Join Us On Deck: Discover Alaskan Cruise Ship Vacation Packages

Planning an Alaskan Cruise

Embarking on an Alaskan cruise ship vacation is a thrilling experience. Let’s dive into the essential details to help you plan your trip.

Length of Itineraries

When planning an Alaskan cruise, the length of the itinerary is an important consideration. Most Alaska land and sea cruise packages offer 7-to-14-day itineraries. Typically, these voyages start from Seattle or Vancouver, BC, traverse the famous Inside Passage, and conclude in Southcentral Alaska, including ports like Whittier, Seward, or Anchorage.

For those seeking an extended adventure, some offerings include a two-week journey. For instance, Princess Cruises provides an itinerary that begins in Anchorage and ends in Vancouver. This voyage includes stops in Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, with an exciting detour to Denali National Park (Fodor’s).

Here’s a snapshot of typical itinerary lengths:

Be sure to explore our cruise ship vacation packing checklist for essentials to bring on your Alaskan adventure.

Best Time to Cruise

Timing your cruise correctly is essential to get the most out of your Alaskan experience. The prime cruising season in Alaska is from June through September. During June and July, travelers can enjoy up to 20 hours of daylight, with temperatures occasionally reaching the 80s.

Here’s a breakdown of the best period for different activities:

Take advantage of the extended daylight hours to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of places like Glacier Bay National Park and Prince William Sound, where marine wonders await.

For more tips on when to book and what to expect, visit our cruise ship vacation planning tips.

Planning your Alaskan cruise doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the lengths of itineraries and the best times to cruise, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable adventure.

Exciting Port Communities

Exploring the ports along Alaska’s Inside Passage is one of the highlights of any Alaskan cruise ship vacation package. These charming port communities offer a variety of activities that cater to all interests and adventure levels.

Activities in Inside Passage Ports

Juneau
Our adventure in Juneau begins with options like breathtaking train trips and exhilarating zipline tours. For those who appreciate nature, wildlife viewing is a must. There are also cultural tours that dive into the rich history of the region, along with visits to museums and historical sites. And don’t forget to sample fresh Alaska seafood, renowned worldwide.

Ketchikan
Ketchikan, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” offers sportfishing opportunities for enthusiasts wanting to reel in a big catch. Cultural tours here often include visits to Totem Bight State Park, showcasing beautifully carved totem poles and offering insight into the indigenous cultures of the area.

Skagway
In Skagway, one can’t miss the historical train trips on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. There’s also the opportunity to embark on thrilling zipline tours or discover the town’s rich gold rush history through various historical landmarks and museums.

Sitka
Sitka offers equally exciting options like wildlife viewing tours where you might spot sea otters, whales, and more. Don’t miss out on cultural tours that include visits to the Sitka National Historical Park.

By joining us on this journey, you’ll get to uncover the vibrant and diverse offerings of Inside Passage ports. For more ideas on how to plan your cruise, check out our cruise ship vacation planning tips. Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or history you’re after, these port communities have something for everyone.

Majestic Natural Wonders

Embarking on an Alaskan cruise ship vacation means immersing ourselves in some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Two of the most awe-inspiring spots we can visit are Glacier Bay National Park and Prince William Sound.

Glacier Bay National Park

In Glacier Bay National Park, we are treated to an incredible display of nature’s raw power and beauty. Many cruises that explore Alaska stop here, providing us with the chance to witness tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean (Travel Alaska). The grandeur of this spectacle is simply something we cannot miss.

For the best experience, we might consider using binoculars. Due to National Park regulations, cruise ships maintain a safe distance from the glaciers, but binoculars allow us to get a closer look at the ice and the diverse wildlife, including seals, otters, whales, and dolphins.

Here’s a quick overview of what we might see:

For more tips on planning our trip, visit our cruise ship vacation planning tips page.

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound offers an equally enriching experience. This marine gem is noted for its pristine waters and a wealth of glacier vistas. The Hubbard Glacier and the twin Sawyer Glaciers are among the highlights, offering us awe-inspiring views and shore excursions that bring us closer to these colossal ice formations.

Like Glacier Bay, Prince William Sound is a paradise for nature lovers. The wildlife here is magnificent, and we may have the chance to spot a plethora of animals in their natural habitat.

To ensure a memorable visit to these magnificent locations, we should prepare thoroughly with the right gear and information. For packing tips and essential gear, check out our cruise ship vacation packing checklist.

Exploring these natural wonders on an Alaskan cruise is an experience that is nothing short of magical. Whether it’s the grandeur of Glacier Bay National Park or the serene beauty of Prince William Sound, we are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on affordable options, see our budget-friendly cruise ship vacation tips.

Cruise Line Offerings

When planning an Alaskan cruise ship vacation, it’s important to explore the unique offerings of different cruise lines. Let’s dive into the exciting details provided by Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, two top choices for cruising the majestic Alaskan landscapes.

