The 8 Best Alaska Cruises For Every Travel Style 2024
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Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss. Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather. However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider
On most 7-night sailings with UnCruise prices start around $4,000 to $6,000 per person. In fact, many love to cruise with this line just because of the excellent service and food. The crew are trained to practically read your mind and can usually remember your favorite drink order before you even tell them.
Best Alaska cruises for families with kids
Radiance of the Seas is one of the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Alaska, despite being older than her Quantum-class sisters which also cruise in the region. With an expedition heritage that dates back to 1896, it’s no wonder Hurtigruten Expeditions found its way to Alaska. The cruise line with a keen focus on exploration, adventure and science has two of its hybrid technology ships—MS Roald Amundsen, built in 2019, and MS Fridtjof Nansen, built in 2020—sailing the waters that surround The Great Land. Each of the ships features an observation deck, library, science center, hot tub, pool and Explorer lounge, as well as a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows so you never miss a thing. An expedition team of Alaska experts join each voyage, hosting lectures about the areas the ships visit and guiding passengers on outings like nature walks through rainforests and kayaking trips around the foot of a glacier.
ALASKA CRUISES
AMHS runs a system of nine ferries that visit a total of 33 communities throughout all three of geographic regions. And, there are options for transportation to several of these areas year-round. To keep everyone busy during the cruise, Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean are also fun-filled. There are amusement rides, shows, programs and quick eats for all the family to enjoy. With a Frozen-themed deck party and tons of activities and venues onboard, the kids and teenagers are sure to stay entertained.
Spring for a Balcony Cabin on Your Alaska Cruise
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises make up a large part of cruise itineraries sailing to Glacier Bay. An advantage to this itinerary is that you get to see more ports of call, including the inside passage, and have more time in ports as well. However, this also means you will have to take care of some of the flight logistics as you will have to fly from a different airport than you flew into. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.
Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise Royal Caribbean Cruises
The number next to each cruise line indicates how many sailings they offer from that port. Viking Ocean offers many one-way 10-night sailings that allow passengers to spend more time in ports. Some begin in Seward and head south and some start in Vancouver and head northward. A major advantage of these one-way trips is that you can experience more Alaskan ports. So these types of itineraries are best if you want a destination heavy journey.
That makes having your own balcony a prime piece of real estate, especially near Denali National Park, portions of the Inside Passage or Tracy Arm Fjord. If you'd like an assist with your outdoor adventures, the Mount Roberts Tramway climbs 1,800 feet above Juneau for gorgeous views. Those who'd prefer man-made experiences can check out honky-tonk at the raucous Red Dog Saloon or dip into any of the microbreweries and distilleries all over town. Holland America and Princess are the biggest mainstream lines for an Alaska cruise.
The 100-passenger National Geographic Quest (and its twin, National Geographic Venture) frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska on weeklong itineraries between Juneau and Sitka. If you're looking for other surefire ways to save, inside and ocean-view cabins are often much cheaper than balcony cabins on Alaska cruises. Those private verandas are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers.
If you are cruising in Alaska during the Northern Lights season, note that the Gulf of Alaska is choppiest in September and not recommended for travelers who get seasick. Also, certain sections of the access road to Denali National Park may close in September due to snow, so check your itinerary if that's your preferred Northern Lights viewing spot. Due to unpredictable weather, though, there’s a risk of shore excursions being cancelled -- especially boat and helicopter tours. There are numerous factors you need to consider for a cruise to Alaska, including the best time of year, costs, itineraries, which line to choose and which destinations matter most to you. Oceania Regatta prides itself on fine dining and an upscale yet comfortable ambiance. The 684-passenger ship features creations of celebrity chef Jacques Pepin in the main dining room and two surcharge-free specialty restaurants.
Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available. Oceania Cruises is one company that makes our list of best cruise lines for Alaska in the midsized ship category. Personalized service and gourmet dining without extra fees are two of the popular reasons people choose this line. Ships carry between 700 and 1,300 passengers in spacious, well-appointed suites and have port-intensive itineraries.
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024 - AFAR Media
The 8 Best Alaska Cruises to Take in 2024.
Posted: Wed, 27 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
"Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering. Significantly larger than the ultra-luxury cruise ships in the region, this can also have its benefits.
Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve massive icebergs.
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