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In the Arctic Circle, September marks the beginning of the polar night – that period of continuous darkness when the sun does not rise above the horizon. Peak cruising months, July and August, are the best time of year to cruise to Alaska. During these months you will have the warmest weather and the greatest chance to see wildlife. The warmer the weather, the better your chance to view a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence called “calving.” This is when a large chunk of the glacier separates in a giant icy landslide. If bear viewing is high on your bucket list and you are traveling on a bigger cruise ship, look for a float plane excursion that will take you to where the bears feed. Small-ship Alaska cruise lines like American Queen Voyages and Uncruise can go further into narrow passages and get closer to shoreline wildlife like Dall sheep and bears.
Best Places to Visit in Alaska
Temperature is relative, so don’t be shocked if you see an Alaskan sporting shorts and a tank top in June. The 60s can feel downright tropical after winter temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Expect less activity and fewer shop openings in some smaller port towns in May since most summer workers are in college and won’t arrive until June. There is also potential for viewing orcas, gray whales, and walruses. A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. There are also amazing birds, including bald eagles and land animals like mountain goats, Dall sheep, and brown and black bears.
Cruises for families
I wouldn’t go out of my way to go to the state fair because there’s so much more to see and do throughout the state—you have to pick and choose wisely when you’re on a tight timeline. However, it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for things to do in the Palmer area. Other than that, the guides at Cooper Landing provide everything you need (rods, waders, wading boots, etc.). In late September, I was only able to get to mile 15 (the road was closed at that point due to a winter storm that had rolled in). If I’d been there just a day sooner or later in the week when they reopened the road, I would’ve been able to drive to mile 30.
Real Alaska from local Alaskans
A few big ships, such as the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle, begin their season this month with discounted early season pricing. The peak season to view the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is between late August and late April, which unfortunately doesn’t overlap much with the Alaskan cruise season. If the Northern Lights experience is high on your Alaska bucket list, consider a September cruise with more dark nighttime hours and increased solar activity.
Alaska in September: What's It Like? Should You Visit Then?
Learn about indigenous cultures and pioneer history at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau. You may even catch an early-season glimpse of the northern lights dancing across the sky. However, if you plan your bucket list cruise to Alaska and visit once, pass on the discounted late-season cruises and choose a warmer month instead.
Glacier Bay Cruise Itineraries
Royal Caribbean cancels second sailing on Radiance of the Seas ship - USA TODAY
Royal Caribbean cancels second sailing on Radiance of the Seas ship.
Posted: Fri, 08 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
I suggest that you fly into Anchorage to start your Alaskan adventure. This area is the most populated city in AK by far, so it has more of a city vibe than any other town on this list. As for camping, it’s easy to find places to camp in AK during the fall if you can boondock (camp without hookups).
Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. Cloud cover and precipitation conditions from May persist throughout June and July, and wind speeds remain low as well. Have a front-row seat to thunderous glaciers and crystalline fjords on this superb Vista-class ship. You’ll find three main dining rooms, plus a pizzeria, gastropub, Italian restaurant, chop house, and Mediterranean bistro.
Precipitation increases to 19 days of the month, so pack a raincoat with a hood (you’ll be grateful to have it!). The loss of daylight does mean you could see the Aurora Borealis while cruising to Alaska in late August. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between late August and April, typically peaking in March. If you cruise to Alaska in June, you can expect warmer and drier temperatures, fewer children onboard, increased wildlife sightings, and more cruise offerings. If you are in port, you’ll get to see how Alaskans take advantage of the Midnight Sun with locals out biking, hiking, and fishing at all hours of the night.
Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise
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]
These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises. Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska.
While Alaska may not be the place that first comes to your mind when thinking about art, the state loves to create opportunities where artists can show their work and people can appreciate it. The fair is run by the most diverse kind of people, from artists who love painting mushrooms to owners of gourmet mushroom businesses. They will announce the schedule of events in late July, and registration for forays and workshops will open in mid-August. The fair was established in 1936 and has become an annual tradition in September in Alaska. This event is special because it offers a little bit of everything.
It’s great for independent travelers, and most of its routes continue through September. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest – but my heart will always be out West. I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. If you are always scouting for the best restaurants wherever you go, you can’t miss the Harvest Moon Local Food Festival in Kenai. This food festival is a local effort to teach people how to eat healthier and gain more access to local foods.
July and August are considered peak seasons to cruise to Alaska for good reason. These are the months when all good things combine to create the optimal Alaskan experience. June is a smart choice for cruisers who don’t want to travel during peak season but want more opportunities. Cruising to Alaska in May is still considered early in the season. As the month progresses, temperatures rise slightly, and daylight hours increase.
Named "Best for Great Dining & Diverse Destinations," you will enjoy a vast entertainment selection on board. There’s plenty to do on board, too, including making use of the two swimming pools, five whirlpools, and Dr. Andrew Weil's spa and wellness program. Not to mention a card room, casino, library, observation bar, and beauty salon. With its intimate size and maneuverability, world-class dining, social atmosphere, and high-end amenities, Seabourn Cruises is a luxurious way to explore America’s Last Frontier.
As you can see, Ketchikan, Alaska’s southernmost city, experiences the warmest temperatures but the most rain. By October, the rainfall increases to almost 20″, contrasting the five inches of precipitation in late June. If you’ll willing to take an Alaska cruise in October, you’ll benefit from great deals, ships sailing with empty cabins, and fewer cruise passengers in port. So, when shopping for the best Alaska cruise, consider one in the shoulder season if you want to save money and enjoy fewer crowds.
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