Sunday, March 31, 2024

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

cruise deals for alaska

Watch northern wilderness views unfold from aboard our glass-domed train, the McKinley Explorer®. Stay up to 3 nights at the McKinley Chalet Resort near Denali National Park. AlaskaCruises.com is your best online source for everything you need to know about 2024 and 2025 Alaska Cruises and Alaskan Cruise Vacations. Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel.

Crowne Plaza Seattle

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord. Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises.

Hotel Reward Programs

Since your cruise takes place entirely in North America, you likely have cell phone coverage while in port, making Wi-Fi potentially less necessary. To find the best deals, try weighing the value of the deal against your actual needs (more on that below). To reach the fjords, you will pass through Revillagigedo Channel and proceed into the Behm Canal, a waterway where orcas, seals and porpoises are often spotted. Occasional stops will be made along the way to view an active bald eagle’s nest, and New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire that rises above the sea. While cruising through Rudyerd Bay, the naturalist will describe the natural history and point out seabirds that may be nesting in the soaring granite cliffs. You will also have the opportunity to delve into the Tlingit culture by listening to a tribal storyteller-artist or by watching a video presentation.

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

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. Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance.

cruise deals for alaska

Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world. The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

With Princess, you won’t just explore Alaska’s landscapes, you’ll live amidst them in our custom-built wilderness lodges. Located riverside next to some of the most renowned national parks, these warm and welcoming lodges are the perfect spot to bask in Alaska’s best attractions. As a part of your Alaska cruisetour, explore and unwind with comforting amenities and breathtaking scenery. Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver.

Ships on this Itinerary

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure. The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

cruise deals for alaska

They are living laboratories that show what the Earth was like thousands of years ago and how it is changing today. With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself - Cruise Blog

Should I cruise on Princess to Alaska? I booked a sailing to see for myself.

Posted: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While home to just 32,000, Fairbanks is the big city of the interior and cultural hub for the sparsely populated region. You can still go for the gold in Fairbanks, panning just like the early prospectors did. Explore more while spending less with Alaska Cruise Tours deals onboard our best cruise ships.

Take in the sights of this natural masterpiece at a leisurely pace only on an Alaska cruisetour. Experience the authentic interior of Alaska in supreme comfort, with luxury transportation and accommodations. The best Alaska cruise tours will take you in the finest lodges available with the personal attention and expertise of a dedicated Adventure Specialist, so you'll explore the wild lands of the Last Frontier your way. With vast forests, rolling tundra, mighty rivers, pristine lakes and towering mountains, you will feel tempted to continue exploring the outdoors with Alaska land tours after your cruise.

Want to book-end your adventure with exploration in the Last Frontier? Check out one of our round-trip Alaska cruise tours that depart from and arrive at an Alaskan port. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you.

However, any balcony stateroom below $150 per night on a mainstream line is a good deal on an Alaska cruise fare. Read on for our expert Alaska cruise deals breakdown (and if you're hunting for Alaska cruises right now, check out Cruise Critic's Alaska deals). Large cruise companies sail Alaska's Inside Passage from Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, and on through the Gulf of Alaska to Seward or Whittier. In between, passengers usually stop in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, and then sail up College Fjord to see glaciers stretching their icy fingers into the sea.

As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people. The best time to shop for Alaska cruise deals is during wave season, which lasts from January to March and is when most lines offer the best sailing bargains. Inboxes overflow with deals during wave season, and if you're after a cheap cruise to Alaska, make sure they're not going to your junk mailbox.

On the banks of the Chena River lies the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge®. With riverside dining and frontier décor, the Fairbanks Lodge is the perfect excuse to extend your Alaska cruise vacation and dive deeper into your surroundings. Cruise down the Chena River on a sternwheeler riverboat, pan for gold at Gold Dredge 8 or ride ATVs through surrounding forests underneath the midnight sun. With glass-domed railcars, our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® rail service takes you into the heart of Alaska without juggling multiple tickets or confusing transfers. Enjoy convenience and comfort from ship to train and then directly to your Princess Wilderness Lodge in the Denali-area.

Best 2024 and 2025 Caribbean Islands and Bahamas Cruises

cruise carribean

When it comes to planning cruise vacations, we’ve done all the groundwork for a stress-free escape. Navigator of the Seas offers endless opportunities for you to bond with your loved ones. Discover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities. Uncover all the exciting family vacation ideas and travel activities that are waiting for you onboard a cruise getaway with Symphony of the Seas. Envision your next travel vacation, as you plan the best family cruise getaway while sailing onboard the Voyager of the Seas.

