How to Plan and Enjoy Your Dream Cruise to Alaska - Carnival Cruise Careers

If you are looking for a vacation that combines adventure, nature, and culture, then a cruise to Alaska might be the perfect choice for you. Alaska is a vast and diverse state that offers something for everyone, from majestic glaciers and wildlife to fascinating history and culture. In this blogpost, we will explore some of the reasons why you should consider taking a cruise to Alaska, and what you can expect from this amazing experience.

Why Cruise to Alaska?

There are many benefits of cruising to Alaska, such as:

• You can see more of the state in less time. Alaska is the largest state in the US, with over 600,000 square miles of land. By cruising, you can visit multiple destinations in one trip, without having to worry about driving, flying, or packing and unpacking.
• You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the coast. Alaska has over 33,000 miles of shoreline, with stunning views of mountains, fjords, islands, and glaciers. By cruising, you can get close to these natural wonders and witness them from different perspectives.
• You can experience the culture and history of Alaska. Alaska has a rich and diverse heritage, influenced by Native American, Russian, European, and American cultures. By cruising, you can visit historic sites, museums, and villages, and learn more about the people and traditions of Alaska.
• You can have fun and relax on board. Cruising is not only about the destinations, but also about the journey. On board a cruise ship, you can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, such as entertainment, dining, spa, fitness, and more. You can also meet new friends and share your experiences with fellow travelers.

What to Expect from a Cruise to Alaska?

Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from different types of cruises to Alaska, such as:

• Large ship cruises. These are the most popular and affordable option, with ships that can accommodate thousands of passengers. They offer a wide range of facilities and services, as well as multiple ports of call and shore excursions. Some of the major cruise lines that offer large ship cruises to Alaska are Royal Caribbean1, Princess2, Norwegian3, and Celebrity4.
• Small ship cruises. These are more intimate and exclusive option, with ships that can accommodate hundreds or less passengers. They offer a more personalized and immersive experience, as well as access to smaller and less crowded ports and destinations. Some of the cruise lines that offer small ship cruises to Alaska are UnCruise5, Lindblad Expeditions6, Windstar7, and Alaskan Dream8.
• Luxury cruises. These are the most upscale and expensive option, with ships that offer the highest level of comfort and service. They offer a refined and elegant atmosphere, as well as gourmet dining, premium beverages, spacious suites, and exclusive amenities. Some of the cruise lines that offer luxury cruises to Alaska are Regent Seven Seas9, Seabourn10, Silversea11, and Crystal12.

No matter what type of cruise you choose, you can expect to see some of the most iconic attractions and highlights of Alaska, such as:

• Glacier Bay National Park. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers over 3 million acres of land and water. It is home to 16 tidewater glaciers that calve icebergs into the bay, as well as diverse wildlife such as whales, seals, otters, bears, wolves, eagles, and more.
• Denali National Park. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans over 6 million acres of wilderness. It is famous for its namesake mountain, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), which is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet. It is also a habitat for many animals such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, foxes,

and more.

Inside Passage. This is a coastal route that stretches over 1,000 miles from Washington to Alaska. It is a scenic and sheltered waterway that passes through islands, fjords, bays, and channels. It is a popular route for cruise ships, as well as a destination for kayaking, fishing, whale watching, and wildlife viewing.

Juneau. This is the capital city of Alaska, and the second largest city in the US by area. It is located on the Gastineau Channel, surrounded by mountains and glaciers. It is a cultural and historical hub, with attractions such as the Alaska State Museum, the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Alaska State Capitol, and the Governor’s Mansion.

FAQ for Cruise to Alaska

Here are some of the frequently asked questions and answers for cruise to Alaska:

When is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

The cruise season in Alaska runs from May to September, with peak season being June to August. The best time to cruise to Alaska depends on your preferences and priorities, such as weather, wildlife, scenery, and price. Generally speaking:

• If you want warmer and drier weather, longer daylight hours, and more activities and events, then summer (June to August) is the best time for you. However, this is also the most crowded and expensive time, so you may have to deal with higher fares, limited availability, and more tourists.
• If you want cooler and wetter weather, shorter daylight hours, and more chances of seeing northern lights, then spring (May) or fall (September) is the best time for you. However, this is also the riskier time, as some attractions and services may be closed or reduced, and some ports may be inaccessible due to weather conditions.

