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This charming fishing community offers a glimpse into the rugged and vibrant lifestyle of Alaskan fishermen. Visitors can wander through the town’s colorful streets, browse local art galleries, and sample fresh seafood. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby LeConte Glacier, known as the southernmost tidewater glacier in North America. With its small-town charm and rich maritime history, Petersburg is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Complete Guide to Taking an Alaskan Cruise (What It’s Like)
Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 17:43:33 GMT [source]
Travel Is Our Tradition
In this excursion, guests will set sail on a yacht while enjoying sparkling wine and looking for humpback whales and orcas. An Alaska cruise is itinerary-focused, meaning that you will want to plan your days in port to get the most out of your visit. Budgeting for excursions is important to ensure you will be able to do what interests you most. The price of an Alaska cruise can vary widely depending on the month you sail, stateroom you choose, and excursions you book. 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.
Day Alaska Cruise Review: Norwegian Sun Experience
These are approximate values on reviewing several cruise lines and ships for 7-night roundtrip cruises from Seattle at double occupancy. Of course, you might find rates cheaper (or more expensive) depending on the factors above. Mainstream cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, offer Alaska cruises in 2023 starting as low as $890 a person (double occupancy) for a seven night roundtrip cruise out of Seattle. Still, on that same ship, Carnival Luminosa, the voyage jumps up to $3,000 a person for a suite. The only areas where we could have saved money were by skipping the shore excursions or forgoing the local delicacies like fresh salmon or crab at the ports. But doing so would have meant missing out on the true essence of Alaska, its unique attractions, and its incredible wildlife.
YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ALASKA CRUISES
Find Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) - Cruise Critic
Find Cunard Queen Elizabeth Cruises to Alaska (with Prices).
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:00:47 GMT [source]
That’s definitely the case for Alaska, where the cost of arranging travel to all the ports you visit would be considerably higher for most people than taking a cruise. That said, in general you’ll find that a trip to Alaska will be more than a cruise to the Caribbean. You might like to get a drink or meal off the ship in the Alaskan ports of call.
Premium meals offer higher-end cuts of meat and gourmet specialties. Depending on the cruise ship company, premium meals may be included or cost extra. While most cruises include all-you-can-eat and drink in the cruise price, alcoholic beverages generally cost extra. However, some cruises offer a flat price for unlimited beer, wine and other alcohol. These excursions have a wide variety of prices depending on the destination, admission cost and other factors. The excursion price typically includes transportation to and from the attraction.
On our Alaska cruises, we have done a mix of land-based walking tours, as well as helicopter rides and float plane adventures. Not to mention glacier viewing, bear watching, zip lines, whale watching, and even visiting a bald eagle preserve. Traveling to Alaska on a cruise is the best option to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the state.
Cruise Fares (All Prices in USD)
The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above.
Q: What are some popular Alaska Cruise Ports of Call?
Most cruises in the Caribbean are in port for the day, and then head to sea each evening — meaning there isn’t much to see in between. In Alaska, even when you’re sailing, there’s still plenty to experience. The Inside Passage, which is the inner route that takes you all around the southeast of Alaska, takes you right next to the stunning landscape all day long. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line.
As well, with the long daylight hours, an interior cabin (which gets plenty dark) may help you sleep better. Dressing Can Be Hard (Layers Are a Must)Keeping in the theme of weather, you’ll likely find that it’s a little harder to dress for Alaska. When it’s warm and sunny, it is literally t-shirt and shorts weather.
Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions. This is obvious, but depending on where you live and your departure port, you will need to calculate in the cost of flights. Thus, the per person fare will be different when averaged across all of the passengers in a stateroom. Keep in mind the prices above are just to give you a sense of the relative pricing. Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog.
There are also higher-end excursions that offer a unique chance to see Alaskan scenery from a different vantage point. Additionally, if one itinerary isn’t selling enough, prices will drop. It should be noted that sailing on older or smaller ships may not necessarily mean a cheaper fare.
Each port offers its own unique advantages and attractions to enhance your cruise experience. Whether you’re starting your journey in the heart of Alaska or setting sail from a bustling city, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty that awaits. Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel.
At each stop, you can get off the ship to explore local attractions, tours and cuisine as part of a shore excursion. Given the time travel, many cruisers will want to consider spending at least one pre-cruise day at a hotel, and possibly even a post cruise day. For popular departure ports like Seattle, WA or Vancouver, BC, even a modest hotel during Alaska cruise season can go for $200 to $300 a night. During our trips, we have averaged around $150 to $200 per person, per port for our shore excursion costs. So, with 4 to 5 ports of call, cruisers can easily spend upwards of $500 to over $1,000 on excursions. Many cruise lines do discount the second and third person in the room.
We picked the peak season for our study, specifically mid-July 2024. 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. The cost of eating out can vary widely depending on the port and the type of restaurant. Casual dining spots may charge around $20 to $40 per meal, while upscale restaurants can cost $30 to $50 per person or more. Cruise lines typically offer spas, casinos, and other forms of entertainment onboard.
Since small ships are easily able to fit into more Alaska ports due to size, the demand for smaller ships is greater than for larger ones. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Sitka by visiting the Sitka National Historical Park. Explore the preserved tribal houses and totem poles while learning about the area’s indigenous culture. For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Alaska Raptor Center is a must, where you can observe and learn about various bird species, including majestic bald eagles. Home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, Ketchikan offers a fascinating glimpse into Native American heritage and art. Take a stroll through Totem Bight State Historical Park or visit Saxman Native Village to admire these impressive cultural landmarks.
