What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Alaska Cruise

We took our first Alaska cruise back in 2014 with Celebrity Cruises. After sailing the region multiple times since then with various other cruise lines, we have learned much about cruising way up north. To help those planning their first Alaska cruise, we have compiled this list of the 10 things we wish we had known before our first Alaska cruise!

Subscribe to the Eat Sleep Cruise YouTube Channel if you love to travel and cruise the world!

If you enjoy the video, please give it a BIG THUMBS UP!

WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW BEFORE OUR FIRST ALASKA CRUISE
0:00 Introduction
0:58 Not All Alaska Itineraries Are Created Equal
2:22 Alaska Cruises are Expensive
3:57 The Days Are Very Long
4:56 What to Really Pack
7:05 When You Sail Can Save Thousands
8:25 Enrichment Programs Shouldn’t Be Missed
9:30 There is No One Best Alaska Cruise Line
10: 52 Upgrading Camera Gear Is Worth it
11:57 Upgrading to a Balcony is Worth it
13:18 Take Time to Explore on Your Own
14:08 Book As Early As Possible

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR FIRST ALASKA CRUISE
Our first Alaska cruise was a roundtrip sailing from Seattle, WA back in 2014. Since then, we have cruised to Alaska 4 additional times (and a 5th coming soon). Based on those numerous other trips to this 49th state, we have learned quite a bit about what it is like cruising to Alaska.

First, cruisers going to Alaska need to know that not all itineraries are created the same. For those going to Alaska for the first time, we highly recommend booking a cruise that visits Glacier Bay National Park. It took several trips to the region before we picked a voyage sailing this fantastic area. Now, we are hooked!

Further, there are several different cruise lines and cruise ships sailing the region. Despite what the cruise lines claim, Alaska has no best cruise line. But, there is a perfect cruise line for you and your family. Whether you want a small intimate ship or a ship with waterslides, go-karts, and virtual reality experiences, there are options for all types of travelers.

We splurged on our first Alaska cruise spending significantly more than a typical Caribbean cruise. Now, we know that the general rule is that all Alaska cruises are more expensive than other cruises. So, you should make sure you budget accordingly. We quickly spend 8K or more for the two of us back in 2014. Now, we recommend cruisers budget between $2,000-5,000 per traveler, depending on room category, shore excursions, and other upgrades.

Although, if you want to save money and still cruise the region, WHEN you sail and when you book make a big difference. We didn't know it then, but sailing during the shoulder season can save thousands. This is the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season. Also, booking in advance can save money. For those who live in the region, a last-minute cruise deal might be a good option; however, you will need to ensure any cost savings are not eaten up by inflated airfare or other related costs.

Further, it took us a few sailings to realize it pays to upgrade. Purchasing or renting some new gear can make all the difference in capturing videos and photos. Companies like Borrow Lenses let cruisers use the equipment for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new cameras and equipment. This upgraded photography gear will ensure you capture the perfect photos of all the wildlife in Alaska.

For us, we feel that a balcony cabin is also worth the added costs. The flexibility to relax in your cabin while sailing through the fjords and glaciers is priceless.

GET MORE ALASKA CRUISE TIPS AND TRICKS BACK ON THE BLOG:

------TRENDING VIDEOS FROM EAT SLEEP CRUISE------

Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our channel above to get the latest cruise tips, cruise reviews, packing guides, port guides, travel tips, and more.

Join us on Social Media as we “Sea the World, One Port at a Time.”

Some Promotional Video Courtesy of respective cruise lines

#alaskacruise #alaska #cruisetips

[andershay]

I sail out for Alaska in 7 days. It's my very first cruise. We went all out for this cruise and got a mini suite since it's my birthday and many bucket list items will be checked off. I'm so excited.

[iandean]

In Juneau, adventure on your own if you can. There's a lovely little hiking park that's never ever busy.

[lovepassionlv]

My 1st solo cruise July 2023 to Alaska. Im so excited🎉

[BoredPanda]

I’ll be on my first alaska cruise in 2 days! So excited. Flying into Vancouver tomorrow!

[huntingquackers]

Excellent well paced and packed information.

[sportsMike]

Never spent a penny on specialty dining. Included dining is more than enough for me.

[anthonywalsh]

Thx for the video. Not sure it was mentioned, but if you can swing an aft balcony cabin you can avoid the cold wind that may be felt on the sides of the ship at times. These cabins are hard to find but we really enjoyed ours on Princess a few years ago.

[stephaniem]

I think Princess and Holland America get priority at Glacier Bay.

[tacrewgirl]

I highly recommend the Alaskan Dream Cruise. It's only 49 passengers max and well worth it.

[hoyasaxa]

My advice is to prepare as if you're going backpacking. Pack some boots and a small hiking backpack, plus prepare for the elements.

[brentshuffler]

Thanks for the tips! Especially the point about the advantages of booking at either the beginning of the season or in September, saving thousands of dollars! From what you have outlined, it does sound complicated to plan so many different items of the thought of itineraries on-shore and on-ship stretching from early morning to midnight or beyond could be very soon exhausting.

[virtualtouru]

This alaska cruise is on my bucket list now. Thanks for sharing!!

[joethecomputerguy]

I spent $100 for my cruise to Alaska for a 7 day cruise. I book last minute all the time and always pay this amount. I also travel solo.

[stevesafety]

A small ship Alaska Cruise is on my bucket list…Uncruise or on the Ocean Victory with American Queen cruises

[MsCjmaxi]

Is there a cruise ship that has an indoor lap pool? I can't really tell from the photos. The pools look kind of small. And there are not lap lanes

[carinolsson]

I've read somewhere that there are more than 25 (!) cruise lines sailing to Alaska and only two of them - HAL and Princess - are allowed to sail the inside passage. (Maybe NCL now as well).

I live on the same latitude as Sitka but due to the gulf stream the weather is so different here in Göteborg, Sweden!

[nancyoverweg]

We are not huge fans of seafood. I assume there are plenty of other options to keep us satisfied?

[amandacousins]

I’m going to Alaska on a cruise on regal princess cruise ship from San Francisco, what do I bring and what do I wear

[goldenblooms]

one of Princess Alaska cruises come into Anchorage at 12:30 midnight Wednesdays ending their 7 day cruise. Are there any food places open at that time?

[NYnative]

Agree about the enrichment talks.They are part of the whole cruise experience. Most notably wonderful on a Panama Canal transit cruise. We are doing Alaska next June, R/T Seattle.