Are you planning an Alaska cruise in August? While it may be summer, the temperatures can drop lower than you might expect, especially when passing by glaciers, during the night, and in the mornings.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essentials of dressing appropriately for your Alaskan adventure. From layering techniques to tackling chilly nights and glacier encounters, we’ve got you covered.
Do not make the mistake of underestimating the unpredictability of Alaska’s weather during August. It can rain quite often and it gets colder at times.
We’ll also let you know if you need dinner attire.
If you are planning a cruise during a different month, read our Alaska Cruise Outfit Guide for May, June, July, August, and September.
This guide has two sections:
- AUGUST OUTFIT & PACKING TIPS
- 14 ALASKA CRUISE TIPS AND TRICKS
💡 Make sure to scroll all the way down for our crucial tips!
Personal Guidebook Tip
- Fodor's Travel Guides (Author)
Whether you have already picked out your cruise or haven’t booked so yet, this book is a must-buy! It provides awesome tips, the differences between the ships, highlights in each port, and so much more.
Essential Outfits
First, let’s give you an overview of what you should bring on your cruise in August, as well as other summer months.
You wear layers and waterproof or water-resistant clothing items. Outfits like fleece jackets, sweaters, hoodies, and thermal layers keep you warm on colder days, for example, when approaching a glacier or in the morning. On warm summer days, t-shirts and pants or jeans are appropriate.
Layers
You’ve probably heard the saying, “if you don’t like the weather here, just wait five minutes.” Well, they were talking about Alaska!
Alaska’s weather can change quickly, so be prepared. As the temperature fluctuates, layering lets you adjust your comfort.
Most first-time passengers make the mistake of not packing enough layers. Even in August layering is crucial as it can get chilly, depending on the location and the time of day.
Wear lightweight long underwear or leggings. Depending on the time of day, insulate with a fleece or sweater, then cover with a rain jacket. This combination will keep you warm and dry.
Women’s Outer Layer
- Waterproof & Windproof & Breathable: Outer fabric is treated to resist water while maintain breathability....
- WATERPROOF & WINDPROOF: Our Foxelli Waterproof Women's Hiking Jacket is the perfect ally against unpredictable...
Good to know: Every port sells fleece-lined, waterproof jackets in case you didn’t bring warm enough outer layers. These also make great souvenirs as they are usually reasonably priced.
Every time we went on a cruise, we were glad to have layers of clothing, as we could easily remove or add layers as needed when temps changed.
Women’s Outer Layer Lightweight Alternative Tips
- MATERIAL: 100% Polyester Waterproof Material With Striped Cotton Lined, Breathable, Soft Touch, Windproof, Easy To...
- Vanquish the elements donning Columbia Arcadia II Jacket! This jacket is your ultimate weather warrior, featuring...
💡 If you pack warm enough middle layers (fleece jacket/hoodies) and base layers (t-shirts, long sleeves), you may use a more lightweight outer layer, like a raincoat, instead of a warm jacket (see above).
Especially during a typically warm month, you can skip a heavy winter jacket. In other words, you don’t need a huge, puffy winter coat in August.
Women’s Middle Layer Tips
- SOFT FABRIC: This Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip fleece is crafted of soft 100% polyester MTR filament...
- LIGHTWEIGHT WARMTH. The impossibly soft Women's Osito Jacket, made with a 100% recycled fabric, provides instant,...
Fleece layers are essential for us, we love them on Alaska cruises. We always bring a fleece zip-up jacket and a zip-up hoodie.
Layering Example 1
- Light Raincoat (Amazon Link)
- Zip-up fleece jacket (Amazon Link)
- Light Sweatshirt
- T-shirt
Layering Example 2: Summer Months
- Fleece-Lined Hooded Rain Jacket (Amazon Link)
- Light Sweatshirt
- T-shirt
This is our favorite layering method for any Alaska cruise. The fleece-lined rain jacket keeps you warm and dry. The two base layers provide additional warmth and are often sufficient when the outer layer is removed.
Men’s Outer Layer/Jacket
On cooler days, we were thankful for our warm base layers and/or warm waterproof/water-resistant jackets, and on warmer days, we were able to shed layers and feel comfortable.
We also found that comfortable and sturdy walking shoes were a must for the many excursions we participated in, from hiking to sightseeing.
