Destination: Alaska - CLIA Alaska (2024)

FAQs

How many days is enough for an Alaska trip? ›

The sweet spot for an Alaska vacation is seven to 10 days. If you're traveling on a land tour only, in seven days you can go all the way from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park with plenty of time for day-long guided excursions along the way.

Holland America Line (HAL) — which recently snapped up a 2023 World's Best Award in the large-ship ocean cruise line category — has been cruising Alaska for over 75 years. HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line.

The Inside Passage is frequently named one of the most scenic stretches in the world, particularly because of geography that allows boats to sail up close to the passage's steep walls. This proximity grants an up close and personal perspective on the glaciers, mountains, and sea.

Alaska is a cruise destination unlike any other, showcasing a rarely seen side of the United States: still truly wild, practically untouched and open to endless adventure. But with such a hefty price tag, you may be wondering, “Are Alaska cruises worth it?” Our answer is undeniably yes.

The best time to visit Alaska is during the summer months. While our summer season is short, it is the driest, warmest time to visit. Starting mid May and ending mid September you are sure to see the best the State of Alaska has to offer...

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

It's a matter of personal taste. Some people don't like open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another), and so prefer the round-trip Inside Passage route. Others don't mind that and enjoy the additional glacier visits of the Gulf cruise itineraries. It's entirely up to you.

Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

The average price for a 7-day Alaskan cruise can range from $1,300 to $3,500 per person, depending on the cruise line, type of cabin, and time of year.

What side of the cruise ship is best for Alaska? ›

Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

Remember, the cost of an Alaskan cruise typically ranges from $600 to $5,000 per person, depending on the type of cruise and the chosen accommodation. Additionally, it is advisable to allocate an extra $1,000 to $1,500 per person for shore excursions to fully immerse in the Alaskan experience.

A typical 7-day Alaska vacation costs around $3000 per person—a little over $400 per day.

A 4-day trip to the Last Frontier makes for the ultimate long weekend! It's just enough time to see the major highlights: glaciers, mountains, national parks, wide-open spaces, and, if you're lucky, wildlife.

Best Time to Travel to Alaska to Avoid the Crowds

April and May offer decent weather, migratory songbirds, herds of moose and more affordable travel packages. September and October deliver cooling temperatures, low-cost cruises, and the chance to see the aurora borealis in Fairbanks.

While cruises to Alaska are familiar to most, Alaska Cruise Tours may not be. These pre-and-post tours are available from nearly every major cruise line sailing to the region. For those with the time and the money to do so, adding a pre-or-post-cruise tour in Alaska can greatly enhance your vacation experience.