Are you considering booking a cruise in Alaska? Planning any type of cruise can be exciting. However, organizing an Alaska cruise vacation is thrilling and demanding. Imagine sailing past stunning glaciers, spotting majestic whales, and exploring charming port towns.
Yet excitement could quickly turn to frustration with a few avoidable mistakes. Picture shivering through excursions because you packed the wrong clothes or missing Glacier Bay because you didn’t check the itinerary before booking. These common blunders can spoil what should be a magical adventure.
Cruising to Alaska isn’t cheap, especially when you consider flights to departure ports, hotel stays, and other expenses. To make the most of your trip and ensure it’s truly unforgettable, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that many cruisers make. Maximizing your value and experience will help you enjoy every moment of your Alaskan cruise adventure.
Let’s dive into the essential mistakes to steer clear of for your Alaskan adventure.
Booking a Dream Alaska Cruise: Why You Want to Avoid Common Mistakes
An Alaska cruise offers spectacular landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history. However, to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can spoil your trip.
While I have yet to embark on this adventure, this article reflects extensive in-depth research for my future Alaska cruise. Avoiding these mistakes is essential because an Alaska cruise is often a significant financial and emotional investment. Making errors in planning or execution can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary stress, detracting from what should be an extraordinary experience. By learning from experienced cruisers, you can sidestep these pitfalls and ensure your trip is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
I’ve researched extensively across forums, websites, and blogs, including Cruise Critic, Reddit, and Cruise Line, to gather insights from experienced cruisers. These sources provide invaluable firsthand experiences that highlight what to do—and what not to do. Read on to discover key mistakes to avoid, ensuring your Alaska cruise is truly unforgettable.
Top Alaska Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
As I dove into planning my dream Alaska cruise, I realized it offers an entirely unique experience compared to other cruises. Shore excursions include whale watching, hiking on massive glaciers, salmon fishing, bear spotting, and cultural experiences in Indigenous villages. It also seems that itineraries differ significantly between operators.
Here are the common mistakes I’m determined to avoid when I start my Alaska cruise.
Pre-Cruise Mistakes
I started planning my Alaska cruise a couple of months ago. And I’m glad I did because there are many considerations when planning the perfect itinerary that I didn’t realize. Here are common mistakes to avoid before you book the cruise
Assuming all Alaska cruises are the same
Don’t think all Alaska cruises are the same. Each cruise offers different experiences based on the time of year, itinerary, and cruise line. Book midseason if you want a magical trip in Alaska to Glacier Bay National Park. One traveler said he saw many bears, whales, and sea otters in May and June. Mid-June through August is best for salmon fishing at Ketchikan.
Additionally, I discovered that depending on the departure port, you may spend two or three days at sea. With most Alaska cruises lasting seven days, that would mean missing vital sightseeing and onshore time. I hadn’t considered this, so I decided to find cruises offering more time in Alaska.
Alaska cruises vary widely. Select a cruise that matches your interests, whether glacier viewings, exciting wildlife encounters, or cultural excursions.
Only considering roundtrip itineraries
When planning, I initially assumed roundtrip itineraries were the best option. It seemed easier to book flights and transportation. However, I learned that one-way cruises could offer better Alaskan cruise experiences than roundtrip cruises. The advice was to start in Vancouver and end in Seward or vice versa.
After looking at various itineraries, I realized I could spend two or three days more in Alaska traveling one way. This would allow me time to visit more glaciers and Denali National Park and Preserve.
Not thoroughly researching destinations and time spending in them in advance
After reading one blog, I realized it’s crucial to look at the time the cruise ship spends in port. Some ships only spend four or five hours in Juneau or Skagway—too little time for multiple activities. The cruiser said his north-to-south cruise let him see the Hubbard Glacier, travel on the Glacier Explorer to Whittier, and spend more time in port.
However, it seems that for first-time cruisers in Alaska, an itinerary that includes the Inside Passage is more straightforward to organize and gives breathtaking views of Alaska’s landscapes.
Booking and Itinerary Mistakes
Booking and planning felt overwhelming at first. Thanks to the advice from various cruise forums, I learned the best tips and tricks for making my cruise more enjoyable. Here are some of the mistakes that many cruisers made before embarkation day.
Forgetting to book a hotel stay before or after the cruise
It’s always important to arrive a day early for your cruise, but if your cruise departs from Alaska, it’s even more crucial. Flights to Alaska can be unpredictable due to weather, making it essential to allow extra time to avoid missing your ship. Additionally, the logistics and terrain in Alaska can make catching up with your cruise difficult if you’re delayed. A pre- or post-cruise hotel stay also allows you to explore cities like Anchorage, Seward, or Vancouver, enriching your overall experience and providing a more relaxed start or end to your trip.
