Embarking on an Alaskan cruise can be an exhilarating adventure for the entire family. I first travelled to Alaska in the 70s, long before cruise lines became one of the most popular ways to see the mesmerising natural beauty of The Last Frontier State. As a college student, I journeyed on the BC ferry to the furthest point and drove my vintage Datsun pickup truck over the unpaved Alaska highway for the rest of my adventure. The cabin I stayed in may have been rustic, but there was nothing more delightful than sitting on the deck, soaking in the spectacular scenery while someone serenaded us with Neil Diamond songs on their guitar.
I later returned to Alaska via a cruise ship, the Norwegian Sun, a couple of years back. As a small vessel, it could get closer to the incredible Alaskan scenery and wildlife compared to larger ships. This leads us to our first tip - SMALLER is, indeed, better when it comes to Alaska cruises. While larger ships with roller coasters and countless activities might be ideal for other destinations, an Alaskan cruise is more about the rip-roaring wilderness experience, observing majestic wildlife such as bears and whales, and utmost relaxation. This doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do! Alaska is a treasure trove of history and offers a myriad of tours and experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in nature, engage in thrilling adventures, converse with the welcoming Alaskan people and even spend time with adorable sled dogs!
Preparation is key for an Alaskan Cruise. Start by determining your preferred itinerary. For instance, a round trip from Seattle via Glacier Bay, taking in towns like Ketchikan, Juneau, etc, is a popular choice. We charted this route on the Norwegian Sun and had the privilege of having two National Park Rangers onboard to answer our queries and help us spot wildlife during our couple of days in Glacier Bay. The ship provided a full-width indoor/outdoor lounge at the stern, which was an idyllic spot for viewing the breathtaking panoramas and lounging. Do remember, the DAYS ARE LONG in Alaska so be prepared to enjoy an abundance of daylight. My next Alaska cruise will be with Princess in August, taking me from Vancouver, BC to Anchorage (Whittier) Alaska for a truly unique experience.
BOOK EARLY - Alaska Cruises are extremely popular! Moreover, flights and hotels tend to sell out quickly and prices surge as your travel date draws nearer. We secured our last few cruises a year in advance and noted every slot not taken was more expensive as departure time approached. Flights usually become available 11 months before departure and, quite predictably, they were priced higher nearer the departure date. Parking can be scarce near the Vancouver cruise port, so if driving, you may want to plan ahead and consider a Hotel/Parking combo. Alternatively, if you're parking at the airport, consider using the light rail to reach the cruise port. For AAA members, significant discounts on parking are available. On my last trip, I was able to secure a 25% discount at a private parking lot, and most places provide at least a 15% CAA or AAA discount.
WEATHER can change at a moments notice. On my early September cruise I did not experience a drop of rain. It was cloudy and looked like rain on a couple of days so I carried a rain poncho. Dress in layers. It is not always as cold as you might expect. Summers might be 65-70 degrees, and it often warms up as the day goes on. I took a warm jacket (my glacier jacket) and a light one. Bring comfortable waterproof shoes. Bring binoculars and a water bottle.
EXCURSIONS should also be booked ahead. They tend to be more expensive than on other destinations as Alaska is a higher cost of living state, and excursions are more extensive, and might involve dog sled camps, helicopter rides, train journeys, whale watching, kayaking etc. On my past trip I enjoyed the many historical sites as well as watching a world renowned totem pole carver and visiting salmon hatcheries, logging camps and a wildlife rehabilitation facility. I am especially looking forward to the popular White Pass & Yukon Railroad excursion on my upcoming trip. There are many things you can do close to the port as well such as watching Lumberjack competition, going to Salmon Bakes and other activities. Do plan an excursion or hike to see more of the wilderness experience. If you are a shopper September is a great time to go as the "tourist season" is coming to a close so many shops are offering nice discounts. I am not much of a souvenir buyer myself, but there is some beautiful native made arts and crafts. We visited one shop where someone made all the knives and tools for a small village, so things were practical not just less practical items.
Experience Alaska like never before on an unforgettable cruise. Invest time in planning and prep, and look forward to a truly rewarding journey.