As one of the last genuinely undisturbed places on Earth, the Alaskan wilderness enchants all types of travelers with its vast and rugged landscape, towering mountains covered in ice, expansive tundras, and sprawling forests. To get here by land might be a challenge, but onboard a luxury cruise is a whole different story.
Join us along on an exploration of itineraries, and all else there is to know regarding luxury cruising to Alaska in 2024.
When is the best time to cruise to Alaska in 2024?
Alaska is one of those destinations with a limited travel season. Because of weather conditions, most cruise ships will begin their journey to Southeast Alaska in the spring, staying only until the early fall.
This means that most guests will be eager to enjoy the warmer temperatures and slightly chilly nights. Some adventurous travelers, on the other hand, will want to witness the remnants of winter in April or enjoy the landscapes only low season can offer in mid-October, once all other tourists have long returned home.
Of course, each month comes with its own advantages – if you wish to spot bears coming out after a long hibernation period and look up at tremendous waterfalls powered by snowmelt, April is a perfect time. Expect a few tourist facilities to still be closed for the winter, and freezing rain or snow as the change of seasons comes. A bonus not much people talk about though, is that skies will be dark at night, and with good luck and clear views, you may be able to spot the northern lights.
Most big ship cruise lines begin operating in the area in May, while both locals and wildlife emerge from their winter hideaways – This is the season to spot new families of bear and moose strolling around, while humpback whales come back after spending winter in the warmer waters of Hawaii.
June, July, and August bring warmer temperatures and the height of the Alaska cruise season. Temperatures will now range in the 60s, going as high as the 80s in July. For shore excursions, bears, and marine life sightings this is surely the best season, as life is thriving with the warmer weather. Towards the end of August, you can begin to see leaves changing colors into fall.
Once September kicks off and families are back home, pricing drops as well as the temperatures. This is still an excellent time to spot wildlife, as everyone is filling their bellies ahead of the long winter coming, while caribou, deer, salmon, and moose will be in peak mating season.
By October, only a limited number of cruises will make the journey, and you may want to pack extra warm clothing, as temperatures decrease to 40 degrees, and days become significantly shorter. Cruise fares will be discounted, and low clouds and rain are guaranteed.
You will find fewer tourists around, but bald eagles will be easy to spot. Don’t expect the same diversity in sightings or the same bounty of fishing catches as you would get early in the year, but do enjoy local Alaska food such as winter squash and rhubarb being sold in various presentations such as jams, pies, and more at local shops.
Expedition or regular cruising? How to choose a cruise to Alaska in 2024
Those looking to immerse themselves in the geography and marvel at Alaska’s outstanding flora and fauna should consider a more intensive, exploration-based cruise itinerary by a provider like Lindblad/NatGeo, Quark Expeditions, or Hurtigruten. These cruise itineraries offer the unique opportunity to get up close to the Alaskan wilderness, both in the water and on land for an unforgettable experience.
Companies such as Quark Expeditions or Lindblad/NatGeo will feature presentations by scientists onboard, willing to let you in on their insights and provide you with exclusive information regarding Alaska’s delicate and unique ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a fun adventure without sacrificing luxury and an authentic Alaskan cruise experience, luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, or Princess Cruises offer all the comforts and amenities of a high-end cruise while adding in shore excursions at Alaska’s most famous ports of call like Ketchikan, Skagway, and the Hubbard Glacier.
These luxury cruise ships are floating 5-star hotels with Michelin-starred dining, full-service spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and impeccable service from the moment you set foot onboard.
Luxury Cruise Itineraries to Alaska in 2024
Setting sail from Vancouver in early May, Regent Seven Seas opens Alaska 2024 season with a whale-watching expedition that will cruise The Inside Passage on its way to the port at Ketchikan, a network of waterways snaking through scenic wilderness.
Here, you will be able to choose between a variety of shore excursions featuring the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, fishing and wilderness dining, a tour around Ketchikan’s history and native culture, or admiring Alaska’s natural beauty while cruising to and from Guard Island, amongst others.
From then on, the cruise continues on to Juneau, where you can behold Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers, learn about local flora and fauna, and look out for wildlife such as mountain goats, humpback whales, orcas, and bears with the guidance of expert naturalists.
The adventure goes on to Skagway, crossing the Icy Strait, spotting the Hubbard Glacier, and finishing in Seward. As Regent cruisers already know, this all-inclusive luxury cruising company provides unlimited shore excursions, valet laundry services, specialty restaurants, and open bars and lounges, amongst many other delights. Learn more about this spectacular 7-night itinerary onboard the Seven Seas Explorer here.
For the more adventurous out there, Hurtigruten provides you with the thrill of visiting Alaska’s epic wilderness, as you experience the area’s unique culture and wildlife. Choosing from 14 to 19-day trips between May and September, Hurtigruten’s expedition cruising takes you closer to each port of call, as you hike through the landscape, kayak the fjords, or take a tour around UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Their expedition team includes Alaska experts by your side as you explore the islands, guiding nature walks, landings, and all other activities. Click here to learn more about their various itineraries for Alaska in 2024, including an 18-day journey through the Inside Passage and the Aleutian Islands, and a fabulous 14-day voyage exploring Wilderness, Glaciers & Culture.
For a wider selection of Alaska 2024 itineraries, and the deals currently applied, enter our website or contact your travel advisor.
When you’re thinking about booking a luxury cruise to Alaska, there’s a lot to consider. Speaking with the cruise and travel professionals team at Luxury Cruise Connections is the best way to build your perfect vacation from start to finish. As your trusted travel agency, we can assist with all aspects of your Alaska in 2024 cruise vacation, including flights, hotels pre-and-post cruises, as well as shore excursions for when you are in each port of call.
Looking for more information about luxury cruising to Alaska? The Luxury Cruise Connections newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with new itineraries and special offers from the most popular names in luxury cruising!
Mavi Parra is a journalist, content creator, and traveler with over 10 years of experience in various communications fields. Specializing in digital media and advertising, her work focuses on the relationships between travel, culture, and destinations. Currently, she is Luxury Cruise Connection’s content writer, developing engaging content to educate and promote luxury cruise travel.