Glacier Viewing
Keep in mind that it gets particularly cold when the ship gets close to a glacier. The viewing experience from the deck is just amazing, but the winds off the ice make the outside temp wintry cold sometimes. A warmer outer layer is a good idea for this experience.
Rain Gear
Regardless of the month, it’s essential that you pack rain gear for your Alaska cruise. One of the mistakes many passengers make is not being prepared for rain during the cruise season. You will likely encounter rain in at least one of your ports or on a cruising day.
While you might experience heat waves during the summer, or even in May, and no to little rain, you may also get rain on most days during the summertime.
It’s better to bring a jacket which is waterproof and not only water-resistant. However, a very good water-resistant jacket can do its job as well. Additionally, pack water-resistant or waterproof boots and a compact travel umbrella.
Comfortable and Sturdy Shoes
- Skechers Breathe Easy Technology
- Lightweight Build: Weighing approximately 9.7oz, these lightweight hiking shoes for women deliver flexible and...
- THIS WOMEN'S SHOE IS FOR: Trail Runners who want to explore and feel protected on changing terrain. This shoe is...
Many Alaska cruise excursions involve uneven terrain, so comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are important. However, we never needed hiking shoes.
Sneakers/trainers, sandals, boat shoes, and other casual footwear are appropriate for onboard activities.
💡 Tip: The best thing you can do is bring comfortable, waterproof sneakers that are sturdy enough (see our tips above from Amazon). You can use these onboard and during excursions, saving you packing space!
Water-Resistant Pants?
Most of the time, you are fine with a good waterproof jacket. Up until last year, we have never felt the need for any special type of waterproof pants or shoes. If it was mild or moderate rain, I typically still wore my jeans unless I felt I was going to get drenched.
That’s why we didn’t add special pants to the packing lists in this article.
However, we just bought these, and now we love them on every cruise:
- Waterproof windproof womens insulated pants are designed for waterproof fabric,allows for easy stain...
They are super awesome and keep you warm and dry all the time. So, instead of a second pair of standard pants, we pack a pair of these water-resistant ones for cooler days with heavier rain.
Leggings?
- THREE SIZES AVAILABLE: SINOPHANT leggings feature a highly elastic design that caters to a wide range of body...
- Please check the Size Chart ( Last Image ) Before Ordering. Please Note: Color May Vary Slightly From Image. and...
We sometimes wear leggings under jeans, rain pants, and hiking pants, so in case it gets hot, we can take the pants off and just wear leggings. The extra layer is great when it’s cold.
However, many visitors say they just wear jeans and have never needed more while some passengers bring silk underwear (men and women) or cuddle duds.
Dress for Dinner
Most cruise lines do not require dinner attire and you can wear jeans and a t-shirt. However, some cruise lines have formal nights in the main dining room, so, pack cocktail dresses or slacks and a jacket.
That said, guests on Alaskan cruises typically don’t care too much about what they wear to dinner. Thus, we usually pack a nice outfit for dinner and shows. If you’re not a formal night person, don’t sweat it. Just head to the buffet or another restaurant on board.
For dinner, ladies can bring nice blouses and skirts or pants, dresses, or jumpsuits. Jumpsuits are warm, comfortable, and easy to style for dinner.
From our recent cruise with Princess, we can tell you in detail about the two different types of clothes that they expect people to wear when they eat in the Main Dining Rooms.
Dressy and Dressy Casual:
- First, “smart casual nights” and “formal nights” refer to what you should wear to dinner each night in the main dining rooms only. Smart casual can include jeans that aren’t ripped or torn, as well as khakis or slacks. It’s just nicer clothing than ripped jeans and a T-shirt. No swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, or other similar items (shorts may be worn on the first night and sometimes on the last night of the cruise).
- Formal nightwear can include anything from tuxedos and suits to slacks and a button-down shirt with or without a tie and a jacket for men. For women, there are full-length gowns, cocktail dresses, nice pant suits, and slacks with a sparkly top. On a formal night, you can’t wear jeans in the main dining rooms at all.
Again, these two wardrobes are only for the main dining rooms. If you don’t want to dress that way, there are plenty of other places to eat on the ship, like the Buffet, the Specialty restaurants, the pizza place or the burger and fries place on the pool deck, and on some ships, Alfredos.
Even if you don’t eat in the main dining room, you won’t feel hungry. Check out the deck plans of your ship to find out where you can eat.
