Table Of Content
What Viking ships don't offer is a lot of onboard amusements aimed at families and younger travelers. In fact, the line doesn't even allow children under the age of 18 on its ships. That makes it by definition a cruise line for couples as well as some solo travelers. For couples looking for a more in-depth exploration of Alaska's coastal areas than most lines offer, Viking may be the perfect choice. A relative newcomer to Alaska sailings, the upscale cruise brand operates longer Alaska sailings than is the norm, with every one of its Alaska departures lasting at least 10 nights.
Alaska Cruise Destinations and Cruisetours
For the 2023 season, for instance, many Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle are available for under $750 per person for seven nights, as of this guide's posting. In fact, because of the adventure focus of the daily activities, the line restricts children on board to those at least 8 years old. The small vessels also do not have any family-focused attractions on board like you'd find on bigger cruise ships. Packed with lots of options for little on-land excursions and adventures, this represents one of the best deals on Alaska cruises. Some discount cruises to Alaska sacrifice sights for time and money, but that was far from my experience with this one. If you’re looking for something less time consuming than an Arctic excursion, but are still looking for stunning views of glaciers and wildlife, day cruises are a great option for young families and adventurers alike.
Sitka
They feature a wide range of amenities including multiple dining options, on-board entertainment, fitness centers, pools, different room types to choose from, and plenty of room to spread out and explore. This luxury cruise line offers classic and expedition-style cruising, the latter of which takes aboard the 274-passenger Silver Wind. (Classic cruises, on the other hand, take place on board Silver Muse, Silver Nova, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, or Silver Moon). Nova and Moon offer the Sea and Land Taste program (S.A.L.T), offering culinary connoisseurs the incredible opportunity to experience the local food scene and culture both on and off the ship. Last but not least, keep in mind that Silversea sails between Vancouver and Seward (with the exception of one September 2024 itinerary, which sails from Nome to Vancouver). This World’s Best Award-winning cruise line combines the best of expedition-style and luxury cruising, making it a popular pick amongst well-heeled, adventure-seeking travelers.
Holland America
Royal Caribbean also has world-class entertainment on its ships and are a great option for families with diverse ages. When it comes to longevity, Holland America is the cruise line that tops everyone else. For over 75 years now, Holland America Line has been transporting passengers along Alaska’s coastline and has the awards to prove its commitment to its passengers. Two of the most well-known cruise lines to Alaska are Holland America and Princess Cruises, and we will start with these two lines first.
A land-and-sea hybrid trip with Princess Cruises
The party vibe onboard is high, and you can dance your face off at venues like The Manor or the poolside Aquatic Club. And if you're taking one of Virgin Voyages' Caribbean sailings, your itinerary will include a stop at the Beach Club at Bimini, an exclusive for Virgin guests. The ship will stay well into the night as big-name DJs like Mark Ronson and Diplo spin the decks, or passengers can enjoy quiet time by renting a private cabana.
For gadget and entertainment fans: Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas
Interior staterooms are budget-friendly options with plenty of space and thoughtful touches, or you can upgrade to ocean view, balcony, or suite categories for some extra perks (like marble bathrooms with a tub and two sinks). And there’s no better spot for taking in Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier than the North Star observation deck. For couples seeking an adrenaline rush, ziplining is a perfect shore excursion. They can soar through the treetops and take in the stunning views of the surrounding nature.
Trip Planning Help
The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler - The Points Guy
The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler.
Posted: Sat, 06 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August. Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its native cultures and Gold Rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states. • Get American Express Cruise Privileges Program benefits when you book at least five nights with eligible cruise lines.
Holland America Line
Each Alaskan cruise has 8 expedition experts, and with such a small capacity on the ship you’re able to get more personalized insight about each location. The small vessel can maneuver through small bays and unique areas, allowing passengers to kayak right up to wildlife, glaciers, and all the natural beauty Alaska affords. Alaskan Dream Cruises’ itineraries are designed by Alaskans who know their area and are passionate about sharing their state’s natural beauty, history, and culture with guests.
