ALASKA CRUISES

Our Alaska cruises set sail between May and Septemberwhich are the best months to visit this northernmost US state. JuneJuly and August will appeal to many thanks to their warmer temperatures. HoweverMay and September are also fantastic months for Alaska holidaysas these times can result in quieter visits.

May is one of the driest monthsso there’s less chance of rainand – happily – the chance of seeing wildlife is also increased. It’s considered the best time to spot walrussealswhalesmigratory songbirds and much more. September is mating season for many animals such as cariboumoose and muskoxenwhile longer nights can increase the chances (without a guaranteeit should be said) of catching a rare glimpse of the glorious Northern Lights.

It’s always important to consider the weather when booking an Alaska cruise. The sunniest and warmest time is from June to August. It’s never overly hotthoughwith highs between 15°C and 19°C. May temperatures are also pleasant – plusthis is often the month with the least rainfall. September is fairly dry as wellbut also starts getting a little coolerwith an average high of 13°C.

Outside of these times brings shorter days and extreme cold in some monthsdemonstrating that the best time for your Alaska cruise is from May to September.

Our Alaska cruises from Seattle call at five different but equally enticing ports in Alaska. Ketchikan is known for its rich Alaska Native cultureincluding more than 80 totem poleswhile Icy Strait Point in Hoonah is great for spotting wildlife and zooming down huge zip-lines.

Gaze out at awe-inspiring glaciers and icebergs in Tracy Arm fjordgo hiking or discover local heritage in Sitkaor try whale watching in Alaska’s capitalJuneau. All five places are enlighteningmust-visit destinations on a holiday to Alaska.

Packing for holidays in Alaska can be a breeze – sometimes quite literally. Even though temperatures in spring and summer are thoroughly pleasantthere can also be some wind and rainfallso you’ll need to pack light layerslong-sleeve jumpers and a jacket or two – ideally including a waterproof jacketjust in case.

But don’t let the mention of waterproofs allow you to forget to bring a sunhat and high-SPF sun creamtoo. Good walking shoes or hiking shoes are essentialso that you can get out into the wilderness in comfort. It’s also recommended to pack some more formal clothes and shoes for eveningsparticularly Gala Nightwhere passengers love looking their best.

Howeveryour most important item to pack for cruises in Alaska will always be a cameraallowing you to capture the breathtaking scenery and the once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters that surround you.

Seattle is the only embarkation port for our Alaska cruises. As Washington State’s largest cityit’s got plenty to explore before you leave on your voyage. Take a ride to the top of the Space Needle – the iconic observation tower that dominates the city’s skyline – or hop aboard the Seattle Center Monorail.

Downtownspend some time browsing the stalls at the centuries-old Pike Place Marketget cultural at the Seattle Art Museum or cheer on the Seattle Mariners at baseball field T-Mobile Park. Seattle is also the home of Starbucksand coffee-lovers should absolutely seek out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for an awakening experience. Little wonder that we decided to start our Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Most of our Alaska cruise itineraries last for seven nights. This is a fantastic amount of time to spend enjoying this genuinely magnificent regionas you’ll be able to sail the Inside Passage route and visit some of the state’s most popular destinations – all at a relaxing pace.

Guests on one of our cruises to Alaska will also get to enjoy the wonders of Canadaas our itineraries end in Victoriathe gorgeous and culture-crammed capital of British Columbia. The rest of the time is spent in the USwith all ships leaving from vibrant SeattleWashingtonbefore sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage.

More than anythingthoughholidays to Alaska are all about the outdoors. Hiking trails are abundantthough Nugget Falls Trail is an easy and popular route near Juneau that stops at a huge waterfall. There are also thousands of stunning glaciers to visitwith Mendenhall Glacier both one of the most accessible and most beautiful.

It’s also very likely that your trip will involve at least a handful of exciting wildlife encounters. SitkaIcy Strait PointKetchikanTracy Arm fjord and Juneau all offer whale watching tours and chances to see all kinds of bears. It’s also entirely possible that you’ll spot sea lionscaribousalmonotters and bald eagles during your holiday.

Alaska is best known for its unspoilt nature and extraordinary wildlife. Think snow-capped mountainsfjords and otherworldly glaciersplus grizzlies skulking around forests and channels filled with humpback whales. There are few places in the world like it – it has the biggest concentration of glaciers in North America (nearly 100,000)as well as the highest population of grizzly bears.

The state is also widely known for its invaluable Indigenous culture dating back thousands of years – discovering Alaskan Native heritage is a must during any cruise in Alaskawhether that’s by visiting museumswatching traditional cultural performances or admiring intricate totem poles.