Swimsuit and Cover-up
Alaska’s waters are cold and not known for their beach breaks, but some cruise ships have heated pools and hot tubs. For swimming, pack your favorite swimsuit, flip flops, of course, and cover-up. You can check out big fluffy pool towels in the same area as the pool.
💡 Good to know: Please do not bring towels, as they are being provided!
Accessories
Bring a hat, gloves, and scarf along with warm layered clothing. Even on cloudy days, sunglasses and sunscreen are necessary. And don’t forget the umbrella – rain can pop up anytime.
Backpack
Bring a backpack to carry all your layers on excursions as you take them off and put them back on.
More Packing Tips
On an Alaska cruise, you’ll visit ports in Alaska’s inside passage, which is dense with rainforests. It has a different and more temperate climate than mainland Alaska.
But no matter where you go, Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. If you take a cruise that includes a land tour to Anchorage, Denali, or Fairbanks, you may find it’s warmer and drier than on the ship. So, don’t forget the t-shirt and tank top layer.
Weather and Packing Guide
August is a popular month for Alaska cruises before school starts. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (18-22 degrees Celsius), but they can reach into the 80s Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
Keep your jacket out because night temperatures are crispy with temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit (4-9 degrees Celsius). August weather is a toss-up between dry and sunny and rain and fog. So, be prepared with a waterproof jacket and layers.
Please keep in mind that even throughout a warm summer month like August it can rain more than you might think in Alaska.
For August, bring anything and everything except a heavy winter coat! We’ve been twice around that time of year; one time, it was short-sleeved beautiful weather, and the next time, we needed sweatshirts and raincoats. There was nonstop rain while we were there. It can vary wildly
Experiences from fellow travelers who went in August:
When we went in August last year, the weather was perfect. We only needed a light, lined windbreaker jacket that we layered with long-sleeve shirts or nothing at all. There was not a drop of rain. However, we know that we were just lucky at that time in August.
We went at the end of August recently. I packed a puffer and wore it unfastened on the land portion. Wore it zipped up with a hat and gloves when we went on the Hubbard Glacier tour. At all ports, I wore shorts/capris and short-sleeved t-shirts.
We went the last week of August/first week of September, and I pretty much lived in jeans and a long-sleeved tee shirt on the land portion and twill pants and a light sweater while on the cruise ship. Layers are your friend, and also a waterproof jacket. It was fantastic weather for our 12 days, but we packed for pretty much anything.
During our August cruise, we wore jeans and long-sleeved shirts or light jumpers. I still made sure I had a beanie/toque and gloves. The only really cold day we had was in Ketchikan, a normal rainy day. I needed a waterproof/windproof jacket that day, as well as our gloves and beanie.
Jacket Tips:
- Warm Recycled Insulation: More Soft and comfortable. This jacket is lightweight but warmth. Filled with breathable...
- Keep Warm:100% nylon fabric,filled with 90% White duck down,give the womens warm down jacket a durable and warm...
- RDS Down - The clothing is a quilted puffer coat that can wear comfortably. The women's lightweight puffer jacket...
A lightweight down jacket is perfect. The insulation provided is more than enough to keep you warm. A waterproof shell that fits over your down jacket is a must. You don’t need a huge puffy winter coat in August.
Outfit and packing tips for August:
- Waterproof insulated outer layer like a medium puffer coat
- Middle layer like a sweater, hoodie, fleece/waterproof jacket/vest
- Light layers like long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, long underwear or leggings
- Slacks or jeans, optional shorts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Hat, scarf, gloves if you get cold easily
- Swimsuit (for pool and hot tub)
- Binoculars (for nature watching)
- Umbrella
Basic Packing List
Clothing
- Waterproof insulated outer layer like a light or medium puffer coat, or winter ski jacket if you get cold easily
- Middle layer like a sweater, hoodie, fleece/waterproof jacket/vest
- Light layers like long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, long underwear or leggings
- Dressier outfits for dinner (optional)
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots; mud boots for wetter months
- Comfortable shoes for onboard activities
- Swimsuit, cover-up, and sandals or flip flops to use on board
- Hat, gloves, and scarf for May or September cruises
- Brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Shorts (optional) for warm days
- Single-use handwarmers if you get cold easily
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Moisturizer and sunscreen
- Razor and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Makeup and skincare products
- Prescription medication
- Over-the-counter medications (expensive to buy on board)
Electronics
- Camera or smartphone with a good camera
- Chargers for all electronics
- Portable charger or power bank
- Travel adapter
- Cruise-compliant power strip (not surge protector)
Other Items:
- Passport
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Travel-sized first aid kit
- Binoculars
- Travel umbrella
- Pre-booked port excursions
- Bathroom scent spray
- Travel clock (many ships don’t have phone chargers near the bed)
- Nightlight for bathroom
- Magnetic hooks for the wall to hold items and papers
One of our favorite activities on the cruises is always whale watching. We were able to see humpback whales breaching and splashing in the water, and it was an unforgettable experience. Orcas are also common in the Pacific Northwest, so you have a good chance to see them nearby.
