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44 Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Headed out this summer on Alaskan cruise? Even if you’ve taken a regular tropical cruise before, preparing for a trip to Alaska is completely different than any other vacation you might take. From the weather you’ll experience to what you do on shore, there are a lot of differences from your typical cruise.

To help you prepare, Cruzely has pulled together dozens of our most helpful tips and things to know about sailing to the last great frontier. From packing to selecting the right ship to when to sail, we’ve got everything covered with what we’ve learned from sailing there ourselves.

For even more on Alaskan cruising, don’t forget to see our list of things to pack , what to consider when selecting the right ship , and our best cruise deals to Alaska .

Long Daylight Hours Impact Your Body Clock and Sleep

If you haven’t spent time this far north, be ready for long days. In Alaskan ports, the sun can rise around 4 a.m. and set after 10 p.m. Without the rhythm of a normal day that we’re used to farther south, you will likely wake up earlier than you are used to and go to bed later.

That’s on top of any time difference between Alaska and where you live (it’s four hours behind the East Coast). 

You might find that after three or four days, the long days catch up with you and you end up crashing early to make up for lost sleep.

Be Ready for Odd Alaska Port Times

Head on a Caribbean cruise, and the schedule is familiar — show up to the port of call early in the morning and you’ll depart in the evening. Some ports are like that in Alaska, but not all. For instance, you might actually show up in the afternoon and then leave later in the evening. And instead of having a full day in port, sometimes you just have a few hours.

Take a look at a recent schedule to get an idea of what you can expect:

Uber/Lyft/Taxi Are The Easiest Options to the Seattle Port

Flying in for your cruise? Many people are, which leaves the question of how to get to the port. If cruising from Pier 66, then you can take a train from the airport station to Westlake Center . Then it is a 15-minute walk over to the cruise terminal. If sailing from Pier 91, there isn’t an easy public transportation option.

Most people will find it far easier just to catch an Uber/Lyft or a taxi from the airport . Not only does this minimize the amount of walking with luggage, but it also means a direct ride to the port, and you don’t have to worry about figuring out public transportation schedules. Expect a ride to run about $50-60 each way.

There Are Different Ports in Seattle (Be Sure You Have the Right One!)

Head to a cruise port in most cities and there is one port with multiple different terminals. If sailing from Seattle to Alaska, it’s a bit different. The two main piers are Pier 66 and Pier 91. These two spots are about two miles away from each other.

Pier 66 is near downtown and is home mainly to Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Pier 91 generally serves other cruise lines. Your cruise line will let you know which terminal you’ll sail from in your booking documents. 

Book a Ship With Somewhere Warm to Swim

Sure any cruise ship you select is going to have hot tubs for passengers. But we suggest looking for those that have a solarium or other covered spots with pools. Only a few ships have them, but covered pools are a great spot to be able to relax and swim while staying out of the chilly air that can accompany a cruise to Alaska.

Also, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit.

Don’t Forget to Pack Binoculars for Alaska

One thing that’s very different from a Caribbean cruise is the scenery on an Alaskan trip. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack a pair of binoculars to take in the sites from both the ship and the shore during ports of call. The good news is that a pair of binoculars doesn’t have to be big or expensive. You can find an affordable pair on Amazon that won’t take up a ton of space in your luggage.

We’d suggest keeping them handy. During our cruise, we were just walking the deck and randomly saw whales swimming at a distance… but didn’t have any binoculars with us.

Sail on a Ship With Plenty of Indoor Things to Do

So much of taking an Alaskan cruise is about the scenery, but you can’t spend all your hours outside watching nature go by. That’s why it’s a good idea to book a ship that has a lot of indoor activities and things to do. Given that the weather in Alaska can be rainy and cool (especially with the wind when a ship is sailing), indoor things to do give you a chance to have fun while also staying out of the weather. In general you can find a lot more to do on the bigger and newer ships — say those built in the past 10-15 years.

Layer Your Clothes During the Day

When you’re out and about in Alaska, be sure to layer the clothes that you wear. Temperatures can range 40 degrees in a day, as well as dealing with different elevations, rain, clouds, and sun.

To be sure you’re prepared for anything, layering your clothes can give you options for when it warms up or it cools down. A base layer is a good idea, along with some outerwear in case of weather.

No, It’s Not Always Freezing (Weather Can Be Great)

If you think of Alaska, you might think of the cold… but you’d be surprised. Yes, there can be cold, damp, and breezy days. But many days are also very mild with lots of sun. For instance, during a recent Alaskan cruise, we saw grey skies with temps in the 40s while sailing, but then days in port were full of sun and in the 70s. 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

If you are sailing to The Bahamas or Mexico you know to pack sunscreen. But an Alaskan cruise? One of our best tips is to pack sunscreen here as well. During the summer the days are long with a lot of opportunity to get burned if it’s clear out — especially with sun reflecting off of the water. Bring just as much as you would for the Caribbean and put it on just as often on exposed areas.

The area on the back of your neck can especially get burned as it’s likely to be exposed.

Be Prepared for Expensive Excursions

When you sail to Alaska, shore excursions are a must. While you can explore around the port of call on your own, excursions give you a chance for everything from viewing glaciers to panning for gold, to sightseeing to whale watching. The things you can do in Alaska on a shore excursion are unlike what you can do anywhere else.

Just be prepared for some sticker shock. Many excursions run into the hundreds of dollars, compared to offerings on Caribbean cruises that are typically much cheaper. Also, be sure to book as early as possible for the most choice.

Still, don’t let the higher cost scare you off. Excursions will be some of the most memorable moments of your cruise.

Sailing From Vancouver to Alaska? Flying to Seattle & Taking the Train May Save Money

While Seattle is the big departure port for Alaskan cruises, a fair number also sail from Vancouver, Canada. The issue here is that for many in the United States, a plane ticket to Vancouver can be hundreds more than the same ticket to Seattle. This is despite the fact that the two cities are just over a hundred miles apart.

If you find this situation, it can be much cheaper to book the flight to Seattle and then take one of the many services between the two cities. For example, the four-hour train ride from Seattle to Vancouver only cost us about $40 when we took it.

Don’t Forget Cruise Insurance

Think of all the recent headlines regarding travel and health and then add on all the everyday occurrences like missing a flight or getting hurt or sick. Yes, having some travel insurance can give you peace on mind.

If you’re taking any vacation, but especially a trip to remote regions like Alaska, getting insurance for your trip is a no-brainer .

It can usually be found for a just a few percentage points of the total cost of your vacation.

Book a Seattle Hotel with a Shuttle to the Port

Many people fly into the area to take their cruise. That means transportation is always a big issue. While Uber, Lyft, and taxis are abundant in Seattle, there are a number of hotels that can also make things easier. To attract cruise customers, some hotels in Seattle have cruise shuttles that will take you to the port when it’s time to board. Simply stay a night and your transportation is taken care of for you.

You’ll Find the Cheapest Fares in May and September

The height of the Alaskan cruise season runs the summer, but most ships start sailing May and don’t finish up the season until September. Those May and September trips — when families that have kids in school can’t sail — are usually cheaper due to lower demand. You can find the same cabin on the same trip for hundreds of dollars less by sailing during one of these months versus the height of summer.

Find a trip in April or October? It will be even cheaper, although the weather may be a bit colder.

Your Phone Will Likely Work in Port

One issue with sailing on most cruises is that your phone doesn’t work unless you have an international plan (you can use your phone via the ship’s wi-fi).

If sailing to Alaska, there is at least a chance (depending on your carrier) that you’ll have your normal cell service when in port. Since Alaska is part of the United States, your cell service provider may also offer service in this area with any additional charges. Check with your provider for a current map, or see our article here .

Balconies Offer Amazing Views… But Are Chilly (May Not Use it Much)

Just about everyone will tell you to spring for the balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise, and for good reason — the views can be spectacular. But just remember that things can get pretty chilly on those balconies. With the ship underway there is a constant breeze blowing, combined with already cool temperatures. So you can definitely take in the views, but you might not be sitting on the balcony as much as you think.

One Drawback of Balconies? Evening and Early Morning Light

We wouldn’t argue that having a balcony is great, but we can think of one drawback. When we sailed to Alaska in a balcony cabin, the light late at night and early in the morning made it hard to get good sleep. 

Remember, the days are long during the Alaskan summer. It can be that come 5 a.m. light is flooding in around the window curtain. To us, that makes it hard to get back to sleep if you happen to wake up early.

Observation Areas Are Perfect for Alaska

Some ships — like the Norwegian Joy — have observation areas. On the Joy and sister ships like Encore, there is the Observation Lounge and it is a multi-story sitting area with large windows that provide a sweeping view of the surrounding scenery. If the weather is an issue, it’s always warm and dry in this spot. Sailing ships with indoor observation areas looking out on the scenery are ideal.

Price Shopping for Your Alaskan Cruise? Prices Are the Same Across Sites

You can make your head spin by searching site after site for the best cruise deal. And while many promise low fares, we’ve found that the prices are almost always the exact same whether you go to the cruise line’s website or a third-party site. What might change are the incentives to book. So one site might charge $1,000 for a cruise, but have $50 in onboard credit. Another might have the same trip for $1,000 as well, but with $100 in onboard credit. All told however, the differences are usually small (if any)

One site that can be a little different is CostcoTravel.com if you’re a Costco member. They often offer cash you can use in the store as an incentive. It may not be worth it for your particular trip, but it’s worth a look. See our article on the best websites to book a cruise here .

Don’t Forget a Nightlight

If you’re sailing in an interior cabin, then do yourself a favor and pack a nightlight right now. You know that interior rooms don’t have windows, but you might not realize just how dark it gets. Without any light, getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night is tough in an unfamiliar cabin. The alternative is to turn on the cabin lights, which will wake your partner up. A cheap nightlight on Amazon is worth its weight in gold.

Cabin Fans Add Some Ventilation and White Noise

If you’re the type of person who has to have white noise and/or some airflow to help you sleep, then you should know that cruise cabins don’t have fans or vents. You can bring your own, however. You can pick up a cheap fan on Amazon for about $20 that won’t take up too much space in your cabin. If you get warm or simply like having some airflow, it’s a great thing to pack with you.

Plug-In Adapters Are a Must

The good news is that cruise ships are getting more generous with plugs in the stateroom cabins. Not only do they now include more on newer ships, but they also include USB charging ports. Still, many older ships have two or sometimes just a single outlet in the cabin. That makes it hard to charge devices.

A cheap power adapter can plug in and give you several plugs where there used to only be one. Just don’t pack one with a surge protector as they aren’t allowed on ships.

Use Your Cabin Safe

Every cabin you sail will have a small safe, usually tucked into the closet or in the cabinets. While it’s not that big, it’s an easy way to store your valuables — passports, keys, cash, and more. Be sure to use the safe whenever you leave the cabin. While theft is rare, there’s no sense in making things any easier for someone with sticky fingers.

Do The Math Before Buying a Drink Packages

Drink packages make things extremely simple. You pay one price and get to drink pretty much anything on the ship for no additional charge. That said, they aren’t always the best deal, depending on how much you’ll drink. For instance, you have to purchase the drink package for every day of the cruise, even when you are in port and unlikely to use it that much.

To make things simple we have a drink package calculator here that can give you a better idea of the package is worth it for you.

Just keep in mind that the vibe on an Alaskan cruise may not lend itself as much to drinking as it would on a Caribbean trip. It’s less about the party than sailing in warmer locations.

Some Cruise Lines Are Cheaper Than Others for the Same Sights

No one would argue that some cruise lines offer more luxury or nicer ships than others. But if you’re most interested in seeing Alaska — and not the ship — then most cruise lines offer similar routes. In other words, you can see the same sites as someone paying double or triple what you paid by going with a cheaper line. In particular, we’ve found in the past that Holland America has fares that are often inexpensive compared to rivals.

