Alaska. The land of adventure. The land of rugged beauty. The combination of majestic glaciers, wilderness, mountains and wildlife make it a once-in-a-lifetime vacation of discovery for many.Although visitors travel to Alaska year-round the Alaska cruise season begins in May and ends in September - creating limited availability. Learn more about when to book your Alaska cruise, and how to choose the best time to visit the 49th state of wonder.
There is no bad time to visit Alaska. No matter when you travel you will be greeted by one of the world's most beautiful and striking landscapes.
Alaska's cruise season is condensed down to May-September, creating limited availability. The earlier you deposit on a cruise or cruise tour, the better.
The climate varies widely. Some months are rainy and some months have dramatic swings in temperature. It is always best when you take a cruise to Alaska to pack layers that you can add or remove throughout the day.
Don't forget your outdoor gear like bug repellent, binoculars, sun hat and rain gear!
Take lots of pictures!
A General Rule to Follow
If possible, you want to book early on any cruise vacation. A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance. This is especially true for an Alaska cruise with its short season of May - September.
Supply and Demand
With a short cruise season comes a condensed and competitive market, so supply and demand rule. Balconies are highly desirable on Alaska cruises due to the ever-changing scenery along the Inside Passage and the chance to view calving glaciers from your own private veranda.
This means that balcony staterooms fill very quickly, and the prices will only rise (particularly during the summer months of July and August) as we get closer to the beginning of the Alaska cruise season. More staterooms with high demand and limited availability include connecting staterooms, handicap accessible and family-friendly staterooms.
Better Pricing and More Value
Not only do you get a much better selection of staterooms and itineraries, but most cruise lines offer early booking discounts that are usually coupled with value-adds such as drink packages, onboard credits and free upgrades.
Plus, with many cruise lines offering reduced deposits you can lock in the low cruise price and get the cabin that is right for you and a cruise experience you will never forget!
Plan Ahead
More planning is required for a cruise to Alaska, including airfare and hotel reservations. If you want to gamble and wait until the last minute for the possibility of lower upfront cruise price, any amount you save on the cruise will go directly to the higher cost of last minute airfare. Plus, your preferred hotel may not have the same availability or pricing.
With three distinct time frames to consider, the best time to cruise to Alaska within the cruise season must be determined by the individual and their own particular circ*mstances.
May through mid-June
Considered Alaska's shoulder-season, spring through early summer is a great time to visit Alaska for many reasons.
Wildflowers & Wildlife3>
With the sun making more appearances and drier weather, spring in Alaska offers cruise passengers a chance to see her beautiful wildflowers. The emergence of the sun also melts the winter snow, so the larger animals are able to migrate down into lower elevations giving you a good opportunity to not only see wildflowers, but amazing wildlife.
Miss the Mosquitoes
Another advantage of cruising to Alaska earlier in the season is the evasion of Alaska's well-known and pesky mosquitoes. Night-time frosts are still frequent enough to kill off most of them which means less of an annoyance to you.
Enjoy Lower Prices
Plus, as the term shoulder-season implies, you can find lower pricing and fewer crowds during the months of May and September. Do note: not all shops in town will be open until the beginning of June due to demand. If you are an avid shopper, this is something to consider.
Mid-June through August
Outdoor Adventures
July and August are the warmest months in Alaska with temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day depending on your location (Alaska is a huge state!).
Warm weather usually means summer vacation for school-age children, in turn making June through August a very popular time to vacation. Cruise ships and parks will be full, but the warm, long days give you a chance to see calving glaciers, hike, fish, ship and any other outdoor activity you could imagine.
Keep in Mind
Summer months in Alaska do tend to be 'buggier' and there is a higher chance of rain, as much of coastal Alaska is a temperate rain forest (but that gives you the lush greenery!). So bring mosquito repellent, wear layered clothing such as long pants and shirts, and an umbrella or other rain gear.
September
Enjoy Lower Pricing
This is another shoulder season for cruises to Alaska. Children are back in school, so the ships are not as full, bringing the cost down.
Weather during this later season is fairly unpredictable, temperatures ranging from 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically you will find the days to be warm and the nights chilly, so pack those layers.
Changing Leaves & Wildlife
Fall tends to come early, changing the colors of the landscape into breathtaking scenery you won't soon forget. The lower elevations are still dry, so you can expect to see wildlife as the larger animals begin feeding in an attempt to pack on as much winter weight as possible.
Northern Lights
At this time of year, if heading into the interior of Alaska on an extended cruise vacation, a cruise tour, you may even have a chance to see the Northern Lights!