We were glad we brought binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife and scenery. Many people think they don’t need binoculars. That’s a big mistake!
Overall, our Alaskan cruises were a fantastic experience every time, and we felt well-prepared with our packing list and outfit choices. By following these tips and bringing the right items, you can enjoy your Alaskan cruise to the fullest and create lasting memories.
In conclusion, packing for an Alaskan cruise requires careful consideration of the weather, activities, and dress codes. By packing layers of warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and dressier outfits for special events, you can be prepared for any situation.
Don’t forget to bring important accessories, such as a swimsuit, hat, gloves, and sunscreen, and other necessary items like toiletries and electronics.
Special: 14 Additional Alaska Cruise Tips and Tricks
1. Make Sure to Have the Essentials in Your Carry On Bag
It’s crucial to strategically pack a carry-on bag with essential items you’ll need immediately on board. Since checked bags are typically delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon or even post-dinner, having a carry-on filled with necessities is a wise move.
Ensure all crucial items such as medications, travel documents, passports, and cruise tickets are safely stored in this bag. If you have specific dietary needs, consider packing some snacks as well.
While most cruise lines plan formal events from the second night onward, it wouldn’t hurt to include a versatile outfit in your carry-on that could transition from day to night.
An extra-special tip for Alaskan cruises: since daylight hours are significantly extended during the summer, consider packing a sleep mask in your carry-on. It will help you adjust to the ‘midnight sun’ phenomenon and ensure a good night’s sleep.
Properly organizing your carry-on bag ensures you start your journey without any hiccups, keeping the focus on the awe-inspiring landscapes and unique experiences that await you in Alaska.
2. Bring a Seasickness Remedy
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE - 100% Natural Herb, without side effects and causing drowsiness
This advice may seem odd advice, especially for first-timers who’ve never experienced seasickness before, but it’s always better to be prepared than be caught off guard.
Seasickness, or motion sickness, is caused by the constant motion of the ship, which can disrupt your inner ear’s sense of balance. Even if you’ve never felt ill on smaller boats or car trips, a cruise ship’s unique movement might affect you differently. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to nausea, dizziness, and in rare cases, vomiting.
Weather patterns in Alaska can be unpredictable, sometimes causing rougher seas, and you never know how your body might react. Moreover, it’s not just about being on the ship. Excursions, like smaller boat trips to see glaciers or wildlife, can also be a trigger.
If the captain announces that we’re heading into bad weather I immediately take my seasickness medicine and then I’m fine.
By packing seasickness medication, you’re safeguarding your enjoyment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. These remedies come in various forms, from over-the-counter pills like Dramamine to prescription patches, natural remedies like ginger tablets, or even acupressure wristbands.
It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider on what might work best for you.
3. Make Sure to Get to the Right Pier in Seattle
Make sure to head to the right terminal when your cruise starts in Seattle: Pier 66 and Pier 91 are the two terminals. The piers are approximately two miles apart.
Pier 66 is close to downtown and typically hosts Norwegian Cruise Line vessels. Pier 91 serves different cruise lines. Your cruise company will inform you which terminal you’ll depart from in your booking documents.
4. Research Your Ship Ahead of the Cruise and on Embarkation Day
For us, it usually takes a couple of days until we learn the ins and outs of a new ship. Many passengers I talk to are overwhelmed at first and it takes a while to figure everything out.
I always suggest studying the ship you’re on prior to the cruise and compiling a list on your phone with details. For example which restaurants are specialty and complimentary, and checking if you need to book dining and show appointments.
The more research you can do ahead of the cruise, the less time you will waste within the first days of the cruise.
Embarkation Day: As soon as you board the ship, especially if you embark early, remember your cabin might not be ready yet, so it’s a great time to roam the ship and familiarize yourself!
