Docked: 2:00PM to 8:30PM. It runs roughly from May through September. Unga and Geographic Harbor wrap up the western islands. Below are a few of the most common questions and their respective answers. Summer berry-picking on shore is best late in August or early September. Denali National Park doesnt open up until mid-May. Some of the smallest boats hold between 12 and 100 passengers, and many of them are all-inclusive (or at least inclusive of almost everything except alcohol). The Alaska cruise season, like the 49th states summer, is all too brief. Skagways railroad workers are voting on strike 10:06 pm. Most Oceania Alaska cruises are 7-day voyages, but sailings up to 14 days are available as well. To witness Aurora Borealis, Fairbanks is an ideal place, and travelers flock there to get a view of it. In this post, I promote travel to a destination that is the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) peoples. It is the largest tidewater glacier in all of North America and measures 76 miles long with a depth of 1,200 feet. 4. Note, however, that the Alaska cruise season is shorter than other destinations. Only select cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America, can visit Glacier Bay. However, matching your ship and itinerary to your expectations and travel style is crucial for a successful trip. And another could involve biking in an area known for its healthy population of brown bears (if you dare). This time is caribou and moose mating season, salmon runs are at their peak, fall foliage is glorious, and there are no more bugs. When is the best time to visit Alaska via land and sea? Best Shore Excursions On An Alaskan Cruise, Best bear viewing mid-June through end of August. Because Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic, theres always a professional photographer on board to help travelers best capture their trip, as well as naturalists and expert guides to put what passengers see on the voyage into a more informative context. You can leave the formalwear and high heels at home. While theres certainly plenty of scenery to enjoy, the open sea-facing side can offer spectacular marine life watching. is a Texas-based freelance writer and guidebook author. This means your chance of seeing a glacier is just way higher if you cruise from Whittier. If you want to check out independent tours, you can find several Alaska excursion aggregators online or deal directly with independent businesses. Weve chosen these as the best Alaska cruises to do this year, but note that there are many more. For the warmest temperatures, cruise between mid-June and mid-August. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. From selecting a ship and embarkation port to reserving the best shore excursions, theres a lot to know before your cruise begins. WebJuneau Prince William Sound (from Valdez) Portage Kenai Fjords & Resurrection Bay (from Seward) Ketchikan Zodiac & small group tours Great shore excursion during a cruise Which of the Seward day cruises would be best for the least chance of rough water? See the Great Lands glaciers, wildlife, and national parks. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. That said, however, the average starting price of the best Alaska cruises discussed in this post is $1,565 per person. Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. All Rights Reserved. Beauty, excitement and adventure await when you book an Alaskan glacier tour as part of a cruise with Princess Cruises. Alaska Cruise in July: Alaska in July Is the Best Month to Spot Wildlife. Alaska also offers a balanced trip whether you choose to cruise with kids, explore the surroundings of its biggest city Anchorage, or farther afield to its many The park's 3.3 million acres are part of a 25 Whether youre in that half of prospective visitors or not, youre likely doing research to try and see whales, glaciers, or both and might be getting confused about where Whittier or Seward to book the best cruise to do that. 5 hours. Photo by Shutterstock The best time to cruise to Alaska The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is generally between May and September. After a day at sea, the first stop is St. Matthew Island, in the Bering Sea, almost equidistant from mainland Alaska and Russia. Later in the sailing, a sick passenger was airlifted directly off the ship by the Canadian Coast Guard before we made it to Victoria. College Fjord was discovered in 1899 as a college research expedition made its way into the northwest corner of Prince William Sound. Board a modern turbine-powered helicopter for a flight to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier! | CST #2153335-50 |, 5 Best Places to Visit in Alaska While Cruising. After all, I saw glaciers all the time growing up in Alaska. In other words, its definitely a place you wouldnt mind spending 19 days. You can avoid the most common Alaska cruise mistakes with a little extra planning. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. You can reach Whittier by train in roughly two hours on the Alaska Railroad, or drive from Anchorage in about 90 minutes. Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas all travel along the spectacular coast of northwestern North America. