How Much to Budget for an Alaskan Cruise

Table Of Content

• The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises
• Review: Is the Norwegian Sun a Good Ship to Cruise Alaska?
• Does an Alaska Cruise Cost More for Certain Itineraries?
• Adventures and Shore Excursions
• Cruise Tour
• Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America
• What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

These cruise lines provide a higher level of service, elegant accommodations, gourmet dining options, and exclusive shore excursions. If you value comfort and indulgence, luxury cruise lines are a great choice for exploring the beauty of Alaska. If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska. But if once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experiences like helicopter rides and flightseeing in Ketchikan are more your speed, you'll need to triple that amount -- or more. To find the best deals, try weighing the value of the deal against your actual needs (more on that below).

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you choose an Inside Passage cruise or a Gulf of Alaska cruise, you will be treated to unforgettable experiences in this awe-inspiring destination. When choosing the right Alaska cruise line for you, consider your budget, preferences, and desired level of luxury. Whether you opt for a mainstream or luxury experience, you’re sure to have a memorable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska’s cruise ports. Ketchikan is known as the Totem Pole Capital of the World, so a visit here wouldn’t be complete without exploring its famous collection of totem poles.

Review: Is the Norwegian Sun a Good Ship to Cruise Alaska?

Prices for a Cruise Tour vary depending on how many days the tour runs and the tour’s location. Some ships, like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, have more balcony staterooms available than smaller ships like Enchantment or Radiance of the Seas. Therefore you may find balcony staterooms more affordable on a Quantum-class ship than on smaller ships. This is especially true if you are traveling from far away to get to the departure point. Or, if you opt for an upgraded shore excursion or two while traveling.

Does an Alaska Cruise Cost More for Certain Itineraries?

Many travelers dream of taking an Alaska cruise with friends or family. Alaskan cruise prices vary widely depending on many factors, but you can expect to pay at least $600 before taxes for a 7-night cruise to Alaska. Factors that will increase the cost include the cruise line selected, cabin type, the time of year and how long your trip is. As the capital of Alaska, Juneau offers a wide range of attractions. Get up close and personal with glaciers by taking a helicopter tour or boarding a boat excursion to the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier. Pan for gold and learn about the gold rush era at the Last Chance Mining Museum, and take a scenic tram ride up Mount Roberts for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

When trying to figure out your Alaskan cruise cost, there are many things to factor in that you may not have initially realized. There may be airfare and hotel costs in addition to the cruise fare, depending on where you live. Be sure that you plan well as sometimes there are delays on cruise ships. The cruise season in Alaska typically runs from late April to early October, with the high season falling between June and August. It’s during this time that you’ll have the best chances of experiencing the warmest weather and spotting incredible wildlife like humpback whales and orcas. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider booking during the shoulder season months of April, May, or September.

For those looking to save money, booking during shoulder season months of April, May, and September can offer more affordable fares. However, keep in mind that weather conditions during these months can be less predictable, and some excursions may be canceled due to unfavorable conditions. May, in particular, is known for being one of the driest months in the Inside Passage, while September offers the possibility of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider cruising in the shoulder seasons of April, May, and September. Although the weather may be cooler and there is a higher chance of excursions being canceled due to unpredictable conditions, these months offer lower prices and fewer crowds. May, in particular, is known for being one of the driest months in the Inside Passage, while September presents the opportunity to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Many expedition cruises to Alaska also employ Zodiac rafts and offer kayaks and hiking trips to bring passengers closer to glaciers and creatures. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska. They can be incredibly expensive when compared to experiences in the Caribbean or Mexico. 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.

Read Next: Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America

THE 25 BEST Holland America Line Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Holland America Line Cruises to Alaska (with Prices) 2024 & 2025 on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 11:31:17 GMT [source]

The price of an Alaska cruise can vary greatly based on which month you sail. You can visit Alaska without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port). Be sure to bring your passport if you plan on crossing the border from Skagway into Canada's Yukon Territory -- or exploring any Canadian port of call. Many travelers use vacations as an excuse to update their wardrobes. When traveling to different climates, you may also need to buy new clothes to be comfortable in varying conditions.

What is the best time to cruise to Alaska?

You'll want to shop for cruise deals that include onboard credit you can apply to your excursions. These are abundant during wave season, though Cruise Critic's Deal Score also clearly shows you what inclusions and offers are part of Alaska cruise deals as well. If you don’t plan on booking excursions, you may choose to explore Alaska’s ports on your own.

In Seattle, the average daily hotel price ranges from $230 in May to $192 in August. If you are looking to stay closer to the port, you can expect to pay more. Sometimes, these hotels can cost upwards of $400 or more per night. Mainstream lines have also started offering longer cruises to Alaska from southern West Coast ports like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter.

Here, you can check our Alaska cruise review to see which port of calls we visited. Longer cruises often offer a more comprehensive experience, allowing you to explore more destinations. A reasonable budget for a 7-day Alaskan cruise, including some shore excursions and extra amenities, could range from $3,000 to $5,000 per person.

They provide an overview of Alaska's history, culture, recreation and industry, and don't offer much of a personal touch. While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark to varying degrees on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day.

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise. 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.