Donald BucoloOver a million travelers will visit Alaska on a cruise ship in 2025, and for many, it will be their first cruise. Having cruised Alaska’s stunning waters six times across various cruise lines and itineraries, we’ve learned quite a bit. Thus, we’re sharing our expert first-time Alaska cruise tips to ensure your next cruise is smooth sailing.
Table of Contents
- Budgeting Smart
- Planning & Booking
- Choosing the Right Ship & Itinerary
- Shore Excursions
- Packing Essentials
- Onboard Experience
- Alaskan Weather & Wildlife
- Cabin Comfort & Tech Tips
- Food & Local Experiences
Budgeting Smart for Your Alaska Cruise
1. Budget More Than You Would for the Caribbean
One of the most essential first-time Alaska cruise tips is understanding the true cost to avoid sticker shock. Forget those $499 Caribbean cruise deals you might have seen advertised. Alaska cruise vacations are considerably more expensive, with most travelers needing to budget between $2,000 and $5,000 per person.
This higher price point is influenced by several factors. The cruise line and ship you choose, your specific itinerary, and your travel dates all significantly impact the base fare.
Add-ons like drink packages, WiFi, specialty dining, and shore excursions further increase the total cost. When all expenses are tallied, it’s not unreasonable for a family of four to expect to spend $10,000+ on a week-long Alaska cruise (on the cheaper end!).
2. Let the Cruise Line Pick Your Cabin to Save Money
For your first cruise, here’s a money-saving strategy that many experienced cruisers use: opt for a “guaranteed cabin” category rather than selecting a specific room number. Several major cruise lines offer these reduced-fare options, though they may use different terminology such as “we’ll pick the cabin for you” or “choose your cabin.”
With a guaranteed cabin, you select the general category you want (interior, oceanview, balcony), but allow the cruise line to assign the specific location. This flexibility on your part can save hundreds of dollars per person compared to selecting a specific cabin number.
The cruise line typically assigns these cabins closer to sailing date, often within a few weeks of departure. This approach works well for many travelers, but if you’re prone to motion sickness and need a mid-ship location, selecting a specific cabin is worth the premium.
3. Budget Extra for Shore Excursions
One of the main reasons Alaska cruises are more expensive than other destinations is the shore excursions. Alaska offers incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences that simply aren’t available elsewhere—but they come at a premium price.
Signature Alaskan adventures like glacier helicopter landings, dog sledding on actual snowfields, or bear-watching floatplane excursions typically cost $600+ per person. For budget planning, we recommend setting aside at least $100 per person, per port as an absolute minimum. With 3-4 ports on a typical Alaska cruise, most families should expect to spend at least $1,200-1,600 on excursions alone. On our most recent Alaska cruise, we invested over $1,000 per person on tours, including a bucket-list experience we’d been trying to do for ten years.
4. Upgrade Your Cruise Package for Savings
Many cruise lines now offer bundled packages that combine drink packages, WiFi, and excursion credits at a discount. Holland America’s Have it All, Celebrity’s All Included, and Princess’ Plus and Premier packages can save you 30-50% compared to purchasing these add-ons separately. Do the math before sailing—these upgrades often make financial sense.
5. Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance
After spending thousands on your dream Alaska cruise, skipping travel insurance is a huge risk you shouldn’t take. Weather delays, medical emergencies, or lost luggage can quickly turn expensive. Compare third-party policies rather than automatically taking the cruise line’s offering—you’ll likely find better coverage for less. Always review policies carefully to ensure you understand the coverage and that it meets your family’s needs.
Planning & Booking Your Cruise Vacation
6. Book Your Cruise 8-12 Months in Advance
The early bird catches more than just the worm—they also snag the best cabin locations and prices! Most cruise lines release Alaska itineraries up to two years ahead, but we find booking 8-12 months out hits the sweet spot for selection and price. As sailings fill up, those prices climb faster than a bear up a salmon ladder.
