book one of the many tours offered. They have a long history of offering trips around Alaska and provide the largest selection of itineraries and cruise tours. My second favorite city in the world (after Seattle) in Vancouver, BC! Things to Do in Ketchikan - an Alaska Cruise Port Guide - Albom Adventures This untamed park encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness and offers a variety of excursions to cruise travelers. The Best "Non-Excursions" in Port During Your Alaska Cruise Experience setting foot on a remote glacier through a private helicopter tour, enjoy an authentic . The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. Its best to grab it before you head to the ship. If theres one thing you can count on in Alaska, its rain. Its important to note that the cruise line may cancel scenic cruising days due to weather. If youre interested in Gold Rush history, youll want to visit Skagway, Alaska. If youre looking to spend a few extra days exploring, read more about all the wonderful things to do in Anchorage here. With for or more sea days, West-coast sailings are best for people who like to spend multiple days at sea. I cringe whenever I read or hear this. If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold but youd be surprised. If you find this situation, it can be much cheaper to book the flight to Seattle and then take one of the many services between the two cities. Guests dont need to worry about booking transportation, hotels, or activities both on and off the ship. Just be prepared for some sticker shock. The park is home to over 20 hand-carved totem poles scattered along the nature trails. For example, the four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver only cost us about $40 when we took it. The issue here is that for many in the United States, a plane ticket to Vancouver can be hundreds more than the same ticket to Seattle. If you plan to explore Sitka on your own, you'll find that you can see most, if not all, of the town by just walking. Learn more in my complete guide to riding the Alaska ferry here. You can also do a hike from the train getting dropped off at Denver or Laughton Glacier as part of a tour. The Northern Lights are most visible further north during darker nights. Those May and September trips when families that have kids in school cant sail are usually cheaper due to lower demand. Even though it isnt in Alaska, many cruises which start or end in Seattle stop in Victoria. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But theres one significant benefit to sailing on a luxury cruise line. Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. 2. You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep. Sitka has far fewer ships than many other ports so its fun for an independent minded traveler to explore. There are mountain biking tours, fishing excursions, and kayaking adventures. A land tour is expensive between cars, trains, ferries, and hotels. Sitka - best Alaska cruise port to explore on your own. It can be challenging to explore ashore on your own (though it is always possible! Skagway also has lots of great history to explore and several excellent hikes that leave from downtown and you can easily walk to. Pack several for each person in your party because once you used them you arent going to want to try to dry them out and fold them up again. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In addition to shore excursions organized by your ship, you can also easily explore Juneau on your own by going for a hike, shopping around town or taking the wonderful Juneau food tour to get an insider and local perspective on Juneaus delicious food scene. The glaciers carved the unique rivers, islands, and ocean passages that make up the Inside Passage. You wont leave the ship on a scenic day, but youll have an incredible view of Alaskas scenery. You can stay at a hotel offering a parking package, but other than that there arent many ways to get around the parking fee if youve got to leave your car somewhere. But on sunny days, the temperature can rise into the mid-70s. 1 Lumberjack Show 2 Misty Fjords Flightseeing 3 Duck Tour 4 Wilderness Tour & Crab Feast 5 Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour 6 Totem Bight State Park 7 Misty Fjords Wilderness Cruise 8 Saxman. In addition to the stunning natural beauty that every Alaska cruise port has on offer, Juneau has options for exploring around town on your own, many wonderful shore excursions including whale watching and fishing, a fascinating excursion to Mendenhall Glacier and fantastic hiking and other outdoor activities. If youre sailing from the United States and sailing to another U.S. state why do you need a passport or birth certificate to travel? Temperatures in Southeast Alaska and along the Inside Passage are generally in the 50s and 60s in the summer. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products. The Northern Lights can occur year round, but the long days during the summer mean that your chances of seeing them are less. I love the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Cruise tours allow you to extend your vacation and explore further inland. The cruise lines offer kids clubs, from babies to teens, catering to all ages. Be the first to rate this post. I love using independent operators but I don't leave it to chance upon disembarking, so I book excursions in advance. While cruising through the Inside Passage, the islands create a natural break from the open ocean, calming the water. If your dream vacation includes hiking in Tongass National Park, Kayaking on Lake Chiliak, or overnight camping, youll want to look at expedition cruises. If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. No roads to travel on or telephone masts to connect to. Most Alaska cruises have a day of cruising near a glacier but its not always Glacier Bay. While its not that big, its an easy way to store your valuables passports, keys, cash, and more. Spending a few days before or after your cruise in Seattle? Cruising Alaska: 9 Free or Inexpensive Things to do Near Port in Sitka 11 Things to Do in Icy Strait Point, Alaska Located on Chichagof Island, Icy Strait Point is one of the most natural cruise ports that you may ever visit. Ketchikan (below) is a very, very close second, but Juneaus many hiking trails that you can get to easily from the cruise ship dock edge it into the number one spot for me. Cruise lines dont let you bring beer or liquor on the ships. Icy Strait Point near the town of Hoonah is a unique port in Southeast Alaska. The ports of call in Alaska have different atmospheres and personalities. If you're planning a cruise to Alaska, it's natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. The state's vast and wild terrain suits adventurers . Sign up for a Birdwatching Tour 4. Some passengers are simply looking for the cheapest fare while others want to highest-level of luxury. Cruise tours are ideal because they provide fully booked itineraries. If youre interested in taking the ferry to or within Alaska, its an amazing experience, but its very different from a cruise! Jun 29, 2023, 10:43 PM. The lake is a popular destination for its immense beauty and the site of the salmon rush. A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Cruises stop in Canada for at least one port of call to satisfy requirements put on them by U.S. laws. Another might have the same trip for $1,000 as well, but with $100 in onboard credit. Cons: Watch out for additional costs, especially the cost of shore excursions. But with younger crowds and growing demand for cruises to Alaska, cruise lines have started to offer some of their latest ships. Other ports (Wrangell, Petersburg, Victoria, Anchorage/Whittier/Seward) Is it better to do an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver? Juneau Rolling mountains standing over 3,000 feet tall overlook the still waters below, waiting for the majestic 20-foot Orcas to break the tranquil surface and make their grand debut. Theres still no guarantee youll get to see them, but it will increase your odds. Hi! Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal. If you want to spot wildlife in Alaska and catch a snapshot, then youll want a decent camera with a zoom feature. And while these opportunities are certainly once-in-a-lifetime, these animals are usually semi-domesticated or at least used to humans. You can also link up with Sitkas bus system (called The Ride) to get to trailheads and other areas. If the weather is an issue, its always warm and dry in this spot. To help you prepare, Cruzely has pulled together dozens of our most helpful tips and things to know about sailing to the last great frontier. And while many promise low fares, weve found that the prices are almost always the exact same whether you go to the cruise lines website.
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