Alaska Cruise Questions, Answered

A single page of straight answers to the questions we are asked most often. Each one links to the full guide if you want the reasoning rather than the conclusion.

Short answers to the questions we are asked most. Each links to the full guide if you want the reasoning.

Timing

When should I go? The second half of June. Longest daylight, established whales, settled weather, before peak crowding. Full month by month analysis.

How long should the cruise be? Seven nights for a first visit. Ten to fourteen for a second.

When is it cheapest? Early May and late September, 30 to 50 percent below peak.

How far ahead should I book? Nine to twelve months. Alaska fares rise rather than fall as the sailing approaches. Why.

Cost

What does it really cost? Roughly twice the fare once flights, hotel, excursions, gratuities and onboard spending are counted. Full breakdown.

What is the biggest hidden cost? Excursions. Alaska has the most expensive shore excursions in mainstream cruising. Budget $150 to $350 per person per port. Prices.

Are gratuities included? Usually not. Expect $16 to $25 per person per day, charged automatically. Details.

Is the drinks package worth it? Only if you drink five or more a day. Alaska suppresses consumption. The arithmetic.

Itineraries

Seattle or Vancouver? Vancouver for the better itinerary, Seattle for cheaper flights. If Vancouver flights cost over $200 more per person, take Seattle.

Round trip or one way? Round trip for a first visit. One way if you want Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord or Denali. Compared.

Do all cruises visit Glacier Bay? No, and it depends on permits held by specific operators. Which lines.

Northbound or southbound? Northbound if Denali is next. Southbound for cheaper flights home. Scenery is identical.

On board

Do I need a balcony? Not necessarily. Ships rotate at glaciers, Alaska balconies get limited use, and a good forward observation lounge is warmer with better sightlines. The case both ways.

Which cabin should I choose? Mid ship, on a deck with cabins above and below. Position matters more than category. How to choose.

Is there a dress code? Varies from none on Norwegian to genuinely formal on Cunard. Most lines have one or two smarter evenings. By line.

Is the WiFi any good? On Starlink equipped ships, usable in open water and poor in narrow fjords. Free WiFi is available in every main port. Costs and alternatives.

Conditions

Will I get seasick? Unlikely on an Inside Passage round trip, which is sheltered. The Gulf of Alaska crossing is genuinely open ocean. What helps.

How cold is it? 55 to 68°F in the ports, considerably colder on deck at a glacier. Real numbers.

Does it rain a lot? Yes. Ketchikan averages around 140 inches a year. Expect rain on two to four days of a seven night cruise, in any month.

Does rain ruin the trip? No. Boat trips run in it, glaciers look better in it, and only air tours cancel.

Practicalities

Do I need a passport? Yes for Vancouver sailings. Possibly not for closed loop Seattle sailings, but we recommend one regardless. The rules.

What should I pack? Layers rather than a heavy coat, a genuinely waterproof shell, waterproof shoes, hat, gloves and binoculars. Full list.

Do I need travel insurance? Yes, with at least $250,000 of medical evacuation cover. Alaska ports have no road access. Why it matters here.

How many excursions should I book? One substantial one per port, about four on a seven night cruise. How to choose.

Wildlife

Will I see whales? Very likely on a boat trip in July or August. Sighting rates commonly exceed 95 percent. Where and when.

Will I see bears? Only with a bear viewing excursion, and realistically only in late July and August when salmon are running.

Do I need binoculars? Yes. It is the most under packed item on any Alaska cruise. 8x42 is the best all round choice.

Can I see the northern lights? Rarely, and only at the very end of the season when it gets dark enough at night.