Most probably, Alaska has always remained on the top of your bucket list. And now you are finally planning your dream trip. So, if you’re ready for the most amazing trip of your life, cruising is the best way to travel to Alaska. You’ll be sailing through snow-capped fjords, relishing seafood, and spotting wildlife.
Alaska is one of the best cruise destinations as it gives you an opportunity to explore a side of the United States that’s rarely seen. Cruising to Alaska means endless adventure and you can easily find a perfect itinerary between May to September when the weather is still warm. This is the ideal time to walk through green forests, spot wildlife, and experience nature at its best.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a passionate voyager, it’s always best to plan your trip in advance. When it comes to planning Alaskan Cruise, first you need to choose the best cruise line. There are several cruise lines that offer Alaska cruise and most of these follow two basic routes in Alaska. If your cruise takes the northern route, you’ll be exploring more wilderness and glaciers with fewer stops in Alaskan cities. The second option- the southern route moves through the fjords of the southeast along the Canadian border and the Hubbard Glacier. In this route, you will get a chance to engage in on-shore activities and visit cities such as Juneau or Ketchikan.
A cruise trip to Alaska is certainly the best option. And to make this trip as pleasant and enjoyable as possible, here are some tips for you.
Pick the Right Ship and Cabin
There are cruise ships of different sizes on the Alaskan route. The ship size you choose depends on your needs. If you want more onboard activities, look for bigger ships with a capacity of 1,500 to 2,500 passengers. For travelers who want more sight views of Alaska, a smaller ship with 500 passengers or less is a better option. Once you’ve chosen the ship, look for the cabin options. For Alaska cruise, booking a balcony stateroom is the best option, if it’s in your budget. Booking a balcony room means you’ll wake up in a different world every morning. You will sleep with a view of lush green mountains and wake up in the middle of breathtaking glaciers. However, if you plan this visit in peak season- June or July, make sure to book in advance.
Book your Excursions
There are numerous fantastic fun excursions on an Alaskan cruise but the popular ones get booked up quickly. Also, some excursions are quite expensive but the experience is totally worth it. In fact, some excursions are possible to experience only in Alaska. The shore excursions range from going in helicopters, float planes, to glacier viewing and dog sledding. But before booking, research about the excursions and reserve them as early as possible. You need to book those excursions that the whole family can enjoy. There are rugged excursions like kayaking, hiking, mountain climbing, and seaplane tours for those looking for adventure. If you want easy going and relaxed options, choose whale watching excursions or take a train into the Yukon.
Pack your Essentials
Packing for a cruise can be challenging because you will be engaging in numerous different types of activities and facing unpredictable weather. Keep a full sleeves top, coat, and raincoat. Remember, the day time is warmer but at night it might get chilly at the ship. Pack more comfy casual or athletic clothes. Also, carry a power strip, battery pack, and binoculars.