Do the Math on Balconies Versus Interior

If you can afford it, it’s preferable to sail on a balcony versus an interior cabin. But there is a lot of demand for these rooms and the prices can be significantly higher than an interior room.

While a balcony is nice, it’s not like there aren’t places around the ship to take in the scenery. In other words, if the price difference it outrageous, book the interior cabin, save the cash, and still get to experience 95% of what passengers with a balcony get to see, just not from the comfort of your own room.

Don’t Be Afraid to Pack Plenty

You’re going to be bound by airline restrictions if you fly into the port, but if not, don’t be afraid to overpack for your trip. Alaska can throw a lot of different weather at you in a short period of time, meaning different clothing is needed. Add in things like elegant night, and you’ve got something else to pack for. Meanwhile, it’s not so easy to run out and get anything you might have forgot at home. Cruise lines don’t charge for baggage, so bring pretty much as much as you want.

Be Ready to Pay to Park

Driving into Seattle for a cruise to Alaska? Be forewarned that parking during your trip is expensive. Rates are $30 per night to park at the ports . Given the location of the terminals, there also aren’t many spots around for independent parking. You can stay at a hotel offering a parking package , but other than that there aren’t many ways to get around the parking fee if you’ve got to leave your car somewhere.

No, Marijuana Isn’t Legal on the Ship (But Is in Alaska Ports)

Sailing from Seattle to Alaska? One quirk is that recreational marijuana is legal in both states. It’s also legal in Canada, where Alaskan cruises will also stop. However, it’s a bad idea to bring it on the ship, and it is against the rules. Cruise ships follow federal law, which says pot is illegal. Plus, the ship travels internationally, making it an even worse idea to bring marijuana or even CBD products into another country.

Instead, just enjoy in ports if you want to partake and leave the rest on land.

Always Fly Into Port the Night Before

Flying in for your cruise? Then the most important piece of advice is to fly in the day before your ship departs. These days between weather, mechanical issues, and even computer shutdowns, there are way too many instances of flights getting delayed. Fly in the morning of your trip, and a delay could mean you miss the entire cruise. Give yourself peace of mind and fly in the day before. 

Wait Until Port to Pick Up Anything You Forgot

It’s inevitable that you’ll think of something that you forgot to pack while on the ship. It’s just the way things are. If this happens to you, we’d suggest waiting until you get into port to pick up whatever you needs. Cruise ships sell staples — everything from candy bars to cough medicine — but there can be an insane markup on the prices. You’ll save money and have a wider selection if you wait until the ship ports. There will be a small store or two where you can pick up sundries.

Download the Cruise Line’s App

All the major cruise lines now have apps that you should download before you board the ship. Why are they so important? These apps are full guides to the ship and everything on board. In your pocket you can have a full map of every deck, a complete list of every activity, opening and closing times, port information, and can even check the summary of your onboard spending account. In short, the apps are extremely valuable to passengers. The best part is they are free to download and use.

In fact, the apps have gone from being “nice to have” to practically required to sail these days.

Always Wait For People to Get Off the Elevator First

Elevators are the heart of ship, and you’ll likely ride them several times a day. One annoying habit is that many cruisers like to crowd around the doors to get on. That means those trying to get off the elevators are stuck while those wanting to get on move out of the way. Just keep things simple and make sure there is no one else exiting before trying to get on your elevator.

Don’t Forget Your Swimsuit

Sure in Alaska you aren’t going to the beach, but there are still opportunities to take a dip. From the pools on the ship (hopefully covered) to hot tubs that are nice and warm during a cool Alaskan night, you’ll definitely want to pack that swimsuit. You might use it more than you realize.

All the other “beachy” stuff, however, you can leave at home.

Get Your Cash Beforehand (ATMs Are Expensive on the Ship)

You likely want to bring some cash on your cruise. It’s best to grab it before you head to the ship. On the cruise ship there are cash machines, but expect to pay dearly. Charges of $6 to get out cash are normal . Save the money and bring cash from home. Not sure how much to bring? Here’s some advice on how much cash to bring on a cruise .

Bring Your Wine or Champagne

Cruise lines don’t let you bring beer or liquor on the ships. But they do allow you to bring a bottle or two of wine of champagne . If you drink these beverages, then take advantage of the perk. Consider that a moderate bottle of wine in a grocery store can cost $10-12. Meanwhile, a glass of wine on the ship can be $10-12. In other words, that bottle you bring can save you a small fortune compared to drinking on the ship.

Payouts in the Casino Aren’t that Great

During your trip there will be plenty of time to try your luck in the ship’s casino. Now it doesn’t take a genius to know that any time you gamble the edge always goes to the house. On a cruise ship that edge can be even larger.

Payouts are notoriously low on the ships , including blackjack that pays 6-to-5 and video poker with low returns. If you still want to gamble ,there’s nothing wrong with that but just know that the chips are stacked against you.

Casinos will be open when the ship is at sea, outside of the jurisdiction of the states/countries where it sails.

Sunglasses Are a Must-Have in Alaska

Again, you might be surprised at times by the sun in Alaska. While there can be some overcast days, those sunny days can hit hard. Just because you’re not going to the Caribbean doesn’t mean you can leave the sunglasses at home.

Invest in a Camera With a Zoom

These days almost all of us use our phone as our camera. While phone cameras are great for most shots, they often lack in the zoom capability. If you want to spot wildlife in Alaska and catch a snapshot, then you’ll want a decent camera with a zoom feature. This will allow you to get stunning pictures of the beauty of Alaska, even if you are quite a distance from your subject.

A Cheap Poncho Keeps Your Prepared

We’ve covered that it can rain in Alaska. That’s why we suggest packing several of those inexpensive plastic ponchos. They fold up into a small square so that they take up hardly any space in your luggage. Even so, they can unfold and be worn to keep you drier in a downpour. Pack several for each person in your party because once you used them you aren’t going to want to try to dry them out and fold them up again.

Sail Late in the Season For the Best Chance of Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can occur year round, but the long days during the summer mean that your chances of seeing them are less. If you sail late in the season (late August or September), then the days start getting shorter. That leaves a longer — and darker — time for you to be able to see the spectacle. There’s still no guarantee you’ll get to see them, but it will increase your odds.

Crowds Are Smaller in the Shoulder Season

Want to sail with fewer crowds and ships? Look to set sail in the early part of the season (May) or the later part of the season (late August-September). With school back in session, fewer families can take a week off to sail to Alaska. Meanwhile some ships either aren’t sailing yet or have moved on for the season. That can mean fewer people in ports of call.

Different Cruise Lines Appeal to Different Passengers

While the cruise lines often sail similar routes and see similar things, there is a difference between the cruise lines and what they offer passengers. Some passengers are simply looking for the cheapest fare while others want to highest-level of luxury. Still others want to sail the biggest and newest ships. There’s no doubt that different ships will have different experiences, so do your research before booking to find the line that best fits your style.

If you want a lot of things to do, we’d suggest Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Want a more elegant experience? Try Princess, Holland America or Celebrity.

Yes, You Need a Passport or Birth Certificate to Cruise to Alaska

If you’re sailing from the United States… and sailing to another U.S. state… why do you need a passport or birth certificate to travel? Cruises stop in Canada for at least one port of call to satisfy requirements put on them by U.S. laws. That means you technically leave the U.S., sail to a foreign country, and then re-enter.

It’s best to have a passport, but if your cruise starts and ends in the same port you can travel with a government-issued birth certificate. For more on details about sailing with a passport or birth certificate, see our article here .

Expect to Spend More on an Alaskan Cruise

One of the big draws of cruising is that it can be a cheap vacation. Head to the Caribbean for a few days and you might find a fare as little as $200 per person. That’s not the case for Alaskan cruises. Expect to spend significantly more.

Most trips for a week start at $500 per person for the cheapest rooms in the shoulder seasons. Peak times to sail see prices start at $800 or more for an interior cabin. Add in port fees and taxes, gratuity, and charges for double occupancy, and you can expect to spend $2,000 at a minimum. Don’t forget the cost of flights to the port as well and excursions, which are a must.

We will say that it seems a big jump in Caribbean fares has made the prices more comparable, but we’d still expect to spend more on average for Alaska.

Have questions about sailing to Alaska? Let us know in the comments below.

More on Cruising Alaska:

• Can I Use My Phone? Guide to Cell Phone Access on an Alaskan Cruise
• 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 You’d Never Think Of)
• Are Alaskan Cruises Worth It? Absolutely, and Here’s Why…

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From what I have hear an enhanced drivers license (a legit enhanced license not just Real ID) will work for cruises that are round trip from seattle without the need for a birth certificate. Can you confirm?

Which direction is best for an Alaska Cruise? Vancouver to Seward? Or vice versa. And should cabin be facing the land as best for viewing?

You will take A LOT of pictures. Have a memory card that is sufficient.

Oh, good idea. Videos also take up a ton of space.

Hello. I know your article said to fly in the night before but where we’re coming from the only direct flights back and forth are on Saturday. The flights will arrive then depart during the 12 o’clock hour. Barring flight problems would that allow enough time to get to port on departure day and then back to airport upon arrival back?

That should be fine. The reasons for flying in early are to make a more relaxing time getting to port and juuuuuust in case there is a delay.

When applying for an ETSA for a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then back to Vancouver for a return flight to UK, how do i fill in 1. USA contact information 2. USA address as the drop down menus don’ give many options?

I’m not sure about that. You might call the cruise line for information.

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15 Cruise Hotels Near Port Canaveral (Minutes to the Cruise Ship)

15 perfect christmas gifts for cruise lovers (2024 edition), the best cruise lines for sailing alaska (2025), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

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Alaska Cruise in May: Is it Worth it? Pros and Cons

Thinking about an Alaska cruise in May? It’s one of the best-kept secrets for exploring the Last Frontier! This month offers incredible perks: smaller crowds, vibrant wildlife, and stunning snowy peaks just beginning to thaw. Chris and I have cruised through Alaska in every season, but May holds a special place with its wild beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Check out what to wear on an Alaska cruise in May, and what weather you should expect. Read on to discover all the pros and cons to see if May is the perfect time for your Alaska adventure!

Table of Contents

Why May is a unique month to cruise Alaska?

May is an ideal month to start your Alaska cruise adventure, offering unique benefits that set it apart from the busier summer months. Cruising in May means fewer crowds. You also have a wider choice of cabins and often more affordable rates compared to peak season.

The landscapes come alive as spring unfolds, with snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and the first wildflowers. Wildlife activity is high— especially for whales, and eagles begin to emerge and thrive, making this an exciting time for nature enthusiasts.

The weather in May is brisk but not as cold as winter, and the days are noticeably longer, giving you more time to explore Alaska’s rugged beauty. May’s crisp air is perfect for watching glaciers, without the sweltering sun you might find in midsummer.

With this early-season timing, you get a refreshing blend of quiet, natural beauty and thrilling wildlife encounters that make May a standout month for Alaskan cruises.

Chris and I love cruising Alaska and have experienced the stunning Last Frontier in nearly every month of the season. From the lush landscapes of early summer to the vibrant colors of fall, each month offers something unique—but May stands out as one of our favorites. It’s quieter, wilder, and filled with seasonal highlights that are truly unforgettable.

We share only our first-hand experiences, so you’ll find detailed articles on our site about cruising Alaska throughout the season. Be sure to check out our general guide on the Alaska cruise season and specific insights for each month:

• Alaska cruise in June ,
• Alaska cruise in July ,
• Alaska cruise in August , and
• Alaska cruise in September .

