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Travel agents often have access to exclusive deals, promotions, and prices that aren’t typically available to the public. They maintain good relationships with cruise lines, which means they often learn about discounts, limited-time offers, and potential upgrades before the general public does. Cruises to Alaska are particularly excursion-centric due to the region’s unique natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences that are found nowhere else. Shore excursions range from exploring vast glaciers and wildlife tours to kayaking through serene fjords and scenic bays.
Best Alaska cruise lines
Cruises to Alaska offer an experience like none other… but the price tag can be considerable as well. That’s not to mention things like the the cost of airfare to get to the port or the prices for pricey excursions. In short, it can be considerably more expensive that sailing to the Caribbean.
Approximate total cost of my Alaska cruise: $1128.86
When trying to figure out your Alaskan cruise cost, there are many things to factor in that you may not have initially realized. There may be airfare and hotel costs in addition to the cruise fare, depending on where you live. Be sure that you plan well as sometimes there are delays on cruise ships. The most popular time to go to Alaska is during the months of June to August.
Longer sailings from the West Coast
Similarly, it's always best to book departing flights home for the afternoon in case the ship is delayed returning to port or is not cleared by authorities on time. Be Selective on the Ship You Sail (Indoor Areas Are Important)Perhaps nowhere is it more important to pick the right ship for your cruise than when cruising Alaska. That’s why we suggest a larger ship with more covered spaces, such as indoor pools and covered recreation areas. These provide more areas to enjoy instead of feeling “stuck” inside the ship while you’re sailing. All told, we think $2,000-$2,800 per person for a 7-day cruise to Alaska is a good estimate — not including airfare.
Early and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes. Each summer, scads of ships cruise Alaska’s coastal waterways, ranging from 12-person expedition-style sailings to mega-ships with passenger numbers into the thousands. Some stick to a manageable six-day itinerary within the popular and more easily accessible southeast region, while others head out on epic three-week sailings that cross multiple time zones.
Cruise ship ticket prices increase over time
To reduce the price of an Alaska cruise, it’s smart to look out for special offers and discounts. Cruise lines often have sales that can significantly reduce the cost of your trip. If you’re flexible with your travel plans, you can often save money by booking your Alaska cruise close to the departure date.
Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It?
Wildlife is abundant and can be spotted at possibly any moment, including whales and seals. Many travelers use vacations as an excuse to update their wardrobes. When traveling to different climates, you may also need to buy new clothes to be comfortable in varying conditions.
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. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. 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. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.
The opportunities to shop onboard are plentiful, from duty-free shops to art auctions. However, these purchases can add up quickly and are not usually considered when considering the average cost of an Alaskan cruise. In Ketchikan I split my time between a Royal Caribbean excursion and exploring the town on my own. I booked the Saxman Native Totem Village excursion for $59.99, which took me on a bus ride to the village of Saxman for a few hours of cultural insight into the native Tlingit people. The rest of the day was spent walking around Ketchikan with no expense other than lunch and souvenirs. Prices for a Cruise Tour vary depending on how many days the tour runs and the tour’s location.
This way, you will know the exact Alaska cruise cost before setting sail. If you’d like a small ship cruise to Alaska, but crave a bit more adventure, expedition cruises might be more your speed. Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. From Seward, travelers wanting to spend a few days exploring Kenai Fjords National Park or one of the wilderness lodges can book Alaska Railroad transfers on their regular scheduled service. Like almost any choice one makes when booking a cruise, it all comes down to personal taste.
The cost of an Alaskan cruise also depends on your chosen cruise line. Mainstream cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line (our pick last time was Norwegian Sun), Carnival, and Royal Caribbean offer more affordable options, from around $100 to $200 per person daily. On the other hand, luxury lines like Seabourn can cost upwards of $300 to $500 per person daily. Your choice will depend on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Royal Caribbean also offers land-based Cruise Tours before or after an Alaska cruise. These are 3-6 day land tours in either Alaska or Canada that bring guests to destinations inaccessible by cruise ship.
As you'll see below, an Alaskan cruise can cost under $500 per person for some week long trips. Don't forget to check out our Alaska cruise deals page to save even more on your next sailing. Extras like excursions, gambling, alcohol and premium meals may also affect the price. You can save money on your Alaska cruise by traveling in the off-season, booking at the last minute or using your travel credit card rewards. Most onboard entertainment is included in the price of your cruise. Many cruise ships also offer spa treatments and gambling, which aren't included in the cruise price.
In fact, there are many people who may not have any interest in cruising, but do consider taking a trip to Alaska. Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier. Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.
You'd also do well to look at the moon cycles, as a full moon can drown out the Aurora Borealis. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well. In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances. Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events.
15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make - MSN
15 Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make.
Posted: Sat, 13 Apr 2024 14:45:00 GMT [source]
An Alaska cruise is the ideal time to hit pause on your digital life. Few of the pictures you take will accurately portray the scale of the beauty of Alaska. Once you're on board your ship, it's time to put all the stress of planning and packing behind you.
Once there, visitors are treated to a breathtaking spectacle of towering glaciers, including the famous Margerie Glacier, which dramatically calves icebergs into the sea. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, from humpback whales and seals in the waters to bears and eagles on land. Alcoholic drink packages typically cost between $50 to $75 per day and come with a limit of around 15 drinks daily. On the other hand, soda plans are more budget-friendly, usually priced at about $10 to $15 per day.
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