best time for alaska cruise

These first sailings are considered \"offseason\" and prices tend to be lower, particularly the first week of the season. The mountainsides turn beautiful shades of gold and yellow, and the mountains begin to collect snow on their peaks. Watch this video from the deck of the M/V Sikumi. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. What better way to celebrate July 4th than to be aboard the Sikumi experiencing all the beauty Southeast Alaska has to offer. © 2020 Condé Nast. It remains good through the third week of September. May is also when the first Alaskan wildflowers begin blooming for the summer, and migratory birds are heading in, flocking to bodies of water to settle in. The rack rate for Holland America Line’s seven-day Alaskan Inside Passage that sails roundtrip from Vancouver on the Volendam on April 29 starts at $799 per person; the same cruise that sets sail on July 1 starts at $1,049 per person. The temperature starts to rise, with highs in the mid-50s and lows in the 40s. If you are traveling on a budget, cruise in May to take advantage of the discounted rates. Those visiting in the shoulder season may wish to book passage on cruise ships which offer a lot of on-board activities. And then again. July, being the heart of summer, brings long daylight hours and nice temperatures to Alaska. May is also a drier month by Southcentral Alaska standards. Sea otters, sea lions, orcas and Dall porpoise aren't picky about the weather either. There are also grey whales, orcas, Dall porpoise, seals, sea lions and sea otters inhabiting the area where the Sikumi cruises. Alaska experiences some beautiful fall foliage in September, as well. You could net even more savings by checking with individual cruise lines for special offers leading up to the season. What is the best time to cruise Alaska? Winter is not conducive to cruises, with choppy seas and concerns about ice. Wildlife is visibly abundant, with whales making their journey back into Alaskan waters from Hawaii. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 1/1/20) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 1/1/20) and Your California Privacy Rights. Feb 19, 2019 UnCruise Adventures’ Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise, sailing roundtrip from Juneau on April 11, starts at $3,195 per person; the July 18 sailing starts at $5,195 per person. In addition, rain seems to fall with less frequency and in smaller amounts during July. If fishing in Alaska is on your bucket list, July is a good month to book a fishing trip during one of your shore days. Alaska’s high season -- the peak time for cruises -- takes place in July and August. Perhaps the best reason to cruise in September is a chance to see the northern lights. PO Box 583 Cruises and shore excursions sell out quickly, so you get a greater variety of options when you book sooner rather than later. In the fall season, animal activity increases as well, as they forage for food to sustain them during the winter. All the things you envision Alaska Cruising to be about; blooming, colorful wildflowers, lush, majestic mountains and active glaciers and wildlife, are yours to experience during the month of July aboard the Sikumi. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. But the warmer temperatures of July cause the glaciers to calve and tumble into the sea, which is a powerful and extraordinary force to witness. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. You can enhance your Alaska cruise experience if you choose the best cruising time based upon what you want from your vacation. (Our captain said he had seen a wolf in Alaska only twice in his 30-year career.). Tourists who want to see more of the local landscape and enjoy the outdoors should look to the summer season, when the weather is less likely to be troublesome and the daylight lasts much longer (the sun can shine for up to 18 hours a day in July and August). Another reason to consider cruising in September is the smaller crowds. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. So booking a cruise in … Continue reading Best Time To Cruise Alaska Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. To accommodate the increase, 10 new and new-to-Alaska ships will set sail this season, including Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amudsen, and Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess, each of which sets sail on Alaskan itineraries in May. 2-5 day small ship explorations. Regardless of which month you choose, Alaska is a fantastic place to … But the higher amount of rain in August makes July the best time to cruise to Alaska. However, the best time for Alaska cruises depends on your personal preferences. The best cruise in Alaska is a customized small ship cruise. In addition, excursions into the interior -- more prevalent on Gulf tours – may be canceled due to inclement weather in the shoulder season. For a lot …