Weather Overview for an Alaska Cruises in May

In May, Alaska’s weather can be as dynamic as its landscapes, so it’s essential to be prepared for varied conditions. May temperatures generally range from the mid-30s to low 50s °F (1-11 °C), with average highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s °F (8-12 °C).

Mornings and evenings are often chilly, while afternoons can warm up, especially as the month progresses​. Here are details for the most popular Alaska ports of call .

Temperature Ranges

• Juneau : Expect daytime highs around 58°F (14°C) and lows dipping to 40°F (4°C), making layered clothing essential for comfort. Early mornings and evenings can feel brisk, especially near open water.
• Skagway : Similar to Juneau, Skagway sees average highs of 59°F (15°C) and lows of 42°F (5°C). However, it’s generally less humid, making cool evenings feel slightly milder.
• Ketchikan : With highs of around 55°F (13°C) and lows near 42°F (5°C), Ketchikan’s weather is somewhat milder but often damp, given it’s known for frequent rain.
• Seward (130 miles south of Anchorage): Highs in Seward average around 53°F (12°C), with lows around 37°F (3°C), keeping the coastal air crisp and cool, especially on breezy days.

Agnes’ Advice : Make sure to check out our detailed Alaska cruise packing list with a printable PDF checklist , to prepare for your Alaskan adventure.

Rain and Precipitation

May is a relatively dry month for Alaska’s cruise ports, especially compared to summer.

• Juneau receives about 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain over approximately 14-18 days, often as light showers rather than heavy storms.
• Skagway experiences the least rain among these ports, with only around 1.3 inches (33 mm) on average.
• Ketchikan, however, is rainier with about 8.7 inches (220 mm) over 15-20 days—packing waterproof gear is a must here.
• Seward sees roughly 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain across 12-15 days, so brief showers are common.

Snow and Seasonal Melt

In higher elevations, snow can linger into May, particularly early in the month. Juneau, for example, may still see snow in areas above sea level, enhancing scenic views with frosty peaks even as the snow melts in lower areas.

On rare days, cruise routes toward glaciers, such as Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay , may encounter floating icebergs early in the season, though it typically won’t impact ship access.

Daylight Hours

May brings longer days with about 17 hours of daylight by month-end. In Juneau, sunrise starts as early as 5:00 am, and by late May, sunset can stretch until nearly 10:00 pm. This extended daylight is perfect for sightseeing and maximizes shore excursion time, giving a relaxed pace to enjoy Alaska’s rugged scenery.

Pros of Cruising Alaska in May

What are the advantages of cruising to Alaska in May? Here is a detailed breakdown.

Fewer Crowds and Lower Prices

• Early Season Savings . May is the start of Alaska’s cruise season, and prices are generally lower than during peak summer months. Lower demand translates into savings on both cabin rates and excursions, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers, as the cost of cruising to Alaska can be quite high.
• Upgrades . Guests cruising Alaska in May may find a pleasant surprise—upgrades! With fewer travelers onboard in early season, some cruise lines offer complimentary or discounted upgrades to higher cabin categories to fill available space.
• Less Congestion . May sees fewer tourists in popular ports like Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Haines, Ketchikan, Skagway, Seward, or Whittier, allowing for a more relaxed, less crowded experience at top attractions and during excursions.
• Fewer Families and Children . With May being before summer vacation, there are typically fewer families and children on Alaska cruises. This early-season timing creates a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere onboard, ideal for those looking to explore Alaska without the high energy of peak summer family travel.
• Discounts . Some shore excursions in May may offer better, discounted prices due to early-season demand. For more insights, check out our article Alaska Shore Excursions: On Your Own or Via the Cruise Ship? Which Solution is Better ? for tips on finding the best deals and choosing the right option for your trip.

Exceptional Whale Viewing

May is prime time for whale watching in Alaska . Humpback whales and orcas migrate to Alaskan waters, and it’s not uncommon to spot them breaching near the cruise routes. This early-season migration creates thrilling opportunities for whale enthusiasts.

Agnes’ Advice: What are our favorite whale-watching experiences during the Alaska cruise? Whale-watching in Juneau and Whale-watching in Icy Strait Point .

Snow-Capped Peaks and Melting Glaciers

May offers a unique contrast as Alaska transitions from winter to spring. Snow still blankets the higher mountain ranges, creating stunning scenery, especially in fjords like Tracy Arm, where icebergs and frosty peaks dominate the landscape.

This adds a layer of beauty to glacier viewing compared to the greener summer months. In May, you’ll get the unique experience of seeing Alaska’s snowy mountain peaks and icy landscapes without enduring the intense cold of winter.

Mild Weather with Less Rain: May is Drier Than Summer

May is among the driest months in Southeast Alaska. While some rain is likely, especially in Ketchikan, overall precipitation is lower compared to the heavier rains typical of summer. This more predictable weather allows for clearer views and more comfortable outdoor activities​.

May’s temperatures, though brisk, are generally comfortable with average highs in the upper 40s to mid-50s °F (8-12 °C).

Extended Sightseeing Time

By May, Alaska’s daylight extends to almost 17 hours, giving travelers ample time to explore and participate in activities without feeling rushed. Late sunsets make it easier to enjoy evening excursions, scenic cruising, or soak in the views from your cruise ship.

Cons of Cruising Alaska in May

Are there any downsides to cruising Alaska in May? Yes, there are, and it’s important to know what to expect before booking. We’ve explored Alaska in May multiple times and love its early-season charm, but there are specific limitations you should consider.

Here, we’re sharing an honest look at the potential cons of cruising in May, so you can decide if this month is the right fit for your Alaskan adventure.

Land Tours Are Limited in Early May

Combining a cruise with a land tour in May, especially in the first two weeks, can be challenging since certain destinations are still closed. For example, Denali National Park doesn’t fully open until around May 20.

If you’re cruising from Seward , remember that access to popular land destinations like Denali can be limited early in May. And for those departing from Whittier , planning a pre- or post-cruise land tour may require flexibility, as many iconic areas are only fully accessible from late May / mid-June onward.

Limited Access to Certain Activities

• Restricted Backcountry and Park Access : Many land-based activities, particularly in areas like Denali National Park, are restricted in early May as snow melts. Denali, a top attraction for land tours, generally opens to visitors around May 20, so combining a land tour with a cruise in early May can be challenging.
• Delayed Start for Fishing and Other Summer Tours : While May kicks off whale watching, salmon fishing and certain summer-specific excursions don’t peak until June or July. For those set on fishing or participating in Alaska’s summer festivals, a later cruise may be more fulfilling.​

Limited Wildlife Sightings Compared to Later Months

• Salmon-Related Wildlife is Scarcer : The famous salmon runs, which attract bears and other wildlife in large numbers, happen later in the summer. For travelers hoping to catch bears fishing for salmon, late June or July and August might be a better choice.
• Bear Viewing : May isn’t the best month for bear sightings, as the peak season for viewing bears begins in June. During the salmon run in areas like Ketchikan, sightings increase significantly in July and August when bears gather along rivers to fish.
• Katmai National Park and Brooks Falls : For those dreaming of the iconic bear-viewing experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, where bears catch salmon in mid-air, the peak season is late June through August. Planning a land tour to Katmai alongside a May cruise may not fulfill this specific wildlife goal​.

Rougher Seas Early in the Season

• Unsettled Waters : May’s transitional weather can create rougher seas, particularly in open areas like the Gulf of Alaska. Travelers prone to seasickness might consider Inside Passage routes, which are generally calmer, or bring anti-motion remedies.

Limited Onboard and Excursion Availability

Certain amenities may not be fully available early in the season, such as outdoor pools or specific summer-focused programs. Checking with the cruise line in advance can help align expectations​.

Limited Restaurant and Shop Availability

In early May, some restaurants, shops, and seasonal businesses in Alaskan ports may still be closed or have limited hours as they prepare for the busier summer months. This can affect dining and shopping options, especially in smaller ports where businesses typically open gradually as visitor numbers rise.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Variable and Cool Temperatures : May weather in Alaska can range from chilly mornings and evenings in the 40s °F (around 4-5°C) to mild afternoons in the low 50s °F. Coastal areas often experience rapid weather changes, so layers and rain gear are essential​.

Who We Recommend an Alaska Cruise in May?

• Travelers seeking lower Prices and Fewer Crowds
• Nature Enthusiasts and Wildlife Lovers (especially whale-watching enthusiasts)
• Flexible Travelers Who Don’t Mind Cooler, Variable Weather
• History and Culture Buffs
• Travelers Interested in Unique Glacier and Fjord Scenery
• Those Seeking Longer Daylight Hours for Sightseeing
• Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, without the bustling family crowds typical of peak summer.

An Alaska cruise in May is well-suited for those who enjoy nature, history, and more peaceful travel experiences, all at a lower cost. It’s a month full of seasonal transitions, making it perfect for flexible, nature-loving travelers seeking a unique Alaskan adventure.

Who We Do Not Recommend an Alaska Cruise in May?

• Travelers Expecting Warm Weather
• Wildlife Enthusiasts Focused on Bear Viewing
• Those Looking for Full Access to Summer Activities and Alaska National Parks
• Travelers hoping to combine a cruise with a comprehensive land tour (especially in early May)
• Travelers Prone to Seasickness
• Shoppers and Diners Who Expect a Full Range of Local Options

For those who want warmer weather, peak wildlife sightings, and a wide range of activities, an Alaska cruise in May may not be the best fit. However, if you’re flexible and enjoy a quieter, cooler start to the season, May can still offer an incredible Alaskan experience.

What to Pack and Wear for an Alaska Cruise in May?

Packing for an Alaskan cruise in May requires preparing for variable weather and layering for comfort. By dressing in layers and bringing the right accessories, you’ll be ready to enjoy Alaska’s spring beauty to the fullest. For a detailed breakdown of what to wear, check our full packing guide for an Alaska cruise.

• Layers : Bring a mix of base, mid, and waterproof outer layers to stay comfortable in varying weather.
• Waterproof Footwear : Durable, waterproof shoes or boots are ideal for wet trails or rocky terrain.
• Cold-Weather Accessories : Pack gloves, a warm hat, and a scarf for chilly mornings and evenings.
• Sun Protection : Sunglasses and sunscreen protect from UV rays reflecting off ice and water.

Best Shore Excursions for an Alaska Cruise in May

Spot Early Migrating Whales : May is a prime month to see humpback whales and orcas as they return to Alaskan waters. Cruises from Juneau and Icy Strait Point offer thrilling excursions where you’re likely to spot these majestic creatures. Watching for breaches and tail slaps is particularly exciting as the whales are active and plentiful along these early-season routes. Alongside whales, expect to see harbor seals, sea lions, and possibly porpoises.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railway in Skagway : This classic train ride from Skagway is a must in May, offering early-season views of snow-dusted mountain passes, gorges, and waterfalls. The White Pass Railway brings passengers through breathtaking, rugged terrain, making it a perfect option for those interested in the Gold Rush history and stunning Alaskan landscapes​.

Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls Trail in Juneau : For a closer look at Alaskan landscapes, take a guided hike along the Nugget Falls Trail near Mendenhall Glacier. This easy-to-access trail offers glacier views, and in May, you’ll enjoy quiet paths surrounded by melting snow and early wildflowers.

Native Alaskan Culture : Ports like Sitka and Ketchikan offer excursions focused on Alaska’s Native heritage, with performances and exhibits at cultural centers. These tours provide meaningful insights into the traditions, art, and stories of Alaska’s indigenous communities​.

Conclusion: Is an Alaska Cruise in May Worth It?

An Alaska cruise in May is an unforgettable way to experience the Last Frontier’s spring beauty with the added benefits of fewer crowds, early-season wildlife, and stunning snowy landscapes.

