Key Things To Know Before Visiting Alaska

Mendenhall Glacier is a glacier about 13.6 miles long located in Mendenhall Valley, about 12 miles from downtown Juneau.

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Seeing the varied landscapes, abundant marine wildlife, and tidewater glaciers by cruise ship is one of the top ways to travel to and around Alaska.

There are lots of considerations when sailing to Alaska for the first time. What are the best excursions? How to pack for Alaska weather? Which ship and cabin are the best to book? These are just some of the popular topics for discussion.

Budget is another topic of concern, as many people want to make the most of their Alaska cruise vacation without breaking the bank. Pre-cruise flights, pricey excursions, and cold-weather gear can add up.

Don’t know where to start? Here are our top tips for cruisers heading to the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Cruising is the most popular way to explore the state for good reason. Cruise passengers travel in all-inclusive comfort on ships of all sizes and on itineraries of varying length, with abundant tour options in established ports of call. Cruise ships fall into two basic categories: large and small. Large cruise ships generally offer lavish entertainment, shopping, excellent meals, and extensive shore excursions to create a seamless travel experience. Small ships offer more individualized services with custom or specialty itinerary options, often with a focus on adventure or luxury experiences.

Cruise itineraries are generally seven to ten days, typically departing from Seattle or Vancouver, BC. Alaska land and sea cruise packages include round-trip or one-way itineraries, and often include post-cruise land tour options on a train or motorcoach for travelers wanting to continue their Alaska exploration. The most popular time to cruise is June – August, and cruises typically run May – September.

In addition to enriching and entertaining experiences onboard the ship, Alaska cruises are known for the wide variety of shore excursions and opportunities to explore the scenic port towns visited along the way. Cruise ship travelers enjoy tour options for all interests and activity levels including Alaska Native cultural tours, hiking, fishing, kayaking, flightseeing, history tours, dog sledding, food tours, and so much more.

Northbound cruise routes usually stop first in Ketchikan, followed by Juneau (Alaska’s capital city), Skagway, and visit Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. While these are the most visited places in the Inside Passage, other communities visited by cruise ships include Hoonah, Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, Prince of Wales Island, and Haines. Longer cruise ship itineraries continue on to cross the Gulf of Alaska and end in port communities in Southcentral Alaska including Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier.

Save money by booking a cruise in shoulder season

If you want to have a great vacation without breaking your budget, there are a number of ways to save money on an Alaska cruise. One of the best tips is to sail during shoulder season, which is spring (May) and fall. Not only will you get better deals, but there tend to be fewer crowds as kids and families head back to school

Another option is to select a guaranteed or interior cabin, which can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars less. 

Don’t limit yourself to cruise line excursions 

Many cruisers are shocked by how much cruise line excursions can cost in Alaska. It is not the same as hopping in a taxi and heading to the beach in the Caribbean. Whale watching, dog sledding, and glaciers are pricey excursions that can add up. 

Luckily, there are tons of tour operators located in popular Alaska ports. Research the ports you are going to and book early, to make sure you get the excursion you want, they can sell out fast. 

Use a good travel agent

A good travel agent can be incredibly helpful for any cruise, especially for a new region like Alaska. They can help you pick the right ship and cruise line, as well as a cabin that is best suited to your style of travel. If you have any questions, they call the cruise line, which saves you time. They can also suggest hotels for a pre- or post-cruise stay and offer excursion ideas for each port. 

Binoculars are a nice bonus on an Alaska cruise 

Something you may not think to pack, but a pair of binoculars might be your go-to accessory for an Alaska cruise. Whether you want to sit on your balcony and take in some of Alaska's incredible glaciers or try to spot some whales, they can be extremely helpful. 

Don’t fly in the day of the cruise

Be aware of any potential travel disruptions by  checking road, ferry or weather conditions before you go.

Unless you live near an embarkation port like Seattle or Vancouver, you are probably flying to catch your cruise. In recent years there have been more and more airline delays, not to mention weather delays due to the famous West Coast rain and fog. It is best to give yourself adequate time when traveling to your destination

Consider splurging on a balcony cabin 

A balcony cabin can be a great option to spend more time taking in the majestic views of Alaska in your own private space. It is a good idea to make the most of your time onboard, seeing glaciers or maybe spotting a whale while sipping coffee in your own tranquil space. 

You may need a passport 

A number of Alaska cruises depart from Vancouver, Canada, in which case you will need a passport if you need to cross the border to get to the port. Additionally, there are a few train excursions, such as some leaving from Skagway, that require a passport. So, if you want to try any of these out, make sure you know what you need in advance of your cruise.   

Packing is different on an Alaska cruise 

The weather can vary a lot in Alaska. Early or later in the season can mean cooler temperatures, especially early in the morning or later in the day. It is best to bring layers to adjust to the changing temperatures. Also, be ready for rain, which can come at any time. A waterproof jacket and shoes are key to staying comfortable and dry.  

Make sure to pack bug spray, seasickness meds, and sunscreen. Although you can buy some things on the ship, they are limited in supply and are often more expensive.

Buy travel insurance

No one plans to get hurt or be delayed when traveling, but it is the reality of life. Travel medical insurance and trip cancellation are highly advisable when cruising. This is something a travel agent can help with or can easily be purchased online. 

Make sure to compare plans carefully to understand what’s included, deductibles, etc. Insurance plans are not created equal. 

Check out the Alaska-specific programs onboard

Some cruise lines offer special programs to help you have a more immersive cruise experience. In particular, cruise lines like Princess Cruises and Holland America Lines offer specialized activities that feature a number of Alaska-focused experiences. Thanks to their partnership with Discover and Animal Planet they have a number of activities, including meeting self dogs onboard or expect guest lecturers.

Get to know the wildlife that just like us call BC home with a tour—-Continue north to immerse yourself in rugged landscapes, explore Indigenous culture and view wildlife along the way. E

Speak with local Visitor Centre staff, or search your destination on Instagram or TikTok, to find tips on local attractions and adventures that might be easy to miss, and to learn where to go to support local businesses.

For more independent visitors interested in traveling to and around Alaska on the water, the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system starts in Bellingham, WA and connects to over 35 coastal communities in the Inside Passage, Southcentral, and Southwest Alaska. Ferry passengers can walk on or bring their car or RV.