Alaska Cruise Planning Guide

Alaska cruises typically run during summer months when weather is most favorable. Popular routes include the Inside Passage and Gulf of Alaska, visiting ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Key planning considerations include choosing between one-way or roundtrip itineraries, booking shore excursions early, packing layers for variable weather, and deciding on inside versus balcony cabins for wildlife viewing.

Quick Facts: Alaska Cruise Planning at a Glance

Category	Details
Cruise Season	Late April through September
Peak Season	June through August
Average Cruise Duration	7-10 days
Base Cruise Cost	$600-$3,000 per person
Total Budget (with extras)	$1,500-$5,000+ per person
Average Temperature Range	50-65°F (10-18°C)
Main Routes	Inside Passage, Gulf of Alaska
Booking Window	6-12 months in advance for best prices

Want to know more about… exploring Alaska by cruise ship and all the options available?

Timing Your Alaska Cruise: When Should You Actually Go?

The Alaska cruise season isn’t as long as you might think. Ships operate from late April through late September, and each part of the season offers distinct advantages and trade-offs that can dramatically affect your experience.

Shoulder Season (Late April-May and September)

• Advantages: Significantly lower prices (sometimes 30-40% cheaper than peak season), fewer crowds, better availability for upgrades, and snow-capped mountains provide stunning photo opportunities
• Challenges: Cooler temperatures (often in the 40s-50s), shorter daylight hours in September, some attractions may have limited hours or be closed
• Wildlife bonus: May is excellent for bear spotting as they emerge from hibernation and congregate at rivers

Peak Season (June-August)

• June: The sweet spot for many travelers – long daylight hours (nearly 18-20 hours in some ports), wildflowers blooming, salmon runs beginning, and reasonable prices early in the month
• July: Warmest temperatures, best weather reliability, highest prices, most crowded ports and ships
• August: Prime salmon spawning time means incredible bear viewing, slightly fewer crowds than July, and prices start dropping toward the end of the month

For more detailed guidance on choosing the best time to cruise Alaska based on your priorities, consider what matters most to you: budget, weather, wildlife, or crowd levels.

Choosing Your Route: Inside Passage vs. Gulf of Alaska

This decision fundamentally shapes your entire cruise experience, and it’s not just about which ports you’ll visit.

Inside Passage Cruises

These protected waterway routes along the Inside Passage typically operate as roundtrip itineraries from Seattle or Vancouver. You’ll sail through calm waters protected by islands, which means:

• Smoother sailing for those worried about seasickness
• More time in port since ships don’t spend days crossing the Gulf
• Usually less expensive than one-way Gulf cruises
• You unpack once and return to the same departure city
• Common stops: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Victoria or Sitka

Gulf of Alaska Cruises

These one-way journeys across the Gulf of Alaska typically run between Vancouver or Seattle and Seward (near Anchorage), or vice versa. The trade-offs include:

• Access to glacier-heavy College Fjord and Hubbard Glacier
• Opportunity to extend your trip with land tours in Denali or Fairbanks
• One day of potentially rougher open-ocean sailing
• Generally higher prices due to repositioning logistics
• Requires separate flights in and out of different cities

Pro insider tip: The northbound Gulf itineraries are usually slightly cheaper than southbound because most people prefer to fly into Anchorage and end in Vancouver or Seattle.

Understanding the Real Cost of an Alaska Cruise

Here’s where things get interesting – and where many first-timers experience sticker shock. The advertised cruise fare is really just your starting point.

Breaking Down Alaska Cruise Costs

Expense Category	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Base Cruise Fare	$600-$3,000 per person	Varies wildly by timing, cabin type, cruise line
Gratuities	$14-$18 per person/day	Often auto-charged to your account
Shore Excursions	$100-$300 per port	Can easily reach $1,000+ for premium activities
Drinks (if no package)	$8-$15 each	Adds up faster than you’d think
Specialty Dining	$30-$75 per person	Main dining room is included
Wi-Fi Package	$15-$30 per day	Usually slow and frustrating
Pre/Post Cruise Hotels	$150-$400 per night	Often necessary for flight logistics
Flights	$400-$1,200 per person	Depends heavily on departure city and timing

For a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll actually spend on an Alaska cruise including hidden costs, budget conservatively. The all-in cost per person typically runs $2,000-$4,000 for a week-long cruise when you factor in everything.

Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

• Book early for cabins, late for excursions: Cruise fares are lowest 8-12 months out, but shore excursion prices sometimes drop as the sailing date approaches
• Consider guarantee cabins: Let the cruise line assign your cabin for a lower rate – you might even get upgraded
• Skip the drink package on Alaska cruises: Unlike Caribbean cruises, you’ll spend less time poolside drinking and more time off the ship or bundled up on deck
• Book independent tours in port: Local operators often charge 30-50% less than cruise line excursions, though you assume the risk if you’re late returning
• Fly into Seattle or Vancouver a day early: Reduces stress and often saves money compared to same-day arrival and missing the ship

Roundtrip vs. One-Way: The Decision That Affects Everything

This choice impacts your budget, packing, pre-planning, and even how much of Alaska you’ll experience beyond the ship.

When considering the pros and cons of roundtrip versus one-way Alaska cruise itineraries, think about these factors:

Roundtrip Advantages

• Simpler logistics – one flight in and out of the same city
• Easier to manage luggage and packing
• Usually less expensive overall
• Better for travelers on a tight timeline

One-Way Advantages

• Access to more diverse ports and glaciers
• Natural pairing with Alaska cruise tours that combine sailing with inland adventures
• See more of the state without backtracking
• Better for those who want to explore Denali, Fairbanks, or interior Alaska

Cruise Length: Seven Days vs. Ten Days (or More)

The standard Alaska cruise lasts seven days, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone.

Seven-Day Alaska Cruises

These week-long Alaska cruise itineraries are the most common and hit the highlights efficiently. You’ll typically visit 3-4 ports plus scenic cruising through glacier areas. Perfect for first-timers or those with limited vacation time.

Ten-Day Alaska Cruises and Beyond

Longer 10-day Alaska cruise options provide a more relaxed pace with additional ports, more scenic cruising time, and often include lesser-visited destinations like Icy Strait Point or Sitka. The extra days mean less rushing and more opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Choosing Your Cruise Line and Ship Size

Alaska attracts nearly every major cruise line, and the differences between them matter more here than in the Caribbean.

Large Ship Pros and Cons

The major cruise lines operating in Alaska offer large ships with 2,000-4,000 passengers:

• Advantages: More amenities, entertainment options, dining venues, generally lower per-night costs, and lots of deck space for glacier viewing
• Disadvantages: Crowded ports (imagine 3,000 people descending on Skagway, population 1,000), longer to get on/off ship, can’t access smaller ports

Small Ship Experience

For those seeking a more intimate Alaska cruise on small ships with 100-200 passengers:

• Advantages: Access to hidden coves and narrow waterways, more personalized service, easier wildlife spotting, less time in tourist-heavy ports
• Disadvantages: Higher per-day costs, fewer amenities, more motion in rough seas, limited dining options

Expedition-Style Cruising

True Alaska expedition cruises focused on adventure and wildlife typically feature naturalists, zodiac landings, kayaking opportunities, and itineraries focused on wilderness rather than shopping ports. Expect to pay premium prices for a premium experience.

Cabin Selection: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, or Suite?

This decision deserves more thought in Alaska than on most cruises because of the unique scenery and daylight hours.

Understanding the best cabin locations for comfort and value can significantly impact your cruise satisfaction.

Inside Cabins

• Most economical option, often $500-$1,000 less per person
• Perfectly adequate since you’ll spend most time exploring or on deck
• The long daylight hours (nearly 20 hours in summer) mean less time sleeping in darkness anyway
• Book mid-ship on lower decks for the most stability

Balcony Cabins

• The sweet spot for many Alaska cruisers – watch glaciers calve from your private space
• Ideal for early morning wildlife spotting without getting dressed and going to public decks
• Worth the premium if you’re cruising the Inside Passage or glaciers
• Obstructed-view balconies (partially blocked by lifeboats) cost less and still offer excellent glacier viewing

The Balcony Debate

Here’s the truth: you’ll spend most scenic cruising time on the upper outside decks where views are better and you can move from side to side as wildlife appears. That said, having a balcony for early morning coffee while watching for whales has real value. Decide based on your budget and travel style.

Shore Excursions: Book Through the Ship or Go Independent?

This question sparks passionate debates among Alaska cruise veterans, and both approaches have merit.

