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Finally, you'll find some San Francisco round-trip itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. By mid-June most humpbacks have arrived and they are gathering together in predictable feeding pods. This is the best time for whale watching in Alaska and the consistent sightings will continue through mid-August when the first whales will begin to leave for warmer waters.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September
While the tourism season in Alaska doesn’t really kick in until June, many small cruise ships start running tours in May. September brings Alaska’s fall shoulder season, with fewer visitors and often Alaska special offers. Longer nights again bring possible opportunities to view the aurora borealis. The cooler weather turns trees and tundra into explosive fall colors of red, gold and purple.
Passengers, crew rescued from Alaska cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park - Fox Weather
Passengers, crew rescued from Alaska cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park.
Posted: Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
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It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. The first humpbacks begin to arrive in Alaska about late April and early May. These are typically the adult males that can make the long migration the fastest. They are followed by younger males, females and finally mothers with calves arriving in late May and early June. Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food. Typically, there are no scheduled cruises from mid-October through February, but special Alaska charter cruises can be arranged during this time with advanced notice.
Icy Strait Exclusive Wildlife and Bear Search Tour
Both September and October are ideal times to see the stunning Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis displays. Whether you choose to cruise in September or not, Alaska rarely disappoints, even when the weather rains on your parade. Even if you went to Denali in early September, the weather may prevent you from traveling too far. With gloomy overcast weather, your chances of seeing the towering Denali are slim. Some tour operators provide snow pants and glacier boots (wore over your shoes), so check with your excursion provider first. If you plan to do any hiking, boots with ankle support are recommended, and you should expect muddy conditions.
In this post, I share a month-by-month guide about the best time of year for an Alaskan cruise. I’ve included tips on the weather, wildlife, daylight, and the general experience you’ll have each month of the Alaska cruise season to determine when to set sail for the 49th state. The abundant cloud cover and frequent rain make the landscape all the more beautiful, but visitors should dress properly for a better overall experience. As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall.
Mid-month, the shops and attractions also return to life after a winter slumber. The warming weather allows cruise ships to travel through the Arctic waters providing unique opportunities for passengers. Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights.
Alaska Cruise in April: Fewer Rainy Days When You Visit Alaska in April
This is also the time of year when King Salmon runs both begin and end. If you are an angler, there is nothing like hooking and reeling in a King. With an average size of 24 to 36 inches and weighing pounds, you’ll finally have a true fishing story worth telling.
Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities. Alaska is still gaining sunlight as the Summer Solstice approaches, so you’ll experience longer days during your May cruise. While prices in the early season are generally less expensive, your experience during a May cruise will look different from during the high season in July and August. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports.
Whales can be seen from small ships to Alaska throughout the small ship cruise season of May through September. Orca and minke whales are residents so they may be found at any time of year. But most travelers want to see humpbacks and if you fall into this category, then you must plan your trip accordingly. 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. From May to September, the Alaska cruise season is just five months long, although Holland America Line offers Alaska cruises in late April and early October.
The 2024 Alaska cruise season is quickly approaching, and we’re sharing 24 of our most helpful Alaska cruise tips that you need to follow. Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House. Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines and Skagway.
The peak season with best weather and wildlife occurs during summer months. But spring, when Alaska awakens from a long winter, is also another favorite time to cruise Alaska. Snow is present in the mountains, driving hungry bears down to the coast for a meal. Small ships, which can sail close to the shore, take advantage of these springtime encounters. April and May are the driest months along Alaska’s coast and there are fewer crowds in both town and on the water.
How To Pack For A Shoulder Season Alaska Cruise - TravelAwaits
How To Pack For A Shoulder Season Alaska Cruise.
Posted: Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea. Alaska may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to Gold Rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury. At AAA, we offer a wide selection of cruise itineraries to those explorers who want to get up close and personal with Alaskan wildlife, landscape, and culture. Cruise bookings can be difficult to come by in July, but with some careful planning ahead, you can secure cabins on either large or small ships.
So if you’re cruise includes a visit to Ketchikan, it wouldn’t hurt to pack your rain gear. Temperatures can vary anywhere between 30 to 80 degrees throughout the summer travel months – inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do. For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance. If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures. Regardless of which month you choose to explore Alaska, you’ll encounter iconic marine life and embark on heart-stirring adventures when you set sail with Princess.
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