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That said, you are in Alaska at a time for festivals and other special events, and frontier towns really come alive. Seas in Alaska are choppiest on Gulf of Alaska itineraries where waters are open. Alternatively, Inside Passage cruises in Alaska tend to be calmer as the waters are protected. Temperatures in Alaska can change considerably from one destination to the next. That includes warm days, where even being near a glacier or a passing cloud (or socked-in rain) can make things chilly. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise.
Alaska Cruise Weather by Month
Read on for average Alaska cruise prices, things to do in Alaska and everything else you'll need to decide which is the best month to cruise Alaska for you. Orcas tend to migrate to (and concentrate in) Southeast Alaska in May and June, while humpback whales are at their peak in June and July. Beluga whales come later in the summer, following the salmon runs in Southcentral Alaska; the best place to see them is around Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska from mid-July through August.
Avoid the Cruise Crowds and Travel During Alaska's Shoulder Season
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The best Alaska cruises manage to combine epic nature with local flavor, and the following options all offer that mix with some variation. If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska. But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours.
What to Do in Alaska: Top Things to Do in June
Temperatures can vary anywhere between 30 to 80 degrees throughout the summer travel months – inviting guests to layer on the sweaters and windbreakers as weather can be unpredictable. So, the best month to travel to the Great Land depends on what you want to do. For the fishing aficionado, consider May when king salmon reach their greatest appearance. If you prefer to explore the lush scenery by foot, wait until June when the sun has overcome the frosty terrain of the Inside Passage and trails are primed for adventures. Regardless of which month you choose to explore Alaska, you’ll encounter iconic marine life and embark on heart-stirring adventures when you set sail with Princess. Feel the warm embrace of the summer sun throughout June when the Land of the Midnight Sun experiences the height of its daylight.
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A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Along the way, you may see whales, orcas, dolphins, and a host of other marine life from the comfort of your deck chair. If you’d like a small ship cruise to Alaska, but crave a bit more adventure, expedition cruises might be more your speed. Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. You're in luck if you're hoping to see whales on your Alaska cruise, as the majority of the cruise season coincides with whale season. Humpback whales can be found in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and are some of the most frequently spotted, though you may also see orcas and gray whales as well.
Gaze at the water’s surface as thousands of bald eagles congregate to enjoy the final salmon of the season. Whether soaking up the golden sun on a fishing expedition or feeling the crisp breeze as you zipline through picturesque landscapes, you may notice that on an Alaska cruise, weather can vary greatly month-to-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. Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way. To help you get ready for your awe-inspiring adventure, learn about Alaska cruise temperatures by month.
Alaska Cruise Tips for the Perfect Cruise Experience
You might take a float plane to see bears and, sadly, not see a single one. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. Another thing to keep in mind when deciding the best month for your Alaskan cruise is wildlife viewing opportunities.
If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. Wet weather aside, late summer months bring the best chances of seeing wildlife on expeditions. These months are also your best bet if you want active fishing trips on a shore excursion. Because they don’t migrate, you have a great chance of viewing these 1000+ pound, 10-foot-long animals on rocks near the shorelines as you cruise.
Price-conscious travelers will generally find price breaks before Memorial Day or after mid-August, when schools in many parts of the country will be in session. For departures from West Coast gateways, it’s easier to arrive the day of departure and go straight to the ship, but it’s almost always a good idea to fly in the night before to account for the possibility of delays. Arriving in West Coast ports is much easier than arriving in Anchorage, as there are typically flights available throughout the day. Cruise lines tend to price higher for early bookings, with included add-ons like onboard credits or prepaid gratuities to entice buyers. It also pays to monitor fares after the initial deposit—many cruise lines will honor lower fares after the initial booking as long as the final payment hasn’t been made. However, lower fares may not come with the same included amenities originally applied.
With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days. You’ll also have more hours to look for wildlife from your room window or veranda. September weather in Alaska may be unpredictable but with the right preparation you can enjoy all the exciting events. That's especially true in Skagway, where snow can keep the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad only traveling a few miles due to snowed-in tracks.
June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. While it is possible to see humpbacks during the entire cruise season (April-October), your best bet for whale watching will be the months of June, July, and August. They are quite an awe-inspiring sight to see as they travel in pods, breech, and feed. Just expect cooler weather, fewer wildlife viewing opportunities, and less active ports with some shops that are still shuttered. Choosing to cruise in the early spring of Alaska will impact your experience.
If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views. Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. The advantage of small ships is that they're more nimble than big ships, putting destinations like the Alaska Native village of Kake, the Wrangell Narrows and other tiny inlets within reach. Cruises through Alaska's gulf also tend to pass through the Inside Passage, with typical stops including Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Some will also call on more off-the-beaten-path ports like Icy Strait Point and Haines. The Inside Passage is a sheltered waterway between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland that extends north to Alaska.
A waterproof backpack with bug spray, bear spray, bottled water and snacks is practically a necessity in the State. Come prepared, and always check trail conditions with locals or tourist information centers first before setting out. Dress in layers of clothing so that you can peel off (or add on) slowly as the thermometer dictates. You will want to pack a bathing suit and a very warm fleece jacket -- and you'll likely wear both at different times. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose.
In April, mountains will still be snowy, and high temperatures will max out in the upper 40s for most cruise ports. Not only is school back in session in September, which means fewer crowds at ports, but the chances of seeing the Northern Lights return, especially if combining your cruise with a land tour that takes you further north into Alaska. Fall is also mating season for wildlife, so expect to see some friskiness. Family favorite Disney Cruise Line offers 13 itineraries over the summer, including a seven-night itinerary from $3,467 per person. Uncruise’s 12-night “Inside Passage” itinerary departs April 15 with rates starting at $6,300 per person, and Alaska Dream Cruises’ seven-night “Last Frontier Adventure” has starting rates from $3,995 per person. Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off the 2024 Alaska cruise season when Norwegian Bliss sets sail on a weeklong, roundtrip itinerary from Seattle; she will be the only ship sailing in Alaska the first two weeks of spring.
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