Booking Through the Cruise Line

When you book shore excursions through your cruise line:

• Safety net: If your tour runs late, the ship will wait (within reason)
• Vetted operators: Cruise lines pre-screen tour companies for safety and reliability
• Easy logistics: Everything is arranged and coordinated
• Premium prices: Expect to pay 30-60% more than booking independently
• Larger groups: Tours often include 40-50 people from your ship

Independent Booking

Exploring Alaska shore excursions and activities at each port through local operators offers:

• Significant cost savings – often half the cruise line price
• Smaller, more personalized groups
• More authentic local experiences
• The risk of missing the ship if something goes wrong
• Requires more research and advance planning

Hybrid Approach (The Smart Strategy)

Many experienced cruisers book through the ship for excursions that venture far from port (like train rides or distant glacier hikes) and book independently for in-town activities or shorter tours where you can easily get back to the ship.

What to Actually Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Packing for Alaska confuses people because the temperature range is wider than you’d expect and weather can change multiple times in a single day.

For a detailed Alaska cruise packing list covering all the essentials, start with the layering principle.

The Essential Layering System

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts and leggings for cool mornings
• Mid layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket for warmth
• Outer layer: Waterproof rain jacket with hood (non-negotiable – it will rain at some point)
• Bottom layers: Comfortable pants (quick-dry hiking pants are ideal), jeans work fine

Footwear That Won’t Fail You

• Waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good tread (deck shoes won’t cut it for excursions)
• Casual shoes for ship dining
• One pair of “nicer” shoes if you plan to attend formal nights (though Alaska cruises are generally casual)

Don’t Forget These Often-Overlooked Items

• Quality binoculars – wildlife spotting is a huge part of the experience
• Camera with good zoom lens (phone cameras struggle with distant whales and bears)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, really – the reflection off water is intense)
• Warm hat and gloves for early morning glacier viewing
• Small backpack for shore excursions
• Reusable water bottle
• Motion sickness medication even if you don’t usually get seasick

Check out what to wear on an Alaska cruise for different activities and weather conditions to avoid packing mistakes.

Understanding Alaska’s Cruise Ports

Each Alaska cruise port offers distinct attractions and character, and knowing what to expect helps you plan better shore excursions.

Juneau (Alaska’s Capital)

• No roads connect to Juneau – accessible only by boat or plane
• Home to Mendenhall Glacier, accessible by city bus if you want to save money
• Excellent whale watching opportunities
• Downtown is walkable with good shopping and restaurants

Skagway (Gold Rush History)

• Tiny town (population around 1,000) that swells with cruise passengers
• Gateway to the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad – book this far in advance
• Very walkable downtown with well-preserved Gold Rush buildings
• Gets incredibly crowded when multiple ships are in port

Ketchikan (Totem Pole Capital)

• First or last stop on most itineraries
• Famous for totem poles, salmon, and misty forests
• Creek Street (former red-light district) is charming and walkable
• Excellent fishing excursions
• One of the wettest places in Alaska – rain is likely

Sitka (Russian Influence)

• Not on every itinerary, but worth seeking out
• Rich Russian history and beautiful Orthodox cathedral
• Excellent wildlife viewing at Alaska Raptor Center
• Less touristy feel than other ports

Icy Strait Point

• Native-owned port facility with authentic cultural experiences
• Home to world’s longest zipline
• Excellent whale watching directly from the port
• Less commercialized than major ports

Victoria or Vancouver (Canada)

• Often included for legal reasons (foreign ports required on US-departure cruises)
• Beautiful cities worth exploring if you have time before/after your cruise
• Victoria typically offers short evening stops – just enough for Butchart Gardens or downtown

Your cruise will also depart from one of several Alaska cruise departure ports including Seattle, Vancouver, Seward, or Whittier, each with their own logistics to consider.

Wildlife Viewing: What You’ll Actually See

Alaska’s incredible wildlife viewing opportunities are a primary draw for most cruisers, but expectations need calibration.