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Besides this list of best places to see on an Alaska cruise, you can also consider other places, such as . Theyre also useful for getting a close-up view of glaciers or spotting eagles in port. Known as the "Galloping Glacier" locally, the Hubbard Glacier is a gigantic ice formation that is quickly making its way toward the Gulf of Alaska into a breathtaking area called Disenchantment Bay. Achieve that by choosing an itinerary that gets you to the things you want to see and do, shopping early for excursions (especially the ones you have your heart set on), and packing gear and clothes that will keep you comfy during your Alaska adventure. From a massive glacier in Alaska to molten lava tubes in Hawaii and the most surreal canyons in Utah, read on to find the next best natural wonder that should be It remains good through the third week of September. An on-board expedition team consists of a marine biologist, bear biologist, photographer, historian and geologist, all of whom offer invaluable insights during kayak excursions or hiking trips. Sail to Alaska on Hurtigrutens battery hybrid-powered MS Roald Amundsen. Big glacier face, big vistas and big icebergs. All are easy day trips from Anchorage. But, When is the best time for families to visit Alaska? There are a couple of ways to answer this question, so let me try to do that for you: Yall know I prefer a Northbound cruise (post coming soon to explain why! You can stow lightweight raincoats or ponchos and pull-on rain pants in your backpack during excursions when you dont need them. All itineraries, whether its from San Francisco or Seattle, also include a stop in Victoria, the beautiful capital of British Columbia. Additionally, Celebritys Alaska cruisetours are amazing trips that combine a 7-night cruise and a land-based tour to remote inland lodges and parks. Its also one of the more family-friendly lines sailing in Alaska, considering there are kids clubs and programming specifically geared at youngsters. In addition to being a model for cruising sustainably, the MS Roald Amundsen features an observation deck, science center, three Nordic-style restaurants, an infinity pool, and hot tubs. Dont wimp out in an observation lounge. Rule No.1 on Alaska cruises: Pack rain gear. Norwegian Bliss is the youngest addition to the Norwegian fleet, an enormous shipthe largest one to sail to Alaskaand custom built specially to offer the best Alaska cruises. Sail to almost anyplace you can dream of. If youre planning a cruise to Alaska, its natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. With more than 2,500 islands, mountainsides that tickle coastal waterways, a robust seasonal whale population (as well as the opportunity to spot moose, bears, and eagles, among other wildlife), and rich local culture in truly remote communities, some only accessible by water, its easy to see why so many travelers decide to sail in Alaska. I was thinking it might be a bit more personalized, however, traveling on a larger catamaran does have its advantages when it comes to stability. Snap those babies up just come prepared with a list of second and third choices of excursions, just in case. Which one will you visit first? Offering a variety of voyages that last 5, 6 or 7 WebThe Harding Icefield near Seward is a classic example, and is one of the few icefields easily accessible by foot (a five-hour hike from Exit Glacier, rising from sea-level to 3,500ft). I came across your Travel Blog and think its terrific! Cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while Holland Americas Land+Sea Cruise Tours can take you to Denali or even deep into the Yukon. Local companies such as Denali ATV offer larger off-road machines that accommodate booster seats (provided) so the whole family It is a 2.5-hour drive (or 4.25-hour train ride) from Anchorage. Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? 1. Get my 51-page ebook for just $9.99! Holland America Line and Princess Cruises have a large UnCruise . The best time to take an Alaskan cruise is generally between May and September. Numerous picturesque hiking trails make Sitka one of the best places to visit on an Alaska cruise. Book Your Cruise Journey Another could see guests hiking to a glacial lake or going for a skiff tour among icebergs. Free personal GPSdriven travel guide to Alaska. I especially like puffy vests and jackets for Alaska. Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. One big reason: fewer families book cruises during those timeframes, because of the school calendar. You can see a break-down of the individual months in our best time to cruise to Alaska post. Princess Cruises is noteworthy among these Alaska cruise lines because they offer round-trip cruises to Alaska from a number of different ports, specifically Vancouver, Seattle and even San Francisco. Here, you can also witness large chunks of ice crashing into the water below. 1. Alaska solo cruise - late September 2:07 am. Prince William Sound. Roughly 1.5 million people visit Alaska on a cruise ship each season, according to the Cruise Line International Association Alaska. Hubbard Glacier. Here are eight of the best Alaska cruises to consider. (Although they also have a 7-day itinerary from Seattle, all other current itineraries start in San Francisco.) Packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. In no particular order, these are cruise lines that offer Alaska cruises. The best time to sail in Alaskaand see natural wonders like the Hubbard Glacieris during the summer. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Expedition-style cruises may have less for youngsters but appeal to independent teens. