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| | | Alaskan cruises provide it all, including whales, glaciers, Native American culture and more. Because winters are dark and cold, the Alaska cruising season is limited to May-September; July and August are the most popular months. Cruises are typically 7-14 days, departing from Seattle or Vancouver in the south, from Seward or Whittier (Anchorage) in the north, or roundtrip from San Francisco. | | |
| Typical costs: | - A 7-day Alaskan cruise on a mass-market ship starts at $600-$1,200 per person, double occupancy; air fare is extra. Prices on luxury ships begin at $800-$2,000, and jump to $2,500-$5,000 per person for a private suite.
- Smaller ships offer a more intimate experience and can visit out-of-the-way ports; prices start at $2,000-$5,800 per person double occupancy for an 11-14 day cruise, and jump to $9,000-$22,000 for a 2,000-mile-plus Odyssey to the Bering Sea.
- The New York Times estimates that an 11-day cruise from San Francisco or Vancouver runs $2,771-$8,722 double occupancy, including all fees, airfare from New York, and one night in a hotel before boarding the ship.
What should be included: | - Every Alaskan cruise includes at least one day of viewing glaciers, either sailing through Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm fjord. Port activities range from museums to helicopter tours. Cruise Traveler Online magazine presents an in-depth look at Alaskan cruises.
- There are three basic itineraries: the Inside Passage, from Vancouver or Seattle to southeast Alaska (or the reverse route); the Gulf of Alaska, which includes Alaska's south central coast as well as the inside passage route; and Bering Sea cruises, which include the sea between North America and Asia (only small ships sail here).
- Medium and mega-ships usually offer a treasure trove of entertainment options, such as restaurants, spas, casinos, gyms, swimming pools and more. Smaller ships such as Cruise West provide a more casual educational or nature-oriented trip.
- It may be worth paying extra for an outside stateroom or balcony because there's so much to see. For the Inside Passage, try for a cabin on the right side (starboard) of a northbound ship and the left (port) of a southbound vessel.
Additional costs: | - Port fees and taxes can add $100-$250; be sure they're included in a quoted price.
- On-shore excursions can cost $40-$400 per adventure. It's often cheaper to book directly with a tour operator than through a cruise line.
- Visit Denali Park or other inland areas before or after a cruise; these popular "cruisetour" options are usually 4-7 days long and add an average of $1,000-$1,500 or more per person.
- Tipping is expected, adding $5-$10 daily per traveler or $70-$140 for a couple on a seven-day trip. Some cruise lines, such as Radisson Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Windstar, include tips in the price.
- While mass-market ships offer lower fares, they may charge for special shows, restaurants, spa treatments or other onboard activities, as much as doubling the cost. On luxury ships, most everything is included expect bar drinks and shore excursions.
Discounts: | - Try for an early booking or a senior discount. If traveling with family and friends, ask about group rates.
- For a more flexible adventure, hop on and off the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System. Round-trip from Bellingham, WA to Skagway is $700 per person, but cabins and food cost extra.
Shopping for an alaska cruise: | |
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Article updated March 2007 |
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