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For even more detail on each month, view our best time to visit Alaska guide. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel. Immerse yourself in a multi-day Alaskan adventure that promises incredible views and jaw-dropping bear viewing in Katmai National Park, along with a warm camaraderie that only a small group expedition can create. Explore from your home base on the Island C, a research vessel that gets you close to the action while providing comfortable lodging and delicious meals.
Kodiak and Coasts of Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks
The average temperatures are between 55f-65f (12-18c) and can drop by around 5 degrees at night, so clothing appropriate to these temperatures is required. Rainfall can be quite high in southeast Alaska, so a good waterproof jacket is also a good idea. Many Alaska cruises involve hiking, so you will also need a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots, and sunglasses are a necessity during the summer months, particularly to protect your eyes from the glare of the water. Most Alaska cruise ships will have binoculars available, but if you have your own, bring them so you don’t have to wait for a pair to become free or share.
LeConte Glacier
There is also the option to go via ferry, which can take 3-4 days. Most Alaskan cruises will explore the ‘panhandle’ or southeast tip of Alaska. Below are some key highlight areas on an Alaskan small ship cruise.
Day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Bay
As most Alaska cruise ship departure ports require a short flight, allowing time for delays is a good idea. Plan ahead - Most spaces on Alaska cruises sell out 6-9 months in advance, so to avoid disappointment, book early so you can guarantee your space. Mid-April to the beginning of May and the end of August to mid-September offer the most affordable time to go to Alaska, where you can save $400+ compared to traveling in June or July. The best time to cruise Alaska is between April and September, with the high season in June and July, mainly because of the warmer weather and longer days.
Pick from expedition-style itineraries in remote territorieswith extraordinary landscapes and varied wildlife, or cruise-styleoperations on the captivating Inside Passage route between Juneauand Vancouver. Excursions are included in the fare on thoseitineraries designated as 'Expeditions'. On board a small ship cruise you can expect charming andattentive service, great food, fellow passengers of a similarmindset, and comfortable accommodations. Ashore, what youexperience will definitely depend on the ship you choose. These ships are small enough for you to connect with fellow travelers and find like-minded shipmates while offering enough room for you to seek out quiet space when necessary. The more intimate setting also means more personal engagements with staff, who quickly learn your name and your individual tastes.
Betty Lou and Linda were particularly outstanding but all were great. James added his diving and photography expertise as did Drew and Brian. Eryn was an outstanding naturalist and patient teacher. Rab really set the tone and having the experience of Linda, Betty Lou, Eryn, and the others enhanced the experience.
Want to Learn More About Alaska’s Climate?
Each ship carries multiple Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards. Today both vessels are equipped with diesel engines and battery power that allow them to cruise silently through the wilderness for up to 12 hours. The company’s five cozy vessels were built in the 1970s and '80s, getting refits over the years to carry 12 to 76 passengers each. Here are seven small-ship cruise lines in Alaska to consider. The small, agile ships themselves get you closer, and so do excursions via even smaller Zodiac boats and kayaks.
Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska - The Points Guy
Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska.
Posted: Sat, 11 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
An All-American Experience
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.
Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The smallest oceanview stateroom is 240 square feet in size and has a port hole window. The smallest Princess Cruise Line Ship in Alaska is the Pacific Princess. She is 30,277 tons, and carries 672 passengers plus 375 crew members.
Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation. If you are a frequent traveler to Canada from the U.S., you may benefit from the NEXUS program which is a joint initiative between the U.S. For further information, you may log on to the Nexus Internet site by clicking here. Spend the afternoon, or a few days exploring the waters of Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound aboard the M/V Caroline, a beautiful custom-built yacht set for adventure!
Its ability to venture into secluded areas untouched by larger cruise ships ensures an authentic and unforgettable Alaskan adventure. We make sure you have all the tools necessary to enjoy your expedition to the fullest. For travelers who are wondering what a small ship Alaska cruise is really like or have questions regarding their recently booked travel, take a look through our Alaska small ship cruise guides.
Be at one with nature as you cruise the Inside Passage, surrounded by some of the most dramatic and wildlife-rich scenery on Earth – a cruise that is a perfect combination of natural and cultural history. Snow-crowned mountains, glacier-carved fjords, and lush green rainforests contribute to the feeling of being both uplifted and humbled by larger-than-life wilderness as far as the eye can see. There is always the possibility for wildlife spotting – humpback whales, eagles, orcas, harbour seals – and perhaps puffins, sea otters, the ever-elusive bears or the ever-moving salmon. Life under the sea reigns supreme while on the sea, fjords strewn with glacier chunks appear in shades of blue and white. Travel through awe-inspiring ice-capped waters and enjoy a choice of shore excursions on land, all included, to discover Alaska your way. Alaska's Inside Passage – truly unlike anywhere else on the planet.
The 9-day Inside Passage Sojourn aboard the 49-guest Baranof Dream combines easy wilderness cruising and glacier viewing with visits to Alaska's unique towns and Native villages. Cruise between Ketchikan and Sitka with a focus on Alaska's nature, history and First Nations culture. The pair of historic wooden ships operated by Pacific Catalyst have varnished wood paneling, mahogany furniture, and great backstories. On the line's 10-day Alaska Supervoyage itineraries, Swell travels between Prince Rupert (British Columbia) and Sitka, and between Sitka and Ketchikan, with stops at Baranof, Kruzof and St. Lazaria islands. Maple Leaf has a permit to bring its cruisers to the Pack Creek bear-viewing area on Admiralty Island. Maple Leaf also offers eight-night Inside Passage voyages between Petersburg and Sitka, and between Petersburg and Prince Rupert.
You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking. If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, please contact an embassy or consulate of Canada and of the U.S. to determine what travel documentation will be required. Our Classic Discovery Voyage is the perfect wilderness sampler. Most of the Constellation’s cabins have private balconies, and six are designed for single travelers.