Princess Cruises Details

We love the extensive and immersive experience offered by Princess Cruises. Their two-week cruise journey takes travelers from Anchorage to Vancouver, stopping at key ports like Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. One of the most exciting highlights of this journey is the extended detour to Denali National Park, a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts (Fodor’s).

For those looking for a personalized experience, Princess Cruises offers a “Custom Alaska Cruise Tour” in partnership with CruisesToAlaska.com. This tailored package is designed exclusively for their clients, ensuring a customized and unforgettable cruise vacation.

Key Details:

To make the most of your trip, explore our cruise ship vacation packing checklist for essential items to bring along.

Royal Caribbean Experiences

Royal Caribbean has been a top favorite among cruise enthusiasts, voted the Best Overall Cruise Line by Travel Weekly readers for an impressive 21 consecutive years (Royal Caribbean). Their Alaskan cruises offer a plethora of awe-inspiring experiences and luxurious amenities.

One of the standout features of Royal Caribbean’s Alaskan cruises is the chance to witness the breathtaking glaciers, such as the Hubbard Glacier and the twin Sawyer Glaciers. These natural wonders offer up-close interactions, where travelers can marvel at massive icebergs calving from towering walls of ice (Royal Caribbean).

For adventure seekers, Royal Caribbean provides exhilarating shore excursions like the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. Here, you can experience dog sledding firsthand, a primary mode of transportation in some Alaskan regions during winter months. The thrill of riding with energetic Siberian Huskies is a memory that will last a lifetime (Royal Caribbean).

Key Details:

To explore more destinations, check out our guide to the best cruise ship vacation destinations for year-round travel ideas.

Choosing between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean comes down to the specific experiences and amenities you value the most. Whether it’s a two-week immersive journey with Princess Cruises or thrilling glacier adventures with Royal Caribbean, both lines offer unforgettable experiences for your Alaskan cruise vacation.

Passport Requirements

When planning an Alaskan cruise ship vacation, ensuring you have the right documentation is pivotal. Understanding the passport requirements can prevent surprises and streamline your travel experience.

Passport Necessity

For U.S. citizens taking a closed-loop cruise from Seattle to Alaska, a passport is generally not required. These cruises start and end at the same U.S. port, and passengers can present a Government-issued photo ID along with a birth certificate, even if the cruise includes stops in Canada.

However, it is essential to verify the specific requirements of your cruise line. Some cruise lines may still insist on passengers having a passport, regardless of the closed-loop status. Always check with your cruise provider before departure to ensure compliance (Cruises to Alaska).

Documentation for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens embarking on an Alaska cruise can use various forms of identification and proof of citizenship. Here are the acceptable documents:

• Government-issued photo ID and birth certificate: Usually sufficient for closed-loop cruises.
• Valid or recently expired passport: Strongly recommended for all cruises.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship: Valid proofs of U.S. citizenship.
• Report of Birth Abroad: Another form of valid citizenship proof for those born outside the U.S.

While some documents may suffice, carrying a passport is highly advisable. It ensures you comply with U.S. travel regulations and mitigates issues with boarding or re-entering the U.S. (Cruises to Alaska).

For more detailed cruise ship vacation planning tips, including how to pack and what to consider for your Alaskan adventure, check out our other sections on luxury cruise ship vacation packages and family-friendly cruise ship vacation planning.

Unique Alaskan Experiences

Embark on an Alaskan cruise ship vacation with us and uncover two unique adventures that stand out: visiting Denali National Park and joining a dog sledding adventure. These experiences promise to make our trip unforgettable.

Denali National Park Visit

Denali National Park, home to “The Great One,” Denali (the tallest peak in North America), offers breathtaking vistas and unique exploration opportunities. Imagine gazing at this towering mountain, visible even from Anchorage on a clear day (Royal Caribbean). We explore diverse ecosystems, from taiga forests to high alpine tundra, encountering wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.

For more information on how to plan these excursions, don’t forget to check our tips on cruise ship vacation planning tips.

Dog Sledding Adventure

Nothing screams Alaskan adventure like dog sledding. This age-old practice remains vital in some regions during the winter months. We can experience dog sledding firsthand at locations like the Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour. Picture yourself being pulled swiftly on a sled by energetic Siberian Huskies across the snowy trails.

The adrenaline rush from a dog sledding adventure is unparalleled, making it an absolute must-do.

For those new to this thrilling sport, make sure to check our family-friendly cruise ship vacation planning guide to see how it’s perfect for all ages.

Join us on deck and immerse yourself in these unique Alaskan experiences. Whether marveling at Denali or feeling the rush of dog sledding, our Alaskan cruise ship vacation packages offer unforgettable moments. Plan your packing with our cruise ship vacation packing checklist to ensure you’re ready for every adventure!