While there are some cons to consider—like variable weather and limited access to certain activities—the advantages, such as quieter ports and potential discounts, make May a fantastic choice for those seeking a unique, peaceful Alaskan experience.

Whether you’re drawn to the chance of whale sightings, spectacular glacier views, or the relaxed atmosphere onboard, May offers a distinct experience that stands apart from peak-season cruises. With thoughtful planning and the right gear, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer during this refreshing, early-season window.

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Agnes Stabinska is the creative force and co-founder behind the Alaska Itinerary blog. With a degree in Tourism Management and postgraduate studies in Journalism, Agnes combines academic expertise with real-world experience. Alongside her partner, Chris, she's your go-to guide for an authentic Alaskan adventure.

Agnes doesn't just write about Alaska; she lives it. From capturing the state's breathtaking landscapes through her lens to hiking its rugged trails or observing bears and whales in their natural habitat, her firsthand experiences are your compass to all things Alaska.

With Agnes and Chris, you're not just reading another travel blog; you're tapping into a treasure trove of insider tips, curated itineraries, and invaluable insights to make your Alaskan journey truly unforgettable.

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Alaska Cruise Tips – 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Alaskan Cruise

My husband and I recently returned from a wonderful cruise to Alaska. We took the trip (without our three kids) to celebrate our 10th anniversary. We thoroughly enjoyed our first cruise – especially since it was to Alaska with lots to see and history to discover. Having never cruised before, we read a lot of Alaska cruise tips for months before we traveled. 

You see, we had been saving since our wedding for a big trip like this. ( Alaska was one of our 15 savings accounts and a great way to save for a special event like this. ) We researched a lot online before we booked our cruise, and researched even more Alaska cruise tips before we actually left. We felt pretty well prepared but there were still some things that we had to learn on the ship. There were actually several times we looked at each other and commented how we wished we had known that. This is how this list of Alaska cruise tips began.

I’m sharing this list of Alaska cruise tips to help others who are getting ready for their Alaskan cruise! Some of these tips may apply to all cruises and some are specific to Alaskan cruises. Either way, I hope it helps someone else get ready to cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

Here are my most important Alaska cruise tips. Otherwise entitled, 21 things I wish I knew before my first Alaskan cruise.

1. The ship will seem overwhelming at first but you will figure it out. 

When we first walked onto our ship (the Norwegian Bliss), Andy and I were both overwhelmed. We expected more information than we received. We got a map of the ship at check in and the staff welcomed us aboard, but that was it. It took us a couple days of wandering around but we learned the ins and outs of the ship faster than we anticipated. Just plan to be overwhelmed at first and give yourself time to figure it out. 

2. Inside staterooms are a good deal.

We booked a guaranteed inside stateroom (with the possibility of an upgrade) to get the best deal. Not only did we save money, but we found our room was very comfortable and well designed for two people. There was space for our suitcases under our very comfortable bed, as well as a closet with shelves and a decent sized bathroom. It did not feel cramped at all. The other upside to an inside stateroom is that you don’t have windows. Since the sun sets so late and rises so early (around 4 am in the summer in Alaska), our inside stateroom was always nice and dark to sleep. We were very thankful for that.

3. Your cruise card is everything and links to your tv.

When you board the ship, you will be printed a credit card sized cruise card for your trip. Your card is how you access and pay for everything on the cruise. Do not lose it! You need it to check into all the restaurants (even the free ones), to open your room (obviously), to turn on your room lights, and to pay for anything you purchase on the ship. Your card will allow you to use any free or purchased credits you have for your cruise. After that, it is linked to your credit card so you don’t have to carry a wallet around the ship. On our Norwegian cruise, the rooms had a Smart TV where we could see a running summary of charges, activities and credits.

4. You don’t need a lanyard for your cruise card.

I saw the advice to buy a cruise lanyard (like this one ) for your card so many times when researching for our cruise. We decided not to buy one and I’m glad we didn’t. Honestly? Less than 15 percent of people on our cruise used a lanyard. You do need to have your card with you at all times but it is very easy to put the card in your pocket. It is also much less noticeable. If you are a girl and don’t have pockets in your outfit, just give your card to your spouse or carry the card with your book. I would not recommend buying a lanyard unless you really want to wear a necklace with your card the entire trip. I would possibly recommend it for grandparents who are cruising. Otherwise, I think you will be fine.

5. You don’t need a power strip or water bottle.

These were two more items I saw regularly recommended for purchase. We did not purchase a power strip and managed just fine with the 3 outlets in our room. None of the outlets were in the bathroom but they were by a large mirror in our room. We had two phones (which we used for pictures), two Fitbits and a Kindle to charge, plus my hair straightener. I never wished for more outlets. If you do think you will nee more outlets, make sure you purchase a cruise-approved outlet since it can not be a surge protected one.

A water bottle was mentioned as an important purchase and I did purchase one. However, I did not really use my water bottle on the cruise. You can take your glasses out of any dining room on the ship and it was easy to stop by the buffet for a drink anytime we needed one. Even when we were off the ship, I did not take nor did I need my water bottle. If you have strenuous hiking excursions planned, perhaps you want a water bottle. Otherwise, save the space and money from skipping this purchase too.

6. Pack Dramamine – just in case. 

Walmart has a generic box of motion sickness pills for less than $2. It is worth the money to pick up a box, just in case! We definitely noticed the motion of the ship, even though we had a relatively calm trip. There was one night the waves got higher than usual and I ended up taking one pill before bed. It is a cheap $2 insurance policy and a useful thing to pack, but you are not out much if you don’t need it.

7. Check your cell phone coverage before you go.

It is important to know what your cell plan covers before you leave. Most cell phone plans include Alaska so you can use your phone as normal when in port and on land.  When you are cruising, be sure to set your phone to airplane mode so you do not occur roaming charges. My husband debated on the internet package but we saved our money and touched base with the kids when we were on land, every day or two. It was nice to disconnect for awhile.

8. Print brochures ahead of time.

Wanting to make the most of our time in port, I researched every port city before we left. I printed any important directions or brochures before we left and put them in our cruise binder. Many cities have brochures available online and I printed those off. Skagway and Ketchikan had walking tours that I printed off. My husband printed maps of the cities so we knew how to get around once we docked. We also noted where all the visitor center locations were so we could pick up print copies of the brochures. In a couple cases, they were out of the walking tour brochures and other things we wanted. It was very useful to have our print copies from the moment we got off the ship. 

9. Be prepared for 30 to 90 degrees on your cruise, sun and rain.

Alaska is very unpredictable. We actually had beautiful weather on our mid-June cruise, which we are told is unusual. We had one rainy day in Juneau and a couple foggy hours at sea. Otherwise, we had sunshine and beautiful days to see Alaska. To be prepared, I packed 4 different coats – a tee-shirt type light jacket, a fall weather jacket, my heavy winter down coat and a wool shawl wrap. I wore every coat I packed.

We discovered that the coldest times were at sea with the wind coming off the water. When we were on land, I went without a jacket sometimes. My husband wore shorts a couple days. I wore jeans or leggings. It is difficult to know exactly what to wear so pack an assortment of clothes, plus various jackets, and you will be fine. We also packed our umbrellas and needed them in Juneau!

10. Elevators will get crowded. Be ready to take the stairs.

With thousands of people on a cruise ship, there are many times the elevators will be crowded. Plan on taking the stairs and you won’t have to wait for elevators. It also helps you burn off calories from the delicious food you will be eating!

11. You will walk a lot – on and off the ship.

I am a walker but I was surprised by how much we walked on our cruise. Our highest walking day was 30,000 steps in Skagway – and that was after we sat on a train for 3 hours in the morning! Even when we were on the ship all day, I easily hit 10,000 steps without ever stepping foot in the exercise room.

12. The dress attire on Alaskan cruises is pretty casual. 

We read much on this topic before we boarded our cruise. Knowing that we needed various coats for Alaska, we didn’t really want to waste room on formal clothes. I wore nice slacks and a dressy top one evening, and Andy changed into dress slacks and a polo that night too. That was as dressy as we got and we never felt out of place. We saw only a handful of people dress in formal attire at night. Most were dressed in jeans and leggings and nice tops. Alaska cruise attire on the Norwegian really was cruise casual.

13. Sign up early for shows and ship activities.

We were assigned a boarding time of 11 am for our cruise. Somehow, we were some of the first on the ship and the very first ones at the sign up desk for activities. Before you get on board, make sure you know what activities you plan on doing. We knew we needed to sign up for Andy to ride the go karts on our ship. Because we were the first ones there, we had our pick of times.

We had signed up online to see Jersey Boys but because we waited until just a couple weeks before our cruise, the only spots left were at at 10:30 pm show. We signed up, but then learned we could line up as stand by for the 7:30 show and easily got in. It was an excellent show and worth the wait! Still. Lesson learned. Sign up for whatever you can online as soon as you book your tickets. Then, make your first stop once you board, to sign up for any other activities or dining experiences you want.

14. Get up early for the best seats and views.

One of the most popular spots on the Norwegian Bliss was an Observation Gallery at the front of the ship. It had floor to ceiling windows for amazing views. There were also comfortable lounge chairs to relax and watch the scenery float by. As you can imagine, this spot was very popular!

On one at sea day, we were up early after breakfast and managed to snag two lounge chairs, where we spent the morning relaxing and reading. It was amazing! You certainly don’t want to hog seats or save them empty for hours (as some people did) but if you are up early, you will have the most choices of best seats to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan views. 

If all the areas seem crowded, keep exploring the ship! Some spots will get more crowded than others. Keep looking around. Our third day, we discovered a bar that was completely deserted in the morning. We were able to enjoy the peace and quiet and even spotted several whales that morning! We moved seats almost every day as we preferred the quieter areas. It is completely possible. Just keep exploring the ship and you can always find some good seats!

15. The time change will throw you for a loop.

When you cruise to Alaska, you will have to change time zones. Not only will you change from your time zone, but parts of Alaska are another time zone over from the United States. Traveling from Indiana (Eastern time), we had a 3 or 4 time hour difference for the cruise. It wasn’t terrible but it did throw us for a bit of a loop. Since it was just my husband and myself traveling, we decided to embrace it and keep an earlier cruise schedule. We were always up by 6 or 7 (Alaska time) and went to bed by 10:30. Granted, that was still late in Indiana but not nearly as late as some people kept. Whatever schedule you decide to keep, just be aware that the time change will take a bit of adjusting to during your cruise. 

16. Eat early for best views and service.

Since we were used to Eastern time, we kept that schedule and were usually the first to lunch and dinner. It meant we had the choice of seats and almost always early enough to be seated by a window. If you want great views as you dine, consider eating early.  We had good views and good service without having to deal with crowds.

Also, we decided the buffet was a great option for breakfast while we preferred to eat at the sit down restaurants for lunch and dinner. Breakfast was never crowded at the buffet and they had good food options. I loved their cinnamon raisin French toast while my husband liked the Belgian waffles. We both enjoyed the bacon! Lunch and dinner were crowded at the buffet and it was more relaxing to sit at our own table and have food brought to us. If you do eat the buffet, be sure to find an empty table first and then go get your food. It’s much easier than wandering around with full plates.

17. There is plenty to eat without paying for extra dining.

Every cruise ship will be different but the Norwegian cruise line had 5 restaurants included in our dining plan. After that, we could pay extra to eat at another 15 (or more) restaurants. Frugal travelers that we are, we decided to forgo the extra dining and save money. There were plenty of food choices at the included restaurants! The menu at the main restaurants changed daily with some items staying the same.

We did have some free credits that we had received so we tried one of the restaurants (Q – Texas Barbeque) the last night. It wasn’t that great. Nothing special that made us wish we had paid more money for specialty dining. In fact, it just made us more glad that we had saved on our money in this area.

