Start Your Adventure Right: Pre-Cruise Planning for Your Alaskan Cruise

Planning an Alaskan cruise is an exciting venture, and it is important to start your adventure right by making sure to do the necessary pre-cruise planning. An Alaskan cruise can be an immersive and incredibly memorable experience, and by taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your trip goes smoothly and is as enjoyable as possible. From selecting the right cruise line and ship to packing the right clothing and visas, there are many elements to consider before embarking on your Alaskan voyage. Whether you are a seasoned cruiser or planning your first trip, our blog post, “Start Your Adventure Right: Pre-Cruise Planning for Your Alaskan Cruise,” will provide you with all the tips and advice you need to make sure you are prepared for a successful journey.

Research the best time to visit Alaska

Before booking your cruise, it is important to research the best time to visit Alaska. Weather conditions can fluctuate greatly, so it is important to be aware of the season before making your decision.

I suggest working with a travel agent to plan the best time for your trip.  Alaska has a shorter season for cruises. It is not a year round destination due to the ice pack that forms and freezes the water.  Ships cannot travel through this therefore Alaska is open for cruising in the summer months for North America. 

July and August are the best months for cruising to Alaska.  They are the warmer months and some ports such as Juneau can be particularly cold even towards the end of June. 

Plan your accommodation options

Once you have determined the best time to visit, you can begin to plan your accommodation options.  Depending on your budget, you can choose from a variety of different cruises, some of which include multiple ports of call. You will also want to consider your room type.  For Alaskan cruises I recommend a balcony room.  Having a balcony is a nice way to view glaciers without being in a crowd.

For a northern bound Alaskan cruise from Seattle I suggest a room on the starboard side.  For a southern bound cruise from Alaska to Vancouver or to Seattle I suggest a room on the port side. 

Some ports aren’t designed for the larger ships such as the Norwegian Bliss but might be more suitable for a smaller ship such as the Norwegian Sun.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas offers cruisers a variety of onboard activities to enjoy in addition to the North Star, the tallest observation area at sea. This provides the perfect way to view America’s last frontier.

Another option for cruisers is trying a cruisetour.  A cruisetour consists of a land and a sea portion for a single trip.  This is a great way to see all that Alaska has to offer. 

Consider the different ports of call and excursions available

Alaskan cruises have different itineraries based on the cruise line, ship, and dates you choose. Royal Caribbean offers one of my personal favorite itineraries that includes Sitka, Skagway, and Victoria, BC.  If you are travelling to Alaska to see natural beauty choosing a trip with any of these ports of call will be perfect for you.

Interested in glaciers? Juneau is the place to be for that.  Ketchikan is known for its lumberjack show and Totem Park.

Review the activities on board

If you are travelling with children then I recommend cruising with Disney or Royal Caribbean.  Norwegian Cruise Line is both family-friendly and adult oriented whereas Celebrity, Holland America, and Princess offers more adult friendly options. 

Most cruise lines now offer specialty dining restaurants in addition to the main dining room on the ships.  Some are included in the price and some are for a fee.  Norwegian’s Free at Sea program often offers a choice of specialty dining in addition to its popular Freestyle dining. 

You will want to work with your travel agent to find the ship that is perfect for your travel party. 

Check the weather and pack accordingly

Finally, before you embark, be sure to check the weather and pack accordingly. Doing so will ensure that you are prepared for whatever the elements may throw at you during your journey. Because Alaska can go from cold to warm from early morning to the afternoon we suggest packing in layers.  Our packing checklists can help plan for this.

Final Thoughts

With some careful planning, you can have an unforgettable trip to Alaska and make memories that will last a lifetime. Pre-cruise planning is essential to enjoying a successful Alaskan cruise. Proper planning starts with selecting the right cruise line, selecting the right cabin, and selecting the right shore excursions.

Additionally, researching the ports of call, bringing the right gear, and familiarizing yourself with the cruise ship are all important steps in pre-cruise planning. By taking the time to plan, you can ensure that your Alaskan cruise is an adventure to remember.

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Ready to start planning your own Alaskan cruise? Contact us today and remember…Life’s Short… Take the Trip!