For more information, or to speak with one of our designated Alaska Cruise experts, please contact us today!
From majestic Mt. Denali to the jagged edge of Glacier Bay, Alaska is unlike any place else in the world. And there's no better way to explore all that Alaska offers than an Alaska Cruise and Land Tour. Read more about Alaska Cruisetours....
FAQs
For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.
What is the best month to go to Alaska on a cruise? ›
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska for Good Weather: Summer (mid-June through August) If you prefer warmer temperatures, ranging from 50° to 70° Fahrenheit, and longer days with up to 22 hours of sunlight, a summer Alaskan cruise might be the perfect choice.
What months can you see the northern lights on an Alaskan cruise? ›
Alaska's northern lights viewing season stretches from late August through late April. The best time to visit Alaska for Northern Lights is winter or early spring. As far as cruises go, Alaska cruises in September is a good pick because nights are long and dark.
How far in advance should you plan an Alaskan cruise? ›
A recommended time-frame is 6-12 months in advance.
What is the best cruise line for Alaska cruise tours? ›
Holland America Line
HAL prides itself on having more permits for Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line. The cruise line also offers beloved live music programming, which I got to experience firsthand on a summer 2023 Alaska sailing.
What is the cheapest month to take a cruise to Alaska? ›
For both cruising and land-based tours, May and September are the “shoulder” seasons in Alaska, with better deals and fewer crowds. Cruise prices during those times may be lower, perhaps by a couple hundred dollars per person. Selected shore and land excursions can also be 20% cheaper.
What is the most expensive month to go to Alaska? ›
As you can imagine, summer is the most expensive time of year to visit Alaska. Cruises, plane trips, land tours, and all other tourist attractions are operating at peak capacity and their prices reflect this. If you're looking for the cheapest time to visit, then you'll want to plan your trip for November or December.
Is May or September better for an Alaskan cruise? ›
The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it's warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. Temps can vary greatly depending on where you are in the state.
Is an Alaskan cruise a good way to see the northern lights? ›
Sights you'll have to see to believe. Including (and especially), a little natural wonder you may know as the northern lights. A cruise to Alaska is a stellar (pun intended) way to see the northern lights and experience everything this glacial getaway has to offer.
Which cruise line is best for the northern lights? ›
14 of the best northern lights cruises for 2024 and 2025
- Fred. ...
- P&O Cruises. ...
- Hurtigruten. ESPEN MILLS. ...
- Viking. ££ | Best suited to the over 21s. ...
- Saga. ALAMY. ...
- Quark Expeditions. ACACIA JOHNSON. ...
- Aurora Expeditions. GETTY IMAGES. ...
- Ponant. Ponant's Le Champlain, sister ship of Le Bellot, in the Norwegian fjords.
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.
Which side of a cruise ship is best for the Alaska Inside Passage? ›
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.
What is a good price for a 7 day Alaskan cruise? ›
An average budget for a 7-day cruise along Alaska's Inside Passage route, with several shore excursions and additional amenities, is typically between $3,000 and $5,000 per person. We'll provide more details below, as we've experienced such a cruise twice ourselves. We took a 10-day and, later, 7-day cruise.
What is the best area to cruise in Alaska? ›
Juneau, Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, and Thorne Bay are the best ports of call for cruises throughout Alaska. The state of Alaska is unrivaled in the United States as a place to discover the breathtaking wilderness, history, and culture that surrounds the Northwest.
What is the best month to see whales in Alaska? ›
Gray whales are the first to arrive, typically in April when they're often spotted off of Seward. By May, we start to see more orcas, then humpback whales come June. Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.
What type of room is best for Alaska cruise? ›
Alaska cruises are more scenery-oriented than other cruises.
The breathtaking views and sudden opportunities to spot sea-life make it worth the extra expense to upgrade to a veranda cabin (perhaps just $100 more per person).
What are the nicest months in Alaska? ›
Beginning in July and stretching through to the end of August the summer is the nicest time of year to travel. July is the best month to visit, although it is also the busiest. Warm days and short nights make this a really nice time of year to visit and much of the state's iconic wildlife is very active.
What is the average cost of a 7 day Alaska cruise? ›
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 are the cheapest months to go to Alaska? ›
Of course, you'll also find lower prices during the off-season (late September through April). Yes, it will be darker and colder, but there are advantages: It's a great time to see the northern lights and enjoy Alaska in all its winter glory.
What is the best month for whale watching in Alaska? ›
Alaska's peak whale season is considered to be May through September, and it's during this time that the boat tours operate.