If you embark on your Alaska cruise around noon, your cabin might not be ready until 2-3 PM, so brace yourself for this.
Occasionally, you might be able to head straight to your cabin upon embarkation, but this isn’t standard. Considering the previous guests would have vacated the cabins only around 8 am, the crew doesn’t have
5. Bring Insect Repellent
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and...
Insect repellent is a crucial item to pack for your Alaska cruise, mainly due to the prevalence of mosquitoes and other insects, especially during the summer months. Surprisingly, these insects can sometimes be found even on the ship, particularly when it’s docked or cruising close to shore.
Whether you’re hiking in the Alaskan wilderness, visiting a glacier, or simply enjoying a quiet evening on the deck, you are susceptible to these pesky insects. Therefore, having a good insect repellent can enhance your comfort and enjoyment, allowing you to fully immerse in the stunning landscapes of Alaska without the constant worry of insect bites.
6. Bring a Water Bottle
- Double-walled vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours, perfect for any...
Bringing a reusable water bottle on your Alaska cruise is an excellent idea for several reasons. First, staying hydrated is crucial, especially when partaking in various activities and excursions in different climates. Having a water bottle on hand will ensure you always have easy access to water.
Second, it’s an eco-friendly option that cuts down on the use of disposable plastic bottles, aligning with the sustainable practices that protect the pristine Alaskan environment. Lastly, many modern cruise ships have water refilling stations, so you can conveniently refill your bottle, ensuring a supply of fresh, cold water throughout your journey.
Some say that they only needed a water bottle on the excursion but not on the ship. We don’t agree! Except when heading for dinner or lunch, we always carry one with us.
7. You Need a Passport
If you’re going on an Alaska cruise, you need a passport, even if you’re an American or Canadian citizen. That goes for any type of travel, whether by air, land, or sea. For cruises starting or ending in Vancouver, BC, you’ll definitely need a passport.
So, it’s required if you’re taking a glacier route cruise that starts or ends in Seward or Whittier. For roundtrip cruises from Seattle, passports are highly recommended, but there are other documents you can use instead.
8. No Need to Pack a Hair Dryer and Towels
Bringing a hair dryer on your Alaska cruise isn’t necessary due to the amenities provided on most modern cruise ships. Cruise ship cabins typically come equipped with a hair dryer for passengers’ use, saving you the hassle of packing one.
Packing your own towels is also not required and here’s why: Cruise lines provide ample towels for their passengers. In your cabin, you’ll find towels for showering, and additional ones are supplied for use at the pool or when going ashore for the beach or water-based excursions.
Thus, bringing your own hair dryer or towels would merely consume precious luggage space and add unnecessary weight to your baggage.
9. Essential Tips for Embarkation Day
Embarkation day on a cruise is the first day of your voyage when everyone boards the ship. It’s a day full of anticipation and excitement, as you check in, explore the ship’s amenities, and settle into your cabin, ready to start your cruising adventure.
Embarkation Day Tip 1: Allocate Enough Time
Consider reaching the port a day earlier if possible. Traveling to the port on embarkation day can be done, but it tends to be stressful.
I have personally traveled to ports and boarded a ship on the same day, a scenario I wouldn’t recommend, but under certain circumstances, it can be fine.
However, if you do have a choice, I suggest arriving at the port the night before you embark on your Alaska cruise. The last thing you’d want is to kick-start your journey with stress.
Living within a few hours of the port might eliminate the need for this, but do ensure you have sufficient time to make the journey.
Embarkation Day Tip 2: Expect a Waiting Line
It’s undoubtedly important to arm yourself with patience for an Alaska cruise.
Embarkation can resemble the process at an airport, so expect to wait in line for check-in or security.
Tip: Maintain no expectations, stay prepared, and relax. It’s vacation time.
Embarkation Day Tip 3: Prepare to Undergo Security Checks
The first time we went on an Alaska cruise, we were surprised that the ship security is almost the same as in an airport. Be prepared that your luggage and your body will be scanned.
Upon arriving at the port, you’ll have to pass through security. Cruise lines scan for any potentially dangerous items or prohibited articles.
The policy regarding carrying alcohol onboard is diverse and complicated. While some cruise lines permit a certain quantity of alcohol, others forbid it entirely.
Embarkation Day Tip 4: Choose The Main Restaurant
Very few people are aware of this great tip:
Upon embarkation, most people head for the buffet or the pool, both of which can get quite crowded.
