From the gorgeous capital of Juneau to the beautiful history of the Klondike Gold Rush in Skagway, there are amazing stops all along Alaskan cruises. However, when most people think of cruises, they think of tropical beaches and fun in the sun. Alaskan cruises can be quite different and it’s important to know how to plan for them.
Choose the Best Ship To Meet Your Needs
One of the most important elements to consider when taking Alaska cruises from Seattle is to ensure that you choose the right ship to meet your needs. If you prefer something smaller and more intimate, there are ships that house fewer than 100 passengers at a time. If you’d like to cruise in luxury, there are high-class ships that carry more than 4,000 passengers at a time. In addition to determining what amenities are on board, the size of the ship determines where you’ll visit. Larger ships go to well-known ports but smaller ones often visit places off the beaten path.
Decide the Best Time To Visit
There are cruises to Alaska all year, but some months are more desirable than others, especially if you are hoping to skip the bitter cold of an Alaskan winter. The most popular times for cruising to Alaska are from early May to late September. The busiest times are mid-June to mid-August, so expect to spend more and see more people if you go during these months. Keep in mind that Alaska’s weather is not predictable, so it is hard to decide when to visit based on temperatures or when it rains the most. However, June tends to be a cool, dry month.
Bring Layers of Clothing
As stated, Alaskan weather is unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for all types of weather as you’re cruising and exploring. The best way to do this is to dress in layers. Temperatures can range more than 40 degrees in a single day, so you need to be prepared for both cold and warm weather. Start with a base layer, then add hoodies, jeans, and overcoats, depending on how warm or cold the day is expected to get.
Book Your Cruise Well in Advance
As people begin to travel close to pre-pandemic levels, waiting for last-minute discount fares is becoming riskier. The two types of cabins that fill up and sell out the most quickly are the cheap inside ones and the high-end suites, so if these are the areas you’re interested in, you’ll want to book well in advance.
Be Prepared For the “Midnight Sun”
One thing that most people never seem to be prepared for is the “Midnight Sun” in Alaska. During the summer months, the skies never get darker than twilight due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis. This means that you can explore for longer hours and likely won’t even need a flashlight. However, it also means that your natural sleep patterns are likely to be interrupted since the sun rises before 4:00 a.m. and doesn’t set until after 10:00 p.m. Coupled with time changes, the difference in sunlight could cause you to feel more exhausted than usual after a few days. Plan to stay in a room that offers blackout curtains to combat the problem.
Wear Plenty of Sunscreen
Just because you aren’t cruising in the Bahamas doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen, especially when the sun is high in the sky more often than not. If the days are clear, it’s even easier to get a sunburn. Protect your skin with an SPF of at least 50 and remember to reapply throughout the day.
By planning well in advance and knowing what to expect, you can make your Alaskan cruise that much more adventurous. Remember, book ahead to ensure you get the cabin you want for your cruise to Alaska from Seattle, Washington and be prepared for that midnight sun!
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