7. Use a Travel Advisor
We’re not travel agents, but we book ALL our cruises through our trusted advisor. For many passengers, a knowledgeable travel advisor’s expertise is invaluable. Why? They often have access to exclusive promotions like onboard credit, free gratuities, or specialty dinners that you can’t get booking direct. Plus, having someone in your corner is priceless when something goes sideways, like travel deals or unexpected itinerary changes.
8. Cruise in May or September for Better Deals
Want to save 20-30% on the same cruise? The “shoulder season” (early May or September) offers the best value. Yes, the weather might be slightly less predictable, but we’ve had gorgeous sunny days in May and September alike. Bonus: fewer crowds both onboard and in port. Not all excursions may be running, but the core experiences generally are.
9. Arrive at Your Departure Port a Day Early
Nothing kills vacation excitement like missing your ship because of a flight delay. So regardless of your departure port, we always recommend flying a day earlier and booking a pre-cruise hotel stay. Plus, Seattle and Vancouver are spectacular cities worth exploring. You can spend the day in Stanley Park, or grab some fantastic photos from the Space Needle. These pre-cruise days are the best way to start your vacation, and these experiences often become one of our trip highlights!
10. Consider a Cruisetour for the Full Alaska Experience
If you’ve got the time and budget, adding a land portion to your cruise (known as a cruisetour) is worth every penny. These extensions take you deeper into Alaska’s interior to places like Denali National Park via scenic train rides and comfortable lodges. After all, Alaska’s coastline is just the beginning—the interior is the true heart of Alaska.
Choosing the Right Ship & Itinerary
11. There’s No Single “Best” Cruise Line
We’re often asked what is the best cruise line in Alaska, but the truth is that almost all major cruise lines now sail in the region. We’ve sailed with Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line in Alaska, and each has their pros and cons.
Families with children should consider Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Disney, as these offer more diverse activities for multi-generational groups.
Couples may prefer Princess Cruises, Celebrity, or Holland America for a more refined experience. Princess and Holland America actually have the most ships sailing the region. Plus, these cruise lines focus more on onboard programming with lectures, enrichment, and custom menus featuring local cuisine.
Focus on finding the right ship and itinerary rather than just the cruise line.
12. Find a Ship With Prime Viewing Areas
When examining cruise ships, look for a vessel with several public viewing areas. The best ships offer multiple outdoor viewing platforms for photos along with enclosed observation lounges that provide panoramic views while keeping passengers warm and dry during inclement weather.
Some newer ships feature 270-degree wrap-around lounges or multi-story glass atriums that provide spectacular viewing without having to brave the elements. Norwegian’s Breakaway Plus-class ships or Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships are excellent examples.
Multiple viewing options ensure you have ample chances to catch those “can’t miss” moments, regardless of weather conditions and regardless of whether you have a balcony cabin.
13. Choose an Itinerary with Glacier Bay (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
One of the main reasons to visit Alaska is to see glaciers, and not all glacier viewing opportunities are created equal. The two most popular destinations are Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park, with others including Dawes Glacier and Sawyer Glacier.
Hubbard Glacier is truly magnificent as the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Although, Glacier Bay National Park offers the most comprehensive glacier experience with up to five different glaciers in a single day.
This experience is even more special because park rangers board your ship to provide educational commentary throughout your time in the park. After cruising Alaska for over ten years, our days in Glacier Bay consistently rank among our most memorable experiences.
14. One-Way vs. Round-Trip: Know the Tradeoffs
You’ll need to decide between two main itinerary types. One-way cruises, typically between Vancouver and Seward/Whittier, often visit more ports and sail further north into Alaska. The downside is they require multi-city flights, which usually cost more, and additional travel arrangements getting to/from cruise ports. These sailings tend to operate on older, smaller ships as well.
Roundtrip cruises from Seattle or Vancouver are significantly easier to plan and typically more budget-friendly. With more ships offering these itineraries, you’ll find greater variety in departure dates and price points. These cruises also tend to feature newer, more family-friendly ships with additional onboard amenities.
