Snowbirds may look to the Caribbean for cruises in the winter, but spring is the perfect time to consider sailing to Alaska as it warms up into summer. In fact, the earlier you cruise up to The Last Frontier the better it is to get the best of both seasons.
Generally, the Alaskan cruise season begins as early as May and extends as far as September. Outside of those months, it would be too cold to enjoy a sailing there-unlike the Caribbean which is always toasty. However, right in the heart of spring, the Inside Passage and its majestic tree-lined mountains still will show traces of snow from the preceding season. You'll start to get the benefits of warmer weather paired with the last remnants of winter.
Of course, as the summer comes along, that snow will begin to melt and waterfalls become more dramatic as a result. The truth is the weather in Alaska is always a bit unpredictable. You may enjoy a clear sunny day when shorts are in order or a foggy and rainy one requiring a jacket and maybe gloves. No matter which variety you encounter, each is quintessentially Alaskan.
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Also, unlike the Caribbean, Alaska provides a unique experience to those who choose to come ashore or even just stay onboard. Inlets are much tighter in the region, and there is plenty of nature to be seen right from off the ship. For the best opportunity to see it all from your private accommodations, choose a balcony cabin, always a great option especially when the ship passes by glaciers.
Depending on the cruise line and itinerary, a visit to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier is typically included, wherein passengers have the chance to witness the dramatic calving of the imposing ice flow immediately from the ship-from a safe distance, of course.
True, to maximize your Alaskan experience, exploring signature ports-of-call like Ketchikan, Skagway and the capital city of Juneau is absolutely worth your time, whether by shore excursion or a simple stroll on your own, especially when the weather is conducive. So many of the stops are easily accessible by walking, but the more adventurous may opt to go fishing, dogsledding, flight-seeing or even glacier hiking among the many tour options.
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Just keep in mid that, as a seasonal destination, shore excursions do tend to cost more in Alaska than equivalents in the year-round Caribbean, for example.
If you're returning to Alaska, also consider more off-the-beaten-path ports like Sitka or Haines or even Icy Strait Point in Hoonah. These are their own gems worthy of exploration on cruises longer than a week as well.
Perhaps the greatest thing about cruising to Alaska are the multitude of cruise ships that are available to book now. Smaller operators like UnCruise Adventures offer a more expedition-style cruise, while larger ones like Royal Caribbean International send vessels like the 4,029-guest Explorer of the Seas to provide plenty to do onboard. Somewhere in between the two for 2017 is Seabourn, returning with its luxury voyages for the first time in 15 years!
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