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While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. Warmer weather in Alaska also has an unexpected bonus for cruisers in the form of glacial calving.
Find Your Best Time to Visit Alaska
Weather in Alaska in August may keep some cruisers away, but there are still many excursions and experiences to enjoy. Even if you're a seasoned fisherman, we recommend using a local guide to help find you the best fishing spot. Alternatively, birders might want to time their cruise with the Copper River Shorebird Festival, which takes place early in May in Cordova. Check ahead to make sure your itinerary will stop here, as it's usually only featured on longer 14-day cruises to Alaska.
June
As someone who has cruised Alaska many times, I love cruising in May when the weather is dry and locals are emerging from their winter cocoons, embracing the sunshine. The wildlife is doing the same, and you might spot bears with their cubs, moose with their calves and humpback whales returning from their winter home in Hawaii. Alaska’s cruise season is seven months long, from April to October. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food. To help you find the best time to cruise to Alaska, Cruise Critic is breaking down the Alaska cruise season month by month to help you plan your bucket-list trip. Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you.
Alaska Whale Watching Season
As the summer season ends, black bears and brown bears move to higher ground in preparation for winter hibernation. Cruising later in the season may not be the best choice if you’re not a fan of damp weather. Weather – With an average of 22 days of rain, a September cruise will contrast greatly with being in the Caribbean. While you’re never guaranteed to see the aurora, the shorter daylight hours provide for darkened nights, a requirement to see the northern lights. End of season sales – Some stores in Alaska only operate for Alaska cruise season. As the season winds down, you can load up on gifts from Alaska for family and friends.
You don’t have to book your excursions through Royal Caribbean
Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. Weather is a pretty big consideration when it comes to booking an Alaskan cruise. If you have a low tolerance for cold weather, cruising Alaska during the warmest months of July and August is a better choice. The landscape becomes alive with hundreds of migratory birds, and you’ll have a good chance to spot bears, whales, and other wildlife. If you travel up into the hills or mountains on a shore excursion, it’s common to find snow still on the ground. As such, you’ll want to pack waterproof hiking boots and warm, waterproof layers (don’t forget gloves and hats) to handle any wet or chilly spring weather.
Consider booking a later dining time
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After all, the surprise in what you experience while in Alaska is a big part of the fun. You will not encounter bugs on small ship cruises, except when venturing ashore on calm days and even then, they are seldom troublesome. Your packing list should recommend remedies to repel bugs and long-sleeve clothing to keep them at bay when they are encountered. Being equipped for weather and conditions will make your Alaskan experience more enjoyable.
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The Cons Of Going to Alaska In September
There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. When it comes to Alaskan cruises, balcony cabins come at a premium. However, the views and ability to go sightseeing from your room on ocean days make the higher price worth it. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips. The glaciers along your route will be cracking like mad, so make sure your July cruise swings by Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, or other scenic cruising destinations. Cruise fares in June will be higher than in May but better than in the prime summer months.
The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages may also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement. If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two.
Wildlife remains in abundance and all Alaska small ship cruises and Alaska tours are operating on a regular basis. As the month winds down, so do the number of travelers to Alaska, with a shift in weather that signals fall has arrived. You’ll enjoy wildlife viewing, warmer temperatures, and daylight returns to more typical hours. However, the dry season has ended, so rainfall will begin to increase as the month progresses. This month brings the warmest weather of the year, the longest hours of daylight and the largest number of tourists. And for good reason, as July in Alaska is ideal for salmon fishing, culture festivals like the Girdwood Forest Fair, bear viewing and memorable trips into the interior.
If you live in a warm climate or don’t wear winter jackets often, consider purchasing gently-used cold weather gear at a thrift shop or on eBay. There’s really no need to spend hundreds of dollars on new winter gear just for an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling with children who will quickly outgrow clothing. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier. Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights.
In addition to airfare, you’ll also want to figure out transportation logistics on land, which can vary from one embarkation city to another. 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. Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots. Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.
Better cabin choice – With cruises not sold out, you’ll have a better pick of staterooms. While that may not matter to some, if you’re cruising with family and want adjoining rooms, that won’t happen on near sold-out cruises in the summer months. While most cruise ships have comfortable temperatures, some areas may be cold.
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