Caribbean Cruise Tips by Region

Royal Caribbean offers seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings departing from Miami aboard Icon of the Seas through April 2026. When picking the best cruise in the Caribbean, as with choosing the best cruise anywhere, a lot comes down to tastes and preferences. Some people love the big-resort feel of the biggest-of-big ships. Some people demand (and are willing to pay for) the highest levels of luxury.

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Find Caribbean Cruises

Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra. Rent an overwater cabana for the day at  the Coco Beach Club on CocoCay in the Bahamas, or relax with a cocktail in hand on this natural coral island at any of the island's white sandy beaches. Deciding which beach is your personal favorite is all part of the fun.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Caribbean Cruises

From there, the ship visits St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. You'll now find these zones on Caribbean-focused vessels like Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Prima. Each of these solo cruiser zones, which are unrepeated in the industry for now, includes dozens of cabins for solo travelers, all clustered around each other. There is also a private lounge with a bar and television where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings. The undisputed leader in the Caribbean cruise market when it comes to affordability is Carnival Cruise Line.

top cruise destinations

Whether you sail from Tampa, Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, these tips will help you plan. Go off the grid entirely or stay on the beaten path and soak up everything each destination has to offer — on a week-long cruise, you set the schedule. No matter what’s on your itinerary, planning an unforgettable 7-night week long cruise is as stress-free as an afternoon at the beach. Make the most out of your adventure by adding exciting shore excursions and deluxe drink packages. Be sure to also review packing tips and essential documents for seamless onboarding.

Night Tropical CaribbeanDetails

The Caribbean is a cruiser’s dream vacation in every season, but the best time to cruise the Caribbean can depend on your schedule, your travel budget and your travel desires. Discover the best times to cruise the Caribbean on our blog. We don’t have proof, but evidence suggests that the Caribbean was made for cruising. This evidence is all around you — you’ll find in the Caribbean air, the sand and the water.

cruise carribean

Caribbean Getaways

Enjoy a ship full of activities for the whole family, from Broadway-style shows to Discovery’s Shark Week all summer long, your family will be engaged in the Caribbean. Go Stargazing under the stunning expanse of the night sky with Discovery at SEA, compete in a family game night, and savor the flavors of the islands together. The diverse cultural influences, local climates and history of the Caribbean combine to make one of the most exciting and unique regional cuisines in the world. From mofongo, a dish from Puerto Rico made from mashed fried plantains, pork and garlic, to the famous jerk chicken of Jamaica, we serve the Caribbean's favorite flavors to you on board. Thanks to Princess' world-class chefs you'll enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes for your entire voyage.

Travel tips on planning a summer getaway cruise for kids to be one of your best summer vacations filled with fun relaxing adventures among friends and family. Curated sailings range from fun-filled 3-night weekend getaways to 12-night journeys where you’ll relish in an in-depth Caribbean escape. Whether you choose the Eastern, Southern, Western Caribbean, or The Bahamas for your vacation, we have the best Caribbean cruises with adventure-filled itineraries to satisfy every island-hopping traveler.

After 10 cruises, here's what I love and hated about sailing with Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises - Cruise Blog

After 10 cruises, here's what I love and hated about sailing with Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.

Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Royal Caribbean makes a big change some passengers won't like - TheStreet

Royal Caribbean makes a big change some passengers won't like.

Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The Caribbean offers endless ways to escape the everyday. There’s never been a better time to get on island time with us. Even though ports in this region are open year-round, the best time to cruise the Caribbean depends on your budget, weather preferences and how much you're willing to tolerate crowds. To avoid rainy and stormy weather, think carefully about hurricane season, which occurs from May through November, and be sure to check out our guide to cruising during hurricane season. While you're unlikely to experience major disruptions, and summer is a popular time to cruise the Caribbean, there are some things to consider.

Some of the common items you'll find useful to pack for a Caribbean cruise include sunscreen, bathing suits and clothing layers in case you run into rain or chilly weather. For more tips, check out our guide to packing for a Caribbean cruise. The sapphire-colored waters of the Eastern Caribbean will draw you into bubbling biodiversity beneath the surface. Come face-to-face with manta rays, sea turtles and dolphins on your journey to the deep. The spring and summer months see the most activity from these majestic sea creatures. A cruise to Eastern Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe.

With a host of off-the-beaten-path islands, our Southern and Eastern Caribbean sailings deliver ample time for exploring. Highlights include Antigua, Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, St. Thomas and St. Kitts. From the offseason to the sunniest months to festival season, anytime is the best time to travel to the Caribbean.

Sit under swaying palms or snorkel with colorful fish on tropical Caribbean cruises to Key West and more. On other Caribbean cruises, you can enter with your U.S. passport book, passport card, Trusted Traveler card (Nexus, SENTRI, or FAST), or an enhanced driver’s license. Scattered like emeralds across the Caribbean Sea, the U.S.

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