Alaska cruises are, in my option, one of the best cruise experiences. The entire trip is full of stunning landscapes, chances to spot wildlife, and jaw-dropping excursions. Check out the five tips below to make your Alaska cruise trip the best possible!
1. Pack for Any Weather
Cruises are already challenging to pack for, but Alaska cruises are a different beast. Mother nature is full of surprises, and you never honestly know what the weather will be like. It will be sunny and warm one day but pouring rain the next. Check the weather before you pack, but pack for any situation. Don’t forget a pair of shorts and a rain jacket!
On our recent trip, it was a rollercoaster in terms of weather. Some days were sunny and beautiful; the next would be foggy and rainy. We were happy that we brought rain jackets and a variety of clothes that we could layer. Bring a hat and scarf for those extra windy days.
2. Book a Balcony
I think that a balcony is a must on an Alaska cruise. You spend so much time close to land and visiting glaciers that having your private viewing location is a significant plus. Seeing the stunning landscape, sunsets, and wildlife from the comfort of your room can’t be beaten.
There is nothing like waking up in the morning and walking outside to your private balcony to listen to the waves and marvel at the stunning mountainscape. You can always visit the upper decks for a great view, but having your private balcony amplifies the experience.
We spent much of our time on the ship enjoying our balcony and taking photos, relaxing to the sound of waves, watching glaciers pass by, and spotting wildlife!
3. Research All Excursion Options Before Booking Through the Cruise Line
In many cases, it’s wise to book excursions through your cruise line, for various reasons. However, in my experience with Alaska, it’s worth a little extra research to determine if you should book with the cruise line or not.
More extravagant excursions like helicopter rides, glacier treks, and dog sledding are good choices to book through your cruise. If you are looking at excursions that involve hiking, biking, whale watching, or visiting locations near the port, you are likely better off booking outside of the cruise or tackling the “excursion” yourself.
For instance, you can book many excursions in Juneau right off of the cruise ship in the port. No need to overpay through your cruise line; book a Mendenhall Glacier trip right there and hop on the bus 20 feet away. This applies to many more simple Alaska excursions; look up activities you are interested in before arriving at your port of call!
4. Visit the Helicopter Pad During Glacier Stops
The helicopter pad is often located just off the promenade deck and is the perfect place to view glaciers! You get an unobstructed, 270-degree view, perfect for fully taking in everything. You won’t miss a moment of the action and are bound to get the best photos from this location.
Make sure you get there earlier as it will get busy. Don’t forget to bring warm clothes that can stand up to the wind. The helicopter pad is a cold and windy location so come prepared. You won’t be disappointed!
5. Bring Sea Sickness Medicine
You may not need sea sickness medicine, but it’s better to have it than not! You don’t want to have to wander down to the cruise ship shops and overspend when you aren’t feeling your best.
I’ve found that Alaska cruises tend to have a day or two of rockier seas than many other popular cruise destinations. This will be exacerbated if you end up with storms during your travels. It’s best to be prepared.
If you aren’t keen on sea sickness medication, you can always try ginger ale or head to the center of the ship, where the motion is less noticeable. I find that stepping outside into the fresh air or looking out a window also helps.
