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Stick to the broad guidelines above and as previously stated, follow the advice of your packing lists. Checking the weather before your Alaska trip will only serve to frustrate your preparations and offers little insight into what conditions will be like when you arrive. The first humpbacks begin to arrive in Alaska about late April and early May. These are typically the adult males that can make the long migration the fastest. They are followed by younger males, females and finally mothers with calves arriving in late May and early June. Small ship cruises in May will likely view whales, but they will be individuals or smaller groups of two or three spread about looking and waiting for food.
Personal Items
The high temperature in May in the capital city of Juneau, averages in the mid-50s, with lows in the 40s. If you purchase a balcony cabin, you can take advantage of the long days in the Land of the Midnight Sun. As your ship reaches the Inside Passage, the early morning views outside of your room are breathtaking. The benefits of cruising in April include less expensive pricing, fewer tourists, and less crowded ports. Here is a breakdown of other important considerations for an April Alaskan cruise.
Cruises: Regions
Pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, and your bathing suit for a top-deck dip after your shore tour. Despite the positive forecast, you’ll still want to pack light layers and rain gear that you can don for glacier viewing or visits, forested hikes, or the always-possible rain shower. Not to mention you’ll have a better chance of seeing humpback whales, king salmon, bears, moose, and bald eagles.
Best Time to Travel to Alaska by Land
With the right clothing and mindset, you can fully embrace the unpredictable weather and embrace the true essence of Alaska’s wilderness. Don’t let the possibility of rain deter you from enjoying your Alaskan cruise. Rain showers often add a unique charm to the scenery, creating a misty atmosphere that enhances the beauty of the coastal views and forests.
Due to the shorter daylight hours, September provides the best opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis from an Alaskan cruise. The warm weather makes it one of the best times to witness the calving of glaciers. During May, you’ll find several whale species along Alaska’s inside passage. By this time of the year, most of the whales will have completed their migration from the warm waters of Mexico to Alaska, where they will spend the summer. Ensure that you have all these travel documents and money-related items well-organized and easily accessible throughout your journey. It’s always a good idea to have backups of important documents stored electronically or with a trusted person back home.
Cruises in the Southcentral and Southwestern part of the state begin operating, offering adventures along Prince William Sound, Kodiak Island, Katmai National Park and the Aleutian Islands. Some departures even focus on the Arctic waters of the Bering Sea, bringing guests ashore at various points along Russia’s Siberian coastline—you might even spot a polar bear on Wrangel Island. So if you’re on the hunt for some of that famous northern solitude, spring is the time for you. And best of all, the land is bursting back to life after the long, cold winter months.
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide - Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Time to Cruise Alaska 2024: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Keep an eye out for my favorite, the ever-adorable puffins, Arctic terns, cormorants, and bald eagles. A hat, gloves, and a winter coat would be a good idea to pack for an Alaskan cruise, especially if you depart in April, May, or September. Orca whales (which are actually members of the dolphin family) are a fairly common site on an Alaskan cruise.
Each month has its advantages, not the least of which is discounted pricing in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. June is also one of the best months for whale-watching; late June and early July are the best times for bear-spotting excursions. If you’re planning an Alaska cruise in June, temperatures average a low of 45 and a high of 62. If budget is as big a concern as Alaska cruise weather, May is one of the cheapest months to sail due to shoulder-season discounts. If you’re planning a cruise tour to Denali National Park and Preserve, it’s worth noting that the bus service doesn’t begin until late May.
Expert Tips for Photographing Alaska's Wildlife
During winter you can also view the artistic masterpieces created by ice carvers and try or watch some dog mushing. An Alaskan cruise in July offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that will leave you in awe. From witnessing towering glaciers calving into the sea to spotting humpback whales breaching, and exploring charming coastal towns, this is an adventure like no other.
Many cruise ships begin their summer deployments to Alaska in May before peak season begins in June. Remember to bring a versatile wardrobe that allows for layering, including base layers, t-shirts, sweaters, and pants. Don’t forget to pack appropriate outerwear such as a waterproof jacket, fleece or insulated jacket, and rain gear. Choose comfortable and sturdy footwear like hiking boots and walking shoes, and consider bringing sandals or flip-flops for onboard relaxation.
Now that we’ve covered travel documents and money essentials, let’s move on to discussing some miscellaneous items that you might find useful during your Alaska cruise in July. Remember, most cruise ships provide basic toiletries in the cabins, such as soap and shampoo. However, it’s always best to have your preferred products on hand to maintain your personal comfort. It’s also a good idea to bring a small backpack or day bag to carry your personal items when going on excursions or exploring the ports of call. This way, you can have easy access to your essentials while keeping your hands free. Yes, it’s highly recommended to book tours and accommodations well in advance for travel in July.
One of the remarkable aspects of visiting Alaska in July is the abundance of daylight hours. Known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun,” Alaska experiences incredibly long days during the summer solstice, which falls around June 20th. Inland regions, such as Denali National Park and Fairbanks, can experience slightly warmer temperatures during July. Daytime temperatures often reach the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (around degrees Celsius), allowing for enjoyable adventures in the wilderness and opportunities to view majestic wildlife. During the summer months, Alaska experiences average temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s Fahrenheit (10-20 degrees Celsius). However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop into the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9 degrees Celsius) in the evenings, especially in more northern regions.
Plus, the rain brings life to the vibrant flora and fauna that Alaska is known for. So, get ready to embark on a journey through Alaska’s untamed beauty, where every turn reveals a new wonder and where the splendor of nature takes center stage. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a break from the ordinary, an Alaskan cruise in July will leave you with a profound appreciation for the Last Frontier. Stephanie Yrungaray grew up in gorgeous Eagle River, Alaska and now calls Utah her beUtahful home. She enjoys traveling and exploring with her husband and five kids any way she can, from cruising to RV camping and everything in-between!
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Alaska’s wilderness has something for everyone. Mid-July marks the largest congregation of brown bears at Brooks Falls—the famous scene where you can watch these majestic creatures swatting at salmon as they make their way upstream. 👆 You can filter your cruise search at princess.com to include only Alaska cruises and only July 2023 cruises. I’m not sure how it would work if you book 2 cruises back-to-back to make it so you are doing a round-trip Anchorage cruise. This is not a common way to do Alaska cruises, but if you are interested, it’s something to look into. Alaska excursions are expensive, but most people tend to think they are worth it.
There are many highlights of an Alaska cruise no matter the time of year you go. If your itinerary includes stops in Anchorage, Seward, or Whittier, you might experience rougher seas as you cross the Gulf of Alaska in September. September is also an excellent time to witness a towering Alaskan moose. With shoulder heights at 6 foot 9 inches and over 1,400 pounds, these massive animals are as dangerous as impressive, so you’ll want to view them from a distance. Birds also haven’t started their migration, so you can spot both songbirds and seabirds as you cruise along the coast. If you have an exterior room and are sensitive to light while sleeping, a sleeping mask will help you rest during these long days.
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