Sunday, March 31, 2024

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

best alaska cruise from vancouver

Alaska has a rugged beauty with breathtaking natural views, and if you are looking to sail into the most northern state, you may be wondering what the best cruise from Vancouver to Alaska is. Almost every major cruise line has a presence in the state, so deciding which one is right for you can depend on a few factors. Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street.

Alaska Cruise Experience

If you prefer not to fly, choose a return itinerary that starts and ends in Vancouver. At both ports, passengers have the option to explore other fjords and ice fields on catamaran tours. Holland America and Princess Cruise lines have been sailing to Alaska longer than all the other lines. Since Vancouver, Canada, is closer to Alaska, guests opting for this departure port will spend less time at sea. It takes three days to reach Alaska from California and only a day and a half from Vancouver. When cruising on a ship that departs from Seattle or California, they sail on the west side (outside) of Vancouver Island.

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers - Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic's Best Cruise Itineraries for First-Timers.

Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

How Much Do Alaska Cruises from Vancouver Cost?

Other itineraries take guests into the Canadian Rockies with a chance to see Lake Louise and all the top tourist spots along the Icefields Parkway. I’ve been to the Rockies a dozen times, and it’s a place that draws me back again and again. So, the best time to cruise to Alaska is truly an individual decision based on what you want out of the trip. There are so many variables to consider when trying to determine the cost of an Alaska cruise. Additionally, Alaska does tend to have higher taxes and fees than other destinations. However, before you even consider cruising from Vancouver – or any other Canadian port for that matter, please review entry requirements if you are not a Canadian citizen.

Night Alaska Roundtrip Collectors' VoyageDetails

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. It's a trip worth taking the time to plan and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier. The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance.

Juneau

Several of the cruise lines have their own lodges, making planning a simple task. Whether you plan to add a land tour or will simply tour by cruise ship, there is no better time to visit Alaska on a cruise from Vancouver. Our cruises from Vancouver give you the chance to explore this cosmopolitan Canadian city surrounded by natural beauty on your way to more must-see destinations in Alaska, Hawaii, or the Pacific Coast. Choose from three ships that give you so many ways to soak up the scenery. Enjoy soaring glacier views from the cantilevered Magic Carpet® on Celebrity Edge®.

You Spend Less Time At Sea

Since Vancouver departures sail between Vancouver Island and the mainland, they are protected from the open ocean. So, Vancouver departures cruise Alaska’s inside passage which helps to prevent seasickness. My foodie city offers an eclectic flavor of culinary delights, suitable for all palates. From Japanese and Thai to Italian and Mediterranean, there’s so much to choose them.

best alaska cruise from vancouver

Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour. Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from our smaller vessels to large ships. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at the glaciers passing by before enjoying local seafood in one of our many eateries during your Alaska cruise. Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers.

Best for multigenerational groups: Discovery Princess

The Pacific Ocean tends to create choppy seas all along the coast and itineraries here are best avoided when prone to motion sickness. While mini cruises are popular along this route, they are best avoided by people who can’t handle the waves. While cruise passengers can book a cruise from Vancouver, Seattle, and California, choosing one port over another may be decided on certain factors.

They are available to answer questions and also provide commentary. Typically, we recommend cruisers budget around $2,000 to $5,000+ per person for total Alaska cruise costs. Keep in mind, some ships might be more desirable than others, and cruises leaving at peak times of the year are more money regardless of the departure point. With the introduction of the California Pacific Railway and the opening of the Panama Canal, Vancouver became a major exporter of grain and lumber and positioned itself as a major economic hub in Canada. It is one of the largest and most populous cities in the country and is known for its diverse community of immigrants. Many art and cultural festivals are held in the city throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year Parade, the Eastside Cultural Crawl, and the annual Jazz Festival.

best alaska cruise from vancouver

Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation. Like everything else in Alaska, the Great Land’s national parks far exceed expectations. Read about Glacier Bay’s seven tidewater glaciers, Denali’s 6-million acres of undisturbed wilderness, Kenai Fjords' astonishing Exit Glacier and other national parks. We’ve been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line.

Disney Wonder is the only DCL ship offering Alaska cruises in 2023. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has two ships sailing from Vancouver in 2023. With Brilliance of the Seas offering round-trip cruises and Radiance of the Sea offering one-way cruises. Spend a few serene days at sea before reaching the idyllic islands of Hawaii, where romantic shores and tropical oases await.

We have more Alaska cruise port departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line. All Alaska cruises include one or more glacier-viewing days, and you’ll get closer to ‘the giants’ on ships perfectly sized for the Great Land. With 24 vessels, guests can choose from a small expedition ship or a larger family-friendly cruise ship.

What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska? - Cruise Hive

What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?.

Posted: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

They lead the outdoor activities and provide passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in gourmet cuisine in multiple restaurants, enjoy a complimentary cocktail or relax in an upscale spa. Big ships can only offer deckside viewing of the marvels of Glacier Bay, but UnCruise Adventures sends its ships to the rarely visited outback. In Fern Harbor, Dundas Bay or No Name Cove, passengers can get up close to the natural wonders with birding expeditions, paddleboarding, beach walks, and more hiking and kayaking. Some travelers demand luxury Alaska cruises, while others don't mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness.