Best Time to Visit Alaska
You don't want that sunset marred by crowds on deck, the romance of a dinner for two killed by whiny kids at the next table, or a cozy evening ruined by cramped cabins with minimal amenities. Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the most affordable options for sailing out of California, either from Long Beach or San Francisco. You can take a 14-night sailing out of Long Beach on Carnival Miracle and only spend around $1,500 per person for an interior cabin.
Those craving a luxury Alaska cruise need not look further than Silversea, says Goldring. The line’s Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares cover private airport transfers, economy flights, business-class upgrades or air credits, and shore excursions. During your expedition, you'll travel around to different cities, small towns and national parks, allowing you to see all that Alaska has to offer. Not to mention, cruise ships can access certain locations that are challenging to reach by car or air, so you'll have the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten landmarks. The main cruise season in Alaska is May through September, though many cruise lines are adding shoulder season itineraries in April and October.
If you and your partner are looking for an active and lively cruise experience, Carnival offers a great choice with a variety of nightlife options. Kick off your evening with a cocktail hour, enjoy a delicious dinner, catch a comedy show, and end the night at the piano bar. If you're in the mood for some relaxation, you can unwind at the spa or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. This “best of” 7-night itinerary is focused on the region’s iconic Inside Passage, which gives passengers an efficient taste of all the area’s most photographed and talked about sights. Plus, Holland America offers more access to Glacier Bay National Park and has more departures featuring Glacier Bay National Park than any other cruise line.
Founded over 180 years ago, Cunard is one of the oldest and most iconic cruise lines, operating a fleet of ships named after queens. The voyages to Alaska take place aboard Queen Elizabeth which holds just over 2,000 guests. The interior of the ship exudes elegance with its art deco-inspired design, and there are numerous activities to partake in onboard including afternoon tea, crochet and even attending an upscale gala evening. With over 50 cruise ships sailing to Alaska, selecting the perfect Alaska cruise can seem overwhelming. In this article, we’ll go over the nine best Alaska cruises as well as dive into each ship’s unique features so you can make the right decision for you. The line sells 24 cruisetour itineraries that add three to 10 nights of land touring to a seven-night cruise.
Holland America Line and Princess Cruises make up a large part of cruise itineraries sailing to Glacier Bay. An advantage to this itinerary is that you get to see more ports of call, including the inside passage, and have more time in ports as well. However, this also means you will have to take care of some of the flight logistics as you will have to fly from a different airport than you flew into.
It is a small-ship cruise company that specializes in providing authentic and intimate Alaska experiences. Their five ships, ranging from 12 to 76 passengers, allow them to access remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations that larger cruise ships cannot. Silversea is another ultra luxury cruise line that carries guests to America’s northwestern coastline with all-inclusive packages. You can book 7-night one-way itineraries or an epic 18-night voyage from Nome, Alaska to Vancouver in one of the best Alaskan cruise itineraries I’ve seen. Don’t be surprised if it rains during your cruise, especially if you go during the peak season, but that’s just part of Alaskan weather.
The luxury adults-only line is also all-inclusive, covering meals, activities, most beverages, Wi-Fi, port taxes and fees, spa access, and one complimentary excursion in every port of call. Cruisers can bask in the mountain and glacier views from the comfort of their private balcony — and, if they’re lucky, they may even spot a whale or two. Finally, in addition to classic ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, Viking Ocean Cruises’ Alaska itinerary also calls on Valdez, which is chock-full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. These include a crab fishermen tour aboard a ship featured on the hit TV show Deadliest Catch, a visit to a native village, and a dog-sledding and glacier-viewing adventure via helicopter. Whether your travel goals include learning about the local culture, immersing yourself in the Alaskan wilderness, or going on thrilling adventures, there are excursion options available for every type of traveler. These cruises offer the benefits of a wider range of itineraries, shore excursions, departure dates, and availability and take you to all of the must-see stops along the way.
Alaska is home to a variety of whale species, including humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales. Couples can take a whale watching tour to get an up-close view of these majestic creatures as they breach and play in the waters. With menus that change daily, Norwegian is a top choice for those that want unique dining experiences.
No comments:
Post a Comment