Now that the days are getting longer and summer is on the way, cruise season is heating up in one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations: Alaska. Royal Holiday cruisers who have booked an ocean voyage to “The Last Frontier” are now excitedly looking forward to a truly unforgettable vacation.
When Alaska Cruises Sail
Cruise season in Alaska runs from May through September, with the high season occurring in the summer months from June to August. The shoulder season months of May and September may be somewhat less expensive, but weather may cause some shore excursion cancellations. Cruises earlier in the year are likely to see snow lingering on the ground, while those in late summer will likely make for better wildlife viewing.
Where They Go
Several distinctive ports of call dot the coastline of Alaska and western Canada. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a cosmopolitan town and hub from which a cruiser can embark on a variety of outdoor excursions, both inland and on the water. Rainy Ketchikan has a funky, artsy vibe, while Skagway retains an atmosphere of its gold rush past. Each of these ports– and all the others– offer a unique character against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.
What to do
The rugged Pacific coast boasts some of the most spectacular ocean vistas and coastline sights in the world. Especially throughout the famous Inside Passage, the gorgeous natural scenery of Alaska presents many unique opportunities for visitors to take in once-in-a-lifetime views of towering mountains and glaciers, as well as wildlife such as eagles, bears, and whales. To take it all in, there are shore excursions that offer basic walking tours, train rides, helicopter flights, and even dog-sledding.
For those looking for an adrenalin rush, Alaska provides plenty of outdoorsy fun, including boating, hiking, and ziplines. At the same time, it also offers a diverse range of cultural and educational experiences. Vacationers can visit traditional Native American villages, science institutes, historical reenactments, art museums, fine restaurants, and more.
A savvy cruiser can contact the cruise line or do a little internet research to arrange Alaska shore excursions to suit just about any taste.
How to Prepare
So how does a cruiser prepare to sail to Alaska? In addition to normal cruise preparation, it is helpful to know that open ocean cruising in the region can be choppy, so those sensitive to motion sickness should be ready. Of course, even in the hottest part of summer, Alaska can still get pretty chilly– especially cruising by icy glaciers– so pack a warm hat and sweater, and dress in layers.