Leaving it too late to book popular cruise excursions
One mistake I’m determined to avoid is booking shore excursions too late. From my research, I’ve learned that midsummer excursions fill up quickly. Even during the shoulder season, securing popular tours is tough if you wait. Unlike Caribbean cruises, booking a shore excursion on the ship is nearly impossible.
I discovered this while reading multiple cruise forums and advice blogs. I will either book excursions at the same time as the cruise or set up notifications as soon as they are available.
Here’s a great tip: Book another excursion and join the waitlist if your desired excursion is sold out. If it becomes available, cancel the other excursion and book the one you originally wanted. In any case, you’ll have a great time in port.
Understanding the importance of early booking ensures you won’t miss out on Alaska’s best experiences. This insight has been crucial in my planning process.
Booking too many excursions
I’ve read about many travelers who made the mistake of booking too many excursions. Cramming in too many activities caused exhaustion and spoiled the adventure. By the time they reached their last port, they were too tired to enjoy it fully. I realized that balancing excursions with downtime is crucial for a relaxing trip.
This research helped me prioritize the excursions I want to take and plan enough downtime between ports. It will also give me the flexibility to do some spontaneous exploration, making the trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
Overlooking independent excursions
Initially, I assumed ship-sponsored excursions were the best option. However, after some research, I discovered that exploring independent tour options can often offer more unique experiences at lower costs. For instance, one traveler booked a kayaking trip in Ketchikan independently for much cheaper than the cruise line’s price and had an unforgettable experience.
I hadn’t considered this before, but I discovered that many independent tours are well-reviewed and reliable. This insight helped me realize the potential for more personalized and affordable adventures, ensuring I make the most of my time in Alaska.
It’s also recommended that you explore all the options in the port. Most ports are small and have plenty to do without booking expensive excursions. Here are some ideas I came across (from expensive to cheap):
- Helicopter tours over glaciers
- Dog sledding adventures
- Shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau
- Ziplining
- ATV ride on the Denali Highway
- The Fortress of the Bear rehabilitation centers in Sitka
- Walking trails
- Museums
- Downtown shopping in quaint villages
Not extending your stay in Alaska
A common regret many cruisers to Alaska mention is focusing only on the cruise. Countless stories highlight cruisers disembarking and wishing they had extended their stay. Many cruise passengers plan an additional week in Alaska’s interior to explore the wilderness, enhancing their overall experience.
One traveler told how they spent a week on land and then a week on the cruise. After flying into Fairbanks, they booked ATV adventures, went bear-watching, and explored Denali National Park. They then got the Glacier Explorer train from Anchorage to Whitter, where they started their North-South one-way cruise to Vancouver. Sounds exciting!
Cabin Selection Mistakes
Choosing a cabin was more complex than I thought. I usually save money on a cruise by booking an inside cabin. But I wasn’t sure about the Alaska cruise as there’s so much stunning scenery. Here’s what helped me make up my mind.
Not booking a balcony cabin
After researching comments on various blogs about cabins, it seems most cruisers recommend a balcony cabin—if you can afford it. Cruise passengers talk about watching whales breaching, catching glimpses of sea lions, or watching the stunning forests go by when navigating narrow inlets.
After reading numerous reviews and personal stories, I understood how much I’d miss without a private viewing space. This helped me decide that the extra cost of a balcony cabin is worth the immersive experience and convenience it offers. I haven’t read about any passenger who regretted not having a cabin with a balcony.
However, if you can only afford an inside cabin, don’t fret, as Alaska cruise ships have fantastic viewing decks with panoramic views.
Packing Mistakes
I had heard that packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky, and because I’ve never traveled so far north before, I was unsure how to pack. From my research, I got some great tips on what to take and what to leave behind.
Here’s what I discovered to avoid common packing mistakes.
Forgetting to pack suitable clothing
Most forums and cruise blogs agree on what to pack for cruising Alaska—rain gear and layered clothing. The chances are that it will rain at some point on your cruise. So, pack raincoats, waterproof shoes, and a few ponchos for good measure.