The trade-off is that roundtrip sailings don’t venture as far north. For most first-time Alaska cruisers, the convenience of a roundtrip sailing from Seattle makes it the ideal choice.
15. Pick a Ship With Indoor Amenities for Rainy Days
Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, so when researching ships look beyond just the viewing areas. Check that your ship offers a variety of indoor amenities for inclement weather days.
An indoor pool is particularly valuable, as are spa facilities or thermal suites where you can relax in a heated lounger while gazing at glaciers through panoramic windows.
If you’re traveling with children, ensure the ship has indoor youth centers and family-friendly activities that don’t depend on good weather. Norwegian Cruise Line ships often feature large thermal suites, while Royal Caribbean’s Solarium areas provide adults-only relaxation with excellent views. Not to mention, both cruise lines have plenty to keep the kids busy.
Shore Excursions Tips and Tricks
16. Book Shore Excursions Early
That helicopter glacier landing you’ve been dreaming about is also on many other passengers’ bucket lists. With limited spots for such an in-demand tour, book your must-do experiences the moment they become available.
In fact, you can purchase shore excursions for most cruise lines before your final payment, even up to a year in advance. If you wait too long, some of the most sought-after tours could be sold out.
You can always cancel if plans change, but you can’t conjure up space on sold-out excursions. We should know, as it took us five cruises before we were able to do one of the most coveted excursions, a dog sled ride on the Mendenhall Glacier.
17. Consider Independent Tour Operators
Cruise line excursions are convenient but typically can be quite costly compared to identical tours booked directly with local operators. In fact, cruisers can often save up to 40% off the cruise line’s costs by booking with companies like Shore Excursions Group.
We have booked several tours with Shore Excursions Group in various regions and have always found them to be a great value. Plus, Shore Excursions Group offers its “Return to Ship Guarantee” so you can feel confident that you will be back onboard when your ship sets sail. Just research thoroughly and read reviews before booking to ensure your pick the right tour.
Book Now: Save Up to 40% On Excursions for Your Next Cruise!
18. Get Off at Every Port (Yes, Even in the Rain)
Unlike Caribbean cruises where “ship days” can be just as fun as port days, Alaska cruising is all about the destination. Even in drizzly weather, those port stops offer experiences you simply can’t get elsewhere. Pack your rain gear and embrace the adventure.
19. Mix Big-Ticket Excursions with DIY Exploration
Balance your shore excursion budget by alternating splurge experiences with self-guided exploration. Many Alaska ports are extremely walkable—Ketchikan’s Creek Street, downtown Juneau, and Skagway’s historic district can easily fill a delightful day without an organized tour. Just grab a port map and comfortable shoes!
20. Book One Wildlife-Focused Excursion
For most cruise passengers, wildlife sightings rank high on the must-see list. However, wildlife in Alaska doesn’t always appear on schedule, which is why booking at least one dedicated wildlife excursion dramatically increases your chances of memorable encounters.
Specialized wildlife tours are led by experienced guides who know exactly where and when certain animals are most likely to appear. Popular options include whale-watching tours from Juneau or Icy Strait Point, bear-viewing expeditions near Ketchikan (especially during salmon runs), and bald eagle excursions from Skagway.
Packing Essentials for Your First Time Alaska Cruise
21. Layers, Layers, and More Layers
The most essential Alaska cruise packing tip: think layers! The temperature in Alaska can fluctuate dramatically—we’ve experienced 25-30 degree swings in a single day. Your layering strategy should be adaptable to these changing conditions.
Start with a lightweight base layer, add a warm mid-layer like fleece or lightweight wool, and top it with a waterproof, windproof outer shell.
Lightweight vests or packable puffer jackets are excellent options as they provide core warmth without bulk and can be easily stored in a day bag when not needed. The key advantage of layering is flexibility—adding or removing pieces throughout the day as conditions change, which is far more effective than bringing a single heavy coat.
22. Rain Gear is Non-Negotiable
Speaking of weather and packing for your Alaska cruise, make sure to bring proper rain gear—you will encounter rain at some point during your trip.