Whales (Your Best Bet)

• Humpback whales are commonly spotted, especially in Icy Strait, near Juneau, and in Frederick Sound
• Orcas appear less frequently but are unforgettable when spotted
• Best viewing: June through August during feeding season
• Bring binoculars and watch for spouts on the horizon

Bears (Timing Matters)

• Don’t expect to see bears from the ship – you need dedicated bear-viewing excursions
• Best bear viewing: July and August when salmon are spawning
• Pack Creek, Fortress of the Bears, and bear-viewing flightseeing tours offer best opportunities
• These excursions are expensive ($300-$600) but bucket-list worthy

Sea Otters, Seals, and Sea Lions

• Frequently spotted from the ship, especially in calm waters
• Sea otters float on their backs in kelp beds
• Harbor seals rest on ice floes near glaciers
• Steller sea lions congregate on rocky outcroppings

Bald Eagles

• So common in Alaska that you’ll stop pointing them out by day three
• Ketchikan and Sitka have particularly high populations
• Often seen perched in trees along the shoreline

Puffins and Other Seabirds

• Tufted puffins nest on rocky islands but can be hard to spot without binoculars
• Glacier Bay and the outer coast offer best puffin viewing
• Naturalists on deck will announce sightings

Glacier Viewing: The Main Event

Glacier cruising represents the absolute highlight for most Alaska cruisers – these moments justify the entire trip.

Major Glacier Destinations

• Glacier Bay National Park: Multiple tidewater glaciers, requires a National Park ranger on board, ships spend an entire day here
• Hubbard Glacier: Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, accessible only on Gulf of Alaska itineraries, incredibly active with frequent calving
• Tracy Arm Fjord: Alternative to Glacier Bay with dramatic scenery and Sawyer Glaciers, narrower channels create intimacy
• College Fjord: Multiple glaciers named after Ivy League schools, less crowded than Glacier Bay

Maximizing Your Glacier Experience

• Set an alarm for early morning glacier approaches – they often happen at 6-7 AM
• Dress in layers (fleece, windbreaker, hat, gloves) – it’s cold standing on deck for hours
• Position yourself on outside decks early to secure good viewing spots
• The ship will turn to give both sides views, so don’t panic if “your side” is initially away from the glacier
• Listen for the sound of ice calving – it sounds like thunder and signals a glacier collapse
• Bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea for comfort during long viewing sessions

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

Learning from others’ errors saves money and frustration. These Alaska cruise planning mistakes to avoid come up repeatedly:

Booking Errors

• Choosing the wrong cabin location: Avoid cabins below or near the theater, nightclub, or anchor chain
• Not researching port days: Some itineraries have multiple sea days in a row or back-to-back port days without glacier viewing time
• Ignoring important comparisons between cruise lines, routes, and timing: Not all Alaska cruises are created equal

Packing Mistakes

• Packing only lightweight clothes (it’s not the Caribbean – you’ll freeze)
• Bringing formal wear for multiple fancy dinners (Alaska cruises are generally casual)
• Forgetting waterproof bags for excursions
• Not bringing adequate sun protection (the sun is intense despite cool temperatures)

Excursion Mistakes

• Waiting until boarding to book popular excursions (White Pass Railroad and flight-seeing tours sell out months early)
• Over-booking every port (you’ll be exhausted – build in a relaxation day)
• Booking all excursions through the ship without comparing independent options

Timing Mistakes

• Flying in the morning of embarkation (flight delays happen – arrive the day before)
• Not allowing enough connection time for one-way cruises with Denali extensions
• Booking the cheapest cruise in late April or September without understanding weather trade-offs

First-Timer’s Guide to Alaska Cruising

If this is your first Alaska cruise experience, this comprehensive Alaska cruise guide for first-time visitors will help you navigate the unique aspects of cruising the Last Frontier.

What Makes Alaska Cruising Different

• Weather is unpredictable – embrace it rather than fight it
• Wildlife viewing requires patience and binoculars
• Port days are about nature and adventure, not beaches and shopping
• Dress codes are more casual than Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises
• Daylight hours are incredibly long in summer (nearly 20 hours in June)
• You’ll actually want to spend time on deck watching scenery

Setting Realistic Expectations

• It will probably rain at least once during your cruise – pack accordingly and don’t let it ruin your mood
• You won’t see all the wildlife on your wish list – that’s okay, what you do see will be amazing
• Ports will be crowded when multiple ships are in town simultaneously
• Some excursions involve physical activity – be honest about your fitness level when booking
• The scenery is stunning even when weather isn’t perfect

Cruise Tours: Combining Sea and Land

Many Alaska visitors opt for cruise tour packages that combine sailing with inland exploration, extending the adventure beyond the coastline.