It’s also recommended to forget bulky clothing and focus on layers. This way, you can remove a layer when the weather warms without getting too cold. Here is a collection of suggestions for what to pack:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Puffy jacket
- Insulated layers (fleece or down)
- Lightweight clothing for warmer days
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat, gloves, and scarf
- Swimwear, if there’s a pool or hot tub on board
Forgetting essential gear
With so much to plan for an unforgettable Alaska cruise, it’s easy to make the mistake of forgetting essential items. The essentials include binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen, and a water-resistant camera. If you use a smartphone for photographs, take a waterproof case or floatable pouch.
Top tip if you travel in a group: Ensure everyone has a set of binoculars for wildlife sightings.
Local Exploration Mistakes
I booked a cruise to Alaska to enjoy its spectacular landscapes, the beauty of glaciers, and Alaskan wildlife. I discovered that early booking is vital in Alaska to ensure you get the excursions you want. Here is some of the best advice I found online.
Budgeting mistakes
Underestimating the cost of excursions and onboard extras can quickly drain your budget. Through forums and blogs, I discovered that Alaska excursions are more expensive than ones in the Caribbean. Therefore, set aside extra funds to ensure you’re not left wandering the streets of Juneau because you cannot afford a kayaking excursion or a trip to a glacier.
Waiting too long to disembark
Reading various blog posts taught me that getting off the ship early is vital, especially on Alaska cruises. Ports are usually small, and you don’t want to deal with large crowds. One passenger said that up to five ships in Juneau could be in port simultaneously—around 10,000 to 15,000 people in a small town of 30,000 inhabitants.
Planning to disembark early ensures you can maximize your time at each destination, making your cruise experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Ignoring local attractions and information
Forums highlight the mistake of concentrating too much on shore excursions and not exploring port towns on foot.
Some cruisers say that the Alaska State Museum in Juneau is a must-see. Others recommend strolling through Ketchikan’s old red-light district for shopping. Another cruise passenger recommended getting the bus from Juneau and hiking to Mendenhall Glacier—it only cost him $4.
Only eating on the ship
Don’t make the mistake of only dining on the ship and missing out on local Alaskan cuisine. Reviews emphasize the incredible food available in ports. Even if it’s only some tasty fish tacos from a food truck, local dishes can enrich your culinary experience. Juneau also has many seafood restaurants near the cruise port.
Missing Glacier Bay in the cruise itinerary
When researching cruise itineraries, I was surprised that not every ship stops in Glacier Bay—a highlight of Alaska cruises. Seemingly, only two large ships can enter the bay at a time. From what I found, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line get the most access to the bay.
Of course, Holland America and Princess tend to attract an older crowd. However, one seasoned cruiser said that, in his experience, Alaska was different. The cruise lines have younger and more diverse age ranges on board. So that is something to consider.
Not trying something new
Travelers advise stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new, one-of-a-kind experiences. Some suggestions I came across are dog sledding, kayaking, walking on glaciers, salmon fishing, and ziplining. Going to Alaska is memorable in itself. But trying new experiences will make it even more unforgettable.
Weather and Climate Mistakes
Alaska’s unpredictable weather initially worried me as it seemed to rain most of the time. But thanks to advice from cruisers who’d been to Alaska, I better understand how to prepare for the weather and longer days.
Underestimating weather variability
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating how Alaska’s weather can change dramatically within a single day. I read countless stories of travelers caught off guard by sudden shifts from warm sunshine to cold rain. It can be 50°F (10°C) one day and 85°F (29°C) the next.
Not considering longer daylight hours
Extended daylight hours in Alaska can play havoc with sleep patterns, so come prepared. At the start of the Alaskan cruise season in April, Alaska gets 14 hours of daylight, jumping to a whopping 22 hours in midsummer.
The best advice is to bring an eye mask and plan activities to make the most of the long days without losing sleep.
Remember that Alaska Standard Time is one hour behind Pacific Standard Time and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time.
Assuming the seas will be smooth
Pictures of cruise ships in Alaska always seem to be navigating tranquil waters and beautiful inlets. So, I was surprised to learn that seasickness is a problem. While waters in the Inland Passage tend to be calm, the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can get rough. Even the bays can become choppy during summer storms.
The advice? Come prepared with motion sickness medication.
Read More: The Best Time for an Alaska Cruise: A Monthly Breakdown
In Conclusion
After reading countless cruise blogs and forum discussions, I better understand what to expect during my Alaskan adventure. Careful planning and attention to itinerary details will result in a memorable Alaskan cruise journey. I hope the information I’ve shared helps you plan an unforgettable cruise in America’s Last Frontier and avoid mistakes many cruisers have made.
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