Planning a cruise to Alaska? First of all, congrats. Now what? For first-time cruise liners, here’s what you should know!All you need to know while planning a cruise to Alaska.In this blog post, you will learn travel tips, tricks and recommendations.
Taking a cruise is one of the best ways to see new places. After all, you can relax and enjoy the ride while the crew takes care of everything else.
Alaska is one of the most beautiful cruise destinations in the world. It is truly a place filled with amazing natural wonders you won’t find anywhere else. From gorgeous mountain ranges to stunning wildlife, an Alaska cruise is an experience you’ll never forget.
This article takes a look at things to keep in mind as you plan your vacation cruise to Alaska. Keep reading to discover important insights that will help make your Alaska adventure as amazing as possible.
Related Read: Interesting things to do in Alaska
Things to Know While Planning a Cruise to Alaska
Pick the Best Time of Year
As you begin planning your cruise, you’ll need to take the time of year into consideration. After all, Alaska tends to experience harsh winter weather conditions, making travel a bit precarious and uncomfortable. Like most of the winter getaways.
The Alaska cruise season typically extends from April to September with most cruise lines. The high season is June through August. The summer months are obviously warmest, thus making this an incredibly popular season for cruise tourism.
During this time of year, the average temperature ranges between 60 and 70 degrees. This increases your odds of seeing a wide range of wildlife, plus it’s the perfect weather for taking outdoor excursions.
Choosing the best month for your cruise can make all the difference in the type of experience you end up having.
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Pick the Cruise Itinerary That’s Best for You
It’s important to keep in mind that every cruise line offers a different itinerary. This is the list of daily activities that you’ll be able to enjoy during your cruise.
Not every cruise is the same, thus you’ll want to take a close look at the various itineraries that are offered before settling on one. This can have a significant impact on your experience. After all, you’ll have more fun when a cruise offers activities you enjoy.
Each cruise will sail to a different destination, so this is your chance to decide where you want to go. There are tons of choices, so be sure to study your options carefully in order to select the destination that will maximize your experience.
Research the Ports You’d Like to Explore
Another aspect of choosing the itinerary that best meets your needs is to study the ports that each ship will visit. The stops along the way give you a chance to explore the towns along the coast, shop, discover great restaurants, and meet new friends.
Each port is unique and has something special to offer. You can explore as a group or go solo. The key is to plan ahead in order to make the most of your time ashore.
Be Prepared for Seasickness
If you’ve never been on a cruise, getting seasick is always a possibility. After all, you’re likely to experience choppy water, which can make for an unpleasant experience, especially on your first time at sea.
The key to avoiding or surviving seasickness is to plan ahead and be prepared. Once you are onboard, the crew will be happy to answer any questions regarding your concerns and offer suggestions about how to best cope with choppy conditions.
Another good tip is to carefully choose the ship you book. Every cruise will follow a different route at sea, thus some will provide a smoother ride than others. This is definitely something to keep in mind if you suspect that motion sickness might become a problem.
Be Prepared for the Weather
Even if you’re traveling during the middle of the summer, never forget that you’re going to Alaska. Thus, you will likely experience a few cool and rainy days.
Preparing for this type of weather will make the trip much more fun. The key is to bring clothes that will keep you warm if conditions turn nasty.
The best strategy is to dress in layers. This enables you to strip off or add clothing as the day heats up or cools off. After all, the morning could start off cool but then end up reaching temperatures near 90 degrees.
Dressing in layers will help to keep you from getting too hot or too cold, either of which could make for a miserable day of travel.
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Try to Avoid Crowds
Crowds can be a problem during the high season. This is because many people, especially those with kids in school, take advantage of these months for summer vacation.
You can largely avoid the crowds by booking a cruise during the spring or fall. These are months when the temps aren’t quite as warm and are thus less appealing to many people.
The key to taking a cruise during non-summer months is to pack warmer clothes and be prepared for much cooler days, as well as a greater likelihood of rain.
Take Advantage of On-Board Programming
When planning your cruise, don’t forget about the onboard programming options that will be offered while you’re at sea. The top cruises offer a wide variety of live music and other forms of entertainment, especially at night.
Book a Balcony Room
This might cost a little more, but it’s definitely worth the expense. In fact, there are many people who simply refuse to sail if they can’t have a balcony room.
Why? Because a balcony room provides a great view of the water. After all, you will be sailing through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and a balcony room enables you to maximize the experience. Morning, noon, and night, you’ll have the best view in the house.
Pack Binoculars
Finally, be sure to pack your binoculars. After all, there is so much to see, and a good pair of binoculars will enable you to enjoy wildlife from a distance even when you aren’t able to go ashore.
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Tips for Making the Most of Your Cruise to Alaska
Going on a cruise is one of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll ever have. There are so many destinations to take advantage of, and a cruise to Alaska should be at the top of your list.
Keep scrolling to discover more great travel tips and advice.