18. Be prepared to share port cities with 2-4 other cruises.

We knew there would be other ships in all our ports but didn’t realize the impact until we docked. The ships arrival and departure times are staggered but you will see other cruise ships along your route. We noticed it most in Skagway which is a town of 800 people year round. On our cruise day? There were 12,000 people in town. Amazingly, it never felt overwhelming but it is something else I wish I had known.

19. Skagway has the most and best excursion options.

Hands down, Skagway was our favorite stop! We spent 14 hours in Skagway and made the most of them all. We started our day with a 3 hour train ride on the White Pass and Yukon railroad. It was our most expensive excursion but I am so glad we did it. It was fascinating to learn Gold Rush history as we traveled the same route so many of those people did.

After a very enjoyable train trip, we spent the rest of the day wandering around Skagway. The National Parks Service has a great (free!) museum with lots of information about the Gold Rush. We also took a free walking tour with one of their rangers. We enjoyed lunch at Skagway Brewing Company, which was worth the wait. Their Spruce Tip beer was a unique blend!

Later on, we did a short hike to Yukutania Point (beautiful water views) and a much longer than expected hike to see the old Gold Rush cemetery (I would skip this one if I had to do it again). This was also our favorite town for shops, although sadly, by the time we went back to buy something at the Christmas shop, it was closed. We learned so much about the Gold Rush during out stop in Skagway and it only made us want to learn more. Make the most of your time in Skagway. You’ll be glad you did!

20. If you have a port in Ketchikan, book an excursion.

Ketchikan was our shortest port day, and it was our least favorite. It had a very touristy feel that we didn’t really care for. We did not book an excursion in Ketchikan (to save money). If we did it again, we would book an excursion in Ketchikan to give us something to enjoy. We did enjoy walking around the town but easily saw all there was to see in under 5 hours. We were back on the ship early – in time for lunch.

21. You can cruise on a budget and have a marvelous time!

While an Alaskan cruise is not cheap, it does not have to be incredibly expensive either. We were able to cruise for a week to Alaska (flights, hotel, airport parking, cruise tickets, food, excursions and everything) for right at $5000 for 2 people.

My best two tips for saving money on your Alaskan cruise?

First, book your cruise through Rakuten.

Rakuten is a free online program that earns you cash back. When we went to book our cruise, I noticed that Norwegian’s prices on their website were exactly the same as at Priceline. I started at Rakuten and booked through Priceline – and earned $177 cash back, simple as that, just for taking 5 minutes to research and one extra click. Plus, Priceline gave us a free $200 in cruise credit which Norwegian wasn’t offering. Both were great perks! You can sign up for Rakuten here. (I use it for all my online shopping and baking hundreds of dollars back every year. More about how I use Rakuten to make money shopping online here. ) This tip may not work for all the cruises but it is definitely worth comparing prices to see if it works for you too!

Second, if you are flying to get to your cruise, consider signing up for an airline credit card. 

I am a firm believer in not carrying debt and only use credit cards if I can pay them off each month. That said, United (one of the most popular Seattle airlines if you are cruising to Alaska) has a great credit card program! They offer a $0 fee for the first year (and it is easy to cancel the credit card after your flight, if you so choose). Plus, it gives you free baggage fees – which at $30+ per bag, per flight – saved us $120. In addition to that, it gave us two free United club passes where we were able to pass an enjoyable 2 hours in the Seattle airport, enjoying complimentary snacks, beer and wine as we waited for our flight home. That was another $100 plus value. Our credit card also gave us a free upgrade on our flight out up to business class – another $100 value without paying any extra.

But the best perk of the United credit card? When we spent $2000 in the first 3 months of opening our account, we earned a bonus 40,000 miles to our United account! We simply booked our flights on the credit card and the remaining cruise balance and quickly met that amount for our free miles. These miles don’t expire and translate to at least one free flight – depending on where you are flying. With perks and savings like this, it made signing up for the United credit card a no brainer and a great source of savings. I highly recommend looking into the United credit card (or a similar airline credit card).

You can sign up for the United credit card (with the bonus 40,000 mile offer) here. 

To learn more about saving money on your cruise, check out exactly how we did it with this post – 10 Simple Ways to Save Money on a Cruise. 

I hope these tips help you enjoy your Alaskan cruise! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I will do my best to help!

Have you ever been on a cruise – to Alaska or elsewhere? If so, what tips would you add to this list?

Hello and welcome! Check out how we're thriving when our income has been cut in half , take a look at some of my custom, Biblical books (with free printables) or learn how to build a stockpile that works for your family . You can sign up for blog updates with my email newsletter here . Thanks for stopping by!

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I was just wondering where I could get free map print out of the ports we will be in. Thanks

Just check out those port areas and yes, you can probably print out those port maps online!

I would love to know which excursions are worth the penny. Iḿ going with my family and everything adds up to a small fortune. Thank you for the great tips.

You’re welcome, Gloria! For us, the train ride was definitely worth the money. When traveling with a family, I think you prioritize and maybe alternate a paid excursion with a free one (like hiking to the Mendenhall Glacier), because you are right. Things definitely can add up quickly! I hope you have an amazing time in Alaska!

I loved your tips and they are pretty spot on. I agree with everything except the inside state room. Having a patio to watch whales, orcas, and glaciers calving is worth the extra price. Makes me want to go back on our trip! So fun. I liked your post😀

I’ve heard from others who loved their patio view too! Maybe if we go back, we will try it to compare! 🙂 Alaska really is an amazing place to cruise to, and I’m glad you agreed with the tips. Like you, I’m ready to go back too! 🙂

Thank you for the great post. We have a trip planned late June of this year.

I recommend downloading a couple of free audiobooks from the library to a cellphone so you don’t need to take your eyes off the scenery. I also think it’s a good idea to use an earpiece that is single sided meaning there’s only one ear being used. The ones I use mix the sound for both sides-I guess you’d call it stereo instead of mono and I purchase from amazon. I prefer this type so I feel more aware of what’s going on around me-I don’t mean for crime or anything like that but to feel more connected to the world. 🙂

Another thing I do before I travel is to take a look at my little stash of “travelers helpers” medications like say stool softener, Imodium, Benadryl, Aleve, temporary dental glue (in case a cap comes off) to make sure they’re fresh. Honestly the only one I’ve really used besides Aleve is the Benadryl and that was simply to rush it to the dining car when I was on Amtrak and heard an announcement requesting it for someone there on the train. I know they have these things on cruise ships because they’ve got doctors but I like having my own at my fingertips. Peace of mind…

I am so glad I found this post. I have been wondering about your trip!

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Alaska cruise in early May! things to do + 50 pictures you need to see before you do one! Best time to cruise?!

Is early May a good time for an Alaska cruise?!

As with all things… it depends…

Lame…

But it does depend on what your priorities are for your Alaska cruise.

In general, YES, you can have a FABULOUS Alaska cruise by going in early May! But, there are some things that may put YOU off from doing one at this time.

I did an Alaska cruise in early May.

The cruise actually started in Vancouver at the end of April, but by the time the cruise ship actually made it to Alaska, it was May.

I was on the Sapphire Princess, and it was one of the first Alaska cruises of the Princess Alaska cruise season. I think there was only one other Princess cruise ship that had an earlier start date by like a day, and I think that was the Discovery Princess.

Here first are the top things you need to know about doing an Alaska cruise in May, followed by what it actually LOOKS like in early May… in pictures!

Top 7 reasons why early May is a good time for a cruise to Alaska… or NOT!

Early May can be a good time for an Alaska cruise (see the pictures!), but there are few reasons why YOU might not want to go at this time… and why you might want to!

1. BAD: It’s cold.

If you’re doing an Alaska cruise in early May, you need to pack as if you’re going on winter vacation. You’ll especially feel it on the glacier scenic cruising days when you’re out and about on the open deck on the cruise ship with the cold wind blowing.

2. GOOD: You can see snowy mountains!

Now, no northerner is going to do an Alaska cruise in early May for the reason of wanting to experience cold weather!

But the cold weather means that one of the best reasons to do an Alaska cruise in early May is for the beautiful snowy mountain landscapes!

3. GOOD: There’s a better chance for less rain.

According to the National Park Service , May is one of the driest months of the year for Glacier Bay National Park, along with April and June. This means that early May can be great for an Alaska cruise to see Glacier Bay with clear skies!

4. BAD: Wildlife viewing opportunities are less.

Prime wildlife watching time in Alaska is the summer. This means that in early May, you have a chance to see a lot less wildlife (land and sea).

If wildlife is a top priority for you, whether that is whales , sea otters, bears, salmon , among others, you should NOT do an Alaska cruise in early May. Or, you will need to adjust your expectations. And those expectations should be that you will see minimal wildlife… and then if you do, you will be so happy!

5. BAD: Wilderness glacier excursions aren’t offered on scenic cruising days.

Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm, and Endicott Arm are common destinations for “scenic cruising days” on Alaska cruises. These scenic cruising days offer “wilderness excursions”… if you go during regular season!

Early May is not that time.

Each of these excursions cost around $300 per person, so this might not be a factor for you if you don’t want to spend extra money on an excursion on a glacier sea day. While you can see the glacier from the cruise ship (as long as the weather is good enough!), getting closer to a glacier is quite the magical experience. So a glacier tour is something you should consider, whether it’s on a scenic cruising day or in an Alaska cruise port.

See details on the wilderness excursions during scenic cruising sea days:

• Hubbard Glacier wilderness excursion
• Tracy Arm wilderness excursion
• Endicott Arm wilderness excursion

These wilderness excursions are typically offered from late May to early September.

The other thing to note is that these wilderness excursions can sell out quickly. So if you’re booking a last minute cruise, then it might not be available, even if you go on a cruise in which it’s offered. This excursion should be the first thing you book after you book your cruise!

6. BAD and GOOD: Not all epic excursions will be available… but some are!

So the wilderness glacier excursions are some of the excursions that won’t be available during an early May cruise. There are other excursions that also may not be available in early May.

Most notably, glacier dog sledding excursions don’t start until mid to end of May. If dog sledding on a glacier is at the top of your priority list, you shouldn’t do an early May Alaska cruise!

While not all excursions may be available, there are some epic Alaska excursions that you can do in early May, like flightseeing tours in Juneau and Skagway to see glaciers from above!

Again, if you are doing an Alaska cruise, you should REALLY consider at least some sort of glacier-related tour! The best ports for glacier tours are Juneau, Skagway, Whittier, and Seward. (Or if you will spend a few days on land, you can do glacier tours in Anchorage or Denali.)

7. GOOD: You’ll find cheaper cruises.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons for an Alaska cruise in May is because it’s when you’ll find some of the cheapest Alaska cruises.

So one of the easiest ways to save money on your Alaska cruise is to go in May!

Because school is still in session, there will also be few kids onboard a cruise ship in early May, if that is a factor for you.

I also did a cruise at one of the worst times to do an Alaska cruise : the end of October! But actually, as it goes with unexpected Alaska weather, I didn’t get the miserable weather that was expected! You can see what my experience was like at Juneau cruise port in October !

PICTURES of Alaska in early May!

• May 2: Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising sea day
• May 3: Icy Strait Point
• May 4: Juneau
• May 5: Skagway
• May 6: Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day
• May 7: Sitka
• May 8: Ketchikan

This was an 11-day round trip cruise out of Vancouver starting on April 29.

Day 1 was embarkation day (aka first day of the cruise) in Vancouver Canada.

Days 2 and 3 were sea days.

On day 4 was the first real Alaska experience!

Day 11 was the day after the last port day (Ketchikan) and it was a sea day.

When it comes to cruise itineraries, an “11-day cruise” is an 11-night cruise, so day 12 was the arrival back to Vancouver.

