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The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise. Holland America Princess, and Royal Caribbean have Alaskan Inside Passage cruises departing from Vancouver at the end of April. Carnival has 14-day Alaskan cruises departing from Seattle and Long Beach in late April. Weather, ocean conditions, and limited sunlight make winter cruising to Alaska impossible. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Assume the seas will be smooth
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Many cruise lines also have limited early cruise ships departing for Alaska in April. Norwegian Cruise Lines has the first departures of the season in early April from Seattle. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December. The dark and cold winters are not ideal for cruises because travelers aren’t able to enjoy the wonders of the state of Alaska. Fortunately, any time during the Alaska cruise season is good for salmon fishing.
Alaskan Cruise in June –
Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience. Less travelers might sound appealing, but many port towns aren’t fully “tourist operational” until late June when summer workers start to arrive. Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise.
Best Time to Visit Alaska: Month by Month Breakdown (
We’ll also discuss factors you may not have considered, such as visibility of the Northern Lights, financial costs, and more. And especially as Alaska is so different compared to your typical warmer cruise destination. Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people.
Shoulder Seasons: The Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska?
The town’s waterfront promenade is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, providing a picturesque setting to enjoy local seafood and crafts. Every port in Alaska has something special to offer, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. For those looking for a couples retreat, Viking Cruises cater exclusively to adults.
Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights. According to McDaniel, some ships are even starting to extend the Alaska cruise season, sailing as early as April. Those summer months, however, are when you're likely to see the warmest weather, with temperatures around 50 to 70 degrees, as well as the longest number of daylight hours, she said.
June
Alaska is often considered the last American frontier due to its pristine and seemingly endless natural landscapes. This is just part of why Alaskan cruises are skyrocketing in popularity. These sailings take place on the intimate 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy, with cozy but comfortable cabins and unlimited activities and beverages. One day might involve kayaking in Patterson Bay followed by a brisk snorkeling session. Another could see guests hiking to a glacial lake or going for a skiff tour among icebergs. And another could involve biking in an area known for its healthy population of brown bears (if you dare).
What Are the Best Months for Wildlife & Activities?
Another crucial factor to consider when planning the best time for an Alaska cruise is the itinerary itself. Different routes offer varying experiences; the best time to go can depend on your chosen path. The route and port from which you depart are also essential to know whether you must take your passport on the Alaska cruise. One of the most compelling reasons to take an Alaska cruise is the opportunity for wildlife spotting. The season you choose will determine which animals you’re most likely to encounter.
Alaska Cruise in August: Wet, Summer Days When You Cruise Alaska in August
If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night. May is a practical choice for Alaskan cruisers who are on a limited budget but want to have slightly warmer and drier weather and more chances to see wildlife. Your views will likely include snowy mountains, but they are gorgeous nonetheless. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves.
While temperatures are warmer and the snow is typically gone at lower elevations, the highs in Juneau average in the low 60s, with lows in the upper 40s. Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. 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.
If you’re looking to save, consider the shoulder seasons of May and September for getting the best-price cruise. These months offer more cruise budget-friendly options and also more cabin availability. With this diverse range of experiences, we offer insights on what to expect and how to prepare for your Alaska cruise, no matter when you choose to go. Orcas tend to migrate to (and concentrate in) Southeast Alaska in May and June, while humpback whales are at their peak in June and July. Beluga whales come later in the summer, following the salmon runs in Southcentral Alaska; the best place to see them is around Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska from mid-July through August. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions.
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. There is a chance you will see some snow, so a winter coat, gloves, and a hat are a smart addition to your packing list.
On any of our cruises to Alaska, embrace the beauty of life in the Great Land and leave craving more. 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. Back on the vessel, after a gourmet meal and drinks, evening entertainment is viewing the deep fjords, glaciers, and abundant whales that make Alaska so magical.
While early May often carries a chill in the air, by the end of the month, you might encounter temperatures in the 60s. The warmer weather means glaciers begin shedding ice more frequently, so you have a better chance of experiencing the sight and sound of a house-size chunk of ice calving into the sea. There's also the bonus that Alaska's large mosquito population has yet to emerge. You may encounter freezing rain or even snow on your April cruise and should expect to tread through mud. Some tourist facilities — including those at national parks — may still be shuttered for the winter. Even when the daytime temperatures are well above freezing, nighttime temperatures can dip below 32 °F, even in the summer.
July is the warmest month in Alaska and offers the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. You can enjoy and photograph much of nature, from humpback whales to brown bears. The warm weather is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, exploring glaciers, scenic flighting, shore kayaking, or glacier kayaking. That said, the routing of cruise ships away from shore and the light pollution of major cities affords some of the best conditions for northern lights spotting.
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