When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Take A Cruise To Alaska?

6 Comments on “When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Take A Cruise To Alaska?”

1. #1 bonecrusher
   on Sep 21st, 2008 at 12:47 pm

   Summer time!

2. #2 Macaw_Lover
   on Sep 26th, 2008 at 3:07 am

   Alaska cruising season goes from middle of May till the middle of Sept. The prime time for weather purposes is the middle of June to the middle of Aug. These to are going to be the more expensive time frame. So if you opt to go during the other weeks you will save a little, but it can also drop the temps a fair amount to save a bit of money.

   Depending on your expectations, budget, age group, etc. will determine the best cruise line for you.

   I would strongly recommend speaking with a travel agent to help you with this reservation. Also for 2007 Alaska sailings the dates are already filling up. The longer you wait the more you will not only pay, but you will have limited cabins to choose from thus most likely not the best located ones such as the mid ship cabins.

   Cruises you will always get your best prices by booking in advance with the early booking discounts.

   The higher staterooms such as the balconies are the first to go. These are strongly recommended especially for Alaska sailings due to the wildlife and incredible views you will experience.

   If there is anything I can do to help you with your reservations feel free to email me.

3. #3 Babs
   on Sep 28th, 2008 at 3:27 am

   Hi, I lived there and know that May, June is still pretty chilly. If you didn’t have your garden in by July 4th, you would miss out probbly so I I would suggest late July or August. I spoke to three women a couple months ago that had gone on a cruise up there and they said the weather was great. This was the last cruise of the year (September). so.. good luck.

4. #4 shoe s
   on Sep 30th, 2008 at 10:53 pm

   only best times are in the summer time,make sure you book inside passage route

5. #5 Slider728
   on Oct 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm

   It really depends on what your intentions and interests are.

   Every major cruise in Alaska travels through SE Alaska, so my answer will be based on that. Here are the factors I can think of:

   Weather: The weather in SE Alaska is unpredictable. Though the cruise ships sail through September, I would avoid September if you are looking for the best weather. I have seen it rain every day for months in SE Alaska, so be prepared. As someone mentioned, June through early August is probably your best bet for nice weather.

   Fishing: If you plan on fishing during your cruise on an excursion, timing is very important. Salmon come in “runs”, that is they head to freshwater streams in groups around certain days. King Salmon tend to head toward fresh water from late April through May (King Salmon are the least predictable. They can be caught in the ocean or the streams all summer long). Sockeye (red) Salmon head for the streams roughly from early May to early June, hitting the streams by June (the Sockeye run seems to happen quick. Some places do not allow them to be fished from beaches). Dog (Chum) and Pink (Humpy) Salmon run from roughly the end of June to late August, hitting the streams in late July and early August. Coho (silver) Salmon run from late July to mid September, with mid August usually being the peak of the run. The dates are from my experience in Juneau and will vary slightly from city to city. If you have a big interest in charter fishing, try and contact the charter company in advance to seek their advice.

   Bears: Bears tend to be seen with the salmon runs. The salmon runs in the streams tend to be heaviest in August and September. If you are interested in taking a excursion to see bears, that would be the best time (there used to be a charter to Pack Creek on Admiralty Island in the Juneau area that always see lots of bears).

   Other Wildlife: Other wildlife is unpredictable. Eagles tend to be everywhere and usually hang out along the coast line and where fisherman hang out (they eat the scraps). Whales are around all summer long, but usually require a special excursion. I have rarely seen one close to land, at least in the Juneau area. Sea lions tend to hang out around boats and around islands away from the mainland (you would probably see them if you go see the whales). If you are lucky (or unlucky), you may see deer and bears while hiking trails, but this is very rare. If you are hiking by yourselfs, bears tend to avoid humans, but talk loudly, clap your hands, sing, or wear bells on your clothes so bears know you are in the area. They may attack if surprised (I’ve hiked more miles of trails and more mountains than I can remember, and I have yet to have a bear bother me).

   Shopping: A large majority of the tourist shops in all the ports close down for the winter. Because of this, the month of September tends to boast many sales in these shops as they are trying to get rid of their inventory for the year. This is just something to keep in mind.

   I wish you happy sailing. There really is not bad time to visit Alaska, as long as you are prepared. Be prepared for cool weather (mid 60’s to low 70’s) and fine, misty rain. I’d recommend carrying a rain coat (or a waterproof wind breaker or waterproof coat of some kind) and dressing in layers. The weather can warm up quickly when the sun comes out and cool off quickly when it is cloudy. If you go fishing on the open water, it can get cold in a hurry. It seems that the smaller the boat, the colder the fishing trip (when I would go out on a 16 ft open Aluminum boat, I dress like it was winter. Once you get out in the wind, rain, and water spray, there is no way to warm back up). Large boats tend to be warmer (not sure if it is because they usually have an area out of the wind or there is enough room to walk around and move).

   There is a good website on cruising at that also has message boards and articles about what to expect if this is your first cruise.

6. #6 Carole
   on Oct 4th, 2008 at 7:33 am

   Late August. The crowds are starting to thin out. The gift shops are running end of season sales. The weather is less rainy.

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