How to Cruise Alaska in Early May

Contact three to four cruise line companies that offer Alaska cruises. Ask about their packages and ship options. There are four- to seven-day trips, round trips from Vancouver and Seattle, glacier and fjord cruises on smaller ships and Inside Passage trips from San Francisco and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Select your ship size and type. If you want a more luxurious on-board experience, with nightlife, spa and more entertainment options, choose a larger ship (800 to 2,000 people). For a trip that includes sails closer to shore to see wildlife and fjords, select a smaller cruise liner for 200 people and under. Make your booking early for the best rates and options.

Decide which day trips or side trips you'd like to include. Find out which are offered in May as this is the beginning of the cruising season and not all the side trips are available in the early spring. Pay for these options ahead of time as part of your travel costs. Bring some extra money in case another attractive side trip crops up while you're on board.

Research the Alaskan coastline, its wildlife and history. Finding out in advance about the areas you will see makes you a more intelligent traveler and gives you an advantage in what to look for among the sights.

Pack for the weather. In May, temperatures typically range in the 50s Fahrenheit, so you'll want to have both warmer and cooler clothing to enjoy the amenities on board and on shore during your cruise. Consider your day trips --- if they include nature hikes or fishing, you'll want to have appropriate clothing for those activities.