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If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north. This website is here to help you find the right destination for your family vacation whilst also offering tips and advice we have acquired from our travels around the world.
Scenic cruising
It gives you stories to share, memories to cherish and a sense of wonder about the ocean that'll stay with you long after you're back on dry land. Blue whales are the largest of all whales and the biggest and loudest animal on earth today—possibly of all time. Blue whales "summer" in the eastern and northern Gulf of Alaska in July and August and are just returning to Alaska after extreme whaling drove almost the entire population to extinction.
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Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights - TheTravel
Alaskan Cruises Shut Down In Winter: Here's The Best Way To See The Sights.
Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Fortunately, this is the last month you can expect to see certain whale species like Blue Whales before they begin their migration to Mexico, Central America, and the Pacific Ocean. Plan for wet weatherAlaska’s southeastern region is part of a rainforest, where wet conditions are the norm even in summer. Bring waterproof rain gear, sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves to stay warm and dry.
Do You Need to Pack Anything Special for Whale Watching?
I have a passion for the English countryside and especially anywhere in Yorkshire. I drink far too much Yorkshire tea on my travels and even take it with me when abroad. My passion is to share travel experiences with my readers which may help them plan their holidays and save money. Most of our coastal towns feature many excellent tour operators, some of them world-class with naturalists, refreshments and other amenities on board. If you want to avoid the cooler temperatures and potential for rain, you may want to choose the late summer to early fall.
Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers
For bird watchers, especially those keen on seeing eagles, May and June are prime times as the weather is nice and the birds are plentiful. However, some breeds of whale aren’t as social, so may be better experienced on an excursion. Following the timeframes that we have provided, along with the likeliest location, will help up your chance to see these beauties of the deep straight from your ship. Enjoying your cruise as its own valuable and wonderful experience is important.
When Is The Best Time To Cruise To Alaska For Salmon Fishing?
Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two.
Best Time To See Beluga Whales In Alaska
Beluga Whale sightings tend to occur before and after high tides in Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway. Furthermore, it is one of the quieter whale-watching months in Alaska, meaning you should see subdued crowds and better prices compared to July and August. Similar to July, August is one of the warmest months in Alaska and a very busy month as far as tourists are concerned. Located in the town of Hoonah, this cultural center will give you a glimpse into the history and culture of the Huna Tlingit people. There is a show, several exhibits, and even a totem carving station where you can learn about this sacred carving from a local Elder. The tasting menu might include fresh and canned salmon and grilled halibut.
Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them. To witness the majestic bald eagles in Alaska, timing your visit can make all the difference. While the summer months offer a good chance to see eagles tending to their nests, the best time is actually during the chillier seasons of autumn and early winter. There’s always a chance of seeing whales from the deck of your cruise ship, but for a closer look and more immersive experience, small boat tours in the ports of call can provide unforgettable encounters. Expert tour guides will share fascinating facts about the different species and whale pods you may come across. Book Alaska shore excursions from Juneau, Sitka, or Icy Strait Point for the best whale watching in Alaska.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month - Cruise Critic
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska Month by Month.
Posted: Mon, 01 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
From this 1350-foot summit, riders are strapped to a zipline for an exhilarating 1-mile, 90-second zipline ride. Many cruisers enjoy heading to the nearby town of Hoonah, a scenic 1.5-mile walk from the port. However, you might be lucky enough to hear the unique Tlingit language being spoken among locals.
This is why you must pack for all weather conditions if you plan an Alaska cruise. Multiple major cruise lines offer sailings in Alaska, but mainly during the Spring and Summer months. Princess Cruises is one of the main operators, with seven ships sailing the northern region. Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises also offer sailings. With more daylight and improved weather, your options for excursions also increase.
Small ship cruises excel in providing a more intimate and immersive experience. Visitors can also explore the nearby Misty Fjords National Monument, which offers dramatic landscapes of sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and deep fjords that can be explored by boat or floatplane. This period is especially spectacular at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, which hosts the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Located along the Chilkat, Klehini, and Tsirku Rivers, the preserve becomes a prime spot for viewing these birds as they fish and rest near the waterways. However, if you’re looking for the best overall weather and want to enjoy a bit of everything Alaska has to offer, late June to early September is ideal.
You’ll find the days start to be cooler in September in Alaska, which means the end of the summer’s whale watching season. One of the most iconic whale species found in Alaska is the humpback whale. These majestic creatures migrate from Hawaii to Alaska during the summer to feed, mate, and give birth.
To mitigate the costs, consider picking up your own bottle of wine from a supermarket while on shore and packing a travel-friendly French press-style coffee thermos and gourmet grinds. If you are susceptible to sea sickness, keep in mind that the ocean is typically a lot calmer in the morning, so I recommend choosing an earlier time in the day to go whale watching in Alaska. Alaska is a special place to cruise because it’s very different from standard tropical cruise destinations. Cruises to Alaska don’t occur during the months of January, February, March, November and December.
