Cruising in Alaska is an unforgettable adventure. Spotting whales, exploring Alaska’s rugged port towns, and seeing the state’s pristine wilderness are all part of the experience. We’ve put together a list of expert ideas to help you plan your cruise.
  

     

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME TO GO

When scheduling your cruise, it’s important to consider a few key factors and what's most important to you. The Alaska cruise season runs from late April to September, with July and August being the most popular months.
   

Late spring will have fewer crowds and greater cost savings, but the weather will be a bit cooler. In July and August, temperatures will run between the 60s and 70s, but you might see more rain. September provides the best opportunity for seeing the northern lights in Alaska.
   

PICK THE CRUISE LINE FOR YOU 

Many large cruise lines offer Alaska cruises, including Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian (NCEL), Disney, and Holland America. Smaller ships, like Silversea Cruises, provide a more intimate experience. Each cruise line offers an excellent Alaska experience with different price points, packages, and amenities. Your AAA travel Advisor can help you select the perfect cruise line for you.
    

BOOK A BALCONY CABIN 

To see the most of Alaska’s natural beauty, book a balcony room. There’s nothing like seeing glaciers, whales, seals, and more, from the privacy of your own deck. While you'll likely pay more for a balcony room, you'll have your very own front-row seat to all the breathtaking sights.
   

FLY IN THE DAY BEFORE

Flights to Alaska can be delayed or even cancelled. Book your flight the day before you set sail, just to ensure you arrive on time. It will give you some peace of mind and a little extra time to explore your embarkation city.
   

WHAT TO PACK

Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to wear layers. Bring a waterproof jacket and wear comfortable shoes for shore excursions. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and motion sickness medication, just in case. The open seas on the Gulf of Alaska can sometimes be choppy, while seas on the Inside Passage tend to be calmer.
   

Bug spray is a must. Alaskans often joke that the mosquito is the state bird. For up-close views of Alaska's wildlife and wilderness, binoculars are a big plus.
   

ODD PORT TIMES

Alaska cruise itineraries have their own particular schedules, and you'll see port times that may differ from other cruises you’ve taken. For example, you might have only a few hours in a port, while other excursions may offer an entire day.
   

That being said, be sure to read your itineraries carefully, including the times. With some Alaska cruises, you're arriving at a port at 5:00 a.m. and leaving at 10:00 a.m.
  

     

PLAN A LITTLE EXTRA FOR EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions are a huge part of the Alaska cruise experience, but they are a little more expensive than excursions in the Caribbean, for example. Budget a little extra for these bucket-list experiences, from helicopter rides over glaciers to dog-sledding. Consider options like whale watching in Juneau, taking a jeep tour in the Yukon, or enjoying a scenic ride aboard the White Pass train. 

To have fun exploring on your own, consider the frontier towns of Skagway, Ketchikan, and others.
  

     

BE WILDLIFE AWARE 

Half of the fun of an Alaska cruise is spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for whales, bears, eagles, and seals. Attend onboard lectures and presentations to learn more about the region's wildlife and conservation efforts.
   

PHONE SERVICE 

Much of Alaska is pristine wilderness. While you should have phone coverage in most ports, you might not have a reliable signal in outlying areas. Most cruise lines offer Wi-Fi so you can stay connected while on board.
  

SEE MORE BY EXTENDING YOUR STAY

Alaska has so much to offer. If you have time and budget, consider staying a few extra days to see even more of Alaska on your own. Book a post-cruise land tour or visit the famed Denali National Park.