Thirteen cruise lines offer cruises in Alaska, as of 2010. Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cruises, Carnival, Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian and Silver Sea are some of the major lines from which a traveler can choose. Cruisers can board ships in Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seward, Whittier, Los Angeles or San Diego. Each port and cruise line offers distinct itineraries. Travel agencies offer packages that include airfare, enabling travelers from other areas of the world to arrive at their selected ports of departure.
Alaska cruises take one of two routes. The first route stops in the capital city, Juneau, then the Ketchikan port, Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. The other travels more of the north Panhandle, allowing cruisers to view more glaciers. Travelers on the second route may want to take in a land tour of Alaska to round off their trip. On excursions to the Denali National Park and Mount McKinley area, travelers can enjoy the wilderness and animals such as bears and the rarely seen bald eagle.
Alaska cruises run between May and September each year. Due to the harsh climate of the state, cruises suspend travel during the remaining months. July and August are by far the busiest months of the peak season, as they are most moderate in temperature. As is true with many vacation plans, purchasing tickets for an Alaska cruise as far in advance as possible enables vacationers to get a more reasonable price.
Prices can range greatly on Alaska cruises, especially because each cruise line offers a variety of different packages. In 2010, a traveler selecting an inside cabin on a seven-day cruises can expect to pay between $750 and $1,000. Balcony rooms on the same cruises are $1,100 to $1,700, depending on the dates of the trip. Airfare to the port of departure and additional shore trips and excursions are not included in the price of the cruise. These expenses can add several hundred dollars to the cost of the trip.
Travelers on an Alaska cruise should remember to pack warm clothing. Experts recommend bringing clothes that are easy to layer, because the temperature can go up and down rather quickly throughout the day, especially in the summer. A comfortable backpack is also helpful to bring for excursions and trips into ports. Many cruise ships have at least one formal dinner that visitors should expect to dress up for as well.
