Ultimate Guide to Cruising to Alaska from Seattle

Time flies, and it’s once again the annual Alaska cruise season! Recently, I came across some questions about which cruise line to choose for trips departing from Seattle. As a former travel industry professional and someone who has personally enjoyed multiple Alaska cruises, I want to share my insights to help you make the best decision for your voyage.

1️⃣ Don’t Forget Your Visa

One crucial tip: if you’re cruising from Seattle, make sure to obtain a multiple-entry visa for Canada. Too many travelers have been turned away at the Seattle terminal due to visa issues, leading to significant losses in time and money.

2️⃣ Glacier National Park Is a Must-Visit

Visiting Glacier National Park should be on your agenda. Keep in mind that entry requires a permit, and don’t be misled by the stunning photos from cruise companies. Both Princess and Holland America cruise lines provide beautiful glimpses, but you must be prepared!

3️⃣ Skagway: Just Halfway Through the Journey

When your ship arrives in Skagway, you’ve only experienced half of the Alaska cruise itinerary! Take a look at the map: you still have a long way to Anchorage beyond Skagway. Traveling back from Skagway significantly shortchanges your Alaskan experience.

4️⃣ Anchorage to Fairbanks: An Adventure Awaits

If your ship docks at Anchorage, don’t miss out on the spectacular destinations that lie to the north! With ample time and budget, continue your journey to Fairbanks. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic sites like Denali National Park, Mount McKinley, and the Arctic Circle. The cruise companies offer a dizzying array of combinations, so let’s explore those options further another time!

5️⃣ Timing Is Everything: Avoid Peak Season

Try to steer clear of cruises scheduled between mid-June and mid-August. This is when prices hit their peak, and you’ll likely face overcrowding at ports. For the best rates, consider booking in late April or early May, or look out for “last minute” deals in September.

6️⃣ Pay Attention to Port Stop Times

For example, most cruise ships arrive at Victoria Island around 7 PM and depart around 11 PM to midnight. We previously spent three days there and still wish we had more time! Three hours in the evening is hardly enough to explore.

Small Tip: Enjoy Free Time in Victoria

Consider leaving the ship and enjoying the area on your own. Keep in mind that the next morning, the cruise company will have you disembarked by 6 AM. Remember, the distance between Victoria Island and Seattle is just a quick ferry ride. Vancouver is also a convenient option!

Conclusion

For novice cruisers, selecting an Alaska cruise is a fantastic choice. If you end up loving it, you can always return; if not, you haven’t lost much since Alaska usually requires a boat to reach various destinations.

Happy Cruising! 🌊🛳️

Tags: #AlaskaCruise #CruiseItinerary #CruiseTips #CruiseVisa #ArcticCircle #Anchorage #Fairbanks #PrincessCruise