Did you know they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles? Find out how to pick the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska. With more than 20 animal sanctuaries and sightseeing excursions, we bring you closer to creatures great and small.

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

best alaska cruise from vancouver

An elegant and spacious Alaska cruise ship with fresh floral arrangements and garden-inspired décor. Master frontier flavor with regional cooking demonstrations on board. Fluid lines, light-filled spaces and a blend of modern elegance and nautical tradition make Koningsdam a sublime ship for Alaska cruises. When traveling from the United States, US residents benefit from the stronger US dollar when booking a hotel room and taking a tour of Vancouver.

Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises. If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures. Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night.

More Details About Cruises From Vancouver

Alaska's impressive southern coastlines contain hordes of island archipelagos, deep fjords and ancient glaciers. Nearly all of the area is roadless, so seafaring vessels, including cruise ships, are a popular way for visitors to experience these pristine areas. A day aboard the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy might start out with a hike to a glacial lake followed by an early-evening kayak adventure in Thomas Bay. Or, you might enjoy a bit of scenic cruising by LeConte Glacier (where the big ships don't go) then continue the fun with hiking and biking the trails of Ideal Cove.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

6 best Alaska cruises for families - The Points Guy

6 best Alaska cruises for families.

Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Look to shoulder season sailingsNot only will you often receive a significant discount, you’ll also be able to witness Alaska’s seasonal transitions and fewer crowds at ports of call. 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. You'll see plenty of stunning scenery along the way but not up close – for most cruisers, it's more than enough to satisfy. The cruise terminal within the Canada Place event center is the roundtrip Vancouver-to-Alaska homeport for Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line.

comment on Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Curious about learning more about cruising or want more information?

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. Let us create the perfect event while you relax and have the time of your life. Add flights, hotel packages and onboard celebrations to your cruise from Vancouver. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more. What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Vancouver, BC, Canada?

Glacier Bay On All Inside Passage Cruises

Thinking of taking a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver in 2024? - The Georgia Straight

Thinking of taking a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver in 2024?.

Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Some focus on a couple’s experience while some are more family-friendly, and some can even provide a more authentic Alaska adventure with loads of hiking and camping. Explore what the ship has to offer onboard and the itinerary of the trip to better plan your journey up north. With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent.

best alaska cruise from vancouver

Real Alaska from local Alaskans

Each of the ships features an observation deck, library, science center, hot tub, pool and Explorer lounge, as well as a bar with floor-to-ceiling windows so you never miss a thing. Guests learn about the cultural heritage of remote communities and focus binoculars to spot bears, whales, caribou, moose, deer, wolves, birds and more. The MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen embark on 14- to 19-day Alaskan voyages between May and September. While all travel has environmental and cultural impacts, cruising leaves its mark to varying degrees on Alaska's fragile ecosystems. The average large cruise ship can have a carbon footprint greater than 12,000 cars and produce up to a ton of trash each day. While there can be a positive economic impact on ports of call, a small community visited by 15,000 people per day during sailing season can intrinsically change.

best alaska cruise from vancouver

Alaska Cruises From Vancouver

Explore Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier on our Inside Passage cruises. Take a Glacier Discovery voyage to glide several of Alaska’s most dramatic icescapes. Or go to the seldom-visited Kodiak Island, home of the famous Kodiak bears on our Great Alaskan Explorer. Continue the exploration on ship with local insights and onboard programming.

Roundtrip Alaska cruises depart Vancouver Harbor in late afternoon, affording passengers spectacular city skyline views as they sail underneath Lions Gate Bridge and into the Strait of Georgia. The first full day at sea is spent cruising among splendid fjords within the Inside Passage. Cruise lines typically take shore days in Ketchikan, Juneau, and either the historical goldrush town of Skagway or the quieter Icy Strait. In between ports of call, most ships spend a full day glacier viewing in places like Disenchantment Bay, Glacier Bay, or Tracy Arm. Cruisers return to Vancouver via Queen Charlotte Sound and Johnstone Strait. Nicknamed “The Love Boat,” Princess Cruises has been sailing to Alaska for more than 50 years, and is a terrific choice for couples looking to get away from it all.

Ringed by water and bordered mountains, the western Canadian city of Vancouver is somehow both cosmopolitan and outdoorsy. The urban gem has also become a renowned filming location, earning it the nickname "Hollywood North." It makes an enjoyable stepping off point for cruises bound for Alaska. Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria. This trip allows you to explore some of the great offerings of the Inside Passage, like their ports of call, while including an open sea excursion where the views are impeccable. This scenic cruising portion of the trip will take you to see some of the most iconic natural wonders Alaska has to offer. Alternatively, the 9- to 17-day cruise and land tour itineraries are one-way, sailing through the Gulf of Alaska and ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

With Juneau being the capital, cruise passengers need a full day to enjoy the many attractions. So, choose an itinerary that arrives in the morning and spends a good twelve hours in Juneau. Most attractions are within walking distance when staying downtown.

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