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After all, in addition to figuring out how to respond if you encounter a moose, you’re also worried about the weather and which month would be best to plan your trip. To truly enjoy an Alaskan cruise, cruisers can visit from April to October when daylight hours, weather and wildlife are better. Explore Alaskan cruises and learn more about each fun-filled trip to the 49th state. Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June.
Juneau
As the summer sun peaks over the snow-capped mountains, beloved wildlife reawaken from their winter slumber and the Great Land comes to life. This breath of fresh air yields longer days and more time to explore forested canopies and coastal waterways. In fact, June brings maximal daylight with over 18 hours of golden sunshine in the Southeast and Inside Passage regions. Princess travels to Alaska during this season so guests can maximize their time on shore and enjoy the beautiful scenery from their ship. Take a relaxing ride on Mount Roberts Tramway for an unparalleled view of Juneau’s exquisite features, or journey into the vast waters for a chance to observe 50-foot humpback whales in their natural habitat.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in April
That said, the routing of cruise ships away from shore and the light pollution of major cities affords some of the best conditions for northern lights spotting. Now that it has a couple of seasons in Alaska under its belt, HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is not holding back. In 2024, the company is offering a 19-day sailing that starts in Vancouver, Canada, before working its way past the fjords, glacier-filled straits, and Indigenous villages of the Inside Passage. Unlike most other sailings that stay within the southeast, from here, the ship hangs a hard left and chugs along to Kodiak, an island community known for humongous brown bears and prolific crab fishing.
Alaska cruise in September: Return to cooler temperatures and lower prices
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024 - Forbes
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024.
Posted: Tue, 08 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Tell a sun-worshiper that you’re taking an Alaska cruise and they’ll raise an eyebrow. On average in July, Alaska boasts high temps in the mid-60s, but occasionally climbs into the 70s and 80s. However, if you prepare for Alaska’s chill and damp weather, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have a great time. Bring a jacket, gloves, and scarves, along with waterproof gear, and sunscreen.
Alaskan Cruise in July –
That being said, while the shoulder season in Alaska may lead to cooler temperatures and more rain, packing appropriately will keep you dry and warm when exploring Alaska’s ports. On average, more than half the days in the month of August experience rain. This may seem like a reason to skip an Alaska cruise in August, but it's still a great time to take in lots of activities around the state. The weather in June is usually warmer and more stable than May, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s. The longer days allow for more time to explore the state's natural beauty, and the scenery is simply stunning.
The weather in July is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s. The only issue with a July Alaska cruise is the rain, as the state averages around 12 inches of rain in the month of July. Most cruise passengers will head to Alaska between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September when temperatures range from slightly chilly to warm during the long daylight hours.
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect) - Upgraded Points
9 Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks (Including What To Pack and Expect).
Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Alaska Port Cities Worth Exploring
Bald eagles hatch and rear young in April and you can see their mottled fledglings from May through June. The most temperate Alaska weather is in July, then June and August when it’s warmer (though again, not near tropical) and drier. When it comes to May vs. September, May is slightly cooler, but gets significantly less rainfall. The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary.
What to Expect on an Alaskan Cruise in September
In addition, sailing in the shoulder season does not necessarily mean there won’t be crowds onboard. While it’s possible the ship will not be sailing at 100% capacity, it’s unlikely you will encounter an empty ship. Plus, Royal Caribbean will adjust prices according to demand, so if a shoulder season cruise is not selling well, prices may drop until more people book the cruise. With the school year coming to a close, many families take advantage of the opportunity to travel together during the summer months. Alaska offers something for everyone, with activities and experiences that appeal to all ages. Whether you want to hike in the wilderness, go whale watching, or learn about Alaska's history and culture, there is something for everyone.
When’s the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise?
Or, look for lively humpback whales making a splash off the coast of Juneau. As you embark on your summer adventure, bring light jackets for hiking through shady regions as well as plenty of sunscreen for basking in 18 hours of glorious sunlight each day this month. Princess cruise itineraries travel to the Southeast and Inside Passage regions of Alaska from May through September when wildlife is bustling, greenery is flourishing and salmon are running.
And another could involve biking in an area known for its healthy population of brown bears (if you dare). Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Plus, the stunning scenery and wildlife sightings provide a captivating backdrop that can both entertain and educate kids. It’s a comfortable and convenient way to experience the vast wilderness of Alaska together as a family. The town’s waterfront promenade is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, providing a picturesque setting to enjoy local seafood and crafts. Additionally, adventure lovers can enjoy activities like zip-lining through the lush forests or kayaking among icebergs.
Because of its latitude, Alaska experiences extremes in daylight in the summer and darkness in the winter. Although the rain isn’t convenient, it is the reason for the lush vegetation you enjoy. However, it’s important to remember that this area is part of the world’s largest temperate rainforest.
Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between! When she’s not out exploring, you’ll find her writing about travel, finances and parenting as well as gift ideas on her website, Although the weather will likely include more rain, you have a better chance of viewing the Northern Lights, which might outweigh this drawback.
The Alaska cruise season is a little over six months long, but choosing the best time to cruise Alaska is surprisingly not that simple. This is but one of the incredible experiences that may be had when visiting Alaska in the “secret season”—springtime. Not only are the flowers and plant life awakening from their wintertime slumber, so is its wildlife. While some people prefer the reduced crowds and whale-watching opportunities of midsummer, others might value the warmer weather and greater options for excursions you get in the late summer months. As September begins, the sun dips below the horizon signifying the inauguration of fall.
When they’re fully mature, millions take a harrowing upstream journey from the ocean to the rivers where they were born. Salmon runs in Alaska start in early May until September, with different species of salmon running at different times of year. Read on for the best time of year to cruise to Alaska, based on your personal preferences and the breathtaking experiences you want to check off your bucket list. Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry.
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