A cruise to Alaska is like no other. It also requires a different level of preparation from a Caribbean or most European cruises. Here are some tips to make your Alaska cruise unforgettable!
Pack for Every Kind of Weather
When most people think of Alaska, they think of cold temperatures and lots of snow. While you will experience some cold weather, you will likely travel through a variety of temperatures and will probably not see much snow as the Alaska cruising season is May through September. My husband and I have been in Alaska in both July and September. I expected the temperatures to be cooler in September than in July but found them to be very similar. There were ports that were very cold and a morning where I bundled up in a coat and blanket to sail through the Tracy Arm Fjord. On other days, however, we were comfortable in just a sweatshirt without a coat or in a light long-sleeve shirt. My husband even wore short sleeves a couple of days!
Be sure to pack clothes for all types of weather and watch the daily weather forecasts at each port. We saw several very uncomfortable cruisers on shore excursions in heavy jackets and hats when they didn’t need them. Consider bringing a backpack to put a jacket and gloves in if you get hot. On the ship, you will also need swimsuits, formal attire, workout clothes, etc. While it can make packing difficult and cumbersome, plan for all types of weather and situations.
Expect Rain
Many areas of Alaska get a lot of precipitation. Be prepared for a rainy port day with a rain jacket and proper foot attire. Bring more than one pair of walking shoes, in case one pair is too wet to wear again the next day. A friend of mine ended up purchasing rain boots for her souvenir in Juneau. Don’t forget to pack that rain jacket and proper footwear. Nothing is worse than being cold and wet!
Prepare for Time Changes
Most Alaskan cruises leave from Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia, both in Pacific Standard Time. When you sail into Alaska, that will change, and your phone may not automatically update to the new time. Most of Alaska is in the Alaska Time Zone.
To be sure that you don’t miss that highly anticipated shore excursion, have backup morning alarm plans. Your cruise ship should offer a complimentary wake-up call to help.
Go on Shore Excursions
While I recommend a variety of shore excursions on most cruises, I recommend them on an Alaskan cruise even more. You want to see as much of the natural wonder of the state as possible, which will often mean getting away from the port. There can also be fewer local transportation options at some ports. From the Mendenhall Glacier to the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway to sled dog and musher camps to the Fortress of the Bear, there is so much to see and do in Alaska. Be sure and budget extra to see as much as you can on your cruise!
Cruise in September for Sales
If you like to shop, September is a great time to cruise Alaska. As it is the end of the cruise season, many of the stores offer deep discounts. We saw so many 40 and 50 percent off sales in port stores as well as on the boat. The discounts will make it easier to bring home souvenirs for family and friends. We brought back salmon chowder packs and ulu pocket knives for our crew. I also got a cozy sweater for only $15.00!
Bring Binoculars
When cruising through Alaska’s Inside Passage, there is so much to see, from the many whales in the water to spotting wildlife and waterfalls on the nearby land. Binoculars make it easier to look for whales from your balcony or a top deck. They are also great to take on shore excursions where the chance of seeing a bear, sea otter, or eagle is good. We forgot to buy binoculars before our last cruise, but we bought some on the boat for fifty percent off with a September sale!
Ready for an Alaskan cruise? Follow these tips for an unforgettable vacation!
Laci Post is a Dreams Unlimited Travel Agent who loves travel, history, and a good story anywhere. She would be happy to help you with your next Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, or Universal adventure! Laci@DreamsUnlimitedTravel.com Â
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