Things You Need to Know Before You Book an Alaska Cruise
Cruises are a fantastic option to explore a new destination and increase the amount of sights you can see while you are there. There are many different experiences when it comes to cruises in Alaska. Here are some guidelines to help you decide the desirable size category for you to select.
Alaska has two very different cruising styles
Our top tip for the first step in your Alaska cruise is to know the facts. There are two options to experience the time to enjoy an overnight trip in Alaska: 1.) through traditional big ship cruises, which have an average of around 2,000 passengers but can go as high as 5,000, and 2)) by taking Alaska small-ship cruises that average 40 passengers, but vary between 8 and 100 passengers.
To explore Alaska to experience it perfectly for your group of travelers take ship size into carefully considered selection. In the wild Alaska, which is home to tiny towns with tiny ports and plenty of wildlife, the size of a ship is a crucial factor to consider.
Carefully selecting your ports of call and excursions can add tremendously to the enjoyment of your Alaska adventure, from glacier trekking and whale watching to cultural Alaska tours that highlight Alaskan native history and cultural tours of its rich cultural diversity. Each stop can provide its own memorable experience.
Pack accordingly for Alaska's changing climate by layering clothing to stay comfortable under both hot and chilly conditions. By planning for and understanding these key aspects, you will be ready for an incredible Alaskan journey.
Why you're going to Alaska
Think about this question: Why am I traveling to Alaska? Make sure you match the size of your vessel with the kind of experience you desire.
The majority of people visit Alaska hoping to be able to see glaciers, bears whales, and Eagles. But you may not have considered the location and method you'll see them and how close you could be.
To see glaciers:
Think about sitting 15 stories above sea level on a larger vessel—sea levels on smaller vessels.
If you want to see wildlife, consider going on a half-day kayaking trip from a bigger port town instead.
Take a Zodiac or kayak daily, all from the small vessel.
Small vessels focus the whole excursion outward, focusing on the Alaskan wildlife and nature and letting you experience the wild. They travel where larger ships cannot near shores for viewing bears, or into coves with quiet waters for included guided paddling and walking. The ship is able to stop if whales are seen. The ship can stay for the night in remote anchorages, allowing you to watch sunsets over the Alaskan wilderness before waking up to quiet.
If nature and wilderness are your main "why" for going, an e-boat is the desirable option.
On the other hand big ships tend to be focused onward with a resort-style setting. The strict schedules and the size restrictions mean that your time is docked in larger ports or motoring from one place to the next. The time you spend ashore in Alaska is restricted to larger ports in which you can stay for whole days, and you will have to pay for any excursions you wish to take.