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If shopping is high on your priority list, you’ll get the best deals — and best finds — the further away you are from the port. The boutiques closest to the ship have high markups and are rarely stocked with a good assortment of local products. You’ll be glad you booked early and locked in a low price, especially once you realize that Alaska cruise pricing is rarely 100 percent inclusive. Cruising is big business and the costs of souvenir photos, cozy sweaters, spa visits, tips, and Wi-Fi charges can add up fast.
The Ultimate Guide to Bear Watching in Ketchikan, Alaska
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. In April, towns along the Inside Passage will have just over 15 and a half hours of sunlight and will be gaining daylight every day. Since I grew up in Alaska, I’m a fan of just about everything in the Land of the Midnight Sun. I also know that your experience can vary widely depending on the month you choose to visit Alaska. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
Planning a cruise to Alaska? Be sure to read more of our tips for an Alaska cruise:
Another common whale species encountered in Alaska is the orca, commonly known as the killer whale. These highly intelligent and social creatures can be seen traveling in pods, hunting and foraging for food. The Inside Passage, a popular route for Alaskan cruises, is a prime location for spotting orcas. Gray whales are usually present in Alaskan waters from April to November. They migrate along the west coast of North America, with some individuals reaching as far north as Alaska’s Arctic waters.
Bear Viewing in Alaska – Best Places, Tours & Tips
One of the major drawbacks of spending time in Alaska during the late summer is the significant increase in mosquito activity. Mosquitos, along with other biting insects, tend to be at their peak during these late summer months. Not only is the weather better, you get more hours in the day in the late summer. While daylight hours begin declining in September, they’re near their peak in mid-summer. On top of that, during the late summer and early fall, you will have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights in all of their glory.
Traditionally, July and August have been considered the best time to cruise to Alaska, as these months offer warm sun, long days, and abundant wildlife. However, the shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are growing in popularity, thanks to fewer crowds, lower-priced cruises and seasonal attractions like the northern lights. Every year in summer, more than 500 humpback whales glide into Alaska’s Inside Passage, like the wildlife version of spring break. Humpback whales are commonly spotted in June and July and are a joy to watch, especially if they’re bubble-net feeding. These dramatic performers like to leap out of the water and breach … just because they can!
While the lovely sunshine might mask deceptively chilly weather, the UV rays will still make their way to your skin, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen. Swimsuits are also essential for the ships’ heated pools and hot tubs. While the promotional photos may show gorgeous sunny blue skies, an Alaskan whale watching cruise can be a decidedly chilly affair. A lightweight stocking cap with a built-in visor much like a baseball cap will keep you warm and shield your face from any drizzling rain.
In contrast, our trips from Whittier were often marred by fog, which can be a common occurrence in that area. However, further into the article, you’ll find many more tips and suggestions. So, if you’re ready to turn your whale-watching dreams into reality, keep reading.
Whale Watching In May
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. Book Alaska shore excursions from Juneau, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point for the best whale watching in Alaska. Whale sightings in Alaska are so frequent during certain times of the year that some tours guarantee at least one sighting. Gray whales are the first migrating whales to reach Alaska each spring. Swimming slowly from their winter breeding grounds in Mexico’s Baja California, these amazing animals have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth — up to 14,000 miles round trip!
This Is What To Expect On A Whale Watching Cruise In Alaska
Alaskan railroad trips are also available, giving you access to interior hiking, cozy lodges and remote wildlife viewing. Discover all our Alaska whale watching shore excursions on an unforgettable trip to the Great Land. Marvel at the diverse wildlife the Great Land has to offer as a shore excursion on an Alaskan cruise. Resident belugas are commonly seen in Alaska mid-July to August, snacking on the hooligan and salmon in the silty waters of Turnagain Arm. These cream-colored, smiley whales are not only conventionally the cutest, but also the best singers—the belugas’ vocal range has earned them the nickname "canaries of the sea." These large baleen whales are one of the most commonly seen species in Alaska.
I Took an Alaskan Cruise to See Bears, Killer Whales, and Secret Beaches — Here's How You Can, Too - Travel + Leisure
I Took an Alaskan Cruise to See Bears, Killer Whales, and Secret Beaches — Here's How You Can, Too.
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While the weather in Alaska in June brings out the flowers and even greener scenery, expect mosquitoes to be biting. Alaska temperatures can be unpredictable, so come prepared with the proper wardrobe. Temperatures are relatively mild, with daytime highs in the upper 40s and into the 50s depending on where you're visiting and cloud cover.
It’s important to note that while the peak whale season is during the summer, sightings are not guaranteed. Whales are wild animals, and their behavior can be influenced by various factors, including weather conditions and availability of food. However, the summer months offer the best opportunities for witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Get ready to embark on a journey of wonder and discovery as we explore the captivating world of Alaskan whale watching. To prepare for a whale watching cruise in Alaska, be sure to pack essentials such as binoculars, a camera, and warm clothing, as temperatures can be cool, especially out on the water. It’s also a good idea to bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line - Cruise Blog
I tried a Holland America cruise to Alaska. Here's what it's like to sail on this cruise line.
Posted: Sat, 10 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Be sure to pack high-quality rain gear for excursions along with warm, layered clothing and a hat and gloves. To maximize your chance of witnessing the northern lights, get off the boat and join a land excursion to Fairbanks. The aurora season in Fairbanks lasts from the end of August to April and the lights can be seen four out of five nights if the sky is clear.
When whales are spotted by the captain, an announcement will be made on the loudspeaker to let guests know there are whales near the ship. When this happens, expect a flood of guests quickly heading to the outside decks eager to catch a glimpse of whales. In Icy Strait Point there are fewer excursions to choose from, leading many to save whale watching for their day in this port instead. Beluga whales are unlikely to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, as they spend their time further north in the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Occasionally they may go as far south as Turnagain Arm near Anchorage, but it is highly unlikely you will spot a beluga whale on a typical southeast Alaska cruise itinerary. Many day tours include lunch, have an open bar, and offer snacks and Dremamine in case you forgot yours.