Day 4: May 2 (Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising sea day: 11am to 4pm)

Going to Hubbard Glacier means that you will be sailing through Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay.

Alaska cruises that are at least 7 days will have at least 1 “scenic cruising day,” and the vast majority of the time this scenic cruising day includes at least 1 glacier! (When you are looking at which Alaska cruise itinerary to choose, look for where the ship will be going for scenic cruising days!)

Hubbard Glacier is a part of Wrangell – St Elias National Park , and it is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. A tidewater glacier is a glacier that touches the ocean.

You will not physically be within the boundaries of the national park, but you will be able to SEE a national park in Alaska.

According to the National Park Service, Hubbard Glacier is 76 miles long (!!), 7 miles wide (!!) and 600 feet tall at its terminal face, with 350 feet exposed above the waterline and 250 feet below the waterline.

Apparently, at the start of this scenic cruising day, they (captain and crew) didn’t even know if we would be able to go all the way to Hubbard Glacier. Since there were no “ice reports” from other cruise ships, they weren’t sure of the conditions. So it sounded like they thought it could have been a possibility that there was too much ice and not able to safely navigate the cruise ship back to Hubbard Glacier.

So if you cruise in early May, this is something to keep in mind. A really early season Alaska cruise might mean your Hubbard Glacier day might get canceled due to ice.

But luckily on this cruise, ice did not prevent the captain from sailing to Hubbard Glacier!

There actually were lots of chunks of ice on the way to the glacier which made it really pretty! So on the flip side, as long as your scenic cruising day doesn’t get canceled altogether, early May may give you a chance to see lots of ice on your way to Hubbard Glacier!

Princess has “naturalists” onboard Alaska cruises, and these are Alaska nature experts. In addition to giving talks about Alaska’s glaciers and wildlife, they also come on the public speaker during scenic cruising days to give tips and general information. If you’re enjoying the views from the comfort of your own balcony, you can still hear what’s being said by turning on your TV to the bridge cam channel.

And now, here are a few pictures from Hubbard Glacier day in early May! The weather was not the best, but I was still able to get a view of Hubbard Glacier.

I must say though, I recently saw pictures of Hubbard Glacier with clear skies taken by a cruise ship passenger… and WOW what a difference!! (It looked amazing!) But you don’t know what you don’t know. So don’t go looking for pictures of Hubbard Glacier with clear skies and you won’t be disappointed when you see it in overcast conditions. 🤣

• Travel-friendly rain gear in case it rains (much of your cruise is in Southeast Alaska where it rains a lot)
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• A popular travel essential nowadays if you have an iphone: An airtag tracker for your luggage so you can keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Buy one for yourself, and as a travel gift!) Read the reviews!
• Lightweight waterproof binoculars (so you can see wildlife better on those scenic cruising days!)
• Merrell is one of the best outdoor shoe brands
• Women's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Men's Merrell Moab 3 shoes
• Packing cubes travel set (better organize your suitcase and with clothing cubes, a shoe bag, and toiletry bag! This also makes it easier to unpack and organize your cruise cabin quicker.)

The itinerary had the cruise ship in Yakutat Bay from 11am. At around 2pm is when we saw Hubbard Glacier from the cruise ship. Being on a cruise ship, you really don’t get the scale of the glacier!

Also, phone cameras are pretty amazing nowadays. (Not mine since it’s old. 🤣) On glacier days I was noticing just how well people were able to zoom in on the glaciers. If you’re planning on buying a new phone in the coming year, buy one before your cruise!

I brought along a thermometer on my cruise, and it was showing that it was 41F on my balcony when we were at Hubbard Glacier. (The time in the picture below is not correct. It was around 2:30pm.)

• Easy-going day with a must-see: Mendenhall Glacier trolley tour
• The epic dog sledding is a visit to a sled dog camp on a glacier , and the cheaper version can be a fun remote yukon sled dog camp
• You'll spend most of your time during your cruise in Southeast Alaska, and this is the location of the "largest intact temperate rainforest in the world," according to the US Forest Service. And so... you need to consider a e-bike and rainforest hike ecotour that includes a visit to Tongass National Forest!
• More fun e-biking in Alaska: e-biking and gold panning tour
• Classic must-do in Alaska: Premier whale watching
• A better way to see the most popular glacier to see during an Alaska cruise: glacier ice adventure (the glacier is getting further and further back - see it while you still can!)
• Post cruise: Downtown Vancouver luggage storage (near the cruise port)

In this next picture, the cruise ship is sailing away from Hubbard Glacier at around 3:15pm.

Now back to before the cruise ship arrived at Hubbard Glacier! Part of the fun was before even getting to the glacier! That’s when we saw the most ice in the water! This next picture is around 12:30pm.

The next 2 pictures are around 1:15pm and 1:30pm.

Day 5: May 3 (Icy Strait Point cruise port: 8am to 6pm)

Icy Strait Point was developed specifically for the purposes of being a cruise port so it’s easy to dismiss it. There may not be any one specific thing that stands out, but, Icy Strait Point can be really great for nature.

You walk off the cruise ship and within a few minutes you’re either at the the shoreline or in the forest!

There is the iconic orca statue of Icy Strait Point!

Icy Strait Point is one of the best cruise ports to do a whale watching tour. So that’s what I did. Early May is not prime whale watching season, but I did get one good sighting of a whale’s tail as it was getting ready to do a deep dive! It felt like it was right there in front of the boat!

The Icy Strait Point kayaking tour is available to do in early May.

After the whale watching tour, I walked to downtown Hoonah. This is a nice coastal walk along a paved path. You can do this any time of year. If you don’t want to walk, there’s also a $5 shuttle.

Near the cruise port, I also walked the Icy Strait Point nature trail through the forest. This is a relatively quick activity you can also do any time of year… as long as it doesn’t get closed due to bear sightings!

I was approaching the end of the trail when a staff worker of Icy Strait Point was urging me to get off the trail. I was a bit confused because I was basically at the end so I didn’t know why he was telling me to get off. Well, it was then that they closed the trail due to a bear!

Icy Strait Point is on Chichagof Island, and this island is said to have the highest densities of coastal brown bears in the world. And so, there are bear viewing tours in Icy Strait Point. Early May is still a little early for bear viewing, but you can still do a bear tour. Just manage your expectations. If you decide to do your Alaska cruise in the summer, this is a spot to do a bear tour.

There was also the gondola that was in operation during my early May cruise. There’s a free gondola that will take you a little bit up, and then there’s another gondola that you pay for to go up further. There’s a zipline at the top.

You can also walk the nature trail to the same area that the free gondola will take you. So you can make it a gondola ride or a walk through the forest… or both!

The natural trail also connects to a path along the beach. This is something you can do even if you don’t have much time because it’s right near the cruise ship pier.

During this early May cruise, I didn’t know to look for sea life in Icy Strait Point. But I did when I went back on another visit to Icy Strait Point! I’m not sure what it is like specifically in early May, but I thought the walk along the Icy Strait Point beach was fun when I did it! This is something you can do on your own, and you might see jellyfish, starfish, and shells!

Day 6: May 4 (Juneau cruise port: 8am to 9:15pm)

One of the epic excursions that’s available in early May is a seaplane tour over the massive Juneau icefield to see several glaciers.

The thing about any sort of flightseeing tour in Alaska is that it’s weather dependent, and there is a chance for it to get canceled on short notice. (Be mentally prepared for that!)

So this actually means that you probably have a lesser chance of cancellation if you go when there’s a better chance for better weather. So although weather can vary at any time, you may have a lesser chance of cancellation if you go in May. Plus, the views are just better when it’s not overcast! (You will still be wowed even if it’s not perfect weather, though!)

The best Juneau seaplane tour to do is the Taku Lodge excursion . With this, you not only get a glacier flightseeing tour, but you get a landing at a remote lodge in the Alaska wilderness where you can have a classic Alaskan meal in the form of a salmon bake feast! It is also possible to do the glacier flightseeing tour without a landing. Both of these excursions are through Wings Airways and you can look for the excursion through the cruise line.

After the salmon bake meal, it’s back on the seaplane for more Juneau icefield views!

After the Taku Lodge excursion, I went to the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area visitor center in Tongass National Forest to go to Nugget Falls and Photo Point .

The Mendenhall Glacier is the most famous and most popular glacier to visit on land during an Alaska cruise. You can do different types of Mendenhall Glacier tours , or you can go on your own. On this early May cruise, I went by bus on my own.

On the following cruise I did the Mendenhall Glacier ice adventure tour and LOVED it! You don’t actually get to touch the glacier, but you will get much closer than most people do. (The most popular way to see the glacier is from the visitor center, and it’s the glacier view is from across the lake.) On a later cruise, I also did the West Glacier Trail which was another great way to get a closer view of the glacier.

See more about things to do in Juneau .

Day 7: May 5 (Skagway cruise port: 7am to 8:30pm)

Another epic excursion that’s available in early May is a helicopter tour with a glacier landing. This is another glacier flightseeing tour that you can do… AND you can walk on a glacier! It is so cool to do a wilderness landing on a glacier in the middle of nowhere! You might see blue ice too.

My helicopter tour was in the afternoon. In the morning, I did the most famous train ride of an Alaska cruise, which is the White Pass train. Most people book this through the cruise line.

In early May, there’s still a chance the snow hasn’t melted so the winter snowy landscape through the mountains is beautiful.

You can book a train ride only, or you can book combination tours that include the train ride. I think it’s better to book a combo tour! That way it’s not just a 3-hour train ride. You do need a passport for a combo tour.

A combo tour will be a train ride one way and a bus ride on the Klondike Highway the other way. There are different types of train/bus tour combos, and if you want to do it all, then you’ll want to choose a tour that goes all the way to the Yukon. But if you do a really early May tour, a tour may not be available to go to the Yukon. Chilkoot Tours gets recommended a lot in Alaska cruise facebook groups for this type of tour. You can book different types of White Pass train excursions through your cruise line.

For this early May cruise, I did one that included the shorter version of the Klondike Highway.

Skagway is the former Klondike Gold Rush town with historical significance, which you can explore by going to the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park visitor center in downtown Skagway. Be sure to watch the free film so you can get a background and appreciation for the historical town that you’re in!  If your cruise is starting in Seattle, there’s also a national park visitor center in Seattle so you can get a head start on your Klondike Gold Rush knowledge.

See more about things to do in Skagway .

Day 8: May 6 (Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day: 6:15am to 3:30pm)

For some, Glacier Bay is the highlight of the cruise! And in early May, Glacier Bay National Park can look beautiful with the snow-covered mountains!

On Glacier Bay day, park rangers will board the cruise ship from a small boat as the cruise ship is moving. They will be onboard all day long to provide you with an educational experience in the national park! They will come on the public speakers to teach you about glaciers and Alaska wilderness.

Sailing through Glacier Bay in early May, you’ll likely have snow-covered mountains all around you.

The “final destination” of a Glacier Bay day is sailing as far as possible into the Tarr Inlet. There is where you will see Margerie Glacier. The cruise ship will spend some time there. Everyone wants to see Margerie Glacier “calving,” that is, huge chunks of ice falling off into the water from the glacier.

I had a temperature reading in the low 50s at Margerie Glacier in the late morning around 11:30am.

The temperature at the start of the day when we first entered Glacier Bay National Park around 6am was in the low 40s.

There are also a few other glaciers that you will pass by on your way to Margerie Glacier. The other “main” inlet of Glacier Bay is the Johns Hopkins Inlet. Most likely the cruise ship will go in just a little, if at all. One of the reasons the cruise ship doesn’t go all the way is said to be to not disturb the wildlife who make Johns Hopkins Inlet their home.

