When is the best time to go to Alaska on Cruise?

Question

When is the best time to go to Alaska on Cruise?

Answer 1

The big Cruise Lines are May to the end of Sept. May & Sept. are also the 2 months when you get the best deals on fares. May is great less kids and you can see plenty of wildlife either on a cruise or a cruisetour (best way to really see Alaska). Sept. all shops both in port & on ships have their 50% off sales. I have been on 23 cruises & cruisetours there and only had rain once while moving between ports. June, July & August the fares are at the highest as the weather is warmer. You can check the local forecasts for each ports of call just by typing in the city. Never had bad weather or not seen wildlife. It ia an AMAZING place to visit & many National Parks & lodges and scenery in every direction. Either call 1-800-Princess or visit Princess.com for a free DVD on Alaska or anyplace else they sail. Too many great things to say about Alaska.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

The best time to go on a cruise up here is after the ice has melted. The ship sails so much easier!

Answer 3

Climate

Alaska and Canada offer a wide variety in their climates as well as in their scenery. Within the course of your cruisetour, it is not unusual for temperatures to range from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the time of year. Southeastern Alaska’s temperatures range, in general, from the high 40s to the low 80s with strong possibility of rain. The interior of Alaska (Fairbanks, for example) as well as areas of Washington State, the Yukon Territory and British Columbia can heat up in June and July with temperatures often reaching the upper 80s.

Windy and rainy conditions are not uncommon in Alaska throughout the cruise season. If you want to spend time on deck while the ship is under way, the temperature can feel much colder, especially if you are near the bow.

Packing

First and foremost, dress for comfort. Because of the variable weather conditions, casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended. Bring a jacket if you are traveling to the glaciers or to the Arctic, as it is often cool and windy in these locations. On some days, you will want a light raincoat and a waterproof hat or umbrella. An all-weather jacket or windbreaker with layers to wear underneath is ideal. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are a must. Dressy evening wear is not needed in the casual atmosphere of Alaska. Always carry your medication, travel documents, money & jewelry with you in your carry-on. Do not pack these items in your suitcase. Please be sure to bring a sufficient supply of medication and carry it in its original container.

From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night. Be prepared for rain, and fog. The best way to prepare for this range of temperatures is to dress in layers and to be prepared for anything from bright sunshine—don’t forget those sunglasses—to light rain.  

Here’s a list of items to include when packing for an Alaska trip.

Waterproof jacket

Wool or fleece sweater or liner

Turtleneck or a comfortable protective long sleeve shirt

Comfortable footwear suitable for hiking and walking in wet conditions

Be sure to break in new shoes before your trip

Good socks

Warm hat/rain hat

Gloves

Insect repellent

Sunscreen

Travel umbrella

Good camera with extra batteries and variety of film speeds

Spare memory card and battery for digital cameras

Travel-size binoculars

Sunglasses

Day pack/backpack

What to wear onboard.....





Days onboard are casual. To be most comfortable, we recommend:

  Jeans or slacks

Several sweaters, a jacket, a windbreaker and a raincoat

Warm socks

Low-heeled shoes for deck activities

Don't forget your swimsuit, camera and a pair of binoculars (towels are provided)

For evening wear, count on three basic types of attire:

Casual: Dresses or slacks and blouses for women, sport shirts and trousers for men

Smart Casual: Dresses or pantsuits for women, jackets for men

Formal: Cocktail dresses for women, suits and ties or tuxedos for men (you can arrange to rent a tuxedo onboard)

Ashore, you'll need comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Cruisetours are casual, both during the day and in the evening.



Immigration and Customs

NEW... All citizens, regardless of age (infants included ) will be required to show a passport. Guests sailing in mid December 2006 whose itinerary transits or ends its voyage in the United States on or after December 30, 2006 will be required to present a valid passport during ship check-in formalities. Guests sailing on or after December 30, 2006 will be required to present a valid passport during ship check-in formalities. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after sailing. For details see Passport Information later in this e-mail.  You are responsible for having the proper documentation with you when you travel.  In addition Visa's may be required to enter certain countries while on a cruise. So, well in advance of leaving home, check with the cruise line for the exact documentation requirements for your cruise or cruisetour. Failure to have the proper documentation ( Passport, Visa, Health Vaccination Certificates etc. ) as required will result in denied boarding and you will not get a refund for your cruise. . Citizens of other countries must carry valid passports and the necessary visa.

When to Go

The tourism season in Alaska is May to September. The best time to go is very subjective:

1. For maximum daylight hours, go in May, June, or July. In Fairbanks, there are 24 hours of daylight from late May to late June.

2. For the warmest days, travel in July or August.

3. For the best chance at seeing the northern lights (aurora borealis), sail in September. Even so, you may not see them - the northern lights are primarily a winter phenomenon when the nights are darkest and longest.

4. To avoid mosquitoes, try May (but be prepared anyway).

5. For the best cruise prices, you can't beat May and September.

6. To have a good chance at seeing bears at fairly close range, go during the salmon spawning season.

7. Fishing is good throughout the tourist season

8. For the smallest crowds, May and September are best.

Bring your camera, camcorder, lots of film and binoculars. A telephoto lens or a built-in zoom is strongly recommended.

Know how to use the features of the camera you will be using - know them instinctively, and be able to use them quickly. Oftentimes you will only have a few seconds in which to set up your camera, aim, focus and shoot.

Alaska is a beautiful and breathtaking place, but after all it is wilderness - it is not a zoo. The animals don't wander out to see what's happening when a cruise ship, train, or bus passes nearby.  You may see some wildlife while on an Alaska cruisetour - whales, bears, eagles, caribou, moose, otters, seals, and more - and a great deal of it. Cruise ships are not often close enough to shore to see wildlife with the unaided human eye - both strong binoculars and a great deal of patient observing is necessary.

Seek out tours not promoted by the cruise line. You are not limited in your choices of excursions to just those offered by your cruise line. Often, you can find something that will be much more to your liking than the standard options. Get on the web, do your own research.

Answer 4

I would think that your answer would be best answered by what it is that you want to see. If you want to see alot and take many photos, then during the summer when it is not to cold and is still light or later in the year when it gets darker and you can see the northern lights better! whatever you choose have a Blast!

Answer 5

The only time cruise ships go to Alaska are late May to early September. I went late May and we did get some snow in Denali National park. It was a cruise/tour, so that is why we were in Denali. It was not a problem though. In July, the mosquito's come out in full force and they are big in Alaska. So I would say June or July is the best time, but bring your bug repellent.

Answer 6

In winter

Answer 7

the only times they even have cruises are around summer (May -September).  Any of those times is wonderful to go.  I went a couple of years ago and saw a lot of amazing wildlife.  But now with global warming, I think you'll see a lot less.