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. By continuing to browse the site you are My second reason is in the next section. If youre visiting College Fjord, you dont need to do a 26 Glacier Cruise too theyll visit the same area. Born and raised in Belgium, Bram is currently based in the Pacific Northwest where he spends his days blogging, hiking, indulging in freshly roasted coffee and sipping craft beers. Glacier Bay National Park is probably the best place Located at the head of Resurrection Bay, in the Kenai Fjords waterway (which comprises Kenai Fjords National Park). See why we think so! The spectacular scenery and wildlife of Glacier Bay make it a highlight of any Alaska cruise. The fjord appears like a group of frozen rivers cascading down the mountainside to the blue waters. Spend seven days traveling from Vancouver, B.C. You'll have the chance to observe glacial calving as sizable chunks of ice fall into the water. Hubbard Glacier. Just a few quick questions: 1. It was Picture yourself cozy and warm in your fuzzy Alaska souvenir blanket, sipping hot chocolate while watching glaciers calving. Scientists estimate that these rivers of blue ice cover some 34,000 square miles of the stateand they can be a stunning high point to any visit, no matter how youve made your way here. From Ketchikans totem poles and salmon fishing to the Klondike Gold Rush days in Skagway, the massive Hubbard Glacier and the wildlife of the Katmai peninsula, youll find it all (and more) on this awesome Alaska cruise. Juneau is the capital city of the state of Alaska and is the second-largest city in the US by area. Have any questions about visiting Seward or Whittier, or where to cruise from? If you have your heart set on seeing these animals, be sure to plan a trip to Denali National Park to spot Alaskas Big Five (including moose and bear). Whether your cruise includes the sweeping, 360-degree views of Glacier Bay or a close look at the sawtooth blue crags of Hubbard Glacier or even the Twin Sawyer Glaciers, youre guaranteed to stand in awe at the sheer majesty and power of Gods creation. The sister ships were purpose built to sail the North American coast and feature 50 rooms each, all with windows or portholes, private bathrooms, climate controls, and a TV, plus Wi-Fi connections. Airline issues aside, Alaska can be a wee bit hazardous. Moreover, many Alaska cruises are return trips. Both Seward and Whittier have other activities in town, but the reality is that Seward is better if you want to enjoy other activities in addition to a glacier viewing/whale-watching cruise. It is located at the head of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage. Get these things wrong, and you might miss out on your big Alaska cruise experience. In that case, Whittier is the best place to book a glacier viewing day cruise. If youre looking to eschew the cruise ship behemoths for something more intimate, this is itAlaska Dream Cruises Kruzof Explorer holds only 12 passengers. Can be kept at distance by ice Glacier Bay. Guests with Wi-Fi Packages will receive instructions for Wi-Fi access in their staterooms on the first day of the cruise. If you want to see fall foliage ashore, wait until the first week of September. Juneau has its own glacier, the Mendenhall Glacier, which travelers can easily access. The answer is a resounding yes. Since Alaska cruises are basically coastal cruises, the route paralleling the Alaskan coastline, you might think that the coast side of the ship is best. WebEndicott Arm Cut from age-old glacial movements, Endicott Arm is a narrow fjord over thirty miles long. With Lindblad Expeditions, passengers will get up close and personal with nature. While this itinerary is similar to many other week-long Alaska cruises, what sets this Alaska Highlights Cruise apart is the ship itself. The most spectacular of all, though, may be Alaskan glacier tours. Shed never kayaked before. Hiking on the Best Glaciers in Alaska: Take an Adventure Cruise By Robert Schrader | Published on March 26, 2022 As I walked on top the slick, white ice of one of the best glaciers in Alaska to tour , one thing surprised me in particular: how safe I felt. It might not rain one drop on your cruise, but chances are good the weather will be wet at some point on your trip. Make sure you inquire about tour timing and leave a buffer, so you wont miss your ship even if theres traffic or a delay. Whether youre looking for expedition cruises to Alaska or a high-end luxury cruise, youll find something that matches your interests and passions. Youll sail to places such as the Inside Passage and see monumental Glacier Bay, visit harbor towns like Skagway and Juneau, and head to Anchorage, the perfect base for excursions to some of the U.S. most magnificent national parks. Specializing in Alaska trips, UnCruise operates a fleet of super-tiny vessels the biggest carries just 86 people that are so small they can go to remote, outdoorsy parts of Southeast Alaska that no big ship could visit. Meals and activities (including going for high-speed Zodiac rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding) are included. Cruise season in Alaska runs from late April to early October but within that time frame, is one time better than another to book your cruise? Youll travel from Vancouver in British Columbia to Seward, Alaska, along a long stretch of stunning subarctic coastline. So don't be surprised if you find the Cape [], Top 5 Things to do in Aruba on Your Cruise, Book Cruises from Aruba With well over half a century of experience in organizing top-rated Alaska cruises, Holland America Line boasts a wealth of knowledge and expertise. There are some glaciers you can drive to, but very few that you can stroll to. The regions unpredictable weather means it can be rainy and 50 degrees one day, then sunny and 85 degrees the next. See our top recommended tours. Secondly, Whittier is located much further inland, about 75 nautical miles from the ocean, where whales enter Prince William Sound. This is where Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise can be the perfect option; as the name suggests, its a cruise focused on seeing the many glaciers visible in Alaskas CruiseBooking.com powered by eTravel, LLC., Ketchikan is the salmon capital of the world, and while most cruises stop there, a few dont, so make sure its on the itinerary if you wish to fish. I've used these for years, with only one failure on a rather small ship. The Inside Passage is popular for a reason. As mentioned, the range is wide, from $699 to $3,999, depending on how luxurious you want to go. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. The array of things to try in Alaska can be as tame or as adventurous as you want its the joy of discovery thats key. If youd like to venture beyond the cruise classics like the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mediterranean, why not head up north and explore coastal Alaska on one of this years best Alaska cruises. Spotting wildlife is always unpredictable in Alaska, but your best bet of getting pics of wildlife ashore is probably late May and early June, when mothers and their calves or cubs tend to be out and about. A swarming waterfront, hiking trails that make way towards the forest, and delicious cuisines make this place a perfect destination for Alaskan travelers. Our cruise experts will help you to plan your perfect cruise vacation! It is located at the head of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, roughly 60 miles south of Anchorage. Here's a list of things you should never do on an Alaska cruise. Hubbard Glacier. WebHubbard Glacier, Alaska - Cruising. These sailings take place on the 264-passenger LAustral, a high-end expedition-style ship that boasts a theater, gym, spa (with hammam), panoramic lounge, and pool. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Most notable are these five lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, For the most Midnight Sun, come 3 weeks before or after the summer solstice and longest day of the year, June 21. Authentic Seafood Recipes and Local Flavors Are a Must-Have for Your Alaskan Cruise. Fishing is good during any monththere are just different species of salmon that peak as the weeks go by. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. Hubbard Glacier is North America's largest tidewater glacier, measuring 76 meters in length and 7 miles in width. Related: The best cruise travel insurance plans. Kenai Fjords Tours-have you tried any of the smaller tours, on smaller boats, like Seward Wildlife Tours or Seward Ocean Excursions? Theres nothing wrong with those itineraries, but they do tend to focus more on touristy downtowns and less on the great outdoors. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, View All Southcentral & Interior Towns on a Map, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Located approximately 50 miles south of Alaska's capital, Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjord is a beautiful protected area within the Tongass National Forest. However, this UnCruise Adventures sailing is aimed at those who want an more heart-pumping immersion into some little-visited areas of the 49th state, like South Baranof Island Wilderness Area and Chichagof Island. Other items on the agenda include exploring the pristine west coast of Chichagof Island, seeing the summer fishing camp of the Tlingit people at Klawock (where there are also 21 totem poles), and walking a rain forest path to the natural hot spring pools of Baranof Warm Springs. This makes them a fantastic choice for 10-day sailings along most of West Coast of the USA and Canada. When you book a cruise to Alaska, you'll enjoy a relaxing and memorable vacation with all the comforts and amenities of Princess Cruises at your beck and call. For me, the best glacier cruise would include both Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay, but if forced to choose, it would be Glacier Bay. Tick off Alaskas must-see destinations from your adventure bucket list. Of course not. You will encounter slippery slopes and rocky roads and that's just walking through Alaska port towns. Docked: 7:30AM to 8:00PM. Offering a variety of voyages that last 5, 6 or 7 nights, Celebrity Cruises is a main player in the Alaska cruise market. It was named for Gardiner Hubbard, Dawes Glacier. I hope that helps! Early- and late-season cruises might be unable to access the glaciers on their itineraries due to ice floes. At my last count, there are 17 day cruises from Seward and only two from Whittier. OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and will expire if not used by 10:00 PM on the final night of the cruise. Web3. Passengers frequently have to pay extra (and usually at a premium) for things like specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and off-boat activities. You may even catch a glimpse of impressive 40-ton humpback whales breaching the waters around the fjord. See a glacier. Here are eight reasons why Princess cruises to Alaska should be on everyone's bucket list. One of the highlights of an Inside Passage cruise to Alaska is visiting Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. For a lot of cruisers, mid-June through mid-July is the peak season, because of optimum weather and daylight. You could walk on glaciers, snorkel in a dry suit in the frigid Alaska waters or play with sled dog puppies. Excellent article. After a few more days in the Inside Passage, the sailing culminates in Vancouver. The best time to sail in Alaskaand see natural wonders like the Hubbard Glacieris during the summer. CruiseBooking.com, 5353 Conroy Road, Suite 200 Orlando Florida 32811, USA. This means whales have to travel only about a quarter of the distance to be close to Seward compared to whittier (or a better way to say it is that our boats have to go about a quarter of the distance to reach more common whale waters). In terms of destinations, this is one of the absolute best Alaska cruises you can do this season, taking in many Alaska cruise locations that other cruise lines dont visit.
What Is Chat Gpt Used For,
Articles B
best glacier to see in alaska cruise