The entire day in Glacier Bay National Park you will have views all around you!

Another thing you might want to do on Glacier Bay day is watch the park rangers arrive and leave the cruise ship! I wanted to watch them arrive (which is why I was up at 6am), but I missed them. When I walked out of my cabin, I saw the park rangers right by the elevators! Catching a view of them leaving is easier because right before they leave they will announce what side of the ship they will be leaving from. They don’t know this information until pretty close to the time they leave.

Then, you will want to be on the deck that will allow you to see outside down below!

The evening before Glacier Bay National Park, you will get national park brochures delivered to your stateroom, so you will really feel like you’re going to a national park! There will be a map included, but you might also want to have the Glacier Bay National Park map downloaded to your phone. This way, when you hear the park ranger talk about different glaciers over the public speakers, you can visualize where exactly you are in the park! Here is the Glacier Bay National Park pdf from nps.gov .

Day 9: May 7 (Sitka cruise port: 8am to 5pm)

As I was searching for excursions in Sitka, it seems like there were a lot of tours with a focus on sea otters… which I took to mean that there must be a good chance to see sea otters in Sitka!

So I did a wildlife watching tour through Sitka Sound tours on a 6-passenger small boat. (I was actually the only one signed up, so I was happy the captain still even took me out!)

Sea otters look SO cute in pictures (google “sea otters alaska”!) but unfortunately I did not get to see any. I’m guessing it being early season had something to do with it.

I did see sea lions hanging out on a buoy though (a common way to see sea lions in Alaska in general!) and a sea lion even came up to the boat! The captain said he had never seen a sea lion do that before and theorized that maybe people have fed it in the past. (Don’t do that! Feeding wildlife can change their behaviors and it’s bad for them to become dependent on humans for food.)

The boat ride also turned interesting where there was another boat that was in need of rescuing. As is protocol, all boats in the area that are able go to assist. (Our boat headed in that direction but did not end up doing anything as they got enough assistance.)

So overall, it was mostly just a nice day out on the water. Small boats are a way of life in Alaska, so you can think of a small boat tour as experiencing the Alaska lifestyle!

After the boat ride, which was from the harbor in downtown Sitka, I walked to the relatively nearby Sitka National Historical Park to walk the totem trail. This is something you can do any time of year.

Day 10: May 8 (Ketchikan cruise port: 9am to 6pm)

Early May means that you’ll be too early for bears and salmon in Ketchikan, 2 of the things that Ketchikan is best known for.

The epic excursion I did in Ketchikan during this cruise that was available in early May is a Misty Fjords seaplane tour, another thing Ketchikan is known for.

The Misty Fjords National Monument wilderness is a part of Tongass National Forest, which covers the vast majority of Southeast Alaska, which is where most cruise ships spend most if not all of their time during Alaska cruises. So, by doing a seaplane tour, you’ll be flying across the largest national forest in America!

A seaplane tour is one of the worthy excursions to do in Alaska because you can also think of it as a way to experience the Alaska lifestyle! Small planes are one of the common ways to get around Alaska’s remote wilderness. You can really feel the wild and remote Alaska when you do a seaplane tour in Ketchikan.

In early May, there were snow-capped mountains, and could see some water that was still frozen over.

I did a Misty Fjords seaplane tour with a wilderness landing. We landed in the middle of vast wilderness! It was super awesome.

Ketchikan is also best known for its totem poles, and you can see that any time of year. You can see totem poles in Ketchikan on your own, or you can do a totem tour. Tours that include totem poles are usually a combination tour of going to a totem park along with another very Ketchikan activity.

I went to Totem Bight State Historical Park to do a totem walk on my own before my excursion. I went there by bus.

See more about things to do in Ketchikan .

HAPPY CRUISING IN EARLY MAY!

• Review from cruise ship passenger: "Absolutely loved having these for our Alaska excursions from the cruise ship! Nice, lightweight, easily packable... easy to put on over our backpacks... Also, highly breathable vs the disposable plastic ones. Ours held up to the windy conditions too!..."
• Read the full review .
• Or... cheap ponchos just in case
• merrell waterproof shoes for women (one of the best shoe brands for the outdoors)
• merrell shoes for men
• for higher quality ones, as recommended in cruise facebook groups by people in-the-know, look at vortex diamondback binoculars
• For women: puffer jacket | for men: puffer jacket

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dogsled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess and Holland America even own a handful of their own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters on board Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: Best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, HX (formerly Hurtigruten) and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dogsled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whales, bears and more) and visits to dogsled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan Art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dogsled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time for planning and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• SOUTH DAKOTA

Alaska cruise in May can be perfect! (pics!) + things to do 🏔 early May and mid-May weather and wildlife?!

Is May too early for an Alaska cruise?!

Well, surely it depends on what you’re looking for.

For example, it seems like May is still early for whale watching.

I still did see whales in May in several cruise ports, but it seems summer is more prime whale watching in Alaska.

And that goes for basically all wildlife.

Prime wildlife watching in Alaska seems to be in the summer.

So if wildlife watching is priority number 1 for you during an Alaska cruise, then May might be too early for you.

But otherwise…

If you are after Alaska landscape, then May can be a perfect time for an Alaska cruise!!

Before I left for my early season Alaska cruise, I had gotten the impression from reading things online that you actually have a better chance of better weather in May.

And, that is basically what happened.

The vast majority of my time in Alaska in May, there was good weather.

I was not really surprised, since I expected good weather by going to Alaska in May. 😂

So I was a bit confused when there were locals in several of the cruise ports who made it sound like good weather was unusual, even in May. 🤔

I asked a Glacier Bay National Park ranger about this, and she indicated that May in Glacier Bay tends to be one of the months that is more dry and sees more sun, so maybe I was just reading about Glacier Bay. 🤔

In any case, when I went to Alaska in May, the weather on the vast majority of Alaska days was pretty good.

Even Ketchikan, which the internet will tell you is always rainy, was sunny the 2 times I went in May.

And the one pretty terrible weather day I had in May, it was actually pretty funny because it was the first Alaska day I had, and it was super rainy, super windy, and super cold!

And so… it was like a perfect “welcome to Alaska!!!” 🤣

So I guess it’s true.

Anything goes in Alaska!

And that includes Alaska in May!

As “they” say, weather can change quickly in Alaska!

Pictures of Alaska in May

Of course, every year is different since it’s all weather dependent.

But here is what an Alaska cruise in May looked like in 2023!

May 2: Hubbard Glacier scenic cruising sea day

• May 3: Icy Strait Point
• May 4: Juneau
• May 5: Skagway

May 6: Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day

• May 7: Sitka
• May 8: Ketchikan
• May 15: Ketchikan
• May 16: Juneau
• May 17: Skagway

May 18: Glacier Bay National Park scenic cruising sea day

• May 19: College Fjord scenic cruising sea evening
• May 20: Whittier

I did 2 Alaska cruises in May:

• Alaska cruise from Vancouver round trip
• Vancouver to Anchorage cruise one-way

Another thing to consider for an Alaska cruise in May is that it might still be too early in the season to reach some spot because of ice.

It seemed like it was questionable if we were going to make it to Hubbard Glacier.

I think the captain had announced that our cruise ship was the first of the Alaska cruise season to go to Hubbard Glacier, so there were no ice reports.

But, we ended up being able to make it to Hubbard Glacier!

There was ice, but it wasn’t enough to keep the cruise ship from reaching Hubbard Glacier!

And, the ice on the way to Hubbard Glacier made it look really pretty!

Cruising to Hubbard Glacier means cruising through Yakutat Bay and Disenchantment Bay to get to Hubbard Glacier.

May 3: Icy Strait Point cruise port

My plan for Icy Strait Point cruise port:

• morning: Icy Strait Point whale watching tour ( Icy Strait Point Whale Adventures ) 8:45am to 11:45am
• afternoon: Walk around Icy Strait Point on my own 

Early May seems to still be early for whale season, so I wasn’t even sure if I’d have a chance to see whales.

The day before, it seems like they saw quite a few whales, but on the day I went it seems like there weren’t as many.

That’s okay, because I had managed my expectations since May wasn’t prime whale watching season in Alaska.

At the very least, it was boat ride in Alaska in May!

Still, I did get to see a whale tail pretty close from the boat, and it was my first time seeing a whale tail like that, so that was the highlight of the whale watching tour in Icy Strait Point!

May 4: Juneau cruise port

My plan for Juneau cruise port:

• morning + lunch: Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery with Taku Lodge Wings Airways (Princess shore excursion) 9:30am to 1pm
• afternoon + evening: Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls on my own

May 5: Skagway cruise port

My plan for Skagway cruise port:

• morning: White Pass Rail & Klondike Highway (Princess shore excursion) 8:15am to 12pm
• afternoon: Glacier Discovery by Helicopter with Temsco Helicopters (Princess shore excursion) 2:15pm to 4:15pm

May 7: Sitka cruise port

My plan for Sitka cruise port:

• morning: Sitka marine wildlife tour with Sitka Sound Tours
• afternoon: Sitka National Historical Park on my own
• see more: Things to do in Sitka

May 8: Ketchikan cruise port

My plan for Ketchikan cruise port:

• morning: Totem Bight State Historical Park on my own
• afternoon: Misty Fjords National Monument seaplane tour with Island Wings
• late afternoon: Creek Street on my own

/end Alaska cruise #1 in May! Read about it: Alaska cruise from Vancouver

Next, Alaska cruise #2 in May!

May 15: Ketchikan cruise port

• morning: Ketchikan snorkeling tour with Snorkel Alaska
• after tour: Saxman Park totem poles on my own
• see more: Ketchikan excursions

May 16: Juneau cruise port

• morning: Juneau whale watching tour (Princess excursion)
• afternoon: Mendenhall Glacier Lake canoe + hike with Liquid Alaska

May 17: Skagway cruise port

• Yakutania point hike on my own
• Skagway dog sledding on a glacier + helicopter tour with Temsco Helicopters (Princess excursion)
• see more: Things to do in Skagway

May 19: Sea day with evening of College Fjord scenic cruising

Another gloomy day in Alaska in May!

But it was the first real bad weather day I had since that very first Alaska day!

May 20: Whittier disembarkation day

My plan for Whittier disembarkation day:

• get off the cruise ship as late as possible (9:30am)
• 26 glacier boat tour during the day
• evening train from whittier to anchorage

/end Alaska cruise #2 in May! Read about it: Vancouver to Anchorage cruise

And that’s a bit of what you might see if you go to alaska in may.

Read about my May Alaska cruises:

• Alaska cruise from Vancouver
• Vancouver to Anchorage cruise

HAPPY CRUISING ALASKA IN MAY!

• What is embarkation day like? Sample: Vancouver embarkation day
• What is disembarkation like? Sample: Vancouver disembarkation and Whittier disembarkation
• Dinner food menu on my Alaska cruise
• Best whale watching in Alaska
• Best dog sledding in Alaska (on a glacier, on snow, in summer!)
• Snorkeling in Alaska 😂
• Deadliest Catch tour (as seen on TV!)
• Juneau icefield seaplane + Taku Glacier Lodge salmon bake
• Nugget Falls in Tongass National Forest (Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area)
• Helicopter + glacier walk to see blue ice
• Klondike Highway to Fraser BC + White Pass summit train
• What I did on another Skagway cruise ship arrival: Dog sledding and Yakutania Point
• Totem Bight State Historical Park
• Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness seaplane + wilderness landing
• Creek Street
• Icy Strait Point to Hoonah
• Sitka National Historical Park totem poles
• Things to do in Sitka
• What is it like: Glacier Bay National Park from a cruise ship
• This was not available on my early season cruise: Hubbard Glacier excursion (yes, you can get off the ship on a sea day! available until early September... if it's not already sold out!)
• Tips for first Princess cruise (getting familiar with Princess food + more!)
• Ideas for your first Alaska cruise

We Are Travel Girls

A Community Created To Inspire, Connect, Educate & Empower Female Travelers

ALASKA , CRUISES , NORTH AMERICA , UNITED STATES · June 11, 2018 Last Updated on July 24, 2024

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO TAKING AN ALASKA CRUISE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

If you have never taken a Alaska cruise  before then you absolutely should! Cruises are an amazing way to visit a destination and maximise how much you see whilst you are there.