Pack a quality waterproof (not just water-resistant) jacket with a hood, waterproof shoes or boots, and consider waterproof pants if you are thinking of hiking or water-based tours like kayaking.
Ketchikan alone receives around 150 inches of rain annually and proudly calls itself the “Rain Capital of Alaska.”
Even if your day starts with brilliant sunshine, coastal Alaska weather patterns can change rapidly, with fog and rain rolling in unexpectedly. Being prepared with the right gear means you won’t have to hide indoors or waste money on overpriced emergency ponchos when showers appear.
23. Don’t Forget Sunglasses and Sunscreen
This first-time Alaska cruise tip surprises many people, but sun protection is essential in Alaska.
We’ve experienced significant weather fluctuations throughout our Alaska sailings—one day might be in the low 50s and gray, while the next could be sunny and approaching 70°F, especially during peak season of late June through mid-August.
Even on overcast days, UV rays can be surprisingly intense due to reflection from water, snow, and glacial ice. The long daylight hours during summer months (up to 18-20 hours of daylight) also mean extended sun exposure. Polarized sunglasses are particularly valuable in Alaska as they reduce glare from water and ice surfaces, making it easier to spot wildlife and appreciate the stunning glacier details.
24. Yes, Bring Your Swimsuit
After a day of exploring in chilly temperatures, nothing beats slipping into a hot tub while watching the Alaskan landscape drift by. Indoor pools and thermal suites are also popular on sea days. During our July cruise, we even had temperatures warm enough to enjoy the outdoor pool deck!
25. Pack Light – You Need Less Than You Think
We can speak from personal experience on this one. On our first Alaska cruise, we arrived in Seattle with three suitcases weighing nearly 49 pounds each, not knowing what to expect.
In reality, you won’t need nearly as much outdoor gear as you might think.
Many make the mistake of overpacking heavy outerwear. Rather than bringing multiple heavy jackets and several pairs of hiking boots, focus on layers and a couple good pairs of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes.
Tour operators typically include necessary gear for specialized activities, such as boots for glacier walks or fishing equipment, so check before packing these bulky items.
Making the Most of the Onboard Experiences
26. Download the Cruise Line’s App Before Boarding
Most major cruise lines now have apps that work even without purchasing a WiFi package. Download before sailing to access daily schedules, deck plans, restaurant reservations, and sometimes even ship-to-ship messaging with your travel companions.
27. Explore Your Ship on Embarkation Day
That first day when everyone’s finding their sea legs is the perfect time to discover everything your ship has to offer. Exploring the ship on day 1 lets you know where everything is and will ensure you find the least crowded viewing areas, hidden lounges, and best photography perches before the cruise begins. We are always surprised halfway through the cruise when we overhear other passengers say they just discovered a particular bar, public area, or activity. Don’t be that person.
28. Be Prepared for a Varied Schedule
Unlike Caribbean cruises, which have predictable port schedules, your first Alaska cruise will feature a much more diverse daily rhythm. Your itinerary might include an 8am-5pm visit to Skagway one day, followed by a 6am wake-up call for glacier viewing the next morning. You might have a noon to 10pm call in Juneau, then a short evening visit to Victoria, British Columbia.
This variability requires more attention to the daily program. Each night, review the next day’s schedule carefully so you don’t miss important scenic cruising or early port arrivals. Some of the best wildlife spotting happens during early morning hours when animals are more active. Be prepared to adjust your routine and consider taking occasional afternoon naps to compensate for early mornings or late evenings.
29. Don’t Miss the Onboard Alaska Programming
The educational programming is much more than just filler between ports—it’s an essential part of immersing yourself in this remarkable region. Most cruise lines offer specialized onboard enrichment programs featuring knowledgeable naturalists and historians who provide valuable context about Alaska’s wildlife, geology, native cultures, and history.
These presentations cover what wildlife to look for in upcoming ports and the best photography vantage points. If your ship visits Glacier Bay National Park, rangers will actually board your vessel for the day. They provide detailed narration during glacier viewing and offer dedicated presentations. These ranger talks are consistently rated as highlights by Alaska cruisers.
