Alaska cruises from Seattle Guide & Review
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If cruising with kids, we recommend booking an Alaska cruise on a Quantum Class ship over a Radiance Class ship. Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas both sail roundtrip cruises from Seattle, and they offer family-friendly activities for guests of all ages. Known as pre or post-sailing Cruisetours, these extended trips can range between 9 and 13 nights, including the 7-night cruise. These land tours are arguably the best way to see Alaska's interior and the most popular destinations. Most Alaska cruises depart from either Seattle or Vancouver on round-trip 7-night sailings. Some cruises to Alaska are one-way only, though, starting in Vancouver and ending in Seward, Alaska or vice versa.
ALASKA GLACIERS CRUISES
Royal Caribbean sends four cruise ships to Alaska each season, and each ship varies from one another. Although ships in the same class, such as Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, share similarities, they still offer varied dining venues, entertainment, and decor. While on shore in Alaska’s cruise ports, kids will love the outdoor adventures offered in the state, from looking for wildlife to running around Alaska’s hiking trails. All roundtrip sailings from Seattle must include a port stop in Victoria, British Columbia, thus visiting three ports in Alaska.
What is the best way to see the ports on a budget?
A variety of whales are able to be spotted on an Alaska cruise, including grey whales, killer whales (orcas), and humpback whales. Alaska cruises tend to favor outdoor activities, whether getting active on a hike or taking a relaxing canoe ride down a river. Exploring the state’s mountains, glaciers, trails, and lakes is a fantastic way to spend a day in port, although choosing the best tour to book can be a tough decision. Starting your cruise in Seward is recommended for those who plan to travel in the interior of Alaska ahead of time, whether independently or on one of Royal Caribbean’s organized Cruisetours.
The time of year you sail can impact your cruise experience
Knowing how much Alaska cruises cost in advance is helpful to ensure you can budget and save for such an incredible vacation. They also feature RipCord by iFLY, an indoor skydiving simulator, and the North Star, a 360 degree observation pod taking guests 300 feet above sea level. Active cruisers will enjoy kayaking through Alaska’s fjords and lakes, hiking on glaciers, and biking through the rainforest. Magnificent scenery can be viewed on day hikes up Alaska’s dramatic mountain peaks or when paddling a kayak near glaciers.
Despite this, you can sometimes find unbeatable Alaska cruise deals at the last minute, but you might have to be flexible. Candyce H. Stapen has served as a travel editor for USA TODAY and Frommers.com. She has also written for The Washington Post, Travel Weekly, Men's Journal and Washingtonian and is the author of more than two dozen books about family travel. From our train's window, we saw Alaskan sights we had only read about — the grueling terrain many gold rush prospectors had to conquer to seek riches in the Yukon Territory.
There are many considerations when choosing an Alaska cruise, but ultimately the decision may come down to budget, convenience, and time. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Looking to explore a world-class metropolis before your adventure in the wild? A northbound cruise to Alaska lets you start your journey in vibrant Vancouver.
Nothing back there to placate the masses longing for an affordable balcony overlooking the wake of the ship. Where your ship goes in Alaska is also a major consideration, because there are a few different itineraries you can choose. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site.
Packing dramamine or other motion-sickness remedies is recommended just in case your ship sails through choppy waters. For the majority of an Alaska cruise, your cruise ship will sail through the calm waters of the state’s Inside Passage. As land surrounds the passage on both sides, you usually won’t encounter much movement onboard.
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better? - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean vs Princess to Alaska: which cruise line is better?.
Posted: Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau is the most easily accessible glacier for cruise passengers, where visitors can view the glacier from easy walking trails and visit the Nugget Falls waterfall. Most cruise itineraries to Alaska will include a scenic cruising day at a glacier as well, such as Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier. Royal Caribbean offers two quite different classes of ships sailing a variety of itineraries in Alaska. There are also slight differences between the individual ships themselves, even within the same class.
Since so many people value a private balcony on Alaska cruises, demand for these categories is even higher than on Caribbean or European itineraries. In fact, when Royal Caribbean announces new Alaska itineraries is the best time to book. Royal Caribbean almost always announces new Alaska cruises in late November for the season to come in two years. Other accessories, such as binoculars and cameras, are nice to have as well, whether when on an excursion or watching scenery from onboard the cruise ship. Those cruising to Alaska in the peak of summer may find the weather surprisingly warm, making it comfortable to wear just a t-shirt during the day.
In the centre of the state, Denali National Park is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, 'The Great One', formerly known as Mt McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. It has far fewer dining options, relying on Chops Grille to satisfy the need for specialty dining. Both ships have outdoor movie nights at the pool, as well as actual cinemas for afternoon matinees.
Guests can request a raised toilet seat, shower stool, and/or oxygen supply delivery. For those with visual and/or hearing impairments, Royal Caribbean can provide large print materials, closed caption televisions and sign language interpreting services upon request. Despite not visiting Glacier Bay, Royal Caribbean puts an incredible product out with their Alaska cruises. Only select cruise lines, including Princess Cruises and Holland America, can visit Glacier Bay.
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