Due to the long, cold Alaskan winter, the summer cruise season is relatively short--running from May through September. The most popular time to cruise is the peak season from the second week of June through the third week of August when the days are long and the weather is warm. This is also the best time to watch whales. The salmon runs are also at their peak during this time. On the down side, the peak season is more crowded, and ships and shore excursions fill up more rapidly.
The months of May and September are referred to as "shoulder season" in the cruise industry. The crowds are smaller, making it easier to book cruises and shore excursions. In May, the wildflowers bloom during Alaska's brief spring, while September has the advantage of fall foliage. The down side to shoulder season cruises is shorter days, comparatively colder temperatures and typically rainy fall weather.
The first thought when packing for a summer cruise is probably bathing suits and shorts, but an Alaska cruise is different. The bathing suit will still come in handy, and shorts will be comfortable during the warmer days, but summer in Alaska is still relatively cool, with temperatures that range from the 70s during the day to the 30s or 40s at night. It can also be rainy, so include a waterproof jacket or poncho, a sweater or sweatshirt, and a long-sleeve shirt or two. A warm hat and even gloves may be useful at night.
Since hiking is a popular shore excursion, don't forget to pack comfortable and sturdy footwear and good socks. Shipboard, evening wear on Alaska cruises tend to be less formal than many other cruises. Cocktail dresses are suitable formal wear for women, while suits and ties are appropriate for men.
Last minute trips have become almost synonymous with bargains, but this may not be the case when planning a cruise. There are last minute trips available, but they sometimes come at the cost of settling for less desirable cabins. There may be fewer choices in shore excursions because passengers that booked earlier may have snapped up the most popular and desirable ones.
The best deals in cruises are actually available for the early birds--passengers booking their trips 6, 12, or even 18 months before departure. Cruise lines offer extra discounts and upgrades for these passengers to ensure a full ship, so book early for the best options.