You should prioritize these enrichment opportunities even if you typically skip onboard activities and entertainment.
30. Embrace the Long Days
During the peak summer season, daylight can stretch from 4am until nearly midnight. This extended daylight means more hours to enjoy the scenery, but can also disrupt sleep patterns. Pack an eye mask for better rest, and consider strategic afternoon naps to make the most of those magical late-evening views when the lighting is spectacular for photography.
Alaskan Weather & Wildlife
31. Know What Wildlife You’re Likely to See (and When)
For first-time Alaska cruisers, wildlife sightings are often a highlight. Along with the fjords, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers, an Alaska cruise offers opportunities to see remarkable animals in their natural habitat. We’ve spotted humpback whales, bald eagles, sea otters, and bears during our cruises, but wildlife sightings depend on when you sail to a certain extent.
Your wildlife spotting odds vary dramatically by season:
- May: Eagle nesting season, gray whale migration, fewer crowds for wildlife viewing
- June-July: Best for humpback whales and orcas, with peak activity in the Gulf of Alaska
- Late July-August: Optimal bear viewing as salmon runs attract bears to streams and shorelines
- September: Potential for Northern Lights, migrating birds, and active wildlife preparing for winter
Humpback whales can be found throughout the cruise season, but spectacular behaviors like breaching are more common during June and July. For bear sightings, late June through August offers the best opportunities, especially on tours from Juneau or Ketchikan.
32. Sail Late Season for Northern Lights Possibilities
A special perk of scheduling your Alaska cruise toward the end of the season is the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights. The Aurora Season in Alaska generally runs from late August through mid-April, but the regular cruise season ends by early October. This creates a narrow window of opportunity in late August and September when aurora viewing becomes possible.
During this period, the days grow shorter, allowing for darker night skies—a requirement for seeing the aurora. By September, sunset occurs much earlier than during the peak summer months, creating ideal viewing conditions.
While your chances of seeing the Northern Lights are better further north in Alaska’s interior, it’s still possible in Southeast Alaska.
33. Peak Season Offers Best Weather (But Highest Prices)
We’ve cruised Alaska in May, June, July, August (twice), and September. Mid-June through early August typically delivers Alaska’s warmest, sunniest days—and the highest cruise fares. During our July and August sailings, we enjoyed several 70°F+ days with plenty of sunshine. If optimal weather is your priority, book during peak season but be prepared for peak pricing and more crowded ports.
34. Bring Binoculars (or Rent Them)
There’s abundant wildlife in Alaska, but you won’t always be able to see it clearly from your current vantage point. While your cruise ship will attempt to get as close as possible to wildlife and glaciers, many sightings will still occur at distances too great for the naked eye.
A good pair of binoculars will significantly enhance your Alaska cruise experience by bringing distant wildlife and glacier details into clear view. However, quality binoculars can be expensive, so consider purchasing a cheaper pair or renting from websites like lensrentals.com. The latter approach gives you access to high-quality optics for a fraction of the purchase price.
But before investing, check with your cruise line. Some expedition and luxury cruise lines provide binoculars in staterooms or have pairs available for guests to borrow during wildlife sightings.
Cabin Comfort & Tech Tips
35. A Balcony is Worth the Splurge
While opinions vary on stateroom selection for most cruises, for a first time Alaska cruise, we firmly believe a balcony is worth the additional cost. Yes, cruise ships offer public viewing decks and observation lounges, but having your own private outdoor space provides unique advantages in Alaska that you simply don’t get elsewhere.
With a balcony, you have 24/7 access to the scenery without fighting for space at crowded railings during prime viewing times. This becomes particularly valuable during early morning scenic cruising or when everyone is trying to capture the perfect glacier photo.
We’ve spotted otters and bald eagles from our balcony. Plus, you can enjoy coffee or room service as you cruise by majestic fjords and scenic coastlines. That’s not a bad way to start your morning!
