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If you do see these majestic creatures hulking around, stay far back (at least 50 feet) and never disturb a lone calf, as mom is somewhere nearby. On top of that, you can anticipate significantly less rain and fog, which helps with comfort and visibility. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. If you want to see fall foliage ashore, wait until the first week of September. Summer berry-picking on shore is best late in August or early September. The closer you can get to the end of the month, the less you'll pay as a result of lessening demand and cooler temperatures.
Alaskan Cruise in August (and early September) –
Between May and July, Alaska fully thaws from the deep winter freeze. This is when bears have emerged from hibernation and tend to be fairly active. If you hope to spot a grizzly, you might just have your opportunity if you cruise Alaska during this period, along with viewing moose and even a chance to see more calves or cubs running around. Seeing Alaska’s breathtaking wilderness from the comfort of a cruise ship is a true bucket list item for many people.
Best value Alaska cruise: Radiance of the Seas
These are the "shoulder season" months, which is when the season begins and ends, and is when you will find less people vying for a cruise. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. Other adventurous activities, such as hiking trails, open up in the summer months. Hatcher Pass typically opens up in July, depending on the specific Hatcher Pass weather conditions. Mt. Denali is another option for cruisers, but be sure to check on the Mt. Denali weather with your cruise line.
Alaska Cruise Weather (Month by Month Guide)
The midnight sun means many hours of daylight, especially on June 20, the longest day of the year — when you'll have to stay up late to see any darkness at all. Viking Ocean Cruises recently nabbed a 2023 World’s Best Award in the midsize-ship ocean cruise lines category, coming in at first place for the second year in a row. The line’s identical ocean ships offer a sleek Scandinavian design, which only enhances the tranquil atmosphere on board. The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call.
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922 - Reader's Digest
Best Time to Visit Alaska in 2023 When Is the Best Time to Go to Alaska? Trusted Since 1922.
Posted: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. When planning your cruise, the weather should be a consideration for many shore excursions. For example, flightseeing via fixed wing or helicopter is a popular way to see glacier fields and spectacular mountain vistas, but small aircraft are sensitive to weather conditions. Choosing to cruise during the dryer months of May and June can help give you a better chance at participating in these weather-dependent excursions, although of course there’s never a guarantee. There are days throughout the year when there can be a temperature swing of a hundred degrees on opposite ends of the state—50 degrees Fahrenheit in Sitka and 50 degrees below zero in Fairbanks, for example.
When is the best time to visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights?
Such a large price difference allows you to enhance your Alaska cruise experience in other ways, whether booking a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour or kayaking through fjords. The average temperature for an Alaska cruise in September is in the mid-50s and lows in the low-40s. It's also very likely to encounter rain, as September is an even rainier month than August. You'll likely encounter the highest chance of rain if you take an Alaska cruise in August, but it's also when you can expect to find the most comfortable outdoor temperatures.
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With the warmer weather, it is not unusual to see an increase in the number of people looking to enjoy Alaska’s untamed wilderness. With more daylight and improved weather, your options for excursions also increase. This can help enrich the overall experience of your Alaskan adventure and give you more of an opportunity to see what it would be like living in the United States’ most inhospitable state.
Or, explore the outdoors on a peaceful boat tour through deep fjords and enjoy a relaxing train ride up the sweeping mountains. As the driest month of the year, May provides optimal conditions to experience the great outdoors. While temperatures cool off in September, witness schools of halibut glisten beneath the Alaska waters and try your hand at casting a reel. Or, strap into a dog sled and venture over frosted terrains that make for an unforgettable ride.
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights - TheTravel
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights.
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Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Seeing the northern lights from a cruise ship is rare, but you can increase your chances of seeing them by booking a trip in late September or early October. During the late Alaska cruise season, the sun sets sooner in the day than summer, providing a better opportunity to see the aurora borealis. The best time to cruise to Alaska is a matter of personal preference. The "best time" could be different for a solo cruise traveler who dreams of photographing bears than it is for a parent who wants a family vacation in the great outdoors.
The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. 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. Seattle Washington, the starting point for many Alaskan cruises, is slightly south of Vancouver and shares similar weather patterns. The Canadian city of Vancouver is a popular stop for Alaskan cruises that usually embark from Seattle WA. It averages more than six inches in June and July and 10 inches in August, according to the National Weather Service. The fourth largest city in Alaska is Ketchikan, which also is a major cruise stop.
Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Of course, temperatures during September will be lower than other times of the year, but the opportunity to see the Northern Lights is a real treat. Here is your guide for figuring out the best times to visit for your first (or 50th) Alaska cruise. A mythic journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River and out to the Atlantic, this Concierge Cruise is a cultural immersion into Québec, Newfoundland and the Maritimes. The best month to visit Alaska depends on what you hope to experience during your trip. If you’re hunting the northern lights, then include a land trip to Fairbanks, where you can enjoy Denali Park and hopefully catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase. Since the skies do still get dark during this month, there is a slight chance that you’ll be able to view the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise in April. Peak viewing of the Aurora Borealis happens between November and March, but on a clear night with lots of solar activity, you have a shot at this once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience.
Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. On clear nights, you could have a chance to spot the northern lights — though they won't shine as brightly as they do in winter. Rather than stay up all night, see if your ship or pre- or post-cruise hotel has a sign-up sheet for people who want a wake-up call should the lights appear. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours.
Historically, July has an ideal combination of the two, followed by June and then August. Rainfall is usually lowest in May and climbs steadily until reaching the highest point in September. May is ideal for rain but not for temperatures, which are often quite a bit cooler. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don't pick your room location) to save more. Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink), as well as sofabeds and bunks to sleep four in a cabin. Disney-themed restaurants and attentive wait staff take the stress out of family mealtimes.
Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. If you're on a budget, stick to interior rooms and look for the big cruise ships, which tend to have more inventory. Summer Alaska cruises fill up quickly, so always book well in advance. If you want to spot herds of caribou, book an Alaska cruise that puts you in range of Denali National Park.
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