After taking two cruises in Alaska I have collected a bunch of tips and advice that I think will help first timers to plan for the cruise, make the most of their time on board and above all have fun! My most recent cruise was with Carnival Cruises in Alaska and in this guide I share my top tips for joining an Alaskan (or any other) cruise!

1) Packing For An Alaska Cruise

First things first, before you even start thinking about what items to pack for your Alaska cruise you probably are wondering if you can take a suitcase, or if you should have a soft bag for a cruise. Cruise cabins are not huge, but they are well designed to maximise the space and provide large wardrobes, plenty of drawers and usually space to store your hard shell suitcases.

On our recent cruise with Carnival we had two large suitcases (around 20kg each) and we had plenty of space to hang up all of our clothes and store the cases in the wardrobe. However, if you prefer travelling with a soft bag this will also ensure you can tuck it away in a wardrobe too.

In terms of clothing for an Alaska Cruise, definitely bring warm items and most importantly a windbreaker jacket. Even when the sun is shining and warm (which we were lucky enough to have through the week), the wind on the upper decks can be chilly. One of the best parts of an Alaskan cruise is that there is usually a beautiful landscape to enjoy as you sail so you will want to be on deck for most of it.

Bring some hats, gloves, good walking shoes or boots, and other warm weather gear for your day trips. A rain jacket and umbrella is also advised as Alaska weather can often be overcast and rainy so be prepared for that.

For the evenings, there will be at least two “elegant” evenings where everyone on the cruise dresses up for dinner and drinks. Men will wear full suit and tie or even a tux and women can wear their best dresses. So make sure that you bring a couple of elegant outfits for these evenings, and if you like to dress up it’s nice to do this even on the casual nights!

2) Selecting A Cabin Type For Your Alaska Cruise

For most people cabin selection will be based on your budget but there are a few things to consider when selecting your room and whether its worth upping your budget a little to get a room you truly love. There are a variety of state rooms, and I think the first choice is whether you want an interior room (no windows), a sea view room (has a window), a balcony room or a suite with balcony.

If you are claustrophobic or get a little seasick, then going for a room with a window or balcony is essential. We enjoyed a balcony room and found this was such a great way to be able to enjoy the sailing days, relaxing on the balcony, book in hand, waiting for a whale to swim by!

The second consideration is which part of the boat you want to be on, the back, middle or front. Honestly, I personally don’t think this is as much of a consideration as selecting which room type you go for. The selection of which location is usually based on what you want to be close to, but with activities on board all over the boat you will be walking from one end to the other no matter what.

One thing to check if possible is that you are not in a middle corner room. Our room was on a corner in the middle of the ship where the next section of cabin rooms and balconies jutted out farther than ours to one side. This meant we had a large wall next to our balcony completely obscuring the view to the left and front of the boat so could not see anything ahead of us when we were sailing.

Here are some excellent Alaska cruise options to explore!

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3) The Best Time Of Year To Go On An Alaska Cruise

This Alaska cruise was my second time visiting Alaska, and both times I visited in mid-May and was blessed with absolutely amazing weather with sunshine and clear skies everyday.

Based on my experience I would definitely recommend going in May, however if you are interested in seeing the salmon season and capturing photos of the bears fishing for salmon this is later in the season between mid-July and mid-August.

4) Tips For Boarding Your Cruise

Boarding a cruise is probably the only part of a cruise that can be a bit slow. You will receive information beforehand about boarding times and what time the ship departs, these are important to follow – the ship will not wait for you so make sure you know your ship departure time and have flights that arrive in plenty of time to get you through the airport, to the dock and through the boarding process. Personally I would advise arriving a night before so that you do not have to worry about this.

Once you arrive at the port, boarding can be slow. There will be several lines to hand in your luggage, show your passports, check in and then waiting for your boarding group to be called to get onto the boat. As long as you are prepared for this, it’s really not a big deal and just know that you will spend a few hours getting on board – but once you are on-board the fun begins!

If you don’t want to line up then you could purchase priority boarding which allows you to skip the queues and be first on-board the boat. This really is a wonderful luxury and I would recommend it!

5) Once On-Board Insider Tip

My first timer’s tip for once you get on-board the boat is not to head straight to your cabin, but to take a tour of the entire boat and get yourself acquainted with everything on-board. When we arrive in any new travel destination we always take a walk and familiarise ourselves with the area, and on-board a cruise is no different.

Also, depending on the cruise you are taking this gives you an opportunity to get ahead of the other guests and book yourself into your preferred restaurant or pick the excursions before everyone else does.

6) Picking Your Cruise Activities & Excursions 

Perhaps the hardest part of the cruise is deciding which activities to take and making sure that you get the ones that you want. In your cabin you will find a detailed document with all the excursions available and there are a lot!

My suggestion is to go through your Alaska cruise activity packet and star the ones you think appeal to you, and there are usually a few slightly different variations of each trip. For example, there will be whale watching, whale watching with lunch, and also whale watching with both a glacier trek and lunch, so it’s hard to know what to select. Read these carefully and choose the one that sounds best, keeping in mind the price and time of each excursion.

Once you have your general picks, head down to the activities desk and have a chat with one of the representatives. They usually have their favourites and will help you decide between the myriad of options available.

In Alaska, I suggest that you do the following activities on the port days:

• Juneau: Helicopter and glacier walk
• Skagway: White Pass and Yukon Full Day trip
• Ketchikan: Lumberjack show or the flight-seeing seaplane

7) Seeing The Wildlife In Alaska

A big part of visiting Alaska is making sure that you see the wildlife. One of the great things about taking a cruise is that you can see this right from the boat. When you are on-deck or wandering around the boat, the on-board naturalist will call attention to any wildlife that is seen throughout the cruise.

In Alaska this will include orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, sea otters, eagles and even bears if you are lucky! When you are in your cabin, check the TV channel schedule and tune into the naturalist channel so that you hear when something has been spotted from the side of the boat and you can either quickly head to your balcony or, if it’s on another side of the ship, run up to the main deck.

8) WIFI On Board

Wifi on board cruises is available at an addition fee and depending on whether you need it for work you can make a decision on whether you think the additional cost is worth it to you. It’s also worth noting that the Wifi is relatively slow so make sure to finish any urgent work or large downloads/uploads before boarding the ship. I personally think taking a cruise in Alaska and having the opportunity to switch off from your phone to enjoy your surroundings is a good thing!

Another note is that whilst you are travelling by cruise you will likely travel into international waters and your cell provider may charge you some hefty fees if you have your service turned on, so make sure to turn off your roaming and stick to airplane mode whilst on board.

9) Cruise Hygiene

With so many people on board, viruses, coughs and colds can spread quickly among passengers. A good rule for you is to bring some handbag sized hand sanitiser and use the hand sanitiser provided around the boat and in the buffet areas every time you see them.

On a cruise you really can’t wash your hands too many times, so be sure to keep yourself healthy by practicing good hygiene.

10) Alaska Lectures 

When you go on holiday you probably don’t picture yourself sitting in a lecture theater, but on an Alaskan cruise you absolutely should! Rangers come on-board when the ship sails through glacier bay and going to the on-board education sessions are a great way to learn a lot about the area, how these glaciers evolved, whether they are advancing or retreating, the wildlife in the area and lots more.

The details for these lectures, along with all the fun activities available on board, are given to you each day in your cabin.

11) Use The Carnival Cruise App

One of the really helpful things on the cruise was the Carnival App which details everything you need to know about what’s happening on board, the daily activities, ship port times, etc. We found this app really helpful to plan what we wanted to do on board.

With so many options it is hard to keep up with the daily schedule, but the app allows you to favourite things you are interested in so you can be reminded of the times and not miss out on anything fun you want to do!

A First Timer’s Guide To An Alaska Cruise Wrap Up

I hope you found this Alaska cruise guide helpful. You can also check out 10 Reasons To Visit Alaska On A Cruise which has more useful information and you can explore these Alaska Cruises  to book.

Taking a cruise though Alaska is truly an unforgettable, bucketlist adventure. If you want more cruise inspiration read 20 Cruises To Take Before You Die . Happy exploring!

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Alaska on a cruise. If you have any questions about the destination, please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

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Read More About Cruises & Alaska

• 20 Cruises To Take Before You Die
• 10 Reasons To Visit Alaska On A Cruise
• 10 Reasons To Take A Carnival Cruise To Cozumel
• Skagway, With Pass & The Yukon Train, Alaska
• The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Alaska

We Are Travel Girls Founder & Editor Becky van Dijk of  BeckyvanDijk.com Connect with Becky  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  YouTube

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This article is a paid partnership with Carnival Cruise line, as always all opinions are my own and reflect my true experience on the Alaska cruise. This website is a free resource and to keep it free for our readers we may use affiliate links in our articles. Please see our Disclosures for more information.

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Cardiff Cruises says

July 10, 2018 at 5:46 am

Awesome article!! I appreciate your article you have shared here excellent information. It’s helpful for us. Thanks for sharing this article.

April 21, 2019 at 12:05 pm

Your photos are so great! Would love to see more!

Nallely says

August 3, 2019 at 11:30 pm

Did they require a passport for re-entry into the US, do you leave the us ?

We Are Travel Girls says

August 3, 2019 at 11:40 pm

Hi Nallely,

Some of the cruise routes do leave the US and enter Canada, either departing to/from Vancouver or making a stop in Victoria. If your route includes Canada as a stop then you will need a passport. Other routes are “closed-loop” and only visit Alaska without any Canadian stops so for those routes you would not need a passport (assuming you are a US citizen). I recommend checking with your specific cruise and they should have more information on visa requirements. Thanks for reading!

– Becky, Founder of We Are Travel Girls

October 16, 2019 at 8:22 am

Thanks for this informative post. We have never been on a cruise before and are currently looking at booking an Alaska cruise next summer. Your article is so helpful!

January 13, 2020 at 8:09 am

I have heard that Carnival cruises in the Caribbean are a younger party crowd. Is the atmosphere different on Alaskan cruises?

January 13, 2020 at 8:57 am

The general crowd was older and more relaxed on our Alaska cruise. Most people were interested in doing day trips from the port, getting dressed up for evening dinners and seeing the glaciers, and it was not at all a party crowd. I hope that helps!

Thanks for reading,

Becky, Founder of We Are Travel Girls

Virginia Nelson says

June 24, 2023 at 1:42 pm

I loved this article! We are leaving for an Alaskan cruise this August. I am 71 young and do not tend to dress up much. Plus I’m a little fat 🤨. Not to bad but self conscious. What are options for dressy dinners? I’m from Minnesota so I’m set with warm clothes! It’s just the dressing up I’m not good at. I don’t want to embarrass my husband or our traveling companions. Btw I’m usually a nice dresser just nothing fancy. Thank you.

Vanessa Rivers says

June 26, 2023 at 9:41 pm

Hi Virginia! Thanks for reading, glad you liked the article! You don’t have to dress up too fancy on a cruise. Black slacks and a silk top or sweater or a dress and sandals (depending on if your destination is warm or cold). I’m sure you’ll look great no matter what you wear! Hope you have the best time! X, Vanessa Rivers, Co-Founder – We Are Travel Girls

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