Popular Cruise Tour Combinations

• Denali National Park: Add 3-5 days exploring North America’s highest peak and incredible wildlife viewing
• Fairbanks and the Interior: Gold dredges, pipeline tours, and midnight sun experiences
• Kenai Peninsula: Fishing, bear viewing, and accessible glaciers
• Canadian Rockies: Extend from Vancouver to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper

Booking Cruise Tours: Package vs. DIY

• Cruise line packages: Everything arranged, transportation coordinated, but premium pricing
• Independent booking: More flexibility and potential savings, but requires more planning
• Hybrid approach: Book the cruise through the line, arrange land portion independently

Practical Considerations and Details

These practical Alaska cruise planning details don’t fit neatly into other categories but significantly impact your experience.

Onboard Connectivity

• Ship Wi-Fi is notoriously slow and expensive in Alaska
• Cell service is intermittent even in ports (especially for US carriers in Canadian waters)
• Download entertainment, maps, and reading material before departure
• Consider disconnecting and embracing the digital detox

Dining Considerations

• Main dining room meals are included and usually excellent
• Specialty restaurants charge extra ($30-$75 per person) but offer variety
• Alaska cruises often feature fresh salmon and seafood in the main dining room
• Buffets get crowded around popular glacier viewing times

Tipping and Gratuities

• Automatic gratuities typically run $14-$18 per person per day
• These cover room steward, dining room servers, and behind-the-scenes staff
• Additional tips for bartenders, specialty restaurant staff, and spa services
• Budget approximately $100-$150 per person for the week in automatic tips

Health and Safety

• Bring prescription medications with extra days’ supply
• Pack motion sickness remedies even if you’re not typically susceptible
• Ships have medical facilities but services are expensive
• Travel insurance is worth considering for Alaska cruises due to flight connections and weather-related delays

Specialty Alaska Cruise Experiences

Beyond standard large-ship cruises, specialty Alaska cruise options cater to specific interests and travel styles.

Expedition Cruises

• Focus on wildlife, kayaking, and zodiac landings
• Naturalist guides and educational programs
• Access to areas large ships can’t reach
• Premium pricing but immersive experience

Luxury Cruises

• All-inclusive pricing with premium beverages and excursions included
• Smaller ships with higher staff-to-passenger ratios
• More upscale dining and accommodations
• Often include unique ports or overnight stays

Adventure Cruises

• Emphasis on active excursions like kayaking, hiking, and climbing
• Younger passenger demographics
• More casual atmosphere
• Expert guides for outdoor activities

Bonus Tips From Alaska Cruise Veterans

The 24-Hour Rule

Most cruise lines allow you to cancel shore excursions up to 24 hours before port without penalty. Monitor weather forecasts and be willing to switch to indoor activities if rain is heavy.

Position Your Cabin Strategically

For Inside Passage cruises, cabins on the starboard side (right side when facing forward) generally offer better views of the Alaska coastline when sailing northbound. Reverse this for southbound sailings. That said, ships position themselves for optimal viewing regardless of which side you’re on.

The Towel Animal Secret

Your room steward creates those towel animals using your towels. If you’re particular about having fresh towels each day, you might want to unwrap the creation and place towels in your bathroom before leaving for dinner.

Pre-Book Specialty Restaurants Before Sailing

Popular dining times (especially on glacier viewing days) fill up quickly. Book online before your cruise to secure preferred times.

Bring a Power Strip

Cabins notoriously have limited outlets. A small power strip (non-surge protector, as those are often prohibited) lets you charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The Laundry Hack

Self-service laundry rooms on ships with them are least crowded early morning or late evening. Or pack Woolite and wash small items in your cabin sink.

Download the Cruise Line App

Most major lines now offer apps that work via ship Wi-Fi without requiring an internet package. You can check your schedule, make reservations, and message other passengers.

Bring a Highlighter

On embarkation day, highlight activities and dining times in your daily newsletter to create a quick visual schedule.

The Disembarkation Luggage Trick

If you can manage your own luggage, self-disembark lets you leave the ship much earlier than waiting for your luggage tag color to be called.

Hidden Photo Opportunities

The forward-most public deck on the ship (usually around deck 10-12) offers unobstructed views for glacier and wildlife photos. The bridge wings when open to passengers provide unique perspectives.

Common Questions and FAQ

Do I need a passport for an Alaska cruise?

For closed-loop cruises (roundtrip from US ports), US citizens technically only need a birth certificate and government ID. However, a passport is strongly recommended for emergencies requiring air travel or unexpected port changes. If your cruise starts or ends in Canada, a passport is required.