What should I pack for a cruise to Alaska?

Packing for a cruise to Alaska can be challenging, as the weather can be unpredictable and vary greatly depending on where and when you go. Here are some tips and suggestions for what to pack for a cruise to Alaska:

• Layer up. The key to dressing for Alaska is to wear layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the temperature and activity. You should pack a base layer (such as thermal underwear or leggings), a mid layer (such as fleece or sweater), and an outer layer (such as waterproof jacket or coat).
• Bring accessories. You should also pack some accessories that can keep you warm and comfortable, such as hats, gloves, scarves, socks, boots, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Don’t forget formal wear. Most cruise lines have at least one formal night during the cruise, where you are expected to dress up for dinner or special events. You should pack some formal wear that suits your style and comfort level, such as dresses or suits.
• Consider your activities. You should also pack some items that are specific to your planned activities or shore excursions, such as hiking shoes, binoculars, camera, backpack, swimsuit,

and more. You should check the details and requirements of your activities before you pack, and make sure you have everything you need.

How much does a cruise to Alaska cost?

The cost of a cruise to Alaska can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The type of cruise. As mentioned above, there are different types of cruises to Alaska, such as large ship, small ship, and luxury cruises. Each type has its own price range and inclusions, so you should compare and choose the one that suits your budget and expectations.
• The duration of the cruise. The length of the cruise can also affect the cost, as longer cruises tend to be more expensive than shorter ones. However, longer cruises may also offer more value and variety, as you can see more destinations and enjoy more activities.
• The time of the year. The seasonality of the cruise can also influence the price, as peak season (June to August) tends to be more expensive than off-season (May or September). However, peak season may also offer better weather and more wildlife sightings, so you should weigh the pros and cons of each option.
• The extras and fees. The base fare of the cruise may not include everything you need or want, such as airfare, transfers, taxes, gratuities, shore excursions, drinks, internet, and more. You should check what is included and what is not in your cruise package, and budget accordingly for the extras and fees.

According to Cruise Critic, the average cost of a cruise to Alaska in 2022 was $1,179 per person for a seven-night cruise on a large ship, $4,999 per person for a seven-night cruise on a small ship, and $6,999 per person for a seven-night cruise on a luxury ship. These prices are based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes, fees, or extras.

What are some tips for cruising to Alaska?

Here are some tips and advice for cruising to Alaska:

• Do your research. Before you book your cruise, you should do some research on the different types of cruises, itineraries, ports of call, shore excursions, and activities available. You should also read reviews and ratings from other travelers who have cruised to Alaska before.
• Book early. Alaska is a popular destination for cruising, so you may want to book your cruise as early as possible to secure your preferred ship, cabin, date, and price. Booking early may also give you access to discounts, promotions, and perks from the cruise line or travel agent.
• Pack smart. As mentioned above, packing for a cruise to Alaska can be tricky due to the unpredictable and variable weather. You should pack layers that you can easily adjust depending on the temperature and activity. You should also pack accessories that can keep you warm and comfortable. You should also pack formal wear for the formal nights on board.
• Plan ahead. Once you have booked your cruise, you should plan ahead for your shore excursions and activities. You can either book them through the cruise line or independently online or on site. You should also check the visa and vaccination requirements for your destinations if applicable.
• Enjoy yourself. Finally, you should enjoy yourself on your cruise to Alaska. You should make the most of your time on board and ashore, and explore the beauty and diversity of Alaska. You should also be flexible and open-minded, as things may not always go as planned due to weather or other factors.

I hope this blogpost has given you some useful information and insights about cruising to Alaska. If you have any questions or comments,