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On the downside, you will want to pack for chillier weather, especially in April and after mid-September. Choosing the best ship for you is key to a great Alaska cruise experience. 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. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. Each cruise line has their preferred port—Holland America Line and Princess Cruises berth at Whittier. Norwegian, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas—currently berthing at Seward—will move operations to Whittier upon completion of berths currently under construction.
Night 3 Dinner in the MDR
Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. If you’re passionate about the finer things in life, Celebrity Cruises may very well speak to your soul. And onboard experiences range from Macallan and Jack Daniel’s tastings to Riedel crystal workshops that show how different shapes and qualities of a Riedel glass change the taste of wine. While pulling into port one day, I remember digging into a hearty lunch of fish and chips featuring fresh-caught Alaskan halibut. (HAL is the first cruise line to serve fresh, certified-sustainable Alaskan seafood.) As of September, acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto is the Fresh Fish Ambassador as part of the line’s Global Fresh Fish Program.
Day 11: Seattle Disembarkation
Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. I was in the throngs of despair, yes, but at least there was guacamole and I was alone so I could double dip. The shareable guacamole was prepared table side which was a little awkward for this introvert, terrible at small talk. All I could come up with was, “how many times per night do you have to pretend to care about how people spent their day while you contemplate letting your knife slip on an avocado pit so you can spend a peaceful evening in the medical center? “Seattle.” And then I remembered protocol, looked at his badge which said “Philippines” and asked “small town or large city? ” to which he responded “Manilla,” to which I replied, “oh, BIG city” and he moved on to his next table.
The Best Alaska Cruises
Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. …and delicious complimentary snacks and unique desserts, many with an international flair and not available anywhere else on the ship. But the worst part was when the Captain came out and, even though I was sitting second row center, didn’t even acknowledge my week-long attempts at seduction with a little wink or nod or some other sign that he knew I existed.
Is Seward or Whittier a better port for Anchorage?
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog
Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.
Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
From the lush rainforests and tranquil seas of the Inside Passage, to the endless horizon and luminous ice of the Arctic, there’s no shortage of what Alaska offers to cruise enthusiasts. This big travel site has cruise review information in its Forums section, though you will mostly find targeted questions and answers from other travelers—such as recommendations about shore excursions or finding wifi. The Koningsdam boasts 912 balconied accommodations, which means 69% of the ship has rooms with a private veranda view. You’ll also find massage showerheads, magnifying mirrors, terry bathrobes, Egyptian cotton towels, Elemis luxury bath products, and fresh fruit (upon request) in your stateroom. Anglers will enjoy the cruise line’s Savor My Catch program, which brings ocean-to-table dining to a whole new level. Plus, guests can catch their own fish during shore excursions and have it prepared and served on board.
Alaska Inside Passage Cruises in 2024 – Your Ultimate Guide
These are required to issue your boarding passes and room keys, a process that was impressively streamlined and took no more than 15 minutes. It’s also worth noting that a passport may be necessary for an Alaska cruise depending on your citizenship and itinerary, so it’s advisable to check this in advance. Don’t rush your decision – there’s an Alaska cruise ship that’s perfect for you, so take your time, read my guides on each cruise line, and you’ll find the one that’s right for your cruise getaway. Oceania is another cruise line to offer a range of flexible tour options, so if you want to extend your trip with a hotel stay or a land program before or after you sail, it’s easy to find some fantastic options. Norwegian Jewel is another mid-sized mainstream cruise ship offering cruises to Alaska.
Choose a balcony cabin
Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour. Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.
Day 7 Room Service Lunch
This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers. According to Goldring, both Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Odyssey offer similar Alaska itineraries in 2024; however, it will be the latter’s final sailing since it was sold. A day aboard the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might start out with a hike to a glacial lake followed by an early-evening kayak adventure in Thomas Bay. Or, you might enjoy a bit of scenic cruising by LeConte Glacier (where the big ships don't go) then continue the fun with hiking and biking the trails of Ideal Cove. Guided skiff tours will take guests in search of Alaskan wildlife in remote bays and secret coves.
Roundtrip cruises offer the convenience of embarking and disembarking at the same port (typically Seattle, Vancouver, or San Francisco), but itineraries are generally limited to Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage. This is a much more of a travel agency sales site, but you can find quick, concise reviews with pros and cons listed for a ship—easy for quick assessments. Eric Goldring is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in expedition, small-ship, and medium-ship cruises. The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey throws a dash of adventure into its luxurious surroundings. If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking an all-inclusive luxury cruise on a Seabourn ship.
On all of its Alaska cruises, a Huna Native Interpreter comes aboard Holland America Line ships to share the history of the Tlingit people. According to T+L A-List travel advisor Ashton Palmer, the Alaska cruise season is short (typically from May to September) and availability is limited, which is why travelers should plan their sailings six to eight months ahead of time. Several cruise lines also offer land extensions (sometimes called “cruisetours”) to make the experience as seamless as possible. Disney Cruise Line set sail in 1998 with its first three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas and made its way to Alaska in the spring of 2011.
The majority of cruise ships cruising to or throughout Alaska depart from Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Canada; Whittier, Alaska; or Seward, Alaska. Return visitors who still want that big ship experience might try a different category of cruise line. The major operators—Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, are all premium-tier cruise lines, but the luxury cruise lines have also deployed ships to Alaskan waters. Whittier is closer to Anchorage, and some itineraries even take disembarking passengers directly to Denali or Talkeetna the same day. Whittier is also a convenient port for cruising College Fjord, which most northbound sailings do on the final day before arriving in Whittier. Whittier is, however, a tiny community that is little more than a deep-water port, while Seward is a larger community and regional base for a more diverse collection of tours and activities.
As the day wrapped up, we relaxed at a local brewery, the perfect end to a day brimming with adventure and history. We’ve breathed Alaska’s crisp air, marveled at its towering glaciers, and immersed ourselves in local cultures. We’re not just tourists but passionate explorers who have visited Alaska multiple times, by both land and sea. We’ve poured hours into selecting the best Alaska itinerary and are already planning our next escapade.
Today, with over 20 cruise lines and small ships sailing Alaska’s waterways, there are plenty of options for travelers to choose from during the Alaska cruise season, which runs every year from April through October. If you’re planning a bucket list trip, we’ve selected the best Alaska cruises for every type of travel style in 2024, from the adventure-focused to the super luxurious. “If you are looking for a more casual and laid-back experience, Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures offers down-to-earth trips with enthusiastic naturalist guides, simple accommodations, and hearty local cuisine,” says Palmer. Per the pro, travelers can “choose between a menu of included excursions such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, zodiac cruises, whale watching, and more.” All in all, UnCruise really does offer something for everyone.
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