Will I get seasick on an Alaska cruise?

Inside Passage cruises sail through protected waters and rarely experience rough seas. Gulf of Alaska crossings can be choppy, especially during the one open-ocean day. Mid-ship cabins on lower decks experience the least motion. Pack motion sickness medication just in case.

Can I see the Northern Lights on my Alaska cruise?

Extremely unlikely during cruise season. The aurora borealis requires dark skies, and Alaska summer nights have nearly continuous daylight. Your best aurora chances are in Alaska during winter months, not during the cruise season.

How formal is the dress code on Alaska cruises?

Alaska cruises are the most casual of all cruise destinations. Most lines have 1-2 “formal” nights, but even these are more relaxed than Caribbean equivalents. Nice jeans and a button-down shirt are perfectly acceptable for men; women can wear casual dresses or slacks. Many passengers skip formal nights entirely or dress only slightly nicer than usual.

Should I book excursions before the cruise or wait until I’m on board?

Popular excursions sell out weeks or months in advance – especially the White Pass Railroad, helicopter tours, and bear viewing. Book these as soon as they become available (usually 3-6 months before sailing). Less popular tours can be booked onboard, and you might find last-minute deals.

What’s the best cabin location on an Alaska cruise?

Mid-ship locations offer the most stability. Higher decks provide easier access to outdoor viewing areas during glacier cruising. Balconies are nice but not essential since you’ll spend scenic cruising time on public decks. Avoid cabins directly under the pool deck, buffet, or above the theater.

Do Alaska cruises include alcohol?

Most mainstream cruise lines don’t include alcohol in the base fare. You can purchase drink packages, but they’re often poor value on Alaska cruises since you’ll spend more time off the ship than on tropical itineraries. Consider paying as you go or bringing allowed bottles of wine aboard.

How cold is it really on an Alaska cruise?

Summer temperatures typically range from 50-65°F (10-18°C) during the day, occasionally reaching 70°F in July and August. Early mornings during glacier viewing can drop into the 40s. It’s not frigid, but definitely not warm. Layering is essential because temperatures vary significantly throughout the day.

Can I get by without expensive excursions?

Absolutely. Several ports offer excellent free or low-cost options. In Juneau, take the public bus to Mendenhall Glacier for a few dollars. Skagway’s downtown is entirely walkable. Ketchikan’s Creek Street and totem poles are free to explore. You’ll miss some unique experiences, but you can still have a wonderful cruise on a budget.

Is trip insurance worth it for an Alaska cruise?

Alaska cruises involve more complex logistics than most – often including multiple flights and potential weather delays. If you’ve booked well in advance or have significant non-refundable costs, trip insurance provides peace of mind. Look for policies that specifically cover weather-related delays and missed connections.

What if it rains the whole time?

Rain is likely at some point during your cruise, especially in Ketchikan (one of the wettest spots in North America). But continuous rain for an entire week is rare even there. Embrace the misty atmosphere that makes Alaska’s rainforests so lush. Most excursions operate in light rain, and the scenery is stunning even when wet.

How close do ships get to glaciers?

Ships typically approach within a quarter to half mile of active tidewater glaciers. National Park regulations and safety concerns prevent closer approaches. This distance is actually ideal for viewing and photography, providing perspective on the glacier’s massive scale.

We booked our Alaska cruise for mid-June after doing a ton of research, and honestly, the timing made all the difference. Everyone warned us about the rain, but we lucked out with mostly clear skies and temperatures in the 60s. The real win was booking about eight months in advance – we snagged an inside cabin for way less than what our friends paid for a similar cruise just two months later. Pro tip: if you’re not picky about having a window, those inside cabins are perfectly fine since you’re barely in your room anyway. We probably saved close to $800 per person by being flexible with our dates and booking early.

The costs can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. The cruise fare itself seems reasonable until you start adding excursions, drink packages, and gratuities. We decided to skip the ship’s shore excursions in a couple of ports and booked independent tours instead, which saved us a bunch and felt more personal. In Juneau, we found a small outfit that took us whale watching for half the price of the cruise line’s option. My biggest piece of advice is to budget at least an extra $1,000 per person beyond the cruise fare for excursions, tips, and those random expenses that pop up. Also, bring layers – like, way more than you think you need. You’ll go from chilly mornings on deck to warm afternoons, and having a good rain jacket is essential.