Why You Should Take An Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Switch Up Your Summer Vacation With Cruises to Alaska

By Cynthia J. Drake | Published on August 16, 2023

Summer vacation is an ideal time for a stress-free getaway, and if you're like many travelers you probably picture long days on a beach, such as the white-sand stretches in the Caribbean. Lazy days under a palm tree with a frosty drink by your side are one thing, and teh Caribbean is an ideal cruise destination all year round. An Alaska cruise vacation is a different story, summer cruises there focusing on amazing wildlife, glaciers and lush landscapes.

Looking to try something different for your next vacation? The best time for an Alaskan cruise is late April through September, when temperatures are milder and there's tons of opportunities for mind-blowing shore excursions, such as kayaking with seals and maybe even whales and hiking in national parks, all with a comfortable cruise ship to come "home" to after each active day.

I'll guide you through what awaits you on your Alaska summer vacation, with a look at the most popular cruise port destinations and outdoor experiences you can experience in the Last Frontier.

Why You Should Consider Alaska Summer Cruises

When you picture summer vacations, you may imagine yourself lounging on a white-sand beach. I recommend shaking things up by heading north instead for your summer getaway. The U.S.'s 49th state is frequently considered one of the most prized destinations for American travelers, though it's also one of the hardest to get to. Some destinations in Alaska, such as Juneau, can only be reached by air or sea. Cruising is a comfortable way to get to Alaska, and it can also be quite economical.

When are the best times to cruise to Alaska? Alaska's cruise season generally runs from May through September — June and July are the best months to cruise Alaska. Summer is a special time in Alaska, and each month offers something different when it comes to things to do and wildlife to see.

For example, May is typically a great month for spotting gray whales, humpback whales, orcas and bears. June and July typically offer the mildest weather. The rainy season arrives in August, though you can typically find discounted cruises in August and September. My family and I cruised to Alaska one year in early September; the weather was mild and pleasant with only a few light daily rain showers. From the whale-watching excursions to witnessing the salmon spawning in Juneau, we had an amazing time enjoying the great outdoors. In my opinion, there really is no bad time to take a cruise to Alaska.

Routes will vary, but a very common Alaska cruise itinerary is on Alaska's Inside Passage and includes Seattle or Vancouver, routing up to the Ketchikan, Alaska, cruise port and the Juneau cruise port.

What To Pack For Your Cruise To Alaska

You might wonder what to pack for your summer cruise to Alaska, and the answer is all about layers. Though the weather is quite comfortable in the summer, it can get quite chilly at night and many Alaska excursions are water-based, where the wind can drop the temperature drastically. When packing for cool weather, you'll want to start with long or thermal underwear. Then, layer tights or leggings, a long-sleeved shirt, and light wool socks, with a layer of regular clothing on top of that.

It's a good idea to pack a few jackets or coats needing an additional jacket or coat. Rain gear, such as a rain jacket, poncho, and umbrella, are all recommended items to pack in your day bag. You'll never know when the showers will hit, even if the day appears to be sunny as you're heading out. More so than other cruises, we found binoculars to be an invaluable item to pack for our Alaska trip. Not only will you want these while heading out for whale watching, but they are also quite useful to have onboard while you're sailing through glaciers. Be on the lookout for bears and eagles while you're cruising through Alaska's Inside Passage.