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From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you. No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess. Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise. Conveniently located an hour and a half from Anchorage, Whittier is a small town on the shore of the glacier-filled Prince William Sound.
The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many. While you’ll pay more, you won’t be battling the weather or have to dress up like the Michelin Tire mascot to stay warm.
Cruise Hubbard Glacier
Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska. The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier.
Explore Alaska
Better itinerary – Once cruise ships leave Alaska, it opens up areas for other vessels to cruise. You could visit Glacier Bay National Park or stay longer in port towns. Aurora Borealis – Maybe the biggest appeal of cruising late in the season is the increased chance of seeing the Northern Lights. A bucket list event, some people plan their Alaska cruise for a chance to see the colorful light show. With each passing year, some cruise lines are pushing the envelope of expanding the Alaska cruise season.
Testing the Waters with Dori: Late Season Alaska Cruising - Travel Market Report
Testing the Waters with Dori: Late Season Alaska Cruising.
Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people. Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.
Best Time to Take a Cruise to Alaska
Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska. Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.
The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.
How accessible are ships for passengers with disabilities?
If you have specific needs, it’s best to check with the cruise line directly before booking. Most cruise ships cater to international travelers and thus provide both 110V and 220V outlets. Most cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment options, from Broadway-style shows and live music to trivia nights, dance classes, and lectures about Alaskan culture and wildlife. National park facilities and some tourist businesses will switch to winter hours.
Ideal for Adventurers
Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective. Whether you choose to cruise in September or not, Alaska rarely disappoints, even when the weather rains on your parade. Even if you went to Denali in early September, the weather may prevent you from traveling too far. With gloomy overcast weather, your chances of seeing the towering Denali are slim. Some tour operators provide snow pants and glacier boots (wore over your shoes), so check with your excursion provider first.

With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska. Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 20 years running.
Consider using a travel agent specializing in cruises or booking directly through a cruise line’s official website. Look for deals and discounts, especially as September is late in the season. However, as it’s later in the season, there might be occasional cancellations based on weather conditions. September is a great time to spot brown bears, moose, and caribou as they prepare for winter.

Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation. When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea.
Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running. Alaska’s cruise season is seven months long, from April to October. During the cruise season, popular cruise lines assist travelers in enjoying all of the unique sights, wildlife, excursions, events and food. Make the most of your cruise by keeping an eye out for pop-up sales that can save you even more money—you can even use those savings to indulge in a pre- or post-cruise tour.
Enjoy perks such as privileged access to Glacier Bay National Park and prime docking locations that give you a head start on sightseeing. Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch. Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more. For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.
Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center.
For 2023, the last cruise from San Francisco leaves September 14th (Ruby Princess). Traditionally, the Alaskan cruise season ran from May to September. Cruisers can typically enjoy Alaska in October at lower rates than the Alaska summer cruise season prices. You will find local asparagus on some menus in southeast towns later in the month, and fiddlehead season also begins in Alaska in May. However, most of Alaska's tastiest fruits and vegetables aren't on offer until later in the summer. They typically offer cabins equipped for passengers with disabilities, accessible routes, and facilities throughout the ship.