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Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.
Alaska Cruises
Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. We opted for a 10-night stay aboard the Norwegian Sun, choosing an inside cabin with no window to keep costs down. We skipped any extra paid activities or dining options on the ship. If you want to save money, consider local food trucks, markets, or small eateries that offer authentic and budget-friendly meals. These can be a great way to experience local flavors without breaking the bank. Or pack some snacks and a bottle of water for your shore excursions.
Do you need a passport to take a cruise to Alaska?
Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north. After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures.
National treasures
You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from Seattle or Vancouver. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. It’s an investment not just in a vacation but in a wealth of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Alaska Cruise Prices – FAQs
For details on the specific excursions we took—like whale and bear watching, scenic train journeys, and more—check out our separate article on the subject. Cruise prices change over time; individual lines have different deals, so these are the average prices that we analyzed over several weeks to write this article. All the cruises we considered start and finish in Seattle, Washington, and include a mandatory stop in Victoria, Canada—important to mention due to passport requirements for Alaska cruises. While the itineraries differ slightly, they all feature the stunning Inside Passage. Planning and budgeting for meals on land can enrich your Alaskan cruise experience without any financial surprises. In the next section, we’ll discuss tips on how to save money on your Alaskan cruise.
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. The Alaskan cruise cost can vary greatly depending on when you decide to set sail. The Alaska cruise season typically runs from May to the end of September, with peak months being June, July, and August. During these high-demand months, you can expect to pay a premium.
Why Cruise Our Mid-Sized Ships
There are some cruises that offer a choice of what activity you want to participate in. Various ships have different availabilities when it comes to booking a stateroom. For example, Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas contain more balcony staterooms than smaller ships like Radiance of the Seas or Enchantment. Cruises should be booked as soon as it is decided that you want to go to Alaska. Planning out the budget isn’t as simple as accommodations, food, and excursions.
The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go. One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters. Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage. One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road.
Let’s delve into these often-overlooked expenses that can affect the prices for an Alaskan cruise. The Alaska cruise itinerary that suits you best and you choose can significantly impact your Alaskan cruise cost. Different Alaska cruise routes offer varying experiences and come with their own price tags. 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.
Experience the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park in the heart of the Rockies on our 14-night cruisetour with a 7-day Alaska cruise and luxury Rocky Mountaineer rail travel. Sink into refreshed suites and a new lounge, plus dining and entertainment venues. Take in Alaska’s evergreen fjords and thunderous glaciers on this Vista-class Alaska cruise ship. Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations.
Find Norwegian Encore Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) - Cruise Critic
Find Norwegian Encore Cruises to Alaska (with Prices).
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 03:14:20 GMT [source]
Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape. In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination.
You might find that Viking Ocean Cruises cost more, but are a great deal when you factor in the included drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions. 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. Many travelers choose to upgrade their experience by booking a larger room, a better view or a room with better features.
The best time to shop for Alaska cruise deals is during wave season, which lasts from January to March and is when most lines offer the best sailing bargains. Inboxes overflow with deals during wave season, and if you're after a cheap cruise to Alaska, make sure they're not going to your junk mailbox. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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.
Ketchikan, Alaska is one of the best spots along Alaska's Inside Passage to explore the rich cultural sights of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian. Amble historic Creek Street, a boardwalk over a wide creek that fills with salmon during certain times of year. Choose from seven refreshingly uncrowded ships for a front-row seat to Alaska's splendor.