36. Bring Magnetic Hooks for Extra Storage
With all your gear and potentially wet garments, one of our trusted cruise cabin hacks is to bring magnetic hooks.
For those new to cruising, here’s a tip: the walls in your stateroom are typically made of metal. Strong magnetic hooks (available inexpensively online) attach securely to these walls, creating instant additional storage space for jackets, hats, backpacks, and wet gear.
Beyond clothing storage, these magnetic hooks can also be used to post your daily schedule, shore excursion tickets, or other important papers so they’re visible and don’t get lost among desk clutter.
Since cabin space is at a premium on most ships, this simple addition dramatically improves organization during your week at sea.
37. Pack an Over-Door Organizer
Another trusted cabin hack is to bring a packable over-the-door shoe organizer. However, this isn’t for shoes—it’s a perfect solution for organizing all the small items that tend to clutter cruise cabin surfaces.
These lightweight organizers have multiple pockets perfectly sized for storing toiletries, medications, small electronics, phone chargers, sunglasses, gloves, hand warmers, camera accessories, shore excursion tickets, and other small essentials.
We’ve taken an over-door organizer on every Alaska cruise and found it indispensable.
38. Consider Upgrading Your Camera Equipment
Even the best smartphone will struggle to capture usable images when photographing distant wildlife or glaciers from the ship.
So, consider upgrading your photography equipment to capture memories that truly reflect what you saw. A camera with a quality zoom lens (at least 200mm, ideally 300mm or longer) makes a tremendous difference for wildlife photography.
Consider renting equipment if purchasing a camera isn’t practical for a single trip. Services like lensrentals.com offer weekly camera and lens rentals for a fraction of the purchase price.
Beyond traditional cameras, you might also consider action cameras, 360-degree cameras for immersive landscape shots, or camera stabilizers for steadier videos. Whatever your budget allows, investing in better photography equipment for Alaska will pay dividends in the quality of memories you bring home.
39. Think Twice About WiFi Packages
Consider whether purchasing an internet package makes sense for your travel style. With onboard enrichment programs, early morning glacier viewing, and long, activity-filled days in port, many cruisers find far less time for web browsing and social media than they anticipated.
Internet connectivity in Alaska can be problematic due to the region’s mountainous terrain and remote location. Even with paid packages, signal quality can be inconsistent, though improving with the use of Starlink.
Additionally, most Alaska ports of call are within the United States and likely covered by your regular cellular data plan, even if only 3G. Of course, verify your coverage area before sailing. If you do use your phone in port, remember to switch it back to airplane mode once back on the ship to avoid expensive roaming charges.
The Food & Local Experiences in Alaska
40. Try the Local Flavors (Both On and Off the Ship)
While your cruise ship will offer excellent dining options, Alaska presents unique opportunities to sample authentic local cuisine. Alaska’s cold, clean waters produce some of the world’s finest seafood, and its ports feature restaurants specializing in traditional preparations.
In Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack offers massive, sweet king crab legs that are a world apart from what you’ll find in most restaurants back home. The Red Dog Saloon provides not just local beers but also a taste of authentic gold rush atmosphere. In Skagway, the historic Red Onion Saloon and Skagway Brewing Company serve local specialties alongside history.
Also look for traditional salmon bakes, fresh halibut fish and chips, reindeer sausage, and local berry desserts throughout your ports of call.
Final Thoughts for Your Alaska Cruise
An Alaska cruise offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure—letting you experience one of the world’s last great wildernesses while enjoying fine dining and a comfortable bed each night. With these insider first time Alaska cruise tips, you’ll be cruising like a veteran even on your maiden voyage.
And here’s one final tip: take time to be present. It’s tempting to view everything through a camera lens or immediately share each experience on social media. But Alaska’s majesty deserves your full attention. It’s what keeps calling us back to Alaska again and again.
Comments
Have you cruised to Alaska before? What tips would you add for first-timers? Drop us an anchor below with your Alaska cruise hacks, tricks, and secrets!
