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From each ship’s enclosed, temperature-controlled Solariums to the indoor pools on Quantum Class ships, guests can enjoy their ship even in the chilliest of temperatures. An Alaska shore excursion will allow you to explore what each of the ports have to offer, including taking in the natural beauty of this part of the world. Sailing from Seattle will likely offer an Alaska cruise vacation on Royal Caribbean's big ships and is your best bet for someone new to the itinerary.
FULLY ESCORTED EXPERIENCES
From North America's tallest peak, Denali, to the stunning coastal route of the Inside Passage, Alaska is one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes on Earth. In this untouched wilderness, you’ll find ancient glacial valleys, majestic river canyons and misty emerald forests. Journey into Denali National Park for a glimpse of roaming brown bears and moose. And learn more about the state's rich cultural past at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. Nothing brings you closer to history and adventure than the best Alaska Cruise Tours with Royal Caribbean. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.
QUANTUM OF THE SEAS
Ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are each small cities with their own personalities. Alaska’s biggest city, Anchorage, is set between the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet and the dramatic snow-capped Chugach Mountains. Few places in the world can match its appealing blend of metropolitan pursuits and outdoor living. Anchorage is at its most exuberant during the summer, when locals make the most of the mild temperatures and long days to stay out late into the sunny night.
BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
Most Royal Caribbean itineraries are round trip sailings, meaning they start and end at the same cruise port. You might be surprised with how warm you feel on an Alaska cruise, especially if you’re traveling between June and August. On warm summer days, it’s possible to see temperatures in the mid 60s which, under the sun, feels fairly hot. It’s important to know the best time to sail to Alaska, what to expect when it comes to weather, and to be flexible on the (likely) chance of an itinerary change. Cruising to the majestic, mountainous landscapes of the 49th state is an experience every traveler should have at least once.
That's in addition to the shallow pools and hot tubs in the adults-only, forward-facing Solarium with its incredible ocean views. It may seem like a minor detail, but it's easier to get around on a smaller ship. The distance between venues and activities is shorter, which might make these ships a better fit for anyone who cannot walk long distances. Both ships have miniature golf, which might come in handy for entertaining the kiddos on those long summer evenings.
When should I book an Alaska cruise?
As land surrounds the passage on both sides, you usually won’t encounter much movement onboard. These cruises see less demand due to the fact that they sail from Vancouver and that they sail one-way, as these logistics are more challenging for cruisers. Plus, Radiance Class ships are significantly smaller and older than Quantum Class ships sailing to Alaska. That being said, we’ve noticed a trend with Alaska cruises in the past few years.
Consider a land tour before or after your cruise
Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective. In addition to the Alaska cruises, Royal Caribbean also included Hawaii cruises in this new deployment. The new Alaska 2022 cruises are available to book between April and September 2024.
Plus, excursions tend to only get more expensive over time, so booking early helps you lock in a lower price. Fortunately, after nearly a dozen Alaska cruises, our staff are well versed in the ins and outs of cruising to Alaska. From booking your pre-cruise hotel to utilizing Seattle’s stress-free luggage service, here are our top 24 tips for an Alaska cruise this year. “Missing out” is subjective, but Glacier Bay is, of course, a spectacular destination to visit.
Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise Royal Caribbean Cruises
I've spent over 100 nights on cruise ships, and these are my biggest cruising regrets to avoid making - Royal Caribbean Blog
I've spent over 100 nights on cruise ships, and these are my biggest cruising regrets to avoid making.
Posted: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Whereas you might find large groups of friends onboard a 3-night Freedom of the Seas cruise for a bachelorette party, you’re more likely to see families on an Alaska cruise. Internet on a Royal Caribbean cruise is expensive, often costing $20 or more per day for one device. If you’re from the United States (or another country with access to US phone service), you may not need an internet package. As previously stated, Alaska’s weather can be highly unpredictable, and this may lead to itinerary changes and even port cancellations. It’s not uncommon for a port day to be canceled or moved to a different day because of inclement weather. When most people think of an Alaska cruise, they imagine chilly temperatures, snow, and glaciers.
Some cruise lines may offer longer sailings from Seattle, such as day cruises visiting more ports and glaciers, but this is not offered on Royal Caribbean. These “downsides” shouldn’t deter you from booking a cheap cruise to Alaska. Despite the cost, shore excursions in Alaska offer truly unique experiences that you can’t find elsewhere in the lower 48. Whether dog sledding on a glacier or kayaking through fjords, splurging on an excursion is almost always worth it. Many first-time cruisers are surprised to see how expensive shore excursions can be on an Alaska cruise.
In addition, don’t forget to check out our full ship tour of Ovation of the Seas if you will be sailing her to Alaska next summer. On the whole, an Alaskan cruise offers activities that fit various budgets and interests. And while the “best thing to do” on an Alaskan cruise might be relative, these options can be a great starting point for planning your trip. A cruise to Alaska is less about the activities offered on a specific ship and more about the destination. Royal Caribbean takes very scenic routes through Alaska’s inside passage, meaning that a day “at sea” can also mean a day of sightseeing. Ketchikan, as an example, has several hiking trails of various difficulty.
Barnette ran aground in the shallows of the Chena, so he set up a trading post. A year later, the nearby discovery of gold transformed the remote settlement into a boomtown, and Barnette the first mayor. Fairbanks today remains a destination for adventure seekers, as the gateway to Alaska’s northern wilds and some its most isolated terrain. While home to just 32,000, Fairbanks is the big city of the interior and cultural hub for the sparsely populated region. You can still go for the gold in Fairbanks, panning just like the early prospectors did. Complete your adventure with the best Alaska tours before or after your cruise.
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book - Royal Caribbean Blog
Royal Caribbean releases new 2025 Alaska cruises to book.
Posted: Wed, 01 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The two largest ships in the region brim with ways to maximize your time under the Midnight Sun. And bring awe-inspiring wilderness views into every room — even Interior staterooms — with Virtual Balconies. All while you sail to iconic northern destinations like postcard-pretty Juneau, majestic Endicott Arm, and Alaska’s dazzling Inside Passage. From towering glaciers to thrilling wildlife encounters, the untamed beauty of the Last Frontier awaits with exciting weeklong itineraries onboard the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Because one-way itineraries start or end in Seward, you also have the opportunity to spend time in interior Alaska before or after the cruise. Extending your 7-night cruise with a few days visiting destinations like Denali National Park and Preserve and Talkeetna can make your vacation even more memorable.
However, families with kids are always going to appreciate having more options available to them, especially on sea days. Most people going on an Alaska cruise are most interested in the destinations, with the ship choice a secondary consideration. Given the long hours spent in port, having a ton of activities or whizz-bang features may not be as important. Both the most technologically advanced, large Quantum Class ships and the smaller, more traditional Radiance Class ships will offer a wonderful Alaska cruise experience. That being said, it’s possible (though not guaranteed) to see Alaska’s northern lights in September, which is a plus for those planning an Alaska cruise in the fall.
If your flight doesn’t arrive until 11PM the night before your cruise, it probably isn’t worth it to travel to the city center. Instead, consider a hotel near the airport so you can simply land and head straight to bed. For those arriving earlier in the day, though, it’s worth it to find a hotel downtown for easy access to tourist sites. The best way to see Alaska’s cruise ports on a budget is to explore on your own instead of booking a tour. A balcony is the most common choice for an Alaska cruise, as it allows you to enjoy the state’s scenery from the comfort and privacy of your own cabin.
