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Unsurprisingly, these excursions are not cheap, and it’s not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a spot on a smaller boat. But because what is “worth it” for one guest may seem like a waste of money to another, we cannot say for sure whether or not a glacier excursion will be worth the cost. These small vessels allow passengers to get up close and personal with Alaska’s wildlife and scenery in a way that is impossible to experience on a large ship.
Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best free and low-cost activities to do in each Alaska cruise port, which should help give you some ideas. Nonetheless, you can occasionally come across a good deal by booking in advance or finding a last-minute deal offered by a hotel. If you really need a budget hotel, your best bet is to stay further from downtown or near the airport. Southbound itineraries travel from Seward to Vancouver, meaning you can spend time in Alaska’s interior before the cruise begins.
When should I book an Alaska cruise?
Moreover, Alaska's constantly changing weather makes outdoor activities on a ship not nearly as important as in the Caribbean. It is important to note that the Quantum Class ships have two indoor pools, one for adults and one for all ages. Read our helpful frequently asked questions or check out our CruiseTour brochure. Near the very end of the Turnagain Arm Waterway, along the scenic Seward Highway, this center provides a sanctuary for native Alaskan animals in need. Here you can get up close to the orphaned, injured or displaced animals, all under expert care in their natural habitats so that they can be reintroduced into the wild.
Don’t forget to pack short sleeve shirts and sunscreen
These land tours are arguably the best way to see Alaska's interior and the most popular destinations. Certain ports, such as Juneau and Icy Strait Point, tend to offer better whale watching opportunities than other Alaska cruise ports. Be sure to read our whale watching guide before booking your whale watching excursion to ensure you book it at the right port and time of year. Making sure you book shore excursions early is important when cruising to Alaska during the peak season to ensure tours do not sell out. Upgrade your cruise to a Cruisetour and explore the Last Frontier on land either at the beginning or end of your northern getaway.
How to choose the right Alaska cruise itinerary
Alaska truly is one of those places you have to see to believe, and a Royal Caribbean cruise is a fantastic way to visit the Last Frontier. Planning a vacation to Alaska means knowing where you want to visit, what you want to do in port, and how to save money along the way. An Alaska cruise will take you on a journey to visit some of the most magnificent natural beauty and local culture you'll find anywhere in the world. The Seaplex is an incredible innovation for busy families on cruises to Alaska. The massive indoor space is home to everything from bumper cars to soccer games. There are spaces that can feel crowded on smaller ships, even though they carry fewer passengers.
What is the minimum number of days for an Alaska cruise and land trip?
Your budget for an Alaska cruise can affect your ship choice, sailing date, stateroom category, excursion options, and onboard add-ons. Knowing how much Alaska cruises cost in advance is helpful to ensure you can budget and save for such an incredible vacation. They also feature RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above sea level. Active cruisers will enjoy kayaking through Alaska’s fjords and lakes, hiking on glaciers, and biking through the rainforest. Magnificent scenery can be viewed on day hikes up Alaska’s dramatic mountain peaks or when paddling a kayak near glaciers. Whale watching tours are one of the most popular shore excursions to book on an Alaskan cruise, as many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of some of the largest mammals on Earth.
Order essentials ahead of time, like binoculars and motion-sickness remedies
That being said, it’s possible (though not guaranteed) to see Alaska’s northern lights in September, which is a plus for those planning an Alaska cruise in the fall. If you’re from the United States and have to fly to an Alaska cruise port, flying to Seattle tends to be cheaper than getting to Vancouver or Seward. A passport isn’t necessary when cruising out of Seattle, either, although it is recommended.
When Victoria is the final port, the ship never escapes to international waters to allow gambling. It’s not a big deal for most, but for those who cruise to play, it might be. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail 7-night round-trip cruises from Seattle. Though not Royal Caribbean's largest class of ships, both carry between 4,100 and 4,900 passengers, depending on how many berths are filled.
Most ships Royal Caribbean sends to Alaska offer plenty of indoor features, meaning the ship can be enjoyed in all types of weather. From each ship’s enclosed, temperature-controlled Solariums to the indoor pools on Quantum Class ships, guests can enjoy their ship even in the chilliest of temperatures. An Alaska shore excursion will allow you to explore what each of the ports have to offer, including taking in the natural beauty of this part of the world. Sailing from Seattle will likely offer an Alaska cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean's big ships and is your best bet for someone new to the itinerary. The deep, narrow passage of the Tracy Arm Fjord travels over 30 miles alongside the Tongass National Forest, with the twin Sawyer Glaciers at the end of the passage. Both ships' itineraries include Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, and the glaciers of the Endicott Arm Fjord.
The most common time to see the northern lights is during the winter and early spring. Because of the long hours of daylight in the summer, it’s not common to see northern lights on an Alaska cruise. In September, you can expect to see more rainfall compared to other months and temperatures will be chillier compared to peak summer.
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:43:33 GMT [source]
Priceline offers a “blind booking” feature where you can input the destination and dates, and a list of hotels will populate offering deals. Despite not visiting Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean puts an incredible product out with their Alaska cruises. Cruises from Vancouver sail through Canada’s Inside Passage en route to Alaska.
From the Alyeska Resort at the base of Mount Alyeska, you'll ascend 2,300 feet to the summit. From the tram, you can see for miles, with even more expansive vistas from the mountaintop observation deck. The panorama includes the seven hanging glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Chugach Mountains, the forested Chugach valley and out to the sparkling waters of the Turnagain Arm waterway. Be sure to look down, too, and you may see wildlife ambling across the mountain's slope. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea.
Watch for wildlife as you cruise through enchanting fjords, narrow inlets surrounded by massive glacial walls. At places like Misty Fjords or Kenai Fjords, you'll sail across the edge of where mountains, volcanic formations and turquoise waters converge. At the end of the 19th century, the city of Skagway sprung into existence to support the Klondike Gold Rush prospectors. Catch a ride on the White Pass rail tour to travel on the route through the Boundary Ranges of northern Alaska, listening to guides tell the history of how prospectors sought their fortune. Cruisers that sail to Alaska often will tell you the more remote ports offer a more authentic view of Alaska, with more dynamic scenery and varied wildlife.
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