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Cruising itineraries range from seven to 11 nights, and they also offer longer itineraries that combine Alaska and Japan. Cruise ports you can look forward to stopping at include Glacier Bay National Park, Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Sitka. The Nieuw Amsterdam was inspired by the rich history of New York City and was named “Best Cruise Ship Overall” at the Travvy Awards. Meanwhile, the elegant Koningsdam ship offers a blissful ambiance that combines modern sophistication and maritime influence. With over 50 cruise ships sailing to Alaska, selecting the perfect Alaska cruise can seem overwhelming.
Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage?
Travelers embark to Alaska on board the Seven Seas Explorer, which holds 746 guests. Activities on board this ship include a bocce court, golf net, infinity pool, putting green, spa and boutiques. Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street.
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The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
In this article, we’ll go over the nine best Alaska cruises as well as dive into each ship’s unique features so you can make the right decision for you. At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure. The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. In addition to offering passengers complimentary Champagne and caviar and housing them in spacious suites, the ship boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.
Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer
Experience Alaska’s premier attractions glaciers and wildlife, from two very different vantage points, by land and by sea.... Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We'll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port. The Spa offers complimentary access to its Thermal Suite, where guests can rejuvenate by alternating between a steamy sauna and a frigid Snow Grotto.
The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
Expect public spaces in sky and sea hues and an abundance of timeless teak, stone and custom tile work. The itinerary’s Scenic Sailings include the 500-mile Inside Passage on Day 2 and glacier-ensconced Yakutat Bay on Day 8. Cruisers will be accompanied by a Viking Resident Historian who will deliver lectures on Pacific Northwest expansion and development, indigenous people, and glaciers. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier.
When voyaging to Alaska with Oceania Cruises, you will sail on the Regatta, which has an occupancy of 670 passengers. Life on board this ship features a variety of dining venues, engaging talks from guest speakers, a cozy library and plenty of entertainment. For guests cruising with children, Oceania has an Alaska Explorer Youth Program that includes activities and games inspired by The Last Frontier.
When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm.
Night Alaska Cruise
However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. While you might not be sunning yourself to a stunning shade of bronze on an Alaska cruise, you and everyone on board will want to take in the scenery. That makes having your own balcony a prime piece of real estate, especially near Denali National Park, portions of the Inside Passage or Tracy Arm Fjord. If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views.
Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise Royal Caribbean Cruises
Dry docked in 2021 for a routine refurbishment, this Quantum Class ship holds 4,905 passengers and truly offers something for everyone. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Dawn Gabree is a travel advisor who specializes in Alaska cruises at Travels by Danielle.
Regatta is offering six-, nine-, 10- and 11-night cruises from May through September 2024. Fares for this July 9, 2024, round-trip Seattle 10-night "Radiant Alaska" cruise start at $3,399 per person. This 10-night round-trip Seattle voyage hits not just the usual stops of Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway.
In addition, specialty restaurants, minibars and even gratuities are part of the package. That’s what makes Seabourn perhaps the best Alaskan cruise line for all-inclusive luxury seekers. There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.
In Alaska, NCL offers passengers countless off-ship activities to choose from. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days. If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise that visits destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.
Guests learn about the cultural heritage of remote communities and focus binoculars to spot bears, whales, caribou, moose, deer, wolves, birds and more. The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on 14- to 19-day Alaskan voyages between May and September. Make the most of your cruise by keeping an eye out for pop-up sales that can save you even more money—you can even use those savings to indulge in a pre- or post-cruise tour.
Check out our list of the 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise for more information on packing necessities on your Alaskan cruise. A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State. Come prepared, and always check trail conditions with locals or tourist information centers first before setting out. Dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off (or add on) slowly as the thermometer dictates. You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times.
The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Entry-level cabins offer a generous minimum of 270 square feet, including a private veranda. These cushy digs include a king bed, spacious bath with heated floor and anti-fog mirror, plush robes, turndown service and complimentary soft drink, water and snack minibar. Bigger, costlier accommodations come with complimentary welcome Champagne, a coffee maker and priority booking for shore excursions and restaurants. Alaskan Dream Cruises is unique in that it offers small-vessel expeditions — no more than 76 passengers per sailing, compared to the thousands who could be aboard giant Alaska cruise liners. Itineraries combine excursions in Alaska towns and native villages with glacial bay and fjord sailings.