On many cruises, the main dining room also opens for lunch, allowing you to start your cruise in a more relaxed manner.
10. Do Not Lose Your Cruise Card
Upon boarding, you’ll receive a room card, which is essentially your passport onboard. Keep it close, as you’ll need it frequently during your cruise and to embark the ship.
This cruise card is incredibly crucial during your cruise. It charges all onboard expenditures. It is required to check into all dining establishments (including the complimentary ones), to unlock your room of course, to activate your room lights, and to cover any expenses made on the ship.
Your card also enables you to utilize any free or acquired credits you have for your cruise. After exhausting these, it connects to your credit card, eliminating the need to carry a wallet around the ship.
Should you misplace the card, you can get a replacement at the reception, but it’s best to avoid this scenario.
You’ll need the card multiple times during embarkation, so keep it handy, especially during that time.
11. What Can You Do on an Alaskan Cruise?
Don’t worry, there will never be a shortage of onboard activities. From shows to live music, culinary demonstrations to outdoor recreation, and even casino gaming (more about casino restrictions later), there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find a range of amenities like specialty restaurants, gyms, dance clubs, libraries, and spas on most ships.
The cruise lines often offer education programs to teach guests about Alaska’s wildlife, glaciers, and native cultures.
But let’s not forget the real highlight of any Alaska cruise – the breathtaking scenery and incredible ports of call. The Inside Passage is a popular route, with stops at Glacier Bay, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord. You’ll also get to explore three of Alaska’s famous ports of call: Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
In Juneau, for example, you will get close to the Mendenhall Glacier, which is famous for its stunning views. What we love in Skagway, is that you can take a ride on the White Pass Railway, a vintage passenger train that follows the route taken by Klondike gold prospectors.
12. Is It True It Doesn’t Get Dark in Alaska?
Alaska is known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” due to the long days that can occur from April through September. The amount of daylight you experience depends on where you are and when you are traveling, but the longer days give you even more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska and see wildlife.
13. Be Early for Dinner and Lunch
This is one of your favorite tips and tricks.
On our Alaska cruises, we are typically the first to arrive for lunch and dinner. This resulted in our having the pick of the seats and often being early enough to be stationed by a window.
For panoramic views while dining, it’s really worth considering an early mealtime. That means we can enjoy excellent views and attentive service while avoiding crowded dining areas.
We found the buffet to be an excellent choice for breakfast, while we opted for seated restaurants for lunch and dinner. The buffet on our Alaska cruises was never packed during breakfast, and they offered a good variety of food.
The buffet became crowded during lunch and dinner, and it was far more peaceful to sit at our dedicated table and have the meal served to us. If you do choose the buffet, it’s a good idea to secure an unoccupied table first, before proceeding to collect your food. It makes for a smoother experience than juggling full plates while seeking a table.
14. Cruise Line Excursions: Yes or No?
Booking cruise line excursions for your Alaska trip comes with several advantages that can significantly enhance your overall cruise experience. The primary benefit is the sheer convenience it provides; the cruise line handles all elements of the excursion, from transportation to guides, allowing you to fully immerse in the Alaskan beauty without being bogged down by logistical concerns.
It also assures a certain level of safety and quality, as cruise lines typically work with reputable local operators well-versed in navigating Alaska’s unique landscapes. Another key advantage is the “back to ship” guarantee. Given Alaska’s vast wilderness and potential for unpredictable weather, this assurance that the ship will wait or arrange alternative transportation in case of delays offers invaluable peace of mind.
However, there are also certain drawbacks to consider when booking cruise line excursions for your Alaskan adventure. One notable disadvantage is cost; these excursions generally have a higher price tag than those organized independently, partly due to the cruise line’s markup. Also, you might find yourself exploring with a large group, which can make your Alaskan experience feel less intimate and more hurried.
The itineraries of these excursions are fixed and offer less flexibility, which might limit your chance to linger a little longer watching bears at a wildlife reserve, or marveling at a particularly stunning glacier. While cruise line excursions offer a broad overview of Alaska’s highlights, they may not delve deeply into specific topics, such as local indigenous cultures, that you may be particularly interested in.
Lastly, booking through the cruise line could limit your opportunities to engage directly with local Alaskan businesses and communities, which can offer a more authentic insight into the region.
Bottom line: As a first-time, we suggest booking the cruise line excursions. However, don’t book all of them if you don’t want to!