Is it better to go northbound or southbound on an Alaskan cruise?
There’s no difference in northbound and southbound itineraries. The stops along the way are the same no matter which you choose, so it’s really about personal preference, and which lines up best with your travel plans.
What is a southbound Alaska cruise?
A Southbound Alaska Cruise will head down the Alaska Coast, visit glacier areas, into the small waterfront communities and then sail through the Inside Passage to Vancouver, where passengers disembark the ship.
What is the best side to cruise Alaska?
Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska’s scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.
What is the best time for an Alaskan cruise?
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.
What deck is best on a cruise ship?
The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren’t always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.
Where is the best cabin position on a cruise ship?
On the typical ship, the top deck of cabins is directly below the pool and activity decks, which can be noisy during the day and even into the night (yes, the noise sometimes will waft through your ceiling). The cabin deck just below that top deck of cabins can be a good choice.
Is there a one way cruise from Anchorage to Seattle?
Northbound Alaska Cruises are one way voyages that begin in Vancouver or Seattle, and travel north through the Gulf of Alaska and end in the northernmost cities of Seward, Whittier or Anchorage, Alaska.
How far north do cruise ships go in Alaska?
It stretches for about 950 miles from Seattle along the coast of British Columbia to the northern part of the Alaska panhandle near Haines and Skagway, Alaska. Cruises usually include stopovers in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and the famous Glacier Bay National Park.
Which side of the ship is better on a cruise?
Which side of a cruise ship is better? There’s nothing inherently better about either the port side or the starboard side of a cruise ship. But if you’re sailing in a balcony or veranda stateroom, you might want to choose to stay on a specific side of the ship based on the direction of your itinerary.
What is the difference between Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay?
While spectacular, Hubbard is just one glacier, whereas Glacier Bay consists of many glaciers; sailing Glacier Bay takes several hours and is an iconic Alaska cruise experience. Hubbard can be hard to get to at certain times of the cruise season when the weather is cold, as ice can block ships from passing too near.
Are the seas rough on an Alaskan cruise?
Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.
What is the best month to see whales on an Alaskan cruise?
April to November is the best time to whale watch in Alaska and that nicely encompasses the cruise season. Like most of us, whales enjoy Alaska in the spring and summer months, when the days are long, and feeding is plentiful. Some whales are in Alaska year-round and others migrate to the state during summer months.
What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship?
Where is the quietest room on a cruise ship?
If you want the quietest cruise ship cabin possible, skip rooms near potentially noisy areas like under the pool deck or buffet, across the hall from laundry rooms or a crew entry door, and under or over the casino, theater or nightclub.
Do Alaska cruises get rough?
Alaska. Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher. Cruise staffers say the gulf gets especially bad after Labor Day, in the shoulder season.
How long does it take to get from Seattle to Alaska on a cruise?
The specific itineraries vary, but generally cruises on this route spend two days at sea traveling between Seattle and Alaska, and one full day sailing through places like the Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, or Glacier Bay National Park. Ports of call vary, but often include Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan.
Can you see the northern lights in Alaska from a cruise ship?
While the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is in winter, you may still have the opportunity to see them on a late September cruise. While this spectacle can be seen from various ports of call, Princess offers the Aurora Borealis Viewing experience in Fairbanks for an unparalleled experience.
What is the cheapest month to cruise to Alaska?
The Alaska cruise season typically runs from late April to late September, and the cheapest months to cruise to Alaska are during the shoulder season months of April, May, and September. Prices tend to be cheaper during shoulder season due to chillier temperatures and the fact that school is still in session.
What is the best floor to be on a cruise ship?
What’s the best glacier to see in Alaska on a cruise?
While many other glaciers around the world are retreating, Hubbard Glacier continues to thicken and grow (a process known as advancing), making it one of the best glaciers to see in Alaska. Hubbard calves nearly every day, making for dramatic views as ice crashes into Disenchantment Bay.
Is Glacier Bay a must see for Alaska cruise?
Since access to Glacier Bay is tightly controlled, only a limited number of cruise ships are allowed to visit Glacier Bay National Park each season. Spending a day in Glacier Bay is a must for an Alaska cruise, whether it’s your first time visiting Alaska or your tenth voyage there.
Is the water calm on an Alaskan cruise?
Those who cruise Alaska’s Inside Passage marvel at calm waters and spectacular scenery as the ship glides through protected waterways. Along the way, you may see whales, orcas, dolphins, and a host of other marine life from the comfort of your deck chair.
What does Inside Passage mean on an Alaskan cruise?
The Inside Passage is usually what people refer to when they talk about an Alaska cruise. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a water route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. It is a common route for cruise ships that depart from Seattle or Vancouver, and offers stops along Alaska’s panhandle.
